SoftMatter@interfaces

Hongye is interested in understanding molecular interactions underpinning the initial stage of the adsorption of the Dengue viral capsid protein on the lipid droplet surface, which she mimics with classic Langmuir monolayers and liposomes. Hongye interrogates these model systems with X-ray and neutron scattering at ESRF, Diamond, ISIS, & ILL. Hongye's popularity soared when it transpired in mid-2025 that, thanks to her gracious height, she could place the Russian-designed lid gravitationally-enhanced by a fluorescence detector on the Langmuir trough without disturbing the Wilhelmy plate at ESRF 10D, with graceful ease...

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Hongye is supported by a CSC-UoB PhD scholarship for her PhD study, after her master's study with Dr. Binglei Song at Jiangnan University in Wuzi (无锡), a charming city with a long history dating back to Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC).  Hongye was delighted to finally meet a student of her magistic height - Jakub, a Polish PhD student - when she spent two weeks making Plin3 proteins with Jakub and Dr. Anna Bratek-Skicki in Krakow in Dec 2025.