From IICD to USC: Zijin Xiang’s Next Chapter in Computational Biology

Zijin Xiang, a former student intern and research staff assistant at the Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics (IICD), has embarked on an exciting new chapter as a first-year PhD student in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics at the University of Southern California (USC). Supported by the Andrew Viterbi Fellowship, Zijin is diving deep into foundational coursework and research rotations, setting the stage for a promising research career.

Reflecting on her journey, Zijin shared, "I am driven by the passion for understanding complex biological mechanisms and their implications in human health and diseases. My long-term goal is to develop innovative statistical tools to analyze genomic data, model and quantify the mechanisms behind them, and ultimately contribute to health equity."

Building a Strong Foundation at IICD

During her time at IICD from January 2023 to July 2024, Zijin worked under the mentorship of Dr. Khanh N. Dinh, IICD Associate Research Scientist. Her research focused on modeling the evolutionary dynamics of cancer, specifically using mathematical models to simulate cancer progression through Copy Number Aberrations (CNAs).

"Our team developed a mathematical model to simulate cancer progression, and I constructed the theoretical framework to infer key parameters of chromosomal instability," Zijin explained. Her work involved analyzing single-cell DNA sequencing data to better understand genetic changes driving tumor progression, aiming to inform improved diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Zijin also contributed to designing an inference algorithm based on Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC), employing random forest and sequential Monte Carlo techniques. "This algorithm enables accurate and efficient parameter inference and has potential applications beyond cancer research," she added.

Inspired by Personal Experience

Zijin's dedication to cancer research is deeply personal. "I lost my grandmother to cancer, which profoundly motivated me to contribute to this field," she shared. Drawn to IICD's interdisciplinary approach, Zijin found a perfect match for her interests in combining biology, mathematics, and computational methods.

She particularly appreciated the collaborative environment fostered at IICD. "The supportive and inclusive environment at IICD made a lasting impression on me. My colleagues were always willing to offer insights and assistance, creating a vibrant atmosphere where everyone pursued their passions wholeheartedly."

Preparing for the Future

Zijin credits IICD with shaping her career path. "My experience at IICD was transformative. It not only honed my technical skills but also solidified my decision to pursue a PhD in computational biology. I learned resilience, problem-solving, and how to initiate and explore new research ideas."

Presenting her research at IICD's monthly meetings was a proud moment for Zijin. "Standing before brilliant scientists and sharing our work was daunting but rewarding. That experience gave me newfound confidence and reinforced my passion for research."

Looking Ahead

Now at USC, Zijin is excited to explore diverse research areas through rotations. Her recent work in structural biology focused on protein-DNA interaction prediction, sparking an interest in gene regulation and genomic dynamics. She looks forward to refining her research focus and identifying where she can make the greatest impact.

Zijin's journey is guided by the mentorship she received at IICD. "I am especially grateful to Dr. Khanh N. Dinh for his guidance and encouragement, and to Dr. Simon Tavaré for his invaluable advice. Their support has inspired me to one day become a principal investigator who supports and uplifts the next generation of scientists."

Reflecting on her time at IICD, Zijin concluded, "IICD was an unforgettable and warm chapter in my life. The friendships and mentorship I received there continue to motivate me as I pursue my research goals."