Staff Scientist Fudong Wang, PhD, shares his memories of childhood in China and the surprising way he continues to celebrate his cultural heritage.
What is your current title and how long have you been with WashU?
I have been with WashU Medicine Otolaryngology for now six years as a Staff Scientist in the Puram Lab, where I also assist with lab management. Prior to this role, I worked as a Research Scientist in nanoscience and nanotechnology at WashU Chemistry, after completing both my PhD and postdoctoral training there.
What do you like most about your work here?
I especially enjoy that the research here utilizes advanced technology, is highly translational, and has high potential to improve patient outcomes.
What was your childhood like?
I grew up in the beautiful coastal city of Dalian in northeastern China. The area is known for its seafood and apples. I especially miss the summers, when we spent a lot of time swimming and catching shellfish in the ocean. Winters were windy and cold, often below zero or in the single digits. As the oldest child, I often helped with chores and learned to cook and babysit at a young age. School was easy, with little homework. It was a happy childhood.
What spare time activities do you enjoy?
In my spare time, I enjoy running, hiking, reading, and watching soccer, including my son’s games, St. Louis CITY SC, and the international leagues.
Is there a special something at the top of your bucket list, and why?
I would like to travel to more places around the world and experiencing different cultures and landscapes.
Do you have a favorite indulgence?
My favorite indulgence is fresh seafood, especially when I visit my hometown by the ocean.
If you weren’t in your current position what career/job would you most like to have?
If I weren’t in my current role, I’d love to write Wuxia novels, which are Chinese martial arts adventure stories. I read many of these novels as a child and was inspired by the courage of the martial heroes. I enjoy imagining new worlds, developing characters, and exploring ideas that entertain or inspire.
What would surprise your colleagues most to learn about you?
They might be surprised to know that I’ve been the captain of the St. Louis Dragon Dance Team for 12 years. We perform at local events like Chinese Culture Days at the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Gateway Dragon Boat Festival.