Xiaoyan Tang was born and raised in Sichuan, China. She earned her bachelor's degree from the College of Chemistry and Molecular Science at Wuhan University in 2009, followed by the completion of her Ph.D. at the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in 2015. Throughout her doctoral studies under the mentorship of Professor Yuesheng Li, Xiaoyan focused on the design and synthesis of transition metal complexes, exploring their applications in catalyzing olefin polymerization.

After completing her doctorate, Xiaoyan advanced her research career by joining the Eugene Y.-X. Chen Research Group at Colorado State University in the United States. There, she served as a postdoctoral researcher and subsequently as a Research Scientist II, concentrating on the synthesis of recyclable and biodegradable polyesters through the development of chemoselective or stereoselective polymerization methodologies.

In August 2020, Xiaoyan embarked on an independent career at the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University. Her current research continues to contribute to the field of polymer chemistry, particularly in sustainable and innovative materials.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Xiaoyan finds joy in swimming and fishing.