“I’ve always been fascinated by how light can be used to reveal the hidden inner working mechanisms of cells,” said Xuanwen Hua, a postdoctoral researcher at Georgia Tech. “I’m excited by the possibility of pushing the boundaries of what we can see and measure in complex biological systems.”  

Pushing the Boundaries of Biophotonics

Working in the Jia Lab, Hua stands at the intersection of optics, computation, and biology, pushing the boundaries of what we can see and measure in biological systems. He first arrived in Atlanta six years ago to the join Ph.D. program at Georgia Tech and Emory.  

“I was looking for a collaborative and innovation-driven environment where I could continue developing new imaging tools and apply them to real biological questions,” said Hua. “Georgia Tech offered exactly that, with strong support for interdisciplinary research and access to outstanding facilities and collaborators.”  

Now, as a postdoctoral researcher at Tech, he works with a group that shares his interest in cutting-edge imaging and microscopy. Hua is currently leading several interdisciplinary projects aimed at expanding the capabilities of biophotonics for cell biology research.  

Recognized for Research and Impact

Hua was recently honored with an inaugural Research Administration & Support – Spotlight Award, a recognition given to individuals who go above and beyond in advancing Tech’s research enterprise. These awards celebrate staff, research faculty, and postdocs who exemplify Georgia Tech core values and contribute meaningfully to the goals of the Research Next initiative, particularly the “All Members Contribute” implementation team.  

Learn more about the Research Administration & Support – Spotlight Awards and the other winners here. 

A Day in the Lab (and Beyond)

A typical day for Hua involves a combination of lab work, data analysis, reading, and writing.  

“In the morning, I usually focus on reading and writing,” said Hua. “After a quick lunch, I dedicate the afternoon to programming and conducting experiments. I also assist with troubleshooting hardware and software issues in the lab and support Ph.D. students when they encounter challenges in their projects.”

For Hua, being a postdoc is quite different from being a Ph.D. student.

“I now have to consider various factors beyond just ‘pure research,’ such as writing proposals, applying for grants, networking, and mentoring young Ph.D. students,” said Hua.  

He is also thinking more about his future career path.  

“In the evening, I usually look for information about open positions as well as current hot topics in my research field,” said Hua.  

Life Beyond Research

When Hua isn’t in the lab, he loves to hike and explore Atlanta.  

“Atlanta is truly a cozy place to live, offering a variety of attractions,” said Hua. “I have explored several state parks in and around Atlanta, including Sweetwater Creek State Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Providence Canyon State Park, and Cloudland Canyon State Park. All of these parks are incredibly beautiful.”  

He also enjoys playing piano, practicing traditional calligraphy, and making couplets and squares for the Lunar New Year. On weekends, he often visits Doraville or Duluth with friends to enjoy great food.