![Hani Zaher, Ph.D.](https://sites.wustl.edu/zaherlab/files/2020/10/Biology_Zaher_H_P1044594-280x386.jpg)
Hani Zaher, Ph.D.
Professor
- Phone: 314-935-7662
- Email: hzaher@nospam.wustl.edu
I am interested in the functional role of RNA during the process of translation. My long-term goal is to investigate the mechanism of ribosome function and to understand how other cellular factors and alterations to RNA modulate its function. I am interested in understanding how this machine functions not only at the most basic level, but also how it reads cues to modulate its activity.
![Sarah Koester](https://sites.wustl.edu/zaherlab/files/2020/12/Koester_Sarah-280x386.png)
Sarah Koester
Graduate Student, Molecular Cell Biology Program
- Email: koester.s@wustl.edu
Sarah is a DBBS rotation grad student in the Molecular Cell Biology Program.
![Kim Kyusik](https://sites.wustl.edu/zaherlab/files/2020/10/Kim-Kyusik-280x386.jpg)
Kim Kyusik
Graduate Student Molecular Cell Biology program 2017-
- Phone: 314-935-8710
- Email: kyusikkim@wustl.edu
I am working on cap-independent translation.
I am an amazing chef for Korean cuisine. My specialty is Korean BBQ.
Alumni
![Alison Greenlaw](https://sites.wustl.edu/zaherlab/files/2020/10/Greenlaw-280x386.jpg)
Alison Greenlaw
Undergraduate 2016- NSF GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOW 2018
Alison Graduated in 2018 with a Major in Biology, Biochemistry concentration.
My senior thesis is titled “Tranlation of master regulator GCN4 is resistant to eIF4E medited inhibition of cap recognition in Saccaromyces cerevisiae“.
Outside of lab I like to paint, read science fiction, and spend time with friends.
![Zina Osipova](https://sites.wustl.edu/zaherlab/files/2020/10/Osipova-280x386.jpg)
Zina Osipova
Lab Technician 2017
I am working on RNA damage and quality control.
When I am not working in the lab, I like spending my time outdoors and reading.
![Anjana Rajan](https://sites.wustl.edu/zaherlab/files/2020/10/Rajan-280x386.jpg)
Anjana Rajan
Undergraduate 2016 – 2018
Anjana graduated in 2018 with a degree in Biology, Neuroscience concentration.
My thesis was titled “The Role of the Ribosomal RNA in Translation Quality Control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.”
In my free time, I enjoy dancing, watching ice hockey, and eating good food.
![Erica Thomas](https://sites.wustl.edu/zaherlab/files/2020/10/Thomas-280x386.jpg)
Erica Thomas
Graduate Student PLANT & MICROBIAL BIOSCIENCES PROGRAM 2014- 2019, Monsanto Fellow 2015-2019
Erica earned her graduate degree in fall 2019 successfully completing the PLANT & MICROBIAL BIOSCIENCES PROGRAM.
I am interested in the potential effects of mRNA damage and modifications on processes relating to translation.
In my free time, I enjoy powerlifting and cooking.
![Leo Yan](https://sites.wustl.edu/zaherlab/files/2020/10/Yan-Leo-280x386.jpg)
Leo Yan
Graduate Student PLANT & MICROBIAL BIOSCIENCES PROGRAM 2014 – 2016
- Phone: 314-935-8710
- Email: liewei@wustl.edu
I am working to understand the ribosome-based quality control pathway.
When I am not growing and playing with yeast, I spend time doing photography and playing video games.