Tina Cheng, PhD • Quantitative Ecologist

I am a

QUANTITATIVE ECOLOGIST

Tina Cheng, PhD

Presented by Bat Conservation International

MY LIFE

MY PATH

MY WORK

FOR YOU

Featured

Travel.

I love exploring the world, both at work and in my personal life. I like to experience different cultures through their music, dance, and parts of the landscape that only the locals typically see. My work gives me the opportunity to explore remote areas around the world.

Animals.

I don’t always remember my neighbor’s names, but I definitely know the names of their cats. And when I go to parties, you might find me hanging with the family dog instead of chatting with the other people there. I've always loved animals, and I’m so glad I found a career where I get to help protect them.

Dancing.

If I wasn't a scientist, I'd love to be a salsa dancer (though it would take a lot more practice on my part!). And even today, if there’s music on, I can't help but start dancing.

Team Sports.

I love team sports, like soccer and beach volleyball. There’s something really cool about understanding collaboration, the different roles that people bring, and the invisible connections and forces at work in a team.

Music.

I love listening to South American Chamber music. I use music as a tool to explore people, cultures, and ideas. Whenever I travel for work or pleasure, I like listening to the local and traditional favorites.

A Little About Me

My Chinese name is Tian Tian, which means “sweet in personality.”

I make an effort to bring softness into my life, and I really enjoy the calming company of animals (sometimes over people).
I used to think I wasn't smart enough to be a scientist.

There was a time where I didn’t know much about science, especially not how to pursue it as a career. Despite this, I continued to follow the things that I loved - which were innately tied to nature.
I like exploring different hobbies.

My husband is a musical composer from South America, and one of our favorite things to do is go to concerts together. I’m also a city-girl, but love nature. And I love sports and science! I find that adding this diversity to my life keeps me excited and motivated.
I’ve struggled with self-confidence my entire life.

A lot of my confidence was fueled by the stereotypical definitions of success. When things like getting good grades and having a perfect career plan didn’t come easily to me, it made me doubt myself.

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MY ADVICE

“There's still a lot I don't know about math and statistics, but I work at it each day. We often think of mathematicians like Albert Einstein, but we need to diversify our perception of who is a scientist."

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WHO I AM

People describe me as..

Kindhearted

I have a strong affinity to helping animals and working in nature conservation.
Multifaceted

I don’t just box myself into liking one hobby - from music, to sports, and science - I’m always ready to try new things!
Collaborative

I work with so many different kinds of people and while my role is critical to the project, all of the individuals working together is essential to its success.

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My Accomplishments:

PhD in Disease Ecology from the University of California, Santa Cruz

The Basics:

Pronouns: She/Her

Title: Postdoctoral Researcher

Institution: Bat Conservation International

Expertise: Biology; Ecology; Data Science; Conservation

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

Where to Follow Me:

LINKEDIN →

“So much of science exists in a very creative space. It requires a great deal of creativity to solve conservation issues.”

— TINA CHENG

MY PATH →

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Tandem Photo • Illustrator: Eira Gemanil

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I am a

QUANTITATIVE ECOLOGIST

Tina Cheng, PhD

My Chinese name is Tian Tian, which means “sweet in personality.”

“There's still a lot I don't know about math and statistics, but I work at it each day. We often think of mathematicians like Albert Einstein, but we need to diversify our perception of who is a scientist."

WHO I AM

Kindhearted

My Accomplishments:

The Basics:

Where to Follow Me:

“So much of science exists in a very creative space. It requires a great deal of creativity to solve conservation issues.”

Looking for teacher resources?