Lab Member Spotlight: Yujia Lu

Welcome to the inaugural edition of our Lab Member Spotlight, where we shine a light on the talented individuals contributing to the work within the Song Lab. Our first spotlight features Yujia Lu, a dedicated and innovative PhD student in Cancer Epidemiology. Yujia’s journey into research is a testament to her commitment to enhancing public health through scientific inquiry. In this conversation, she shares her path into research, the exciting projects she’s currently working on, and a few personal insights.

Could you tell us a little about your background and how you became interested in research?

I have a background in Food Nutrition. During my undergraduate studies, I started my first research project and successfully developed a new food formula of milk powder consisting of a specific type of dietary fiber which could promote the growth of beneficial gut microbiota and alleviate lactose intolerance. This achievement brought me immense fulfillment and made me feel like a superhero, helping many people who suffer from lactose intolerance. The experience inspired me to commit to conducting more meaningful research to help people lead healthier lives.

What’s a little-known fact about you that your colleagues might find surprising?

A little-known fact about me is that I learned Latin dance for six years, starting when I was eight years old. This experience not only taught me discipline and creativity but also made me more outgoing and instilled in me a positive, energetic approach to life.

What inspired you to pursue a career in epidemiology?

My interest in epidemiology sparked during my time at CDC, where I saw how epidemiologists became ‘disease detectives,’ uncovering risk factors and guiding life-saving interventions. I witnessed the heavy toll of cancer and chronic diseases, many of which could be mitigated through early detection and lifestyle changes. These experiences deepened my commitment to understanding risk factors and promoting healthy lifestyle interventions to reduce the burden of disease.

What is your current role in the Song Lab, and how did you get here?

I am a current PhD student in Cancer Epidemiology mentored by Dr. Song. I joined the Song Lab at the beginning of my master’s program in Epidemiology at Harvard.

What research projects are you currently working on?

My research interests center around the interplay between diet, body composition, gut microbiome and other omics, and cancer development. I am currently working on a project examining how gut microbiome and diet can exert synergic effects on C-reactive protein, an inflammatory blood biomarker related to many chronic diseases.

Can you explain your research to someone without a scientific background?

Our research aims to understand why and how cancer develops in certain individuals, identifying the factors that increase cancer risk. We also strive to explore potential interventions and develop prediction approaches to cancer risk to contribute to cancer prevention.

What are the potential real-world applications of your research?

Visceral fat is known as a crucial factor in the obesity-cancer association, yet its measurement by imaging techniques is very costly and not accessible in many clinical and research settings. We developed a prediction model to estimate visceral fat with high accuracy using readily accessible variables. We believe this estimation equation would enhance clinical accessibility for visceral fat estimation, thereby promoting obesity monitoring and cancer prevention.

Who have been your mentors, and how have they influenced you?

Dr. Song is a talented and passionate scientist and has been a supportive mentor to me. I have learned many research skills and developed good habits under his mentorship, such as critical thinking and the routine of reading and reviewing literature. He has involved me in numerous meaningful projects, which have helped me grow into a more mature researcher.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of the lab?

Outside of the lab, I enjoy practicing yoga, singing, and exploring the diverse food scene in Boston.

Thank you for sharing your journey and insights with us, Yujia!

We are excited to see how her work will continue to contribute to advancements in cancer epidemiology and beyond. Stay tuned for more insights from our team in future spotlights!