Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Xu (Phoebe) Shi. I am a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Food Science and Technology Department. My passion for food science began during my senior year at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where I participated in a 3+1 program in collaboration with NWAFU in China. Upon completing the program, I earned dual bachelor’s degrees in food science and food engineering. Currently, I am continuing my journey in food science with a focus on unitizing the link between diet, gut microbiology, and other diseases to improve human health. In recognition of my research, I have won Lohr Family Excellence in NFHC Research and Widaman Distinguished Graduate Fellowship Awards. Other than research, I am also deeply committed to teaching. I have had the pleasure of mentoring three undergraduate students, and my efforts were recognized with the Graduate Student Excellence in Mentoring Award.
What year of studies are you in?
I’m currently in my fourth year of the PhD program. While I’m nearing graduation, I recognize that my journey of learning in this field will continue beyond my formal studies.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska?
While working as an undergraduate in Dr. Ramer-Tait’s lab, I became fascinated with research work focused on regulating multiple human diseases through dietary or probiotic interventions. This experience inspired me to pursue a PhD in this research area after earning my bachelor’s degree.
What aspect of food science and technology interests you the most?
My current research focuses on understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and cardiomyopathy, a group of disorders affecting the heart muscle. I am particularly interested in how gut microbiota modulates the progression and severity of autoimmune myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). My long-term goal is to explore strategies to modulate the gut microbiome and develop practical, non-invasive interventions to improve heart health and ameliorate cardiomyopathy.
What is your typical day like?
I usually start my day with a cup of latte and focus on lab experiments in the morning. My work takes me shifting between the Innovation Campus and the Gnotobiotic Mouse Center on East Campus. In the afternoons, I shift to data analysis and writing, usually working with my laptop.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m really into film photography and have a collection of three film cameras. One of them is actually older than I am but still works perfectly!
What is your life like outside of school?
I try to maintain a balanced lifestyle. I enjoyed taking time after work and go to the gym regularly. I am also a jazz and choreography dance lover. If we have followed each other on social media, you have might seen me posting dance videos before, lol. I am also a cat mom!
