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Dear faculty, staff and students, 
On behalf of the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Xin Qi as interim chair for the Department of Physiology and Biophysics. Xin, the Jeanette M. and Joseph S. Silber Professor of Brain Sciences, is a distinguished scientist and leader in mitochondrial biology and neurodegenerative disease research. She brings extensive expertise, innovation and a deep commitment to advancing biomedical science and education. Xin and Jason Mears, from the Department of Pharmacology, joined forces to form the Center for Mitochondrial Research and Therapeutics, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to cutting-edge research. “My goal is not only to support the department during this transition but also to lay the groundwork for department long-term success,” said Qi. “By working closely with my colleagues, I am committed to advancing research, education and community engagement in alignment with the School of Medicine’s strategic goals.” Xin’s research focuses on the intricate interplay between mitochondrial quality control, cellular metabolism, immune responses and the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Her work has identified key mitochondrial proteins and pathways implicated in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, as well as ALS. Beyond these fundamental discoveries, she has pioneered novel therapeutic strategies, including biologic peptides and small molecules designed to counteract mitochondrial dysfunction—offering promising new avenues for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Her research program is currently supported by multiple NIH grants, foundation awards and industry collaborations. In addition to her academic roles, Xin is the scientific co-founder of two biotechnology companies, one developing peptide and protein-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and the other advancing small-molecule therapeutics for rare diseases. Her academic contributions have been recognized with a number of honors, including the Falk Foundation Transformative Award, the Harrington Rare Disease Scholar Award and the Vinney Scholar Award for Alzheimer’s Disease. In 2023, she was honored with the university’s Faculty Distinguished Research Award, and her dedication to mentorship was recognized with the John S. Diekhoff Award for Excellence in Graduate Mentoring last year. Xin is also deeply engaged in the broader scientific community. She serves as a permanent member and chair of a NIH Neural Oxidative Metabolism, Mitochondria and Cell Death study section and contributes to multiple research institute and foundation grant review boards, including the Harrington Discovery Institute and the Falk Research Foundation. Additionally, she has served as an associate editor on multiple editorial boards. While earning her PhD at Hokkaido University in Japan, Xin learned Japanese as it was required to present her oral defense in that language. She joined the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine faculty in 2011 after completing her postdoctoral training at Stanford University. Please join us in congratulating Xin and thanking her for beginning her service in this interim role. We look forward to her guidance and expertise as we advance the impact of basic and translational research to improve human health. Sincerely, Stan Gerson, MD Dean, CWRU School of Medicine Director, National Center for Regenerative Medicine |
Article Date
February 26, 2025