Chenxi Liao joined HOBEL as a new PostDoc

Chenxi shares her experiences, impressions, and plans as she joins the Human-Oriented Built Environment Lab at EPFL. Let's see what she shares.

• You just arrived at the EPFL Fribourg - what are your first impressions?

My first impression was that the air in Fribourg was fresh and cool. I enjoy living in a small, quiet city like Fribourg and look forward to discovering more of its charm.

• Can you tell us more about your career in academia?

My first research experience in the built environment was with the China, Children, Homes, Health (CCHH) project, which sparked a strong interest in this field. I continued exploring this area as a PhD student in Belgium and Denmark, focusing on how bedroom ventilation affects sleep quality. The research yielded various interesting and promising findings, making the work deeply rewarding. I’m delighted to now have the opportunity to continue research on the built environment at HOBEL.

• What are you most excited about your appointment at the Human-Oriented Built Environment Lab?

I’m most excited about the flexible work culture at HOBEL and the support not only for research but also for personal and professional development. The lab also offers a wide range of international connections, making it a great platform for built environment research.

• What will your research focus on over the coming year?

Over the coming year, my research will focus on advancing the global indoor air quality database project. The goal is to expand the database, gain a global perspective on IAQ, and share valuable insights with the academic community.

• What inspires you about the built environment of the future and its research schemes?

I’m particularly inspired by the rise of AI, especially in connection with the global IAQ database. It provides high-quality data to train relevant AI models and develop effective ventilation strategies.

• Whenever you are not doing research, what are you interested in?

I’m mostly interested in spending time outdoors when the weather is nice, such as hiking and playing tennis. I also hope to pick up some new outdoor activities in Switzerland, like skiing. I’d also love to learn the local languages in my free time, which would enrich my experience and improve my quality of life here.