
Changing the Conversation
My Advocacy in the Media
Video
“Why does isolation suck? Ask me, I’m a Grad Student with Fay Lin,” Ask Me, I’m a Scientist by Dr. Susanna Harris. YouTube Live. April 21, 2020.

Seminars
Written Pieces
“Grad students tell of the coronavirus’s impact,” Chemistry & Engineering News (C&EN). April 6, 2020
Podcasts
"Grad Chat from PhD Balance." Host. April 2020 - present.
“Mind Your Own Mental Health!” Just as it Sounds. Guest. November 29, 2020.
“Fay Lin: Systemic Issues in Academia,” The Scientistt Podcast. Guest. October 28, 2020.
Twitter Chats

My Mental Health Journey
During my last year of undergrad, I experienced a major depressive episode that left me completely debilitated. On the outside, I was thriving as an honors scholar at NYU, working as a peer mentor as a resident assistant in my dorm, and completing my undergraduate research thesis. I didn’t ‘look’ like someone who was depressed. Mental health stigma told me I was weak and not worthy of help.
In March 2019, I started my Twitter platform @xiaofei_lin to open up about my experiences, particularly as a grad student struggling with mental health in academia. I use my voice to challenge stigma, share mental health resources, and remind people struggling that they are not alone.
Since that time, I have highly engaged with mental health awareness in the media. From video series (like Grad Chat from PhD Balance) to published writing to speaking in podcasts, seminars, and panels, I work to ensure that mental health stories are at the forefront of the conversation.
Want to collaborate on a mental health project? Send me a message!
Press & Media Coverage