Shi Wang
Principal Research Associate
Climate and Ecosystems Division
Shi holds a master’s degree in biotechnology from Wageningen University, the Netherlands. Shi leads and is also an active collaborator on several ongoing and impactful research projects, including the Earth Microbiome Project, and Scientific Focus Area (SFA) projects, including the Arctic Next Generation Ecosystem Experiment and the Watershed Function SFA at both Rifle and Crested Butte, Colorado. Shi has also been an indispensable contributor to the Microbes-to-Biomes Berkeley Lab initiative and the Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program. She is an active mentor for scientists at multiple levels.
What inspired you to study STEM?
Curiosity led me to study and work in STEM. When I was a kid, I asked many silly, interesting, and hilarious questions. All day long. Endless. Continuous. Relentless. As a result, I received a set of science encyclopedias as my sixth birthday gift. By the time my second year of middle school rolled around, a microscope in biology class revealed a completely different and amazing world to me. Now I’m working on environmental microbiology. Microbes power our planet’s biogeochemical cycles, provide nutrients to our plants, and purify our water. I am curious about the roles that microbes play as the invisible link holding the living world together and keeping us and the planet alive.
What inspires you to work in STEM or operations?
Curiosity led me to study and work in STEM. When I was a kid, I asked many sily, interesting, and hilarious questions. All day long. Endless. Continuous. Relentless. As a result, I received a set of science encyclopedias as my sixth birthday gift. By the time my second year of middle school rolled around, a microscope in biology class revealed a completely different and amazing world to me. Now I’m working on environmental microbiology. Microbes power our planet’s biogeochemical cycles, provide nutrients to our plants, and purify our water. I am curious about the roles that microbes play as the invisible link holding the living world together and keeping us and the planet alive.
What excites you about your work at Berkeley Lab?
I work with brilliant scientists every day who contribute to solving the most pressing energy and environmental challenges of our time. I am proud to be part of such a talented and motivated team. I also love the inclusive and supportive work environment at Berkeley Lab and enjoy being an active and approachable mentor to future leaders in STEM.
How can our country engage more women, girls, and members of other underrepresented groups in STEM or operations?
We need to help these groups to see the possibilities, take chances to try something new, or translate something that they like to do into a career they could love. Mentoring works; we know this. Connecting young students with mentors provides real life examples that they do not need to give up their identity to fit into STEM, and helps them be more successful and stay in the career they choose. STEM programs with hands-on practice could spark young students’ interest, inspire them, and empower them to discover their passion in STEM.
Do you have tips you would recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?
I often heard that I was bad at math and couldn’t enter a STEM field. Or that girls are not naturally good at math, chemistry, and physics. Having a natural competence can be helpful, but skill and intelligence grow with consistent practice and effort. This is all about working hard to pursue something you dream about. Discover your passion in STEM by becoming involved in programs or internships. Then engage yourself in these types of projects and pursue them further. Working in STEM can broaden your horizons to the vast possibilities in this field and shape your the way of thinking.
When you have free time, what are your hobbies?
I love traveling to explore the world with my husband, hiking to immerse myself in nature, and drawing memorable moments in my life as a diary. I also like picking up new skills and trying something fun. Recently, I’ve become really into skateboarding and playing video games on PlayStation 4.