The Zhang Lab
Current lab members
Huaiying Zhang
Principal Investigator
huaiyinz@andrew.cmu.edu
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Department of Chemical Engineering (courtesy)
Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology (MBSB) graduate program
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 Drs. Jianming Xing and Huizhou Liu
B.E., Applied Chemistry, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing)
Xiaoyang Yu
Postdoctoral Fellow
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
Postdoctoral Fellow
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.
Jason Tones
Research Technician
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.
Tafadzwa Chigumura
Ph.D. Student
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.
Rongwei Zhao
Ph.D. Student
rongweiz@andrew.cmu.edu
I am from Beijing, China. Among the various fields in biology, molecular and cell biology intrigues me most because it not only allows us to elucidate the unknown mechanism of cell regulation, but is also essential for discovery and development of therapeutics and pharmaceuticals in the long run. In my free time I like hiking, traveling and appreciating sweeties.
Jasper Jeffrey
Ph.D. Student
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. Student
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!!!
Thu Pham
Research Associate
anhthup@andrew.cmu.edu
I completed my undergraduate degree in Biotechnology at the University of Science and Technology in Hanoi, Vietnam. Currently, I’m deeply intrigued by the concept of protein phase separation and its potential implications for cancer progression. During my leisure time, I enjoy experimenting with new dessert recipes, practicing music to nurture my creative side.
William Wu
Master’s Student
weifeng2@andrew.cmu.edu
Stephen Wu
Undergraduate Researcher
shuangw2@andrew.cmu.edu
Ziang Bi
Undergraduate Researcher
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
Josiah Kratz, Ph.D. Student – Currently at Shiladitya Banerjee lab, Carnegie Mellon University.
Lu Qiao, Master’s Student
Will O’Connell, Master’s Student – Currently at FlexTrade Systems Inc.
Sabrina Tsai, Master’s Student – Currently at Altius Institute for Biomedical Sciences.
Astha Tripathi, Undergraduate Researcher – Currently at Massachussetts General Hospital.
