Xiuchun (Cindy) Tian

Professor

Dr. Tian obtained her MS and PhD from Cornell University where she conducted research in early pregnancy recognition and regulation of steroidogenesis in preovulatory follicles. She then served as post-doctoral fellow supported by a National Research Service Award from the NIH. Currently she teaches embryo biotechnology and conducts research in embryo development, genetic engineering, pluripotent stem cells, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome.

Education

  • Ph.D., Physiology, Cornell University, 1995
  • M.S., Physiology, Cornell University, 1989
  • B.S., Animal Science, China Agricultural University, 1985

Teaching

  • ANSC 3323. Animal Embryology and Biotechnology
  • ANSC 3324W. Scientific Writing in Embryo Biotechnology
  • ANSC 5621. Frontiers in Animal Embryo Biotechnology

Research Areas / Expertise

  • Preimplantation embryos
  • In vitro fertilization
  • Oocyte maturation
  • Heat stress
  • Pluripotent stem cells
  • Artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Small molecules
  • Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS)

Selected Publications

  1. Zhao, R., Liu, J., Bakhtari, A., Shen, J., Fayad-Costa, A., Wang, B., & Tian, X. (2025). Evidence against the role of toll-like receptors 7 and 8 in sex selection in mice, cattle, and humans. iScience, 28(9), Article 113164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.113164
  2. Su, Y., Zhao, R., Fang, Y., Li, G., Jin, L., Liu, J., Zhu, J., Mishra, N., Kaback, D., Yee, S. P., Lei, C. Z., Duan, J. E., Tian, X. C., & Tang, Y. (2024). Bovine formative embryonic stem cells capable of embryonic and extraembryonic differentiation. bioRxiv.
  3. Ranjitkar, S., Shiri, M., Sun, J., & Tian, X. (2025). Poly(A)‐Selected Intergenic Transcripts in In Vivo Developed Bovine Oocytes and Pre‐Implantation Embryos. Molecular Reproduction and Development, 92(2), e70017-n/a. https://doi.org/10.1002/mrd.70017
  4. Zhu, J., Lai, Y., Cheng, M., Dash, R. C., Guo, S., Guo, J., Su, Y., Wolek, A., Issacs, B., Liu, Z., Li, Q., Mishra, N., Garmendia, A., Hadden, M. K., Tian, X. C., He, X., & Tang, Y. (2025). Discovery of small molecules against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus replication by targeting NendoU activity. Journal of Virology, 99(2), e0203424. https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.02034-24
  5. Fang, Y., Su, Y., Meisel, R., Walters, J. R., Gamble, T., Randolph, E. C., Yu, X., Shi, M., Li, G., Zhang, J., Riddle, N. C., Biga, P. R., Bronikowski, A. M., Wilkinson, G. S., Larschan, E., Singh, R., Webb, A., Tian, X. (Cindy), Tang, Y., & Duan, J. (Ellie). (2026). Comparative transcriptomic analysis of embryonic stem cells across mammalian species. iScience, 29(1), Article 114542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.114542

Selected Awards and Honors

  • Educational Technology National Award, The Unpeeled GMO Education Team, The National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (2022)
  • Gold Award Winner, The Unpeeled GMO Education Team, Association for Communication Excellence (2022)
  • Inaugural Core Value Award, GENEX (2017)
  • Young Scientist Award- Educator, ASAS/ADSA Northeast Section (2016)

    Extension, Outreach, and Service

    Dr. Tian contributes to youth education and community engagement through 4-H biotechnology and career development programs supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). She engages with youth through educational programs focused on biotechnology, genetic engineering, and related career pathways, including virtual discussions with teens from around the world about genetic engineering and its potential benefits. Her outreach helps young people build scientific literacy, explore emerging technologies, and develop awareness of educational and career opportunities in biotechnology.

    Professional Profiles

     

    Cindy Tian
    Contact Information
    Emailxiuchun.tian@uconn.edu
    Phone860-486-9087
    Office LocationAg. Tech Bldg., Room 220D | Lab: Ag. Tech Bldg., Room 231