BioE Student Spotlight: Xiaoyu Tong
This article was written by Rida M., a Bioengineering undergraduate student and student office worker in the Department of Bioengineering.
This month, we are proud to spotlight Xiaoyu Tong, a Ph.D. candidate whose journey into bioengineering reflects a deep curiosity about how the brain works, and a passion for using mathematics to uncover its hidden patterns. Originally from Beijing, China, Tong has spent years building a unique academic foundation that blends neuroscience, engineering, and computational modeling. His work stands at the intersection of theory and application, where elegant mathematical principles meet complex biological behaviors. As a researcher driven by both precision and imagination, Tong embodies the interdisciplinary spirit of Lehigh’s Bioengineering program and represents the forward-thinking approach shaping the future of computational neuroscience.
Tong’s interest in computational neuroscience began early in his academic journey. Growing up in Beijing, he was drawn to the elegance of mathematical explanations for biological processes. He notes, "I have been interested in both math and neuroscience for years. From high school to my Master program, I had been fascinated by Mendel genetics, the Hodgkin-Huxley model, and the application of graph theory in neuroscience, which elegantly describe complicated biological phenomena with insightful math equations." This intellectual curiosity inspired him to pursue a career dedicated to understanding brain function through quantitative and computational approaches.
When selecting a graduate program, Tong was immediately drawn to Lehigh University because of its strong research in computational neuroscience. He explains, "I was attracted by Dr. Yu Zhang’s research direction and quality." Under Dr. Zhang’s (former Bioengineering faculty member) guidance, Tong’s research has focused on computational psychiatry and neuroimaging, which are fields that aim to connect mathematical modeling with clinical and cognitive insights.
Tong has also achieved remarkable academic milestones at a young age. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at 19 and completed his Master’s degree at 21. In addition, he already has two papers accepted at Nature Mental Health, one published, and one currently in editorial production, which highlights the impact of his research.
After completing his Ph.D. in Fall 2025, Tong plans to continue his academic path. He shares, "I am currently interested in pursuing a career in academia. I will start a postdoc position at Stanford University after graduation." His long-term goal is to advance computational approaches that deepen our understanding of brain disorders and guide innovations in clinical practice.
Tong’s advice to current and future bioengineering students is both thoughtful and empowering: "Turn what you are into talent, not talent into what you are." His journey reflects the curiosity, dedication, and interdisciplinary thinking that define the Bioengineering program at Lehigh. We look forward to witnessing the contributions he will continue to make to the field.