{"id":8,"date":"2020-09-30T14:57:08","date_gmt":"2020-09-30T14:57:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/labs.bio.cmu.edu\/kuang\/?page_id=8"},"modified":"2026-10-27T19:28:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T19:28:54","slug":"people","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/labs.bio.cmu.edu\/kuang\/people\/","title":{"rendered":"People"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Zheng Kuang, Ph.D.<\/h2>\n

Principal Investigator and Associate Professor<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
\nPh.D., Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University
\nM.H.S., Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University
\nM.S., Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology
\nB.S., Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Tsinghua University<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Email: zhengkua at andrew.cmu.edu<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Jianglin Zhang, Ph.D.<\/h2>\n

Postdoctoral Researcher<\/em><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Southern California<\/span>
\nPh.D., Pathogeny Biology, Zhejiang University<\/span>
\nM.S., Agricultural Extension, Zhejiang University<\/span>
\nB.S., Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Email: jiangliz at andrew.cmu.edu<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Hongyuhang Ni, Ph.D.<\/h2>\n

Postdoctoral Researcher<\/em><\/p>\n

My previous research experience includes investigating the effects of antibiotics and bacterial interventions on gut microbiota structure and host metabolism. Joining the Kuang Lab, I look forward to delving deeper into the mechanisms of epigenetic modifications in the host intestine in response to various diseases. Outside the lab, my hobbies include squash, cooking, and music.<\/p>\n

Ph.D., Infectious diseases and public health, City University of Hong Kong<\/span>
\nM.S., Microbiology, Lanzhou University<\/span>
\nB.S., Biotechnology, Lanzhou University<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Email: <\/span>hongyuhn at andrew.cmu.edu<\/p>\n

\"\"Samskrathi Sharma, M.Sc.<\/h2>\n

Ph.D. Candidate<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

M.Sc., Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology
\nB.Sc., Biotechnology, Chemistry & Zoology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Email: samskras at andrew.cmu.edu<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Sarah Oladejo, B.S.<\/h2>\n

Ph.D. Candidate<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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\u00a0 microbes and performed bioinformatics analyses of different types of data. Outside the lab, I enjoy singing and watching movies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pre-doctoral training, University of Alabama
\nB.S., Microbiology,\u00a0 Lagos State University\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Email: soladejo at andrew.cmu.edu<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\"\"Xianda Ma<\/h2>\n
Master student in Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics<\/em><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
I\u2019m interested in human disease modeling and unraveling disease mechanisms. I\u2019m hoping to use my knowledge from interdisciplinary fields to contribute to the science community and find new drug targets for more efficient treatment of human diseases, especially diabetes, obesity, and rhythm-related symptoms. I enjoy playing badminton and hiking.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
B.S. General Biology, University of California San Diego<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Email: xiandam at andrew.cmu.edu<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/h2>\n

\"\"Ziyun Huang, B.S.<\/h2>\n

Research Associate<\/em><\/p>\n

I am interested in translational regulation and post-transcriptional control, particularly applying ribosome profiling (Ribo-seq) to explore how genes are regulated across diverse biological contexts.\u00a0I am also interested in integrating multi-omics approaches to investigate immune heterogeneity in cancer.\u00a0I enjoy hiking, playing badminton, and handpan.<\/p>\n

B.S., Biology Technology, Southwest University<\/p>\n

Email: ziyunh at andrew.cmu.edu<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Zihan Mo, B.S.<\/h2>\n

Masters student in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering<\/em><\/p>\n

I am interested in how host-microbe interactions shape metabolism and immunity, with a particular focus on the gut microbiota and circadian regulation. I am especially drawn to mammalian and translational research questions, and I enjoy wet-lab work that connects molecular mechanisms to human health. I hope to build strong experimental skills and contribute to projects on intestinal immune homeostasis and disease-relevant pathways. I enjoy working out and exploring Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n

B.S., Biology, Miami University (Oxford, OH)<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Email: zihanm at andrew.cmu.edu<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Ningzhi Lyu, B.S.<\/h2>\n

Masters student in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering<\/em><\/p>\n

I am interested in understanding how epigenetic regulation shapes metabolic processes and contributes to disease. Recently, I have expanded into computational biology, using R to analyze GWAS data and \u00a0investigate causal relationships between lipid traits and protein expression. In the Kuang Lab, I aim to integrate experimental and computational approaches to study how HDAC5-mediated epigenetic regulation influences metabolic homeostasis in mice. Outside the lab, I enjoy exploring new places and staying active.<\/p>\n

B.S., Biotechnology, East China Normal University<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Email: ningzhil at andrew.cmu.edu<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Isabel Guo<\/h2>\n

Undergraduate in Biological Sciences<\/em><\/p>\n

I previously explored miRNA gene regulation in NSCLC and I am interested in unraveling the role of gut microbiota in immune regulation and metabolism. Outside of the lab I enjoy playing tennis and painting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Email: <\/span>isabelg at andrew.cmu.edu<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Suman Biswas<\/h2>\n

Undergraduate in Biological Sciences and Chemistry\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

I am interested in understanding how intestinal epithelial regulation influences lipid metabolism and immune homeostasis, particularly in the context of atherosclerosis. In the Kuang Lab, I work on mouse models to investigate the role of intestinal epithelial HDAC3 in cholesterol handling and disease progression through genotyping, tissue processing, and histological analysis. My broader goal is to connect molecular mechanisms in the gut to systemic cardiovascular health and human disease. I am especially drawn to translational research that bridges basic biology with clinical relevance. Outside the lab, I enjoy tutoring, playing soccer, and exploring new places.<\/p>\n

Email: sumanb at andrew.cmu.edu<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Syed Rob<\/h2>\n

Undergraduate in Neuroscience & Biomedical Engineering<\/em><\/p>\n

I am interested in understanding how early-life environmental perturbations alter brain development and contribute to long-term neurological dysfunction. Previously, I worked with CRISPR\/Cas9-mediated gene knockouts in zebrafish to investigate gene function during early neurodevelopment. In the Kuang Lab, I am establishing and optimizing a prenatal valproic acid (VPA) mouse model of autism spectrum disorder to examine how gestational exposure affects cortical development. I am particularly interested in how disruptions in synaptic plasticity and inflammatory signaling during critical developmental windows may increase susceptibility to later-life neurodegeneration, and in identifying potential biomarkers that could enable earlier diagnosis and intervention. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing guitar (both electric and acoustic), reading, and trying new experiences whenever I can.<\/p>\n

Email: rob at andrew.cmu.edu<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Esther Sung<\/h2>\n

Undergraduate in Biological Sciences<\/em><\/p>\n

I have experience researching novel HIV treatments and human immunology. At the Kuang Lab, I am excited to further explore my interests in human immunology and the role of the microbiome in human health through working with mouse models. Outside of the lab, I enjoy dancing, running, and traveling.<\/p>\n

Email: easung at andrew.cmu.edu<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Sophie Wang<\/h2>\n

Undergraduate in Biological Sciences<\/em><\/p>\n

I have previously studied the potential applications of mesenchymal stem cells in disease treatment. At the Kuang Lab, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and the role of epigenetic modifications in mammalian physiology.
Outside the lab, I enjoy watching musicals and playing tennis!<\/p>\n

Email: sophiew2 at andrew.cmu.edu<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Past Lab Members<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Research Associates<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Hunter Christopher<\/p>\n

Junjie Ma<\/p>\n

Dingjiacheng Jia<\/p>\n

Masters students<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Bhavana Kalidindi<\/p>\n

Neha Mary Eldho<\/p>\n

I-Shu Wang<\/span><\/p>\n

Harihara Prakash<\/span><\/p>\n

Xueke Jin<\/p>\n

Qiyi Yu (Honor thesis)<\/p>\n

Hanyang Luo (Honor thesis)<\/p>\n

Tian Ryn<\/p>\n

Santhoshi Paladugu<\/p>\n

Yinuo Yang<\/p>\n

Zhuoqun Li<\/p>\n

Tony Tsai<\/p>\n

Andres Choral Cantu<\/p>\n

Wanxing Zhang<\/p>\n

Blake Kiefer<\/p>\n

Ushta Samal<\/p>\n

Evan Lin<\/p>\n

Undergraduate students<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Iris Reed<\/span><\/p>\n

Yiran Duan (Honor thesis)<\/span><\/p>\n

Tafannum Hossin<\/span><\/p>\n

Giselle Arellan<\/span>o<\/span><\/p>\n

Zoe (Shuyi) Yang<\/p>\n

Eugene Yoon<\/p>\n

David Nam<\/p>\n

Booing Dylan Sun<\/p>\n

Stephanie Qu<\/p>\n

Leila Awasthi<\/p>\n

Nhat Phan<\/p>\n

Om Kathira<\/p>\n

Cindy (Xinyi) Yin<\/p>\n

Yuan (Dorie) Yue<\/p>\n

Alexander Park<\/p>\n

Chloe Pratt<\/p>\n

Jemal Velihanova<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Zheng Kuang, Ph.D. Principal Investigator and Associate 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 Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/labs.bio.cmu.edu\/kuang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/labs.bio.cmu.edu\/kuang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/labs.bio.cmu.edu\/kuang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/labs.bio.cmu.edu\/kuang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/labs.bio.cmu.edu\/kuang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8"}],"version-history":[{"count":74,"href":"https:\/\/labs.bio.cmu.edu\/kuang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":486,"href":"https:\/\/labs.bio.cmu.edu\/kuang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8\/revisions\/486"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/labs.bio.cmu.edu\/kuang\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}