Xiangqun Cui

Professor of Astronomical Optics and Instruments
Director, Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology
Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Country of origin: China

What I do.
I work on large astronomical optical telescopes and new technologies for astronomy, such as active optics, mirror fabrication, and extremely large telescope (ELT) studies. I am in charge of engineering for the Chinese national large scientific project LAMOST (large sky area multi-object fiber spectroscopic telescope), which is an innovative telescope with both wide fields of view and large aperture. I am also one of the leaders for the Antarctic Astronomy Center of China (AACC), working on the optical telescope projects for Dome A (the highest ice cap on the Antarctic plateau).

What I find exciting.
In January 2008 we installed the first set of Antarctic optical telescopes; since that time these telescopes have been operating successfully in some of the harshest conditions on the planet. The large telescope I am now working on will be instrumental in probing the nature of the universe.

What I wish someone had told me.
Make your life interesting, but also take care of yourself and your child.