About Yuxiao He

Yuxiao He is a PhD candidate affiliated with Deltares, Erasmus MC, and IHE Delft. He works on the CONNEXION project, an international collaboration funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF). The project focuses on modelling the interlinkages between water, energy, food systems, and public health in vulnerable regions of South Africa.

Yuxiao’s current research investigates how environmental changes and infrastructure development influence infectious disease risks and food insecurity. Using participatory system dynamics modelling, he integrates mathematical models with local stakeholder knowledge to co-develop decision-support tools. These tools help policymakers explore cross-sectoral trade-offs and design more resilient, inclusive solutions.

He holds a BSc in Water Resource Management from Wuhan University and an MSc in Environmental Engineering from ETH Zurich, where he completed his thesis with distinction on African water infrastructure planning using a Water-Energy-Food (WEF) lens. He also has experience working with international development and intergovernmental organizations.

Yuxiao is passionate about bridging disciplines and sectors through his work, especially water, health, and people. He sees modelling not just as a technical exercise, but as a way to foster dialogue and mutual understanding. He believes that “Models don’t solve problems, but people do. Good models help people ask better questions and work together.”