Celebrating heritage through science: A conversation with Wen Zhang, PhD
By IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
May 7, 2025
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Desi (AAPID) Heritage Month. We spotlight Wen Zhang, PhD, a researcher whose journey from China to the lab at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center blends cultural tradition with scientific innovation.
Growing up in China, Zhang was immersed in a culture that valued discipline, education, and curiosity—especially in the sciences.
“I still remember spending hours after school reading science books well beyond the required curriculum,” he said. That early curiosity blossomed into a career exploring mirror-image nucleic acid nanostructures—synthetic molecules that hold promise for precision cancer therapies. Zhang is a member of the Experimental and Developmental Therapeutics research program at the cancer center.
“What drives my passion is the opportunity to bridge basic science with medical innovation,” Zhang said. “We’re developing RNA and DNA structures that are more stable in the body and can target cancer cells with great accuracy.”
Zhang’s cultural heritage continues to shape his approach to both science and life. The Mid-Autumn Festival remains a meaningful time for reflection, family gathering and cultural connection, and enjoying the graceful rhythm of classical Chinese dance and music. “These experiences keep me grounded—even in the fast-paced world of research,” he said.
His holistic view of health, influenced by traditional Chinese philosophy, emphasizes harmony, balance, and the importance of long-term wellness. “Effective health solutions must consider not just biological mechanisms but also cultural context in which they are applied,” he said.
When asked what advice he would give to emerging researchers, Zhang offers: “Stay curious, and don’t be afraid to follow unconventional ideas. Science is a long game—but if you persist, the journey is incredibly rewarding.”
