'Amazing young woman': Hudson graduate and Star Student Alice Xu aspires to be a doctor
When Alice Xu was born, her grandfather said right away, “This will be the next physician in the family.”
While other girls tried on pretty dresses and played with dolls, Xu donned her doctor’s coat and performed checkups on her parents.
Xu will take the next step toward fulfilling her dream of becoming a doctor when she starts the liberal medical education program in the fall at Brown University.
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Xu, a Hudson High School graduate, has been named one of this year’s three top Star Students. She was selected from more than 100 graduating seniors. The annual program by The Canton Repository, Akron Beacon Journal, The Record-Courier and The Daily Record recognizes the region’s outstanding high school graduates.
Shelley Laudato, a Hudson counselor, nominated Xu, saying that in 38 years in education she has never “worked with a more outstanding student.”
“Alice is an amazing young woman,” Laudato said. “Her humility, compassion and sincere care for the well-being of others will, no doubt, provide the foundation for a successful career in the medical field.”
Joseph Schuch, a Hudson math teacher, called Xu one of the “most honest, humble and caring students” he’s taught in 26 years. He said Xu, who was the director of services for the National Honor Society, did a great job coordinating a program in which high school students tutor elementary and middle school students.
Xu, 18, also played soccer, was involved in speech and debate, Key Club, student government, the Cultural Proficiency Advisory Committee, and HUDDLE, a program that encourages elementary students to adopt a drug-free lifestyle.
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Xu's grandfather inspired her to be a doctor
Xu said she was inspired to pursue a career in medicine by her grandfather who was a military surgeon in China for many years.
Both of Xu’s parents are from China. Her father is a pastor and her mother is a professor at the University of Akron.
Xu spent a lot of time at UA and landed an opportunity in the summer before her junior year to assist Professor Jie Zheng with a research project. They studied the “design and synthesis of bio-inspired soft materials for biomedical application with a focus on double-network hydrogels.”
When asked to explain this in simpler terms, Xu said this involves studying whether a material like seaweed can be used to replace body parts, such as knee cartilage. She said the technology is still being developed and isn’t yet ready to be placed inside a human.
“They need to make the gel stronger so they can use it for medical purposes,” she said.
Xu and another student also helped at UA with a research paper about the proteins in Alzheimer’s disease. They assisted with finding background and putting sections together. Because Xu is fluent in Chinese, she also was able to help clarify language issues for Chinese international students working on the paper.
Xu had heart set on attending Brown University
Xu, who was ranked first in her class, had her heart set on going to Brown and being part of the liberal medical education program. This eight-year program allows students to complete both an undergraduate and medical degree.
Xu, who plans to major in neuroscience, will be able to spend four years studying a topic. She plans to focus on Alzheimer’s disease.
“It’s a new and innovative field,” she said. “I’m excited to study it.”
As for what type of medicine she will practice, Xu said she has no idea, though it could involve surgery like her grandfather.
“I’ll have to wait until I get to Brown to see,” she said.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com, 330-996-3705 and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj.
About Star Student Alice Xu
High school: Hudson High School
College/post-high school choice: Brown University, Program in Liberal Medical Education
Intended major(s): Neuroscience
Social medial sites you use the most: Instagram, TikTok
TV shows you binge watch (or plan to): "The Good Doctor," "Big Bang Theory"
Favorite subject in school: Science!
Person (other than a parent) who has been the biggest influence on you and why: My grandfather. He has been a surgeon for over 50 years, and his passion for medicine was what inspired me to pursue the field.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I will have graduated medical school and started residency training. Hopefully, I will be working towards improving child and community health.
Briefly describe your favorite high school memory: Earlier this year, I went to New York City with one of my classes, New Dimensions. I enjoyed the week a lot, especially seeing Broadway shows and different museums with good friends.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hudson graduate and Star Student Alice Xu aspires to become a doctor
