Megan Xie

Hi! My name is Megan, and I am a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences studying biology, biochemistry, and computer science. I am also a part of CURF's University Scholars Program. My interest in pediatric oncology began after my elementary school class was shown a video on childhood cancer, and it deepened after getting to interact with children and families affected by this disease. This past year, I've been working in the Wolpaw Lab at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, in which I am helping create and characterize 3D tumorspheres to model neuroblastoma. In addition to wet lab research, I have also supplemented my interest in computer science with research in the Shen Lab, where I am gaining exposure to the intersection of biology and computer science by learning about gene regulatory networks and computational drug discovery. After struggling to find research lab opportunities in high school, I have experienced that overwhelming feeling of coming to Penn, suddenly having so many options to choose from, and not knowing where to start. That's why I am eager to talk to anyone who feels the same way and share some of my experiences/advice.

Outside of research, I'm part of Service Link, the Asian Pacific American Pre-Medical Student Association, College Peer Advising, and Penn Chamber. You'll probably at one point find me watching capybara reels and slime videos during my study break, succumbing to my huge sweet tooth, and signing up for random things on campus. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions about anything—I'd be more than happy to help out!