HKU Bulletin February 2004 (Vol. 5 No. 2)

15 14 Dr Steven Chen Feng Associate Professor, Department of Botany R esearch in Dr Chen’s laboratory focuses on microalgal biotechnology and modernizat ion of tradi t ional Chinese medicines. Dr Chen is particularly interested in understanding how heterotrophic biosynthesis takes place in algae, which may lead to a controllable process for manufacturing algal products. The idea of biosynthesis seriously challenges the conventional wisdom that algae must be cultivated photosynthetically, using light as an energy source and carbon dioxide as a carbon source. In recent years, Dr Chen has also investigated how bioactive ingredients from Chinese medicinal plants can be used for the treatment of various diseases, in collaboration with colleagues in the Faculty of Medicine and other institutions worldwide. Since joining the University, Dr Chen has edited three books and one special issue, and authored over 120 papers in SCI-listed journals. While Dr Chen believes that collaboration among members of his laboratory is a key to success, he also encourages his students to think and analyze scientific issues critically and independently. He always tells his students “To other human beings, you should be as nice as possible, but to scientific problems, you should be as critical as possible”. sfchen@hkusua.hku.hk http://web.hku.hk/~sfch en/ Dr Li Yuguo Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering D r Li’s research interests lie at the interface between indoor environments and thermo-fluid mechanics. His current research interests at the University include architectural fluid dynamics and dynamical phenomena such as bifurcation in internal flows. He has been fascinated by the very rich physical phenomena in building airflows. His work on a theory of natural ventilation has provided a design basis to engineers and architects. His expertise and advice were called upon during the recent SARS scare, and he is now working in the exciting new area of engineering control of respiratory infect ious diseases in buildings. After his first degree in engineering and PhD in physics (fluid mechanics), Dr Li has always benefited from inter-disciplinary research. He is fond of the saying “If you want a new idea, read an old book”. Or, to put it another way, “Read a book in another discipl ine,” or “Make a friend in another field.” Dr Li also believes in the value of collaboration with colleagues in Hong Kong and overseas. He particularly enjoys working with his research students, as he regards them also as excel lent sources for fresh ideas. http://hkumea.hku.hk/staff.htm RESEARCH AND TEACHING Outstanding Young Researcher Award