Dr. Yu Zhou

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Yu Zhou is a dedicated researcher in the field of Carbon Cycle Science with a focus on nature-based climate solutions, ecosystem ecology, and the impacts of climate change. He has engaged in projects aimed at understanding carbon dynamics and developing process-based models to analyze ecological responses under climate variations. His research incorporates modern techniques such as machine learning and remote sensing to advance ecological modeling. Having completed his education in Geography at Clark University, he has contributed to multiple interdisciplinary projects, including significant work as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Northern Arizona University and as a Schmidt AI Science Fellow at Cornell University. His ongoing research contributions involve assessing air pollution and climate extremes' resilience within European forests. Yu's work is widely recognized, earning him prestigious awards such as the Schmidt AI Science Postdoctoral Fellowship and the NASA Group Achievement Award. He aims to bridge knowledge gaps in understanding the complex interactions of dryland ecosystems in the context of global environmental changes.

Research Interests

Experience

Research Associate

2024-01-01 — Present

ETH Zurich • Switzerland

Research on the impacts of air pollution and climate extremes on European forests.

Schmidt AI Science Postdoctoral Fellow

2023-01-01 — 2024-01-01

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY, USA

Interpreting dryland carbon dynamics using AI methodologies.

Postdoctoral Fellow

2021-01-01 — 2022-01-01

Northern Arizona University • Flagstaff, AZ, USA

Focused on trait adaptations and ecosystem responses to atmospheric soil aridity.

Research Assistant

2016-01-01 — 2021-01-01

Clark University • Worcester, MA, USA

Engaged in projects related to atmospheric carbon transport.

Awards

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Schmidt AI Science Postdoctoral Fellowship

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Group Achievement Award

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Sussman Research Grant

Courses

Global Change Biology

Requirements for ETH Zurich

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:159
Verbal Percentile
Required:80
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:81
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Writing Percentile
Required:85
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Mathematics) Minimum 180 ECTS credits Subject-specific knowledge equivalent to ETH Bachelor's programs
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree diploma or transcript
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of Motivation (1 page)
  • Two academic recommendation letters
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • GRE General Test (for non-EU/EFTA applicants)
Specialization Notes

The GRE is mandatory for students who did not obtain their Bachelor's degree in an EU/EFTA state. Some departments (e.g., Computer Science) have specific ECTS credit requirements in core subjects.