Guoyan Zhao

Dr. Guoyan Zhao passed on May 7, 2026, at the age of 53, having been born on December 25, 1972. She is survived by: her husband Liangwu Xu of 30 years, her children Jason Xu and Sophia Xu, her parents Shanxue Zhao and Fengyun Liu, her brothers Yanhai Zhao and Yanfang Zhao. The memorial service is scheduled for June 7, 2026 at Kriegshauser Mortuary - West Chapel.

Guoyan graduated from Peking University with bachelor degree in 1995 and master degree in 1998. She was awarded with different scholarships due to her excellent academic performance. During her time in college, she met her future husband Liangwu, with whom she would spend the rest of her life. After graduating, the couple immigrated to the US and settled in St. Louis, where they started their careers and had their first child in 2003.

Guoyan received her PhD from Washington University in St. Louis in 2004, where she would begin work as a researcher and professor. In 2007 she joined the Department of Pathology and Immunology as a supervisor and founding member of the Pathogen Discovery Facility, and in 2018 started her own lab in the Department of Neuroscience. She subsequently moved to the Department of Genetics, where in Dec. 2025, she achieved her longtime dream of becoming a tenured professor.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Guoyan was a devoted wife, loving mother, caring daughter, and cherished friend. Her kindness and warmth have touched the hearts of many families, and her absence will be felt by all.