Butterflies, though delicate, are powerful indicators of our planet’s changing climate. My research investigates how thermal tolerance and buffering capacity influence butterfly survival, offering insights into how species live—or die—under rising temperatures. By studying how different butterflies species handle heat stress, I want to see how climate change might shape species’ distributions and survival over time.

The Hong Kong Laureate Forum, inspired by the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, is a platform where early-career researchers can engage directly with some of the world’s most accomplished scientists. I am excited by the opportunity to exchange ideas with laureates in biological sciences, such as the Shaw Prize recipients whose work has revolutionized our understanding of genetics, evolution, and environmental adaptation. Their breakthroughs provide a foundation for tackling climate-driven physiological shifts—issues at the core of my research.

Beyond presenting my findings, I hope to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue, learning from physicists, chemists, and biologists whose research may inspire new approaches to studying climate adaptation. The Forum is more than a gathering; it is a home for the next generation of scientific leaders. I am eager to contribute, collaborate, and leave with insights that will refine my research and expand its impact.

Seoul National University

My research focuses on the thermal buffering capacity and thermal tolerance of butterfly species in the context of climate change. With rising global temperatures, understanding how butterflies regulate their body temperature and withstand extreme thermal conditions is critical for predicting species vulnerability and ecological shifts. By measuring butterfly body temperatures, ambient environmental temperatures, and critical thermal limits, I aim to assess how different species adapt to varying thermal environments. Combining field data with phylogenetic analysis, my study explores evolutionary patterns in thermal tolerance and the role of behavioral and physiological adaptations in mitigating climate stress. This research provides insights into how climate change may impact species distributions, survival, and biodiversity, providing conservation strategies for thermally sensitive insect populations.