CAHNRS > Animal Sciences > Graduate Student Spotlight > Li-Wei Chen

Li-Wei Chen

Li-Wei Chen

Li-Wei Chen
Ph.D. Student
Advisor: Dr. Min Du

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Where are you from?

I am from New Taipei City, Taiwan.

What inspired you to pursue graduate studies in Animal Sciences at Washington State University?

I came to WSU Animal Sciences because of its excellent graduate program, strong research environment, and the opportunity to work with faculty conducting impactful research in animal science, growth biology, and nutrigenomics.

What is your primary area of study or research focus?

My primary area of study focuses on how maternal obesity influences embryonic brain development, with particular emphasis on inflammatory signaling and the role of the placenta in shaping offspring neurogenesis.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of being part of the Animal Sciences community?

The best part has been the supportive community and the resources available for conducting research. I have greatly appreciated the warm support from faculty, staff, and fellow students, as well as the opportunity to grow as both a researcher and a graduate student.

Have you received any awards, nominations, or special recognition?

Yes. My paper published in The Journal of Physiology in 2026 was selected as an Editor’s Choice article.

Have you published any peer-reviewed manuscripts or key research findings?

Yes. My peer-reviewed manuscript published in The Journal of Physiology found that maternal obesity induces AP-1-mediated inflammatory signaling, which impairs embryonic neurogenesis and may contribute to altered offspring brain development.