I’m ‘Living’ - ‘Living’ is the anglicized version of my Chinese name - Li Yun (李韵 - means rhythm and harmony) and it reflects my deep connection with the living world. I am a PostDoc research fellow at the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC), CSIRO. My research employs genomic and phenomic data to understand the evolutionary and environmental drivers of biodiversity. Currently, I’m working on phylogenomics and macroevolution of Australian darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae), auger beetles (Bostrichidae) and furniture beetles (Ptinidae: Anobiinae).

My previous research mainly focused on phylogeography and species delimitation of net-winged beetles (Lycidae), a group of ‘squashy’ beetles that are often aposematically coloured and being involved in Mullerian mimicry. After completing my Master’s degree in 2014 at Sun Yat-sen University, I worked as an assistant curator of insect collection in the uni museum. During the time, I also participated in projects to develop novel molecular markers to resolve the higher-level phylogenies of beetles. I’m not picky about studying organisms and was also involved in a bird project dealing with phylogeography of skylarks.

I’m passionate about natural history and art. My dream is to combine math, painting and biology with rainforests and deserts. Outside the academic, you may find me roaming around mountains to look for all sorts of critters from birds to bugs, or sitting in the room making little illustrations and stories. Feel free to contact me via email or facebook.