For this Faculty Feature, we highlighted Xinming Zhuo, an Assistant Professor in the Genomic and Molecular Pathology Division.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up, and when did you first become interested in science and medicine?
I grew up in Xiamen, a coastal city in southeastern China, and stayed there through college; my curiosity initially leaned toward physics and economics, but an early-admission placement into biomedical science unexpectedly set my course toward medicine and research.
What is your career path?
After earning my PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at SUNY Upstate Medical University, I pursued postdoctoral training in Molecular and Human Genetics with Dr. Arthur Beaudet at Baylor College of Medicine, then advanced through clinical bioinformatics roles at UPMC and the Jackson Laboratory before completing Laboratory Genetics and Genomics fellowship training at Columbia University Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital and joining Washington University as faculty.
What are your favorite parts of your current role?
I enjoy learning from colleagues, technicians, and trainees in the department, finding tremendous value in the collaborative environment.
What is a memorable moment you’ve had while working in the department?
A favorite departmental memory so far has been joining the trivia team, which was both fun and a great way to meet people.
What special skills or talents do you have that people may not know about?
Because I am still new, any hidden talents remain undiscovered, though I suspect my peers will identify them before I do.
What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities?
Outside the lab, I jogging and hiking regularly, and I still watch soccer enthusiastically after playing throughout high school.
What is your advice to aspiring people in your field?
Stay open-minded—opportunities tend to reward those who are prepared for them.
