Xiong(sean) Wang
About Xiong(sean) Wang
Xiong (Sean) Wang is the Sequencing and Bioinformatics Unit Supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Health, where he leads COVID-19 variant tracking and surveillance efforts. He has a background in veterinary medicine and bioinformatics, with experience in whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2.
Work at Minnesota Department of Health
Xiong Wang currently serves as the Sequencing and Bioinformatics Unit Supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Health. He has held this position since 2018, contributing to various public health initiatives. Wang has played a key role in the whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2, which is vital for understanding the virus's evolution and spread. He leads efforts in tracking and surveillance of COVID-19 variants, utilizing molecular epidemiology to analyze outbreaks effectively.
Education and Expertise
Xiong Wang earned a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from Jilin University, where he studied animal physiology, pharmacology, anatomy, immunology, virology, and molecular bioscience from 2006 to 2011. He furthered his education at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Virology and Bioinformatics with a minor in Biostatistics from 2011 to 2015. His academic background provides a strong foundation for his work in bioinformatics and public health.
Background
Before his current role, Xiong Wang worked as an APHL-CDC bioinformatics fellow at the Minnesota Department of Health from 2016 to 2018. His experience also includes serving as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Minnesota from 2011 to 2016 and as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at Jilin University from 2009 to 2010. Additionally, he completed a research internship at ProtaTek International, Inc. in 2015.
Achievements
Xiong Wang has been instrumental in advancing public health efforts through his work in whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 at the Minnesota Department of Health. His leadership in COVID-19 variant tracking and surveillance has contributed to a better understanding of the virus's impact in the community. His focus on molecular epidemiology analysis has enhanced the department's capability to respond to COVID-19 outbreaks.