Ying-Xian Goh

IGC FELLOW    |   Global Change Center

Ph.D. Student  •  Civil and Environmental Engineering

Advisor: Dr. Jingqiu Liao

Research Interests: Ecology and evolution of foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in the environment

yingxian@vt.edu • Google Scholar •  LinkedIn

Ying-Xian (pronounced “ing-shian”) is a Ph.D. student in the Interdisciplinary Civil Engineering Program within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Under the guidance of Dr. Jingqiu Liao, his research at the Liao Environmental and Public Health Microbiology (LEAPH) Lab focuses on the ecology and evolution of foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in environmental contexts, addressing critical challenges in food security and public health. With a focus on microbial ecology, adaptation, and evolution, Ying-Xian’s work is grounded in the “One Health” framework. His ultimate goal is to support the development of evidence-based strategies and policies to forecast and mitigate future outbreaks.

Ying-Xian's research background spans microbiology, genomics, ecology, and public health. He holds a BS in Biochemistry from the National University of Malaysia and an MS in Biology from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where his academic journey began with studies on bacterial stress response systems, particularly the toxin-antitoxin system, and mobile genetic elements. Prior to joining LEAPH, he served as a Research Officer at The Malaysian Cohort, Southeast Asia’s largest population-based health study, for three years. There, he contributed to research on non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and colorectal cancer, as well as infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2.

Through the Interfaces of Global Change program, Ying-Xian is passionate about leveraging science to tackle global issues at the nexus of food safety, emerging infectious diseases, and public health. Committed to fostering evidence-based policymaking and bridging divides through inclusive science communication, he also seeks to combat anti-science sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of accessible, engaging outreach to diverse audiences.