Welcome to our Student Profile series, a project designed to highlight the diverse and fascinating individuals driving innovation within the University of Chicago Department of Chemistry. This initiative aims to go beyond the lab coat, showcasing the unique stories, passions, and perspectives of our students. We've asked them to share not just their research, but also the experiences and insights that have shaped their academic journey.
From the vibrant cultural heritage and natural landscapes of Zhejiang, China, to the cutting edge of computational materials design in the Ferguson Lab, meet PhD student Jianming Mao. His profile showcases his expertise in molecular modeling and the insightful problem-solving skills he's developing at UChicago Chemistry. Discover the unique perspective he brings to our scientific community.
Who are you, where are you from, and what was it like growing up there?
I am a fifth-year graduate student in the Ferguson Lab studying computational materials design and engineering. I’m from Zhejiang, a coastal province in eastern China known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. I grew up in Youbu, which is a small town in the city Lanxi. It is surrounded by rivers and hills, with a peaceful pace of life and a strong sense of community. My childhood was filled with exploration of the wilderness – biking or climbing hills after school, fishing during weekends, and picking mulberries in the summer. Life felt simple and grounded. Neighbors looked out for each other, and during holidays, families would invite one another over for home-cooked meals.
What's a vivid memory from your early life that you think might have subtly steered you towards a path in science?
It wasn’t just one moment — my whole childhood was spent close to nature, and that experience shaped my appreciation of the natural sciences. I remember foraging for wild berries in the hills, watching ants build tunnels, and wondering why certain plants only grew in shaded spots. That constant exposure to the natural world made me curious about how things worked, even if I didn’t yet have the words or tools to explore them properly. Over time, that curiosity narrowed into a fascination with the invisible rules behind it all -- molecules, reactions, and interactions -- which naturally led me toward chemistry.
What's a concept or idea that you find endlessly fascinating, even if it's outside the realm of chemistry?
A concept that fascinates me is existence itself -- the idea that from seemingly simple particles and rules, complex life and consciousness can emerge. It’s something science tries to understand piece by piece, yet the big picture always feels just out of reach. What excites me is how computational science gives us a way to explore that complexity -- to model systems we can’t touch, simulate conditions we can’t create, and ask questions that would otherwise be impossible. It feels like a way to peel back the layers of reality.
What's the coolest tool, gadget or technique you get to utilize or play with in your research? Are there any tools or methods you’ve learned that felt like unlocking a superpower?
I’d say molecular modeling and simulations are the coolest tool I get to work with. Being able to model molecular behavior and test ideas purely in silico feels a bit like having a scientific superpower — it lets me explore systems and conditions that would be impossible or too costly to do in the lab. It’s like peeking into an invisible world and rewinding or fast-forwarding it at will.
What's the best 'lab snack' that gets you through a long experiment, and what's a recreation or 'guilty pleasure' that helps you unwind after a long day in the lab? (short answers acceptable)
Not really a “lab snack” person -- but I basically “abuse” coffee to stay alive, as folks jokingly say in Chinese, “咖啡续命” (“Coffee Keeps me Alive”). After work, I like to cook and try new recipes -- it’s a creative, hands-on break from all the screen time.
What's the most collaborative or teamwork-based experience you've had in the lab?
One of the most collaborative experiences I’ve had was working on a joint project between our lab and experimental groups. I was handling the simulations while they were running assays, and we had to constantly compare results, adjust parameters, and interpret findings together. It was a true back-and-forth — not just sharing data but really thinking together.
What's the potential impact of your research that you find most compelling?
What excites me most is the potential to apply my computational techniques to drug discovery -- especially in early-stage screening and molecular design. Being able to predict molecular behavior, binding affinities, or stability before synthesis could dramatically speed up the process and cut down experimental costs. It feels meaningful to know that tools I develop might one day help identify therapies faster and more efficiently.
What's a skill you've learned in the department that you think will be valuable in any career?
One of the most valuable skills I’ve learned is how to communicate with different kinds of people. My supervisor has a very calm and thoughtful way of handling things, and from him I picked up a lot about how to navigate conversations, set boundaries, and adapt my communication style. I used to be a pushover -- the kind who says “no problem at all” even when it very much is a problem. This experience has helped me grow more confident in how I interact with others, and it is a skill I know will be useful no matter what path I take.
What's a perspective shift or mindset change you've experienced that's broadened your approach to problem-solving?
I’ve realized it’s important to really understand what you’re doing — but you don’t have to know everything. What changed for me was learning to pause and think things through before diving in. I used to try things just to see what would happen, but now I spend more time planning and asking the right questions. Although I still need to adjust as experiments unfold, this approach usually saves time and leads to better outcomes.
If you could fast-forward 10 years, what's one thing you'd hope you've accomplished?
In 10 years, I hope I’ve made at least one molecule behave and figured out how to stop burning garlic when I cook. If I’m still caffeinated, mildly confused, and somehow getting paid to think about atoms -- I’ll call that a win.
What is a piece of advice you would give to someone who is nervous about starting research?
What’s important is to appreciate that nobody knows it all, especially at the start. A PhD is basically a long journey of making a bunch of mistakes until you find the local optimum. The key is to keep learning, ask questions, and remember that confusion is part of the process. Also, taking breaks helps -- sometimes stepping away is exactly when things start to make sense.
What's a piece of advice you'd give for building strong and supportive relationships with peers and mentors in the department?
Be genuine, be kind, and don’t be afraid to ask for help -- or offer it. Some of the best relationships start over small things like sharing code tips or venting about a broken simulation. Also, snacks from vacation help.
Looking back on your academic journey so far, what's one thing you're most grateful for?
Throughout my academic journey, I am most grateful for Andy (Ferguson) for the great science, the support, guidance, and ability to understand my chaotic updates without missing a beat. Also, he’s helped me stay sane and not panic, even when everything else says I should.
To see Jianming's research impact, visit his Google Research Profile.