PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Simon Yung Wa Sin
Assistant Professor
School of Biological Sciences
The University of Hong Kong
Email: sinyw(at)hku.hk
I am a behavioural ecologist and evolutionary biologist. My research interests span the fields of molecular ecology, evolutionary biology and behavioural genomics. I received my BSc and MPhil degrees from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. I was awarded a Croucher Scholarship and joined the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit in the Zoology Department at the University of Oxford, where I completed my DPhil research. I was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. In 2018 I joined the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Hong Kong.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
Guoling Chen
Postdoctoral Researcher
My research interests focus on the adaptation, speciation, and evolution of animals. I earned my BSc degree in Biological Sciences from South China Normal University, followed by an MSc in Ecology from Sun Yat-sen University. I joined the Sin lab in 2020 and completed my PhD research at the University of Hong Kong in 2024. My MSc and PhD studies focus on the conservation genetics of several endangered species, including the Chinese crested tern, the blue-crowned laughingthrush, and the yellow-breasted bunting. In 2025, I started my postdoctoral projects to investigate the evolutionary consequences of demographic processes and various genetic factors in both endangered and common species.
Miranda Wade
Postdoctoral Researcher
I am broadly interested in the application of various ‘omics tools to investigate questions related to biodiversity. I am also passionate about science communication and accessibility. I received my B.S. in Biological Science from Colorado State University and a dual PhD in Integrative Biology and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior from Michigan State University. During my time in Mariah Meek’s lab at MSU, my work consisted of using ‘omics to address various conservation questions in both a rare desert plant facing land-use change and the molecular consequences of microplastics exposure in a model fish species. I joined the Sin lab in 2024 to work on projects related to the evolution of sexual dichromatism and red plumage coloration in passerines.
GRADUATE STUDENT
Jackie Ko
PhD Candidate
I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology in Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), with a minor in Environmental Sciences. Throughout my undergraduate study, I have been familiarized with molecular research by joining the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). In which, I studied the genetic components behind physiological responses of plants under natural stimuli. After I graduated, I became interested in how animal behavior is affected by genetic factors as well. Now I am working on the genetic components of plumage color in birds.
Ivan Lam
PhD Candidate
My research interest derived from my profound admiration for wildlife – I am always anticipating for something new! I have been dedicating my attention to various research areas like microbiome, population genetics, and environmental DNA, using amphibians and reptiles as study systems. To cultivate a broader awareness, I actively participate in environmental education, meeting new friends in the field. Personally, I am a keen wildlife enthusiast, particular in birds and herps! I received my BSc degree in Ecology & Biodiversity from the University of Hong Kong, and MPhil degree in Environmental Science from the Lingnan University. I joined the Sin Lab in 2023, focusing on bat ecology, microbiome, and genetics.
Shengyu Wang
PhD Candidate
I obtained my BSc in Biological Sciences at Northeast Forestry University, after which I went to the University of Helsinki for my MSc in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. My previous research has provided me with various experiences in genetics, evolution and bioinformatics, which also attracts me to explore further in the field of behavioural ecology. I love interacting with animals. Studying animal behaviour and how their behaviour evolves fascinate me deeply. Such a passion motivates me to study bird cognition, senses and communication in the Sin Lab, seeking to investigate how birds maximize their fitness through mental capacities and effective communication.
Xiaodong Wei
PhD Candidate
I hold a BSc degree in Bioengineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and an MSc degree in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences from the University of Helsinki. My master's thesis project uses metagenomics on a large longitudinal infant cohort to explore the potential impact of infant gut microbiome metagenomes on infant development and health status. This project inspired my interests in studying genomics and genetics to understand species co-evolution. Thus, I further pursue my study in the Sin lab to investigate bat microbiome and genomics. This research project aims to explore the co-evolution between bats and their microbiome.
Yuchong Yi
PhD Candidate
I earned a BSc in Ecology from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University and an MSc in Ecology from Xiamen University. During my master study, I investigated the comparative and functional genomics of mangroves to understand how whole-genome duplication, gene dosage, and expression divergence underpin salt tolerance in intertidal environments. These experiences motivate me to continue using multi-omics approaches to study species evolution and environmental adaptation. In 2025, I joined the Sin Lab to pursue comparative genomics and population genetics studies, examining the relationship between genomic features and avian evolution and adaptation.
Kelvin Cheng
MPhil Candidate
I received my BSc degree in Biology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Throughout my undergraduate study, I have been obsessed with herpetology after joining local conservation programs. For my final year project, I studied the dietary partitioning of tadpoles using DNA metabarcoding approach. After my graduation, I studied marine crustacean biodiversity in the coral community and freshwater invasive species using environment DNA (eDNA). I joined the Sin lab in 2022 and my current project is to investigate the impacts of flow regulation on ecosystem functioning and fauna connectivity in freshwater streams.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Ming Cai
Undergraduate student
I am a BSc student majoring in Ecology and Biodiversity with a minor in Environmental Science, driven by a strong passion for wildlife, particularly birds and amphibians. Additionally, I have participated in environmental education initiatives that have deepened my understanding of Hong Kong's biodiversity, particularly regarding insects and marine life. In 2023, I joined the Sin Lab as a student helper, where I focused on the behavior of lovebirds. For my final year project, I will be investigating avian social learning and spatial memory.
Rachel Chan
Undergraduate student
I am a BSc student majoring in Ecology and Biodiversity, with a strong passion for wildlife, especially birds. I am highly interested in the complexity of animal behaviour and greatly enjoy observing and interacting with animals. In 2024, I joined the Sin Lab as a research helper, where I assisted in experiments on lovebird cognition and behaviour. These experiences have further strengthened my interest in avian intelligence. For my final-year project, I will be investigating the social transmission of behaviours.
Jackson Li
Undergraduate student
I am a BSc student majoring in Biological Sciences, with a strong passion for understanding the intricacies of animal behavior, intelligence, and cognition. My fascination lies in exploring how animals interact with their environments and each other, and how these behaviors are influenced by genetic and ecological factors. I joined the Sin lab in 2025 as an intern, where I am excited to engage in hands-on research. For my final year project, I will be investigating avian behavior. I look forward to contributing to our understanding of animal behavior and collaborating with fellow researchers in the lab.
STAFF
Charis Chan
Technical Officer
LAB ALUMNI
Graduate Students
Guoling Chen (PhD, 2025)
Alex Chan (MPhil, 2024)
Derek Lam (PhD, 2024)
Boyee Lee (MPhil, 2022)
David Chan (MPhil, 2021)
Undergraduate Students
FYP – Final Year Project. DS – Directed Study.
SRF – Summer Research Fellowship. ORF – Overseas Research Fellowship.
Wynne Ting (FYP, 2024-25)
Christy Hung (SRF, 2022; FYP, 2023-24)
Verna Shiu (FYP, 2023-24)
Kevin Lo (FYP, 2022-23)
Cactus Tam (FYP, 2022-23)
Yiu Siu (DS, 2020-21; FYP, 2021-22)
Winson Tsang (FYP, 2021-22)
Yannes Choi (FYP, 2021-22)
Devin Wan (SRF, 2021)
Lucy Tsang (SRF, 2020; FYP, 2020-21)
Megan Low (SRF, 2020; FYP, 2020-21)
Alex Chan (FYP, 2019-20)
Andy Vu (ORF, 2019)
Ally Shum (DS, 2018-2019)
Chin Chin Fok (DS, 2018-2019)
Natural Leung (DS, 2018-2019)
Vivienne Ho (DS, 2018-2019)
Staff
Anthea Ling (Research Assistant, 2023-24)
Fushi Ke (Postdoc, 2021-24)
David Chan (Research Assistant, 2021-22)
Ken Lee (Research Assistant, 2020-21)
Pei-Yu Huang (Postdoc, 2019-22)
Stella Huynh (Postdoc, 2019-21)
Hon Shing Fung (Research Assistant, 2019-21)
Anson Wong (Research Assistant, 2019)