The Mass General Research Institute (MGRI) is home to a research community of 9,500+ individuals working to understand disease and develop solutions to medicine’s most pressing challenges.

But who are they and what do they do when they’re not conducting research? Learn more about them in the #HumansOfMGRI series. 

From clinical research coordinators to postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, graduate students and principal investigators—they are all part of the Mass General Research Institute.

Our next guest in the series is Mengyao Xu, MD, PhD

I work in Dr. Oladapo Yeku’s lab as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research at Massachusetts General Hospital. My research aims to develop novel immune-based target therapies against ovarian cancer.

My work in cancer research involves characterizing the suppressive tumor microenvironment, which is comprised of malignant cells that prevent immune cells from recognizing and eliminating cancer cells. I also evaluate strategies to improve the efficacy of novel immunotherapeutic approaches for managing gynecologic malignancies.

This includes immune checkpoint inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific T-cell engager therapy and adoptive cellular therapy, including CAR-T cells.

My current research involves the use of relevant cell lines, preclinical animal models, and clinical trials to validate the effects of treatments targeting the MUC16 biomarker for ovarian cancer. In this, I evaluate the individual effects of MUC16 directed therapies as well as synergistic and combination therapies.

When I embarked on my residency in the OB/GYN department, little did I know that it would be a transformative experience that would shape the course of my career.

Witnessing the anguish and suffering of numerous patients battling ovarian cancer left an indelible mark on my heart and ignited a deep sense of purpose within me.

Every day, as I stood at the bedside of these brave individuals, I was overwhelmed by a torrent of emotions. I felt their pain, fear, and frustration, but I also witnessed their unwavering strength and resilience.

It was during these challenging moments that I realized my true calling is to contribute to the fight against cancer and offer hope to those who desperately need it.

During my spare time, I enjoy hiking, skiing, traveling, watching movies, and working out.

I’m an outdoor enthusiast, a nature-loving nomad and an adventure addict whether I’m scaling peaks, gliding on snow, exploring new horizons or immersing myself in cinematic worlds

I visit new places, absorb diverse cultures, and chat with locals for a taste of authentic experiences.

Whether I’m wandering through bustling city streets or relaxing on a tropical beach, I like taking a break from my usual routine and refreshing my mind with new perspectives.

“I’m on a quest to squeeze every drop of joy from this wild ride called life.” 

My all-time favorite TV shows are ”Friends” and ”Grey’s Anatomy”. I have watched ‘Friends’ six times from the first season to the last season. It never fails to make me laugh with its hilarious group of friends, and it is also the classic TV show when I first began to learn English.

When it comes to movies, I have a few top favorites. ”Love Actually” and ”Bridget Jones's Diary” warms my heart every holiday season with its British humor, and ”Interstellar” takes me on an epic journey through space and time. I also love ”Secret,” which is directed by Jay Chou and has a beautifully unique storyline.

My zodiac sign is Aries. I’m also a typical Aries. I might seem as serious as a penguin in a tuxedo. But the moment the fast tempo hits the airwaves, my inner dance demon awakens, and I start shaking and shimmying like a squirrel on a caffeine bender. It’s like my body has a mind of its own, and it’s not always on its best behavior.

So, if you ever see me grooving to the music, just know that my wild side has temporarily escaped its cage, and I’m having a blast embarrassing myself on the dance floor -__-.