Xuemeng Lai, MSc (X.)
Xuemeng's background is in controlled-environment plant physiology, photosynthesis, and plant phenotyping. She has worked on optimising crop performance under varying light and climate conditions in both greenhouses and indoor farming systems. More recently, she has begun expanding her expertise into plant genetics and breeding for high-tech growing environments. With experience across both academia and industry, Xuemeng is particularly interested in research that combines scientific depth with practical impact.
Career history
Xuemeng studied MSc Plant Sciences at Wageningen University, where she built a strong foundation in plant physiology and greenhouse horticulture. Following her graduation, she moved to London to work in the vertical farming industry, leading research projects focused on plant–climate interactions, lighting strategies, and photosynthesis performance in fully controlled environments. Her experience living and working in both the Netherlands and the UK has provided her with a unique perspective on the intersection between academic research and commercial application, and has deepened her commitment to bridging scientific innovation with real-world impact.