Yuan is a trained virologist with extensive research experience in drug discovery. Over the past decade, her primary focus has been on developing novel anti - infection therapies. After completing her postdoctoral training at Emory University, she began her career at Boehringer Ingelheim, rising through the ranks from a bench - work scientist to a senior scientist, principal scientist, and project leader.

She initiated several crucial drug discovery projects and successfully steered them into the company's portfolio. Moreover, during her professional track in the industry, she published several high - impact papers as corresponding author, significantly enhancing her standing in the scientific community.

Simultaneously, she established a broad network and exerted considerable influence within the scientific realm. She was in charge of Boehringer Ingelheim's external funding platform and facilitated a strategic collaboration with Tsinghua University.

After ten productive years at Boehringer Ingelheim, she joined XJTLU last month as an associate professor. She will continue her research endeavors in anti - infection drug discovery and vaccine development.