Dr. Yang Xu

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Dr. Yang Xu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph. He received his Master’s degree in Food Science from South China University of Technology and pursued his PhD in Plant Science at the University of Alberta. His doctoral research focused on engineering enhanced performance in plant lipid biosynthetic enzymes to improve oil accumulation. Following his PhD, Dr. Xu joined Dr. Guanqun Chen's laboratory at the University of Alberta as a postdoctoral fellow, where he concentrated on oil metabolism in microalgae and the biosynthesis of unusual fatty acids. He later moved to Michigan State University as a postdoctoral research associate, extending his research to chloroplast membrane lipid assembly in photosynthetic organisms. Dr. Xu's research interests include lipid metabolism in plants and microalgae and the application of synthetic biology and biotechnology strategies to produce designer oils that meet the growing global demand for food, fuel, and renewable materials. He has received multiple accolades for his contributions to plant biology, including the 2021 Carl Douglas Prize from the Canadian Society of Plant Biologists.

Research Interests

Experience

Postdoctoral Research Associate

— Present

Michigan State University •

Conducted research on chloroplast membrane lipid assembly.

Postdoctoral Fellow

— Present

University of Alberta •

Focused on oil metabolism in microalgae and biosynthesis of unusual fatty acids.

Requirements for University of Guelph

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:21
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:89
Prerequisites
Honours baccalaureate degree in a relevant field or DVM degree Identify a potential faculty advisor
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Two academic reference assessments
  • Statement of interest
  • English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Department of Clinical Studies. Offers MSc by thesis (2 years) and MSc by coursework (1 year).