Biography

Hi! My name is Yuncong and I’m a fifth year PhD student in Biophysics, and I spend most of my time working with tiny viruses called bacteriophages, who specifically infect bacteria (yes, bacteria can get a virus) and therefore has a therapeutic potential in treating bacterial infections when antibiotics fail. Outside my studies, I enjoy making theatre (acting, directing & making designs), learning new languages, and boxing :-).

Personal Statement

I’m riding for my grandma, whom I spent most of my childhood with, and who taught me persistence, hard work and passion. As devoting most of her early life to social works in harsh conditions in rural areas of China, she started fighting several chronic diseases since the age of 30. But even on the most painful days, her energy and enthusiasm still radiated to help those around her. She passed away in 2020, months after being diagnosed with end-stage ampullary cancer, which caused her pain for years but went undetected due to technical challenges. I’m so grateful to be part of Illini 4000, where I can support the cancer patients through documenting their experiences, adding patient services and advancing cancer research through fundraising. Biking across the country represents more than a journey—it’s a way to walk alongside those battling cancer, and showing that, together, we can overcome even the toughest obstacles.