Research Focus: My research interests are: 1) the development of modern spatial information processing techniques (such as GIS/remote sensing, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, quantitative spatial modeling techniques), and 2) the application of these techniques in natural resource management and environmental modeling. Current research efforts focus on: soft knowledge-based techniques for mapping spatial variation; modeling/scenario analysis approaches to watershed system science; spatial data mining; uncertainty analysis. Current application areas include: soil mapping, wildlife (snub-nose monkey and snow leopard) habitat mapping, landslide susceptibility mapping, and landuse best management practice.

Graduate Training Focus: The graduate training I provided to graduate students focuses on the following three areas: 1) dual proficiencies, the integration of modern spatial information processing technology and natural resource disciplines, that is, on one hand, they develop a high proficiency in technical fields which allows them to conduct comprehensive spatial analysis; on the other hand, they develop a profound background in disciplines related to the natural resource field (such as forestry, soils, water resources, and ecology) which allows them to apply the spatial analytical techniques effectively; 2) hypothesis-testing ability, which includes the identification of research questions and the development of research design for hypothesis testing; 3) scientific communication skills, which include oral presentation (teaching, conference presentation), research proposal development and result publication.

Timeline and Job Placement: Students under my supervision have completed thesis work on time. Half of my Ph.D. graduates pursue academic careers and half of them work in major private companies (such as Microsoft and Oracle). So far all of master's graduates work in private industry.