Ranjan Kumar Sahu, Ph.D.
Postdoc Associate
I completed my B.Sc. in Biosciences from Sambalpur University and M.Sc. in Life Sciences from National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, India. I received my Doctorate degree in Life Sciences under Prof. S.C. Lakhotia, Banaras Hindu University, India, where I studied the conservation and translatability of the lncRNA hsrω in Drosophila. My research demonstrated a short peptide is translated from the hsrω lncRNA and the role of the short peptide in Drosophila development and thermotolerance. I am very active in sports, so apart from my Lablife, I spend my time playing volleyball and basketball.
Yunseon Yang, Ph.D.
Postdoc Associate
I completed my Ph.D. in Biomedical Science at Hanyang University, Korea, in 2022. My research focuses on the study of glial cell dysfunction and the alleviation of neuroinflammation. Besides my academic pursuits, I enjoy reading books, attending concerts, and exploring new hobbies. I’m thrilled to be part of this dynamic research environment and look forward to being part of Chung’s lab and making significant scientific contributions.
Yoon-Kyung Shim, M.S.
Lab manager/Research Technician III
I received BS at Silla University (previously known as the Busan Women’s University) and MS at Gyeongsang National University in South Korea. I started my scientific career at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTEH) in South Korea and I’ve been involved in various research projects for more than a decade in three different laboratories at Baylor College of Medicine. I enjoy watching Korean TV shows and spend time with my friends on weekends.
Andrew Kim, B.S.
Research Technician I
I graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor of Science in Biosciences with a concentration in Biochemistry and a minor in Religion. As an undergraduate, I helped characterize the structure and activity of NS1, a nonstructural protein of the influenza D virus. I’m excited to work in the Chung Lab in my gap year as I apply to medical school to further develop as a researcher in an amazing, supportive environment. In my spare time, I enjoy running, hiking/backpacking, and photography. Fun fact: I’ve qualified for the 2025 USA Triathlon age group National Championships!
Maggie Xia
Undergraduate Researcher
I am an undergraduate student at Rice University pursuing a BS in Biosciences and a BA in Anthropology. After completing my undergraduate education, I hope to attend medical school. I’m excited to conduct innovative research in the Chung Lab on rare genetic diseases and neurological disorders, determining the mechanisms that contribute to their onset and progression. In my free time, I love to read, visit cafes, go to concerts, and explore Houston’s diverse food scene!
Chung Lab Alumni
Weihan (Lily) Chen
2025 SURI research intern
I am a high school student with hopes of attending medical school and pursuing a career as a physician-scientist. I’m humbled and excited to join the Chung Lab over the summer, where I look forward to deepening my understanding of neurological research and furthering my research skills under the mentorship of such a supportive team. Outside the lab, I enjoy photography, listening to music, and exploring museums.
Sriya Dev
2025 SURI research intern
I’m currently an undergraduate student in the McCombs School of Business at UT Austin. I’m planning to major in finance and working to receive a Pre-Health Certificate and attend medical school after college. I am so grateful to work in Dr. Chung’s Lab over the summer and learn from distinguished faculty. In my free time, I love to run and be outdoors.
Adhithi Shankar
2025 SURI research intern
I am an undergraduate student at Texas A&M University completing a BS in Biomedical Engineering. I’m in the E2EnMed program, hoping to attend A&M’s School of Engineering Medicine upon graduation. This is my first research lab experience, so I’m excited to be a part of Chung Lab this summer. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, reading, and volunteering with rescue animals.
Sarita Palacio B.S.
Research Technician I
I graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Medicine & Exercise Physiology and Latin American Studies. I have previous research experience from my undergraduate career, where I helped study how genetic and environmental variations affect social behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. I am thrilled to work in Chung Lab during my gap year before applying to medical school and grow as a researcher with unparalleled mentorship. In my free time, I enjoy horseback riding, reading, and running!
Tomomi Tanaka, M.D., Ph.D.
Research Assistant II
I graduated from the medical department at Akita University in Japan and completed my Ph.D. in Biological Functional and Medical Control at Niigata University’s Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences in 2021. While most of my research experiences have been in the clinical research field, I made the decision to join this lab to embark on a new chapter. As a mother of two children, we find joy in traveling across the United States, immersing ourselves in the beauty of both mountains and the ocean. One of my dreams is to have the opportunity to swim alongside magnificent sea turtles someday.