BI-QING FOR, Ph.D.

I am an interdisciplinary scientist with a background in physics, astronomy, and data-intensive research. My work spans large-scale astronomical surveys, statistical analysis, modeling, and system-level problem solving, with a focus on understanding complex problems through data-driven and computational approaches.

My scientific journey has taken me from the United States to Australia, where I began my career as an inaugural SIEF John Stocker Postdoctoral Fellow and most recently worked as a Senior Research Scientist at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)/University of Western Australia (UWA) and as an adjunct Reserch Fellow at the University of Western Cape (UWC), South Africa. Trained initially as an optical stellar astronomer and spectroscopist in the United States. I later transitioned into extragalactic astronomy, developing expertise in the study of galaxies and their evolution through observations of neutral hydrogen gas.

Working in astronomy exposed me not only to the technical challenges of large-scale survey science and complex data systems, but also to the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of modern research. Throughout my career, I have led and contributed to collaborative projects combining statistical methods and scientific reasoning to investigate complex phenomena and advance scientific discovery. I have also presented this work internationally through conferences and invited talks.

My academic training includes a PhD and Master's degree in astrophysics from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy (double major) from The University of Arizona.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy playing table tennis, traveling, photography, and discovering local food cultures. These interests have taken me to a wide range of places and introduced me to diverse people and perspectives. Much like science, they encourage curiosity, observation, and a deeper appreciation of how history, culture, and human experiences shape the world we live in.