Zheng Kuang, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor
I am passionate about unraveling the interplay between the gut microbiota, circadian rhythms and epigenetic modifications. My lab tries to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that bring about observed normal physiology and tries to decipher how perturbations in these can result in metabolic diseases and have immunological consequences. Although I trained with yeast for my PhD, I briefly worked with flies and zebrafish; now my lab uses mice as a model organism. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking with my family, playing badminton and table tennis, singing and cooking.
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Ph.D., Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University
M.H.S., Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University
M.S., Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology
B.S., Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Tsinghua University
Email: zhengkua@andrew.cmu.edu
Junjie Ma, Ph.D.
Lab manager/Research Associate II
I am interested in studying how the gut microbiota can influence alternative splicing in various contexts and disease conditions. I was trained with bacteria and flies for my PhD, and have ever since been fascinated by the impacts the gut microbiota has on the overall metabolism of an organism. Outside the lab, I am very passionate about dancing, trying different cuisines, watching horror movies and spending time with my family.
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Nebraska
Ph.D., Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska
M.S., Diagnostics of Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan University
B.S., Medical Laboratory Science, Wuhan University
Email: junjiem@andrew.cmu.edu
Jianglin Zhang, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher
I am interested in studying a subpopulation of gut cells that have roles in immunity. I am also investigating the role of some specific bacteria that can greatly improve host metabolism. I have previously worked on antibiotic resistance, and worked on viral-bacterial interactions and now want to use these skills in studying how they can interact with the host gut. Outside the lab, I am very passionate about playing table tennis and badminton, hiking and cooking.
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Southern California
Ph.D., Pathogeny Biology, Zhejiang University
M.S., Agricultural Extension, Zhejiang University
B.S., Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Email: jiangliz@andrew.cmu.edu
Hunter Christopher, B. S.
Postbaccalaureate student
I am fascinated with structural bioinformatics, particularly molecular docking and drug discovery. I am eager to expand my knowledge and discover specialized interests within this lab, particularly delving into the connections between circadian rhythms, microbiota interactions, and their implications. Outside the lab, I enjoy singing, reading thriller and romance books, and exploring the rhythms of Spanish music (from reggaeton to vallenato).
B.S., Biology, Spelman College
Email: hchristo@andrew.cmu.edu
Samskrathi Sharma, M.Sc.
Ph.D. Candidate
I want to explore the interplay between the gut microbiota, a sex-specific epigenetic modifier and circadian rhythms of gene expression in the intestine. I have worked on small projects in cancer biology and aquaculture of fishes and shrimp in the past. Outside the lab, I enjoy writing, photography, creating comic strips, reading, and spending my time doing art and craft.
M.Sc., Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology
B.Sc., Biotechnology, Chemistry & Zoology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
Email: samskras@andrew.cmu.edu
Sarah Oladejo, B.S.
Ph.D. Candidate
The interplay between the gut microbiota and different immune sensors is a niche I have developed interest in. During my previous education, I worked with microbes and performed bioinformatics analyses of different types of data. Outside the lab, I enjoy singing and watching movies.
Pre-doctoral training, University of Alabama
B.S., Microbiology, Lagos State University
Email: soladejo@andrew.cmu.edu
Xueke Jin, B.S.
Master student in Computational Biology
My passion lies in delving into the biological significance and insights that can be derived from analyzing potential biological data. Currently, in this laboratory, I am dedicated to studying the impact of interactions between genes on metabolic regulation. Outside of my research, I enjoy singing and playing badminton.
B.S. Bioinformatics, Dalian University of Technology
Email:xuekej@andrew.cmu.edu
Hanyang Luo, B.S.
Master student in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering
I am working on a histone deacetylase and trying to uncover its role in metabolism and immunity, which feeds into my interests in genetics and epigenetics. I love anime, reading, and drawing.
B.S. in Molecular Biology, University of California San Diego
Email: hanyang2@andrew.cmu.edu
Qiyi Yu, B.S.
Masters student in Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics
I am working on single cell sequencing and metagenomics data and aim to uncover molecular mysteries and decode complex biological data with computational prowess and innovative computational tools. I enjoy reading and running.
B.S., Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University
Email:qiyiy@andrew.cmu.edu
Xianda Ma
Boyang Dylan Sun
Undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences
I am trying to enhance my skills on a variety of techniques in the lab and really enjoy learning about molecular and cell biology, statistics and computer science. I love to play basketball, volleyball, work out in the gym, cook my own food, watch anime and play video games.
Email: bdsun@andrew.cmu.edu
Nhat Phan
Undergraduate student majoring in Economics with pre-med track, University of Pittsburgh
I want to explore the research side of biology and learn techniques in molecular biology. I have always been fascinated by science, technology and innovation since I was young. I play as a violinist at the South Hills Junior Orchestra that serves Greater Pittsburgh.
Email: nhatp@andrew.cmu.edu
Zoe (Shuyi) Yang
Undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences and Fine Arts with pre-dental track
I am very interested in learning molecular mechanisms involved in metabolism and the role of the gut microbiota. I am also a passionate art student, and I draw a lot of cats.
Email: shuyiy@andrew.cmu.edu
Past Lab Members
Masters students
Bhavana Kalidindi
Neha Mary Eldho
I-Shu Wang
Harihara Prakash
Undergraduate students
Iris Reed
Yiran Duan
Tafannum Hossin
Giselle Arellano