Xi’s PhD studies were conducted mainly by means of molecular and genetic approaches (RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and so on). These are all traditional techniques in biological research. With the recent development of bioinformatic techniques, more biological researchers will analyze their data, especially large-scale genomic data, in association with computers. Therefore, she believes that learning how to combine bioinformatics with the traditional biotechniques in research will prepare her to become a more successful biologist. Currently, Xi is focusing on conducting RNA interference (RNAi) experiments in cultured mammalian cells that are designed using a novel whole-genome thermodynamic analysis approach.

In her free time, Xi likes reading and traveling, and dreams one day she could travel to Africa.