While completing her bachelor’s degree in Macromolecular Materials & Engineering at Zhejiang University, China, Xiangyi Xi became interested in biotech research. Though she wasn’t sure what specific area of research she planned to pursue, she was inspired by a seminar given by UConn Polymer Program professor Luyi Sun. Later, she met Professor Tom Seery, and these meetings with faculty from another hemisphere led her to Polymer Science at the Institute of Materials Science.

After starting the Ph.D. program in Polymer Science, she joined the Professor Fotios Papadimitrakopoulos research group to help create glucose sensors. She enjoyed the multifaceted aspects of the research which included engineering, polymer science, biochemistry, as well as electrochemistry. She particularly enjoyed implementing new electrochemical testing techniques into biosensor research. The statistical nature of the research led Xiangyi to an additional unexpected degree. Xiangyi also completed a master’s degree in Biostatistics. Due to the multidisciplinary aspects of the research, Xiangyi was consistently stretching her skillset.

Looking back, Xiangyi learned more than expected during her years at UConn and gained the priceless skill of working independently. She completed her defense, “Continuous Glucose Monitoring Calibration and Metabolic Patterning”, in December 2024. In January 2025, Xiangyi joined the Yale School of Public Health, working in biostatistics.

 

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