Yang Tian from Tongji University, in Shanghai, investigates reactive oxygen species and their potential use as cancer biomarkers.

 What inspired you to become a scientist?

The interest and challenges of science itself inspires me to continue my own research.

 What was your motivation behind the work described in your ChemComm article?

I am very interested in reactive oxygen species (ROS), and have been working on the detection of ROS for almost 10 years. I am focusing on the development of ROS biosensors based on direct electron transfer of biomimetic enzymes, with high selectivity and good stability for the determination of ROS in living cells.

 Why did you choose ChemComm to publish your work?

ChemComm is a journal of high quality and is for a broad audience and publishes communications quickly. 

 What do enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy playing with my little baby, who is 18 months old. I also enjoy cooking Chinese and Japanese food.

 If you could not be a scientist, but could be anything else, what would you be? 

I like flowers very much, so I have a dream to open a flower shop.

Interviewed by Emma Shiells