From Physics to Tumor Biology

Xiaowei first came to the United States in 2007 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physics in China.?She earned a Master of Science in both Physics and Statistics from the University of Illinois in Chicago, Illinois, a Ph.D. in Biostatistics from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and an executive M.B.A. from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to the fields of STEM and clinical trial design, along with expertise in clinical trial insights analytics. Xiaowei's passion lies in the field of tumor biology, where she utilizes analytics to bridge gaps across the entire spectrum of drug development. Her primary focus revolves around constructing infrastructure and developing tools to expedite the generation of clinical insights.

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Q: How did you get involved in the science field?

?A: My journey into the captivating world of science began during my early years in the United States. I was naturally drawn to subjects like thermodynamics, particles, and motion, which led me to choose physics as my first major. The thrill of using statistical methods to solve real-world problems truly ignited my passion when I started working in a statistics department. It was then that I realized this was the field I wanted to focus on, prompting me to switch my major to statistics.

During my time as a Ph.D. student, I had the incredible opportunity to support clinical trials. One experience that deeply impacted me was when my advisor invited a breast cancer survivor to speak in one of my classes. Her story of tenacity and how living even a few extra months could make a world of difference left a profound impression on me.

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Working in the field of biometrics has opened doors for me to contribute to advancements in healthcare. Whether it's developing statistical models to analyze medical data, conducting research on treatment outcomes, or exploring innovative therapies, I have been able to apply the fundamental concepts of biological systems, thanks to my early training in physics and thermodynamics.

As I progress in my scientific career, I remain deeply connected to the human stories behind the research and the potential impact on individuals. It serves as a constant reminder of the significance of my work and fuels my motivation to make a positive difference.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

A: In a typical day, I engage in cross-functional meetings with internal and external stakeholders to oversee resource management, support clinical development, drive key deliverables, facilitate health authority discussions, and inform company strategy. I also focus on designing the clinical database infrastructure, streamlining programming pipelines, crafting trial design elements, and meticulously collecting clinical trial data to ensure validity and reproducibility.

I can genuinely say that I'm thrilled about my work every day. Instead of seeing data points as mere dots on a chart, I view them as distinct life stories waiting to be understood. My current focus involves providing trial design advice and providing high quality data packages to facilitate insight generation and decision making, with the hope that my contributions can play a role in positively impacting the journeys of those who are battling for their lives. It's a privilege to be part of a field that holds such potential for transformation and brings me immense joy and fulfillment.

Q: In ten years, what do you hope to have accomplished in terms of your work?

A: My goal is to establish a state-of-the-art Clinical Trial Analytics Center of Excellence, providing an advanced suite of analytics and visualization tools for clinical trials. Through the utilization of data science and machine learning, I believe we can unlock valuable business insights and generate crucial trial insights. This could ultimately mean getting patients treatments they need even faster. ??

Q: Did you ever doubt your abilities as a scientist? How did you handle these situations?

A: There will always be moments in a journey where doubt can set in and make you question your abilities. It's not uncommon to experience these feelings, especially when faced with challenges that push us outside our comfort zones. One such challenge for me was stepping away from the familiar territory where I had concentrated my energies in large pharmaceutical companies and embracing new opportunities in small biotech.

This transition presented its own set of hurdles and opportunities. In more established organizations, roles and functions are often well-defined, which can sometimes limit the extent of impact one can have. However, I realized that stepping into the realm of small biotech allowed me to broaden my horizons and explore diverse aspects of the scientific landscape.

I find solace in the lessons I have learned from previous experiences. One valuable lesson was the ability to analyze and interpret data from various sources, spanning from preclinical research to clinical trials. This skill became a guiding light, reminding me of the knowledge and expertise I had acquired over the years.

I sought support and guidance from mentors, colleagues, and my scientific community. Their words of encouragement and shared experiences helped me gain perspective and reminded me that doubt is a natural part of growth. I also engaged in self-reflection, reminding myself of my passion for science and the impact I aimed to make in the field.

If you find yourself doubting your own abilities, remember that doubt is a part of the journey. Reach out for support, reflect on your past achievements, and remind yourself of your passion and purpose. Embrace the challenges that come your way and trust in your ability to overcome them. You are capable, and your journey as a scientist is filled with endless possibilities for growth and success.

Q: What are some limitations you think female scientists face?

A: Despite progress, female scientists still face limitations in the scientific community. Biases and skepticism about their abilities, expertise, and leadership potential persist. Representation in senior positions and leadership roles remains inadequate, limiting networking and advancement opportunities. The lack of female role models and mentors hinders professional development. Balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities poses a significant challenge, as research demands and long hours conflict with caregiving duties. Insufficient supportive policies and inflexible work arrangements impact career continuity too. However, initiatives promoting diversity, mentoring programs, policy changes, and raising awareness about gender biases are actively addressing these challenges. Creating inclusive environments is crucial, and I take pride in working at Kinnate, where inclusivity is a core value, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table.

Q: Any lessons for someone who is thinking about a career in science?

A: If you're considering a career in science, I would encourage you to embrace the mindset of being the CEO of your own development. Take ownership of your journey and actively seek out opportunities for growth and learning. One valuable lesson I've learned is the importance of joining mentoring clubs or programs where you can connect with experienced scientists who can guide and inspire you. These mentors can provide invaluable advice, support, and insights into navigating the scientific landscape.

And don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take courses or engage in experiences that challenge you. Science is a constantly evolving field, and staying at the forefront requires continuous learning and adaptation. By intentionally seeking out courses and opportunities that stretch your capabilities, you can expand your knowledge and skills, ultimately shaping your growth as a scientist.

Remember, a career in science is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about personal and professional development. Cultivate a growth mindset, embrace challenges as opportunities for learning, and remain open to new ideas and perspectives. Seek out collaborations and interdisciplinary experiences that broaden your horizons and foster innovation.

Finally, be resilient and persevere. Science can be a demanding field, filled with setbacks and obstacles. But by approaching these challenges with determination and a positive attitude, you can overcome them and emerge stronger.

Ultimately, a career in science is a journey of constant discovery, and the lessons you learn along the way will shape you both personally and professionally. Embrace the excitement of exploration, stay curious, and never stop striving for excellence.

Q: When you’re not analyzing data, what else do you enjoy?

A: I am deeply passionate about empowering women in leadership roles. While pursuing my executive M.B.A. at Golden Gate University, I took the initiative to establish the "Women in Business" Club, which aimed to connect experienced women leaders with aspiring young women starting their careers.

In my personal time, I find joy in practicing Yoga and Zumba to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Swimming is another activity I enjoy, as it provides a refreshing way to unwind and stay fit, I also love playing piano duets with my daughter, which not only brings us closer but also nurtures our shared love for music. Quality time with my son also brings me joy – for him that means reading books about bugs, igniting his curiosity about the natural world!?

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