Xiaoying Yu, Ph.D.
Doctoral Thesis: Understanding Ebolavirus Neutralization through Immunotherapies Targeting the Viral glycoprotein
Research Focus: Yu’s research focused on structural characterization and functional analysis of neutralizing antibodies that provide protection against both Ebola virus and Sudan virus.
Undergraduate Institution: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Noteworthy Publications: Asymmetric and non-stoichiometric glycoprotein recognition by two distinct antibodies results in broad protection against ebolaviruses, Cell (2022)
Looking Back: "The path to my doctoral degree hasn’t been direct yet was full of fun. I am particularly grateful to my advisor Erica Ollmann Saphire for her support, trust, and guidance through this journey with many changes and ventures. Thank you to everyone I have been fortunate to work with and learn from: my co-advisor Mansun Law, my committee members, and all my colleagues throughout the years. Your knowledge, insights, encouragement, and friendship helped me reach where I am now. Also, cheers to all the graduate program staff - thank you, especially for all the activities during the pandemic that kept us connected."
Next Steps: Yu is now in a postdoctoral position at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, working on structural characterization of potential therapeutic antibodies against viruses, including Ebola virus and SARS-CoV-2.
Be sure to watch our 2022 Commencement Ceremony video, recorded live on Friday, May 20, 2022. In addition to the conferral of doctoral degrees for our newest class of graduates, the event features a special presentation by recent Nobel Laureate Prof. Ardem Patapoutian.
