Biography:

Shiyao completed her bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology at the University of Camerino in Italy and subsequently obtained her master’s degree in December 2023 from the University of Milan. Her master’s thesis focused on characterizing potential interactors of an E3 ubiquitin ligase and was conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Simona Polo and Prof. Thomas Vaccari.

From 2024 to 2025, she was awarded a research fellowship at the University of Milan, which enabled her to carry out research at the IFOM Institute of Molecular Oncology in the laboratory of Dr. Ylli Doksani, where she studied genome instability.

In October 2025, Shiyao moved to Brussels to begin her PhD studies in the laboratory of Prof. Cédric Blanpain, where she now focuses on metastasis. Metastasis is the process by which cancer spreads and becomes lethal and represents a central challenge in oncology, as understanding it is essential for transforming cancer into a manageable condition. Her research specifically aims to uncover the gene regulatory networks that control epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) during metastatic progression.

Being part of the Adaptmet network provides Shiyao with an invaluable platform to learn from established experts, foster broad collaborations, develop skills using state-of-the-art technologies, and realize her professional potential.