Dr. Xinyun Qiu, MD, PhD, is a postdoctoral researcher at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and holds a doctoral degree from Peking University Health Science Center. He previously served in the Department of Gastroenterology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, where he devoted eight years to bridging basic research and clinical practice in digestive diseases. Dr. Qiu is a leading researcher in the study of host-microbe interactions, with a particular focus on the interplay between intestinal bacteria and fungi and their influence on immune responses and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). What distinguishes his work is his integrative approach that combines clinical insight with mechanistic studies to uncover how intestinal fungi modulate mononuclear phagocyte function and drive intestinal inflammation. Dr. Qiu has published 23 peer-reviewed English articles, many as first or corresponding author, in high-impact journals such as Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, Journal of Crohn's and colitis, and Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. His research has been cited more than 1,800 times according to Google Scholar, with an H-index reflecting significant academic impact. He has received funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China for two major projects related to gut microbiota and immune regulation in IBD. He is an active member of several academic communities and has delivered multiple talks at international conferences. In addition to publishing, Dr. Qiu has contributed extensively to academic peer review, having reviewed over 60 manuscripts, including 13 in English for journals such as Gut Microbes, Cell Communication and Signaling, Microbiology Spectrum, mSystems, and BMC Microbiology. He has also contributed editorials and continues to support the academic community through scholarly critique and evaluation. Dr. Qiu's long-term research interests lie in unraveling the immunological mechanisms by which gut microbiota—especially fungi—shape host inflammation and disease progression, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets for IBD and related disorders. He is also passionate about developing translational strategies that bridge microbiome research and clinical care. Professionally, Dr. Qiu is known for his leadership, mentorship, and collaborative skills. He is an effective communicator and team leader with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. His ability to integrate diverse research findings and manage multidisciplinary projects makes him a valuable asset to any research environment. Outside of academia, Dr. Qiu enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with his family. These personal interests not only enrich his life but also inspire creativity and resilience in his professional journey.