Meet Dr Echo Mei Xu, postdoctoral associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Picower Institute for Learning and Memory. Here she talks about medical technology, neuroscience and embracing fear. Echo was also a previous recipient of the Franklin Women Carer’s Scholarship (congratulations!) – applications for round 2 2025 are now open!
What is your current role and how did you get to be there?
I am a postdoctoral associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory in Boston, United States. My academic path spans three regions – earning my PhD in psychiatry at the University of New South Wales in Australia, my masters in clinical psychology at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan, and my undergrad in information and computing science at Southwest Jiaotong University in China.
My journey has been anything but linear, but the key has always been embracing multidisciplinary innovation. I began by using mathematics and coding to solve problems, but it wasn’t until I discovered my passion for psychology that everything clicked. I never abandoned my love for technology – this fusion drives my work today, using non-invasive brain stimulation to address neuropsychiatric disorders in both my PhD and postdoctoral research.
How does your work contribute to the field?
Our team is dedicated to uncovering the complexities of neurodegenerative disease (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, AD) using mice models and advancing gamma entrainment using sensory stimuli (GENUS) in neuropsychiatric disorders. I actively contribute to ongoing clinical trials investigating GENUS for AD treatment and its early intervention potential in mild cognitive impairment.
Currently, I am establishing preclinical trials using gamma sensory stimulation for schizophrenia in collaboration with McLean Hospital. Simultaneously, I am refining GENUS using a theta burst paradigm for AD. These clinical trials hold promise for non-invasive neuromodulation in treating neuropsychiatric conditions.
What is a project you would love to get off the ground or a skill you would like to develop, if you had the opportunity?
One of my goals is to develop a novel form of non-invasive brain stimulation – specifically, advancing gamma stimulation using light and sound – to treat neuropsychiatric disorders effectively. This work holds the potential to transform patient care and open new pathways for therapeutic interventions.
Congratulations! You were a recent recipient of the Franklin Women Carer’s Scholarship! Could you tell us a bit about what this meant for you, your family and/or your career?
Receiving the Franklin Women Carer’s Scholarship has been incredibly meaningful! It helps ease the responsibility of caring for my sibling who has a psychiatric condition. Beyond that, the scholarship allows me to deepen my expertise in modern clinical trials, empowering me to advance my research and contribute to innovative approaches in neuropsychiatric care. I am truly grateful for this support, as it strengthens both my professional growth and personal well-being!
What are your loves outside of work?
I love staying active, especially through yoga and swimming – both help me meditate and refresh my mind. I love film photography and believe humans are visual creatures, and images possess a unique power – sometimes conveying emotions and stories even more profoundly than words.
What is one piece of advice you could pass onto others following their own career in health and medical research sector?
Multidisciplinary innovation and embracing fear are the two most valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout my career. Each field holds deep knowledge, but true innovation often emerges when ideas from different areas intersect. The unpredictable nature of research is the new norm, and the most challenging moments often come with fear. It’s crucial to stay open-minded, understand your passion and stay motivated. Talking with family, friends, colleagues and mentors can provide clarity and guide you through those pivotal moments!