XUELI (SHIRLEY) ZHAO

PhD Student

Shirley obtained her BSc in Bioscience from Henan Normal University (China) and her MSc in Biochemistry from Xiamen University (China). Prior to joining the Bhatia lab Shirley’s research focused on bone marrow microenvironment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Throughout her graduate career she has published 3 articles relating to ALL and inflammation. She has also interned as a biology teacher for a middle school.

The research-supportive environment in the lab is what she enjoys which provides advanced tools and platforms to pursue scientific goals. She also loves how everyone in the lab communicates ideas with each other and is always there when you need help. Her career goal is to one day research and teach at a university.

Fun Fact: Shirley has her own radio channel!