The Zhang Lab
Principal Investigator
Huaiying Zhang
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University
Department of Chemical Engineering (courtesy), Carnegie Mellon University
Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology (MBSB) graduate program, Carnegie Mellon University & University of Pittsburgh
Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University
Contact: huaiyinz@andrew.cmu.edu
Education and Training
Postdoctoral fellow
- Dartmouth College, Cell Biology, lab of Dr. Amy Gladfelter
- Princeton University, Biophysics, lab of Dr. Clifford Brangwynne
- University of Pennsylvania, Cancer Cell Biology, lab of Dr. Michael Lampson
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, McGill University, lab of Dr. Reghan Hill
M.S., Chemical Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, lab of Dr. Jianming Xing and Dr. Huizhou Liu
B.E., Applied Chemistry, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing)
Postdoctoral Fellows
Xiaoyang Yu
Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology at University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine
Contact: xyu4@andrew.cmu.edu
I’m from Beijing, China, and I conducted my PhD research on the HBV at University of Pittsburgh.
Immediately after completing my PhD in 2023, I joined the Zhang lab. In my leisure time, I enjoy painting and cuddling with my dog.
Biplab KC
Ph.D. in Systems Life Sciences at Kyushu University, Japan
Contact: biplabk@andrew.cmu.edu
I completed my Ph.D. at Katayama Lab, from Kyushu University, Japan under the supervision of Prof. Akihiro Kishimura. During my Ph.D., I worked on liquid-liquid phase separation in poly-ionic material and got fascinated with the self-assembly process for condensate formation. Now, I want to work on intracellular condensate which led me to the Zhang lab where I am studying photo-sensitive chemical-induced dimerization systems for modulating condensate inside the cells. My research will focus on understanding the SUMOylation process on condensate-forming proteins in understanding the ALT phenotype in cancer cells. During my free time, I like watching anime, playing badminton and table tennis, and hanging out with my friends.
Tafadzwa Chigumura
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
Contact: tchigumi@andrew.cmu.edu
I completed my master’s in Chemical Engineering at Howard University and moved right into the PhD program at CMU. I’m looking forward to delving into the world of cell biology and discovering extended applications of chemical engineering principles. My hobbies include listening to audible books, watching C, K and Thai dramas and hunting down good (and cheap) food.
Staff
William Wu
Research Associate
Contact: weifeng2@andrew.cmu.edu
I completed my Master’s degree in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering at
Carnegie Mellon University. I had my training in molecular and cell biology from my undergraduate studies at New York University. Prior to joining CMU, I worked as a healthcare analyst in the Investment Banking industry.
Graduate Students
Jason Tones
Ph.D. Student
Contact: jasonton@andrew.cmu.edu
After 20 years in the restaurant industry and 3 years as a stay home dad I earned my microbiology degree in 2018 and began working in the Zhang lab in 2019. In my free time I like to make pasta, try my hand at home fermentation, and occasionally golf.
Jasper Jeffrey
Ph.D. candidate in Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology (MBSB)
Contact: jdjeffre@andrew.cmu.edu
After receiving my B.Sc. from Lehigh University, I worked on performing single molecule experiments with the Kinesin 1 motor KIF1A and general anesthetic propofol. At the Zhang lab I am currently elucidating structural features that drive liquid-liquid phase separation of proteins involved in cell division. When outside the lab space I enjoy scale modeling, visiting submarines and being an amateur green thumb.
Ruwani Madushika Dalath
Ph.D. Candidate in Biological Sciences
Contact: rdalath@andrew.cmu.edu
Ever since I got to know that the biochemical and molecular changes at the cellular level lead to physiological alterations in living creatures , my desire to dive more into this regard grew up day by day! With my eyes focused on my passion, I pursued my bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Colombo and moved right into my PhD in Biological Sciences at CMU! I joined Zhang lab in May 2023 and here I am exploring more in the world of science and doing What I’ve always wanted to do!!!
Undergraduate Students
Chris Bi
Major in Biological Sciences
Contact: ziangb@andrew.cmu.edu
I am an undergraduate student currently majoring in Biological Sciences. I joined Zhang lab in 2023 and am thrilled to contribute to researches in protein condensates. In my free time I enjoy practicing with my bandmates and going to concerts.
Lab Alumni
Meng Xu, Postdoctoral Fellow-Currently at NIH
Rongwei Zhao, PhD Student- Currently at University of California San Francisco
Sophia DeGuara, Research Associate- Currently at University of Pittsburg
Tafadzwa Chigumira, PhD Student- Currently at Carnegie Mellon University
William Wu, Master’s Student- Currently at Carnegie Mellon University
Stephen Wu, Master’s Student- Currently at Carnegie Mellon University
Anh Thu Pham, Master’s Student- Currently at University of Pittsburgh
Lu Qiao, Master’s Student- Currently at Yale University
Will O’Connell, Master’s Student – Currently at FlexTrade Systems Inc.
Sabrina Tsai, Master’s Student – Currently at Altius Institute for Biomedical Sciences.
Allison Wivagg, Undergraduate Researcher- Currently at Carnegie Mellon University
Astha Tripathi, Undergraduate Researcher – Currently at Massachussetts General Hospital.
