Claudia joined the BIG Center and the Dept. of Pathology and Immunology in winter 2023. She received her PhD from University of Virginia School of Medicine where she examined crosstalk between non-professional and professional phagocytes in airway inflammation. Then she completed her postdoctoral studies at UCSD investigating the epigenetic mechanisms underlying human microglia maturation and transformation in brain tumors. In her free time, she enjoys eating, photography, watching mystery and Asian TV dramas, and running but only short distances.
Research Tech II
Yangchen received a BA in Biological Science with a minor in Chemistry and a minor in Bioinformatics from San Jose State University. She receives a master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University, majoring in Biotechnology with a concentration in Bioinformatics. She is interested in immunology, pathology, and diseases. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, traveling, exploring cities, and participating in outdoor activities.
My scientific training has focused on Multiple Sclerosis (MS). During my PhD, I investigated the effects of infrared light on immune response modulation and oxidative stress in MS patients. In my postdoctoral research, I assessed CSF biomarkers to predict disease severity and participated in clinical studies evaluating dietary interventions on immune response in MS patients. Additionally, I studied de- and re-myelination using the cuprizone mouse model. My research goals include exploring the interactions between astrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), oligodendrocytes, and microglia in neurodegenerative diseases to develop new clinical approaches for patient care.
In my free time, I enjoy working out, running, cooking, trying new restaurants, and watching horror movies and scary TV shows.
Staff Scientist
Join our team!!
For technican/research scientist positions at all levels, please apply here.
For graduate students/postdocs, please send Claudia an email!