Xiao Wang

Xiao Wang

she/her
Chemistry
Empowering students to their full potential

“Professor Xiao Wang’s caring efforts have a profound impact on the lives of her students,” one of her nominators commended.

Xiao Wang is a core institute member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at MIT. She started her lab in 2019 to develop and apply new chemical, biophysical, and genomic tools to better understand tissue function and dysfunction at the molecular level.

Enriching and intellectually stimulating environment

Wang goes above and beyond to create a nurturing environment that fosters growth and supports her students’ personal and academic development. She makes it a priority to ensure an intellectually stimulating environment, taking the time to discuss research interests, academic goals, and personal aspirations on a weekly basis. 

Wang’s students emphasized that she understands the importance of mentorship, patiently explaining fundamental concepts, sharing insights from her own groundbreaking work, and providing her students with key scientific papers and resources to deepen their understanding of the field. 

“Professor Wang encouraged me to think critically, ask challenging questions, and explore innovative approaches to further my research,” one of her students commented.

Beyond the lab, Professor Wang nurtures a sense of community among her research team. A nominator said “she organized regular lab meetings, where I and fellow researchers presented … findings, exchanged ideas, and received constructive feedback.”

These meetings fostered collaboration, enhanced communication skills, and created a supportive environment where all lab members felt empowered to share their discoveries and insights.

Empowering students to their full potential

Wang is a dedicated and compassionate educator, and is known for her unwavering commitment to the well-being and success of her students. Her advisees not only excel academically but they also develop resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging. 

A different student reflected that although they came from an organic chemist background with few skills related to the chemical biology field, Wang recognized their enthusiasm and potential. She went out of her way to make sure they could have a smooth transition. “It is because of all her training and help that I came from knowing nothing about the field to being able to confidently call myself a chemical biologist,” a student acclaimed.

Her students communicate that Wang encourages them to present their work at conferences, workshops, and seminars. This helps boost the students’ confidence and establish connections within the scientific community.

“Her genuine care and dedication make her a cherished mentor and a source of inspiration for all who have the privilege to learn from her,” one of her mentees remarked.