XI CHENG

My research into trans-generational inheritance opened a door for me—one that led straight to the world of neurogenetic rare diseases. It’s a place where conditions passed down through families due to genetic variations meet the added difficulty of being little-known and often misunderstood. What moved me most was realizing that, beyond the medical challenges, it’s the social prejudice and lack of awareness that weigh most heavily on patients and their families. That’s why I’m committed to science communication and public education: I want to help break down misconceptions, build deeper understanding, and make sure that “rare” no longer means “overlooked.”