People

I have a long-standing interest in understanding the mechanisms by which proteins self-organize into micron-sized organelles, and the ways in which these organelles may be regulated in development and disease. I received my bachelor’s degree from MIT, and became interested in subcellular organization as a Ph.D. student studying P granules in C. elegans with Geraldine Seydoux at Johns Hopkins. As a postdoc with Tim Stearns at Stanford, I focused on the centrosome-cilium complex, an evolutionarily conserved organelle involved in cell division, proliferation, signaling and motility. The Wang lab continues to study this ancient, beautiful organelle. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy finding new places to eat, exploring St. Louis and reading mysteries.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Delhi and continued following my scientific journey with a Master’s and Ph.D. degree in Biotechnology from India. During my doctoral studies at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, I studied the role of a RNA binding protein in regulating mammalian cell division which got me hooked on understanding how beautifully cells organize their subcellular compartments, especially centrosomes. Currently, I am trying to understand the formation and functions of centrioles and centrosomes, aiming to unravel their mysteries and implications in biology. When I am not in the lab, I love playing cricket, cooking and exploring St. Louis.

I earned my Ph.D. in Genetics from the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.R. China. My research focused sexual reproduction in Tetrahymena thermophila, a single-celled ciliate with seven mating types. During this time, I developed a strong interest in cilia and the basal body. This passion led me to join the Wang lab, where I study centriole  formation and regulation. Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking and exploring delicious cuisines.

I earned my B.S. in biochemistry at Kansas State University. In my undergraduate research, I studied protein autophagy in Drosophila. As a graduate student, I look forward to researching the dynamic processes of centriole formation, regulation, and degradation. Outside the lab, I enjoy practicing yoga, riding horses, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends.

I earned my B.S. in Zoology at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale in 2021 where I was also a 4-year member of the women’s basketball team. There I developed a strong interest in genetics and how genotypes impact phenotypes in animal cells. In my free time I enjoy time outdoors with my pup and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, Blues, and City SC.

I am an undergraduate student planning to double major in chemistry and molecular biology here at WashU, and I hope to go on to graduate school after my time here. I developed a curiosity for cell and molecular biology through my previous coursework, and I have been fascinated by research since high school when I worked at the Medical College of Wisconsin studying the human retina. I look forward to further developing my research skills and diving deep into the study of cilia and centrosomes in the Wang Lab! Outside of school and the lab, I love going to coffee shops, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.