Xu Feng, Ph.D., is a Professor in the division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, and a member of the Department of Pathology's Diversity Task Force. This group meets regularly and includes representatives from around the department, including faculty, staff, and trainees. Here, Dr. Feng answers some questions about his experiences with diversity.

• Where were you born and raised?
  I was born and raised in the northwestern region of China. After finishing my college degree, I came to the U.S. to pursue my graduate studies at the University of Vermont.

• How long have you been at UAB and how did you come to be here?
  I have been at UAB for 20 years. Upon completing my postdoctoral training, I came to UAB to start my independent research career as an assistant professor in 2000.

• How has diversity impacted your personal life?
  I grew up in a Chinese province where about 40% of the population is an ethnic minority (Chinese Muslims). I have studied and lived in the U.S. for more than 30 years—a country with more diverse populations and cultures. Over the years, I feel that the diversity has positively influenced my personal development and learning. It has also enriched my personal experience.  

• Your career?
  I am a biomedical researcher in bone and cancer biology. I hope that my work will not only help better understand the cause of diseases but, more importantly, lead to the development of better therapies.

• What is a change you would like to see at UAB regarding diversity?
  I would like to see that UAB is proactive in identifying issues related to diversity and taking actions to address those issues.

• What is something you are proud about relating to diversity and your UAB life?
  I am proud of working in a diverse place like UAB and I truly believe that a diverse workforce enriches professional experience and promotes creativity.

• What have you gained from serving on this committee?
  How do you think it can assist the department as a whole? So far, this experience has enabled me to gain a better understanding of issues related to diversity and learn things we can do to address these issues. With the knowledge, I will be able to work with fellow committee members to develop strategies to make our department an even better place to work.   

• What would you like others to know about you or your culture that will affect how they treat you here?
  Nothing specific. However, since I believe that open dialogue is key to preventing misunderstanding and promoting mutual understanding, I will be initiating a dialogue if I feel that I am not treated by others in the way that I wish to be treated.  Importantly, I expect others to do the same if I treat them in a way they do not like.