Shiyu Xia

Shiyu Xia is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). They lead the Xia Lab, which focuses on interdisciplinary research bridging molecular mechanisms, physiological functions, and synthetic biology applications.

• Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Harvard University (2016-2021)
• Postdoctoral Fellow in Biology and Biological Engineering at Caltech (2021-2025)
• B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Johns Hopkins University (2012-2016)

Mechanistic Exploration: Investigates fundamental molecular and cellular principles through biochemistry, structural biology, and biophysics to understand how molecular interactions govern cellular responses and emergent biological behaviors.

Physiological & Pathological Function: Integrates immunology, in vivo modeling, and pathology to study the role of molecular/cellular processes in health and disease, aiming to connect basic biology with translational applications.

Synthetic Design: Develops synthetic gene/protein circuits via chemical biology and systems biology to reprogram cellular behavior, enabling novel diagnostics, therapies, and biological discovery.

Selected Scientific Awards:

• Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award at the Scientific Interface (2026-2031)
• Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund Fellowship (2022-2025)
• Harvard University Distinguished Research Award (2021)
• Albert J. Ryan Fellowship (2018)
• Sarah K. Doshna Award (2015)
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers Award (2015)