I'm traveling around the world solo between August 2025 and April 2026. Born in a small town in the northern province of Shandong, China in 1995, I spent the first 18 years of my life in China, then studied in Hong Kong as an undergraduate for 4 years, and moved to the United States for study and work for 9 years.

Some fun facts about me:
* I visited almost all US National Parks, including the famous Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, among others
* I have a Ph.D. degree in chemistry and biotechnology, and my scientific training contributes to my world view
* I used to manage a large, multi-institution research center at Stanford University. After working for just over three years, I decided to leave Stanford and start my world journey

I speak fluent English, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), and a little Spanish.

My linkedIn profile is available at www.linkedin.com/in/lequngeng

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To me, couchsurfing is a way to connect and experience. I couchsurf to learn about people and share my own stories when others are interested. I couchsurf not to save money or just to stay for a night or two. I prefer places where we can take the time to chat and mingle, and perhaps make a few new friends together. Let's enjoy and celebrate life.

This is how I prefer to couchsurf:
* My primary intent to couchsurf is to connect with interesting people.
* I do not give away gifts or souvenir, as I find them burdensome to carry as a traveler and to keep as a host. Let's take some fantastic photos and have a great memory instead.
* When I'm a guest, the primary condition I look for is a quiet and clean place. I value meaningful connections over living conditions.
* I keep good personal hygiene and do need to be able to shower daily either at the host's place or somewhere nearby.
* I do not drink or smoke, and can only consider smoke-free places.

Music, Movies, and Books

I currently read the following books:
The Importance of Living, Lin Yu-Tang
The Way To Love, Anthony de Mello
The Book of Life, J. Krishnamurti
The Four-Hour Workweek, Tim Ferris

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I completed the Kalalau Trail (35 km or 22 miles) along Nā Pali Coast of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii, United States, in a three-day camping trip.

What I Can Share with Hosts

* A light heart to connect and enjoy life together
* An open mind ready for a good, deep conversation
* My life stories in China, Hong Kong, United States, and about 20 other nations
* My work story and how I managed to free myself from a day job in just three years to allow world travel
* Note: as a personal preference (minimalist) and a culture I'm hoping to build, I am unable to provide gift or souvenir to hosts. I believe pictures and memory last longer than physical objects.

Countries I’ve Visited

Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Cambodia, Canada, China, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Oman, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Martin (French part), Singapore, Sint Maarten (Dutch part), South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates, United States, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands, British, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Hong Kong, United States