Rebecca’s webpage

Welcome to my personal page! My name is Rebecca Shuhua Chen [she/her] and I’m a molecular and behavioural ecologist. On my website you’ll find information about my academic background and a summary of my past, current and future research projects.

About me

I am a PhD student in the Hoffman Lab based at Bielefeld University, Germany. I have completed my BSc degree in Animal Behaviour at Aberdeen University, Scotland, after which I continued with a MSc in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology at Linköping University, Sweden. While finishing my formal education, I developed a deep interest in molecular and evolutionary ecology.

I’m interested in understanding the proximate mechanisms shaping fitness variation using state-of-the-art genomic and epigenetic tools. A major part of my PhD utilises variant prioritization tools (GERP and SnpEff) to predict deleterious mutations and estimate individual genomic mutation load in male black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix).

Using a detailed data set of black grouse phenotypic traits, including physiological, morphological, behavioural and fitness data, in combination with whole genomes, I explore how predicted deleterious mutations can help us understand the genetic architecture of fitness traits, inbreeding depression, purging and the honesty of sexual traits. My PhD project is co-supervised by Joseph Hoffman, Carl Soulsbury and Kees van Oers.

Other interests

I have the privilege of working in a team where we regularly and openly discuss research practices and more importantly, how we can improve the way we do science. This stimulating environment has facilitated my interest in open science practices, addressing justice, equity, diversity and inclusivity issues in academia, and other ways of improving science.

When I’m not behind my desk you’ll find me in the gym power-lifting or practicing calisthenics skills (body weight training), cooking (and eating), or I’m getting a serotonin boost from dog sitting or enjoying the outdoors. As a biologist, I feel obligated to share my knowledge about climate change, animal welfare and biodiversity, and have therefore co-founded a sustainability platform to encourage sustainable living among the wider public.