Rice University PhD graduate defies the odds after being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Despite a grim diagnosis predicting he wouldn’t live past his 20s due to muscular dystrophy, Dr. Felix Wu has defied the odds. After graduating from Rice University, he is now dedicated to making the world better for people with disabilities.

Felix Wu’s parents, Lisa Hu and Gang Wu, recall the day their son’s life changed forever. At just three years old, doctors diagnosed him with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) after noticing his frequent falls and mobility issues. The prognosis was devastating, suggesting he would only live to be between 18 and 25 years old.

“Our world turned upside down,” Hu recalled. “At the time, treatment was very limited, and there’s no cure. So it was very tough for us. Our focus became to slow the progression of the disease.”

Muscle weakness is the primary symptom of DMD, starting as early as age two. It initially affects the muscles close to the body’s core before impacting the limbs, making activities like jumping, running, and walking difficult for children.

Felix Wu faced challenges growing up, unable to participate in physical activities with his peers and navigating inaccessible buildings. However, what affected him most was how others perceived him. “I’ve been questioned about what I’m able to achieve, and it’s taken opportunities away from me. People assumed I wasn’t intelligent or mature enough, and when I did succeed, they thought I took shortcuts,” he said.

Unable to control his condition, Wu’s parents focused on what they could—giving him love, education about DMD, and support in his pursuits. They traveled extensively, visiting over 70 national parks, and supported his academic ambitions without pressure.

Felix Wu excelled academically, much to his parents’ surprise. “He’s very self-driven and smart. We’re happy he’s doing so well, but we remind him to take care of his health,” Gang Wu said.

Reflecting during Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Felix Wu credited his parents, who immigrated from China in the 1980s, as his inspiration. “I’m motivated by the resources I have that they didn’t,” he said.

After nine years of commuting between Katy and Rice University, Felix Wu graduated with a PhD in psychological sciences, focusing on industrial-organizational and quantitative psychology, making him a “triple owl” for earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rice.

Felix Wu, now 26, plans to use his research to improve workplace conditions for people with disabilities. “People with disabilities are employed at a far lower rate than everyone else. It’s important economically to have a job to survive and thrive. I want to show that there are many things people with disabilities can do,” he said.

Felix Wu is taking a short break before starting a new job at a consulting firm, continuing his mission to advocate for and improve conditions for those with disabilities.