5 Questions for Mengzhao (Lucy) Xue, PhD

This question-and-answer series explores the motivations, inspirations and accomplishments of investigators at St. Jude. Mengzhao (Lucy) Xue, PhD, is a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Victor Torres, PhD, Department of Host-Microbe Interactions chair. She is a recipient of the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award at the Scientific Interface (CASI), which supports the early career development of researchers transitioning from postdoctoral training to independent faculty positions in academic research.

1: What does receiving the Burroughs Welcome Fund’s CASI mean to you at this stage of your career, especially given how competitive the process was?

I know how competitive getting this award is, so being selected is incredibly meaningful. More than anything, it feels like validation of the work, ideas and research direction I’ve pursued over the years. I’ve had a long postdoctoral journey, and there were times when the finish line felt very far away. Receiving this recognition feels like a turning point and gives me confidence that I’m getting closer to establishing myself as an independent investigator. After such a long journey, this recognition feels both exciting and deeply rewarding.

2: What inspired you to pursue a career in research, and how did you find the research path that was right for you?

My mom is a general physician in a small town, so when I was growing up, I thought I would also become a doctor. In school, I found myself increasingly drawn to the science courses. Chemistry and biology became more interesting to me than the idea of practicing medicine. That’s what led me to explore the possibility of pursuing bioengineering versus biochemistry. That experience helped me realize that what I enjoyed most was digging into fundamental biological questions, which ultimately drew me to basic science. Science has been a way to channel a lot of energy into something constructive, so having research as a space for curiosity and exploration has been important for me.

My goal has always been to find my own scientific niche between chemistry and biology and focus on an area where there’s still a lot to discover, instead of following crowded research paths. That mindset ultimately led me to research that seeks to understand the interactions between pathogenic bacteria and the mammalian host. More specifically, we are looking to see how the host metabolic environment impacts bacterial physiology and, in turn, how those physiological changes influence infection outcomes. Our goal is to understand how chemistry and biology intersect to uncover the specific mechanisms that drive infection dynamics in physiologically relevant systems.

3: What has been one of the most challenging phases of your career, and what did it teach you about yourself as a scientist?

I think the most challenging phases exist in both the PhD and postdoc stages. During those “dark” periods, it often feels like something just isn’t working despite the hard work I have invested. Looking back, I realize it was less about failure and more about finding the right fit, whether that was the right project or the right trajectory to invest in fully. Seeking the right path that fits me can be frustrating, and that’s where I often felt stuck.

What those moments have taught me about myself as a scientist is a deeper level of self-awareness about my scientific trajectory and career development. They’ve forced me to ask “What is my goal?” constantly. What is the real question I’m trying to answer? If the experimental results don’t match my expectations, what alternative explanations or directions should I consider?

Over time, I’ve come to see this process as just as important as the technical aspects of science, like the pipetting, calculations and data analysis. It’s a form of training that sometimes gets overlooked, but it’s essential for becoming a more thoughtful and intentional scientist.

4: What has mentorship looked like in your career, and are there any mentors who have had a large impact on your career path?

Mentorship has played a huge role in my career development. I feel especially fortunate to have had mentors throughout my undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral training who were generous with their time and guidance. That support came not only from formal advisors, but also from peers, senior students and others who had already navigated similar challenges in their careers.

One of the most valuable things my mentors provided was perspective. They helped me think through different paths forward and prepare for potential outcomes, which made challenges feel much less overwhelming. They were also honest when they thought I was heading in the wrong direction, even when the feedback was difficult to hear.

Their support has helped me navigate challenges, make better decisions and continue moving forward in my scientific career.

5: Looking back on your path, what advice would you share with someone who is just starting and hopes to reach a similar stage in their scientific career?

My advice to anyone starting in research is to be prepared for a journey that is often far less predictable than the traditional educational experiences most of us have growing up. In school, there are often clear milestones and a sense of steady progress. Research is different. There will be lots of setbacks, uncertainty and disappointment along the way. Sometimes it feels like the challenging moments far outnumber the successes.

Because of that, it’s important to appreciate and celebrate the good moments when they come. Those breakthroughs and achievements may seem infrequent, but they can provide the motivation needed to keep moving forward through the more difficult periods.

Another piece of advice is to stay persistent, especially when progress feels slow or uncertain. Research is a marathon, not a sprint. Success isn’t determined by how quickly you progress at the beginning, but by your ability to stay committed over the long term despite unexpected setbacks.

Finally, developing self-awareness is critical. It’s important to continually ask yourself what the real question is, what your goals are and where your work should go next. That’s not something most people can do entirely on their own. Mentors play an invaluable role by providing perspective, helping you navigate difficult decisions and guiding you when the path forward isn’t always clear.