Shuai Xu, MPH, G3
Research Mentor: Qiuyin Cai, M.D., Ph.D.
Thesis Topic: Genetic and molecular epidemiology of lung cancer
Biography
Originally from China, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Capital Medical University and MPH degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
During and post my master training, I interned in Dr. Adetunji Toriola’s lab at the Washington University School of Medicine. In his lab, I conducted statistical analysis to identify the genetic and non-genetic risk factors for mammographic breast density, drafted manuscripts, and managed ColoCare study data. Then I moved to Nashville, TN and worked at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center under the supervision of Drs. Qiuyin Cai and Jirong Long. Here I extracted DNA in the wet lab and performed cutting-edge genetic analysis in the dry lab. My research interest is in genetic and molecular epidemiology of cancer, especially breast, colorectal, and lung cancers.
Why Vanderbilt?
World-class researchers, and well-designed curriculum are the important reasons why I chose Vanderbilt. I was impressed by the kindness and sufficient support from mentors and faculty members while working here. Also, Vanderbilt has rich research resources to support my doctoral training in the field of genetic and molecular cancer epidemiology. I believe that I will become a successful genetic cancer epidemiologist through utilizing the expertise in the Vanderbilt Epidemiology program.