Biographical Info

Start Date on Faculty: October 2021

Graduate Degree: Masters of Social Work, University of Chicago

Doctoral Degree: PhD in Disability Studies, University of Illinois Chicago

Dr. Xu received her doctorate in disability studies from the University of Illinois Chicago and a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago. She also completed a multidisciplinary training fellowship at UIC through Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disability and Related Disabilities (LEND).

Dr. Xu’s research lies in the intersection of health disparity and disability. In the Chicago area, she worked on community-based research with underserved immigrant families of children with autism and other developmental disabilities to reduce barriers to healthcare. Globally, she works with youth with disabilities in China on issues related to disability identity development, community capacity building and health equity.