By applying the focus and persistence he practices at the table‑tennis table to his Alzheimer’s research, PhD student Xizhi Xu is already making his mark at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health.
Xizhi is studying biostatistics with a concentration in genetics and Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects memory and thinking. He was drawn to this path by a desire to use statistics to solve pressing health problems. Through his PhD work, he is building skills, developing new approaches, and aiming to make meaningful contributions to public health.
“Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health concern in Kentucky, especially in rural communities where access to specialized neurological care is limited,” Xizhi said. “By identifying genetic factors and biological pathways that drive Alzheimer’s risk, my research can possibly support earlier detection and more precise risk assessment.”
His research looks at how changes in DNA may influence the way Alzheimer’s develops. One part of his work focuses on Braak staging — a method scientists use to measure disease progression in the brain. By combining genetic information with data about how genes are expressed, Xizhi hopes to identify the specific genetic variants that raise someone’s risk. These discoveries could help doctors detect Alzheimer’s earlier and design more targeted treatments.
Xizhi credits an unusual tool for helping him develop the discipline required for research, table tennis.
He first picked up the sport in primary school, practicing at a local club for several years. Now, as a member of the UK Table Tennis Club, he practices weekly, enjoying both the workout and the chance to connect with others.
“Both require consistent training and practice. Improvement comes from showing up, training, and refining skills over time,” Xizhi said. “The mindset of resilience and continuous improvement that I developed through table tennis has been valuable in my PhD work.”
Mentorship also has been central to his journey. Working with Stephen W. Wyatt Endowed Professor of Public Health David Fardo, PhD, has provided Xizhi with both guidance and opportunity. “Dr. Fardo is very supportive and always provides timely, thoughtful feedback,” Xizhi said. “He also creates opportunities for me to learn new things, including paper reviews, poster sessions, or seminars.”
"Xizhi's use of his range of interests and skills exemplifies how students in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics PhD program work to make progress on our state's healthcare priorities," Fardo said.
He adds that the College of Public Health has been a welcoming place, with faculty encouraging students to seek help with both academic and personal challenges.
Looking ahead, Xizhi hopes to build a career as a researcher, whether in academia or industry, contributing advances that reduce disease risk and improve health outcomes. His commitment is deeply rooted in Kentucky.
“I would want Kentuckians to know that my work is ultimately about helping families,” he said. “Alzheimer’s affects more people every year, and my goal is to contribute to solutions that can improve the lives of those navigating the disease.”
For Xizhi, the goal is clear: to help reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s disease in Kentucky and strengthen public health for communities across the state and beyond.
