Changai Wu
Plant Molecular Biologist
Tai'an
About
Changai Wu is a plant molecular biologist with more than two decades of research on foxtail millet stress resilience, having elucidated key transcriptional and peptide-signalling networks that govern salt and drought tolerance. His work bridges laboratory discovery and field application, translating genes and markers into improved germplasm for farming communities. He has trained over 25 graduate students and 30 undergraduate researchers, and contributes to capacity building by sharing training resources, co-supervising young researchers and fostering international knowledge exchange. He also facilitates institutional partnerships between Chinese millet research programmes and the wider global network, drawing on China's rich millet genetic resources and research infrastructure. His contributions focus on three connected areas: farmer support, through the dissemination of salt-tolerant and drought-resistant germplasm and practical cultivation guidance; nutrition education, including accessible materials, webinars and public talks that translate complex science into everyday dietary knowledge; and training, through technical modules on marker-assisted selection, CRISPR/Cas9 applications and field evaluation protocols, as well as train-the-trainer programmes for extension officers.
Millets track record
A plant molecular biologist with more than 20 years of research experience. Since 2021 his work has focused on foxtail millet (Setaria italica), decoding the molecular mechanisms of salt and drought tolerance and translating those discoveries into new stress-tolerant germplasm. He has a strong record in transcriptional regulation, peptide signalling and breeding innovation, and experience leading national research projects, mentoring award-winning students and bridging fundamental science with practical agriculture.