Hong Kong Oyster Hatchery and
Innovation Research Unit (HKO-HIRU)
The University of Hong Kong
YAN CHAOZHAN, CAVAN
PhD student
How did I get here ?
My academic journey has been driven by a long-standing fascination with the intersection of physics and biology, which naturally led me to major in Aquaculture at Sichuan Agriculture University. There, my research on heat stress in freshwater sturgeon solidified my passion for aquaculture physiology and biochemical analysis. Eager to delve deeper, I pursued my Master's in the same field, building a resilient and adaptable approach to research. I was drawn to Professor Rajan's lab at HKU because my ambitions and research interests align perfectly with the complex challenge of oyster winter mortality. I am excited to apply my skills in biochemistry and histochemistry here, and I'm confident my determined yet easy-going nature will make me a great fit for the team.
My PhD direction
My PhD research is focused on unraveling the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underpinning the mass mortality events observed in oysters during winter. I am specifically investigating the hypothesis that sustained high salinity stress induces a state of energetic bankruptcy, disrupting key metabolic pathways and compromising cellular integrity. A central component of my work involves examining the winter-induced weakening of the adductor muscle, building on my previous research into how salinity stress affects this crucial tissue. By employing a combination of histochemistry to assess tissue damage and biochemical assays to quantify metabolic shifts, I aim to create a comprehensive physiological profile that explains the oyster's failure to survive seasonal extremes.
My Goal : To safeguard the economic viability of oyster farms in Southern China and Hong Kong by developing strategies to enhance the sustainability and resilience of oyster aquaculture.
My contribution to the Lab so far: Rajan’s view
Welcome Cavan to our dynamic team – your fascinating academic journey from physics and biology to aquaculture physiology has already added a unique value to our interdisciplinary lab. It is impressive how swiftly you have immersed yourself in the complex challenge of oyster winter mortality, aligning your expertise in biochemistry and histochemistry with our mission. I see you applying your resilient and adaptable research approach with great determination, particularly in investigating the critical adductor muscle weakening and the metabolic shifts under salinity stress. Your easy-going nature and focused commitment are a perfect fit for our team as we work towards safeguarding oyster aquaculture in Southern China and Hong Kong. I am confident your work will build a comprehensive physiological profile that is crucial for our field. I wish you the very best.
Get to know me
Email : u3013183@connect.hku.hk