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.
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.
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.
Sarita Palacio, BS
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!
Lamha Mehdi
Visiting Grad. Research Fellow
I am currently an undergraduate student at Northeastern University pursuing a degree in Health Science. After completing my undergraduate studies, I hope to attend medical school. I am excited to be a part of Chung lab over the course of the summer and am eager to learn more about neurological research. In my free time, I love to cook, hike, and listen to music.
Aryan Gotur
SURI research intern
I am an undergraduate student at Texas Tech University completing a Bachelor of Science in economics and math. After completing my undergraduate, I plan to attend medical school. I am honored to be a part of Chung Lab over the summer and hope to extend my stay. In my free time, I climb mountains, play guitar, and run marathons.