Dr. Xiang Xue, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He is a biomedical researcher specializing in environmental toxicology and gastrointestinal pathophysiology, with a focus on understanding how environmental stressors such as heavy metals and microplastics contribute to inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer. His work integrates molecular biology, toxicology, and cancer biology to uncover novel mechanisms of disease and identify innovative therapeutic targets, setting him apart in the interdisciplinary field of cancer-environment interactions. Dr. Xue has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles as either the first or corresponding author in high-impact journals, including Gastroenterology, Cell Metabolism, Nature Metabolism, and Advanced Science. He has delivered more than 30 invited talks at international scientific conferences and symposia. His work has been cited over 5,000 times, and his current H-index on Google Scholar is 42. He is a recipient of several prestigious honors, such as the UNM Health Science Center Excellence in Research Award and the American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grant. He is an active member of professional societies including the American Physiological Society (APS), and Society of Toxicology (SOT). In addition to his research, Dr. Xue contributes extensively to the academic community through service to scientific journals. He has peer-reviewed more than 170 manuscripts and authored several invited commentaries and editorials for journals in the fields of toxicology, cancer biology, and gastroenterology. Dr. Xue’s long-term research goals focus on advancing the understanding of metal and nutrient metabolism in tumorigenesis, improving cancer therapy, and elucidating the biological consequences of toxic environmental exposures. He is particularly engaged in exploring the molecular mechanisms that link micronutrient dysregulation with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer progression. He is recognized for his strong mentoring and leadership skills, having trained and supported more than 30 undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. He brings to his work a broad set of professional competencies, including effective communication, strategic problem-solving, active listening, and program management. Outside the laboratory, Dr. Xue enjoys photography, hiking in the American Southwest, and reading historical biographies. These hobbies provide him with creative inspiration and a sense of balance that supports his dedication to scientific inquiry and mentorship.