Xixi is a research fellow at the AMS Institute and a Ph.D. candidate at Wageningen University and Research (Horticulture Product Physiology). Her research focuses on exploring the application of plant factories in metropolitan settings, specifically how pre-harvest cultivation strategies impact the nutritional and sensory quality of crops at harvest and during storage. Additionally, Xixi is also dedicated to exploring the environmental impacts associated with various types of plant factories and the cultivation strategies they employ.
Xixi has years of experience studying the quality of lettuce, tomatoes, basil, and strawberries, with a keen understanding of lighting and nutrient solutions in both vertical farm and greenhouse settings. Outside of work, she leads the AiCU team, which has participated in multiple WUR x Ten-cent Autonomous Greenhouse Challenges. The team secured first place in the hackathon cultiva-tion simulation and second place in the experimental cultivation, showcasing her broader involve-ment and expertise in the field.
Xixi's passion for urban agriculture and sustainable food production systems drives her commitment to her research. Attracted by AMS’s forefront position in urban research and innovation, she sees her work with the AMS Institute as a vital step towards her vision of creating greener, more efficient, and sustainable food production systems.
“In every leaf and fruit, I see our cities' future: greener, healthier, fed by the innovation of vertical farms”