Members
From Zhang Laboratory
 Zhang lab photo, 2024 @ Columbia University Irving Medical Center |
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Chaolin Zhang   Associate Professor, Department of Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Motor Neuron Center Chaolin is currently an Associate Professor with joint appointments in Department of Systems Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, and Motor Neuron Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Before he joined Columbia, he performed PhD studies at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in computational biology and then Postdoc work on computational and molecular biology at Rockefeller University. Before that he obtained bachelor's degree studying Automation at Tsinghua University (Beijing). As an engineer-converted biologist, he has a deep interest in understanding gene regulatory logics. From the beginning of his academic endeavor, he decided to tackle the RNA code, i.e., how specific protein-RNA interactions determine the gene output in health and disease conditions, which remains the focus of the lab. Chaolin is a winner of Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00, 2011) and Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA/R35, 2022) from NIH, and Scientific Innovations Award from the Brain Research Foundation (2023).
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Current Lab Members
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Chamari Abercrombie (07/2024-), Postbac Email: ca3176 (at) columbia (dot) edu
Chamari received her BA in Neuroscience-Biology from The College of Wooster in Ohio. During her last year of undergrad, she completed her Independent Study by analyzing epilepsy in Drosophila melanogaster. Chamari’s goal is to pursue an MD/PhD as a neurosurgeon to contribute to research that aligns with her goals of providing adequate patient care and development of effective but safe medication. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Chamari is excited to explore the city. In her free time, she loves to work out and try new restaurants. |
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Shah Alam (06/2023-), Postdoc Email: sa4354 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
Shah joined Zhang's lab in June 2023 as a postdoctoral research scientist. Prior to joining Columbia, he gained experience working as a postdoc at the LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Germany, for over a year. He also completed his PhD at the same institute. During his PhD, he unraveled the signaling of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in primary neurons, microglia, and astrocytes of a neurodegenerative disease mouse model called neural-cell specific S1P-lyase (SGPL1) deficient mice. He earned his master's degree in molecular biotechnology from the University of Bonn and his bachelor's degree in biotechnology from VIT University, India. Shah's current research plans involve delving into the regulatory mechanisms and lineage-specific alternatively splicing events and their functional impacts on brain development and developmental disorders. Moreover, he is also interested in developing experimental systems that will strategically map and compare RBP binding sites and RBP-dependent splicing regulation in neurons. Beyond his academic pursuits, he is particularly passionate about cricket, running, and hiking.
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Shane Chu (01/2024-), Postdoc Email: sc5502 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
Shane Chu earned his PhD in computer science from Washington University in St. Louis, working with Gary Stormo. His PhD work focused on developing interpretable representation learning methods for addressing challenges in protein-DNA/RNA interactions. Outside of his academic pursuits, he finds relaxation and enjoyment in playing tennis and visiting the Peridance Center in NYC.
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Wangyang Dai (10/2023-), Master Student Email: wd2383 (at) columbia (dot) edu
Wangyang obtained her Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences from Fudan University in 2023. During her time as an undergraduate student, she conducted research on proline metabolism and its effects on ATF4 regulation. Later, she developed an interest in the RNA world (cool!), specifically focusing on alternative splicing and its correlation with neuron cell properties within and across cell types. Now in the Zhang lab, she is involved in a project about analysis of CLIP data using crosslink-induced mutation sites (CIMS) and aims to utilize it as a signature to better understand RBP binding specificity. Besides academics, she enjoys exploring good food, visiting museums, and building her own coffee map here in New York.
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Jessica Estrada (11/2022-), Technician Email: je2673 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
Jessica received her B.A from Stony Brook University in Chemistry and is a Technician in the Zhang Lab. She assists on various projects in the lab while developing a research focus, and plans on pursing a PhD in the biomedical sciences. In her free time, she likes to go on hikes and cook for friends and family.
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Brian Joseph (11/2021-), Postdoc (joint with Hynek Witchterle lab) Email: bj2468 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
Brian joined the Zhang and Wichterle labs as a postdoctoral fellow in November 2021 after a brief research experience in Kevin Eggan’s motor neuron lab at Harvard. He completed his PhD with Eric Lai at the Sloan Kettering Institute in NYC focusing on the biology of cotranscriptional RNA processing mechanisms. He plans to explore RNA metabolism in neurons and hopes to identify novel vulnerabilities that can be the basis for therapeutic intervention. Brian is currently an ALS scholar in therapeutics. A native Pakistani, Brian is obsessed with cricket and biryani. He is also an avid runner who still believes the PRs are yet to come.
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Daniel Moakley (06/2018-), Graduate Student Email: dfm2129 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
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Paola Rinchetti (05/2022-), Postdoc Email: pr2485 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
Paola's research career started in 2014 in Prof. Stefania Corti's lab at University of Milan. During her studies in Italy, she maximized her knowledge in the field of cellular biology and in particular in the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and 2D models to study neurodegenerative diseases such as SMA and ALS and the development of potential treatments. During her PhD, she mainly focused on the generation of new 3D models to investigate the pathological mechanism underlying SMA and ALS. During this time, she was also involved in exchange programs with the laboratory of Prof. Prezdborsky and Prof. Lotti at Columbia University where she was able to deepen her knowledge in the field of in vivo models. In the Zhang lab, she is working on RNA-based medicine for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Lea Radomsky (09/2024-), Technician Email: lr3280 (at) columbia (dot) edu
Lea completed her vocational training in Germany at the Technical University of Munich from 2018 to 2021. Between 2018 and 2024, she worked with Prof. Angelika Schnieke and Prof. Benjamin Schusser, focusing on advanced molecular and cell culture techniques. In September 2024, she joined the Zhang lab, where she supports postdoctoral researchers with molecular experiments and cell culture work. Outside the lab, Lea enjoys Pilates and exploring New York City.
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Ruchika (07/2023-), Postdoc Email: fr2563 (at) columbia (dot) edu
Ruchika completed her doctoral degree in molecular biology from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) in Japan in 2022. During PhD, she worked on the identification and characterization of U-to-C RNA editing events in plants and used a plant-derived pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins to develop an artificial deamination system for C-to-U RNA editing in mammalian cells, and received an Excellent student award for her work. Thereafter, she joined Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, as an assistant professor and she worked on designer PPR proteins to target long non-coding RNAs, especially related to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. At the next step, Ruchika is excited for multiple projects related to programmable RNA targeting using different approaches at Columbia.
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Tianxin (Cynthia) Wang (09/2024-), Graduate Student (in Rotation) Email: fr2563 (at) columbia (dot) edu
Cynthia is a first-year PhD student in the Systems Biology Department. Before coming to Columbia, she earned her Bachelor’s from the University of Chicago. During her studies, she conducted both experimental and computational research and developed a passion for the RNA world. In Prof. Tao Pan’s lab, she facilitated the development and optimization of an engineered missense-correcting tRNA as potential therapeutics for correcting pathogenic mutations. In Prof. Matthias Steinruecken's lab, she statistically evaluated how including the genetically linked locus affected the time-series inference of natural selection at its surrounding loci. Now, she has joined the Zhang lab as a rotation student, where she is excited to work on designing tools to target neurodegenerative disease-related RNAs. Outside of lab, she enjoys doing yoga, working out, exploring good food, and traveling to experience diverse cultures.
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Email: xw2006 (at) columbia (dot) edu
Before coming to work at Columbia, Xiaojian earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Beijing Medical University and the Ohio State University, respectively. At CUIMC, she worked as supporting staff and lab manager in several labs. She joined the Zhang lab in 2016, and has been providing support on both molecular biology experiments and mouse work, as well as daily lab operations. In her free time, Xiaojian enjoys cooking, watching baseball games, and spending time with her family.
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Email: yw4291 (at) columbia (dot) edu
Prior to joining Zhang lab, Ye obtained her PhD training on computational and synthetic biology in Tsinghua university. During her PhD, she proposed an AI-based generative framework for the de novo design of promoter elements in Escherichia coli, which showed a high success rate based on experimental validation in vivo. For her postdoc research, she plans to focus on inverse design of synthetic exons/introns to understand splicing regulation and their function in brain and developmental disorders, with an ultimate goal to facilitate the development of RNA-based precision genetic medicine. Outside the lab, Ye is passionate about yoga, running, and cooking.
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Tim Yeh (09/2022-), Postdoc
Tim received his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Columbia University (2022). Throughout his scientific career, he has been interested in understanding how the brain works and developing treatment. His graduate research focused on auditory processing in the brain and sensorimotor interaction. As a postdoc in the Zhang lab, Tim hopes to investigate the roles of RNA splicing in normal brain functions and neurological diseases using novel research methods such as gene editing tools and sequencing technologies. When he is not doing science, he likes to play tennis and ping pong. He is also a foodie who enjoys eating pizza! |
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Tianji Yu (07/2024-), Graduate Student
Tianji is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Systems Biology Department. Before he came to Columbia, he earned a Bachelor's degree from UNC Chapel Hill. At UNC, his research focused on cell cycle regulation in endothelial cells and AU-rich elements RNA binding proteins. During his undergraduate research, he practiced both experimental and computational techniques. Now he is excited to conduct new research here at Columbia University. In Zhang's lab, he is working on RNA base editing for his rotation project. Besides research, he likes soccer and food. He is also fascinated with karting race.
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Matthew Yuan (06/2023-), Visiting High School Student (remote) Matthew currently attends Lynbrook High School in San Jose, California as a rising Sophomore, and is passionate about Math and Science. Matthew is a two-time AIME qualifier, and has years of experience in Science Olympiad and Science Bowl. His favorite research area is Marine Biology. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys reading and writing, playing basketball as well as playing video games (Geometry Dash and Crossy Road are his favorites).
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Alumni
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Name/Position in the Lab |
Position When Exiting |
Current Position
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Email:sm4073 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
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Senior Research Scientist, NYU Langone Health |
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Email: yr2330 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
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Scientific Analyst, Morrison Foerster | |
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Email: gn2267 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
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Senior Scientist, Sanofi |
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Email: mmc2259 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
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Assistant Professor, UCSD |
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Email: hf2304 (at) columbia (dot) edu
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Associate Professor, Fudan University |
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Email: sb4045 (at) columbia (dot) edu
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Bioinformatics Manager, Regeneron |
Seinior Manager Computational Genomics, Regeneron |
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Email: du2145 (at) columbia (dot) edu
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Blavatnik Fellow in Life Science Entrepreneurship, Yale University |
Associate, Flagship Pioneering |
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Email: bp2563 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
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Medical Writer, Chrysalis Medical Communications |
Medical Writing Senior Manager, Amgen |
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Ph.D. student, Integrative Program, Columbia University
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Bioinformatics Scientist, Stoke Therapeutics. |
Principal Scientist, Bioinformatics, Fosun Pharma USA Inc. |
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Ph.D. student (joint with Wichterle lab), Department of Pathobiology & Molecular Medicine, Columbia University |
Postdoc, Alice Ting Lab, Stanford University |
CEO, Aperture Therapeutics |
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Scientist, Amgen |
CSO, Leverna Therapeutics |
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Yong Zhang (04/2013-11/2014), Postdoc
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Postdoc, Xuemei Chen lab, UC Riverside |
Research Scientist, USDA |
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Visiting Ph.D. student, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory / Applied Maths and Statistics, Stony Brook University |
Bioinformatics Scientist, BioMicro Center, MIT |
Associate Director, Bioinformatics at Accent Therapeutics, Inc. |
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Qiyang Wu (01/2013-), Master Student Email:qw2388 (at) columbia (dot) edu
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Email: fp2409 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
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Email: amn2201 (at) cumc (dot) columbia (dot) edu
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Madeline (Maddie) Scanlon (06/2023-09/2023), Visiting High School Student
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Vivian Coraci (07/2023-09/2023), Visiting High School Student
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Yuchen Xu (02/2022-05/2023), Master Student
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Research Technician, Abbas Rizvi Lab, University of Wisconsin-Medison |
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Lily Wang (07/2020-09/2020), Undergraduate Research Assistant Undergraduate student, Mathematics/Statistics, Columbia University
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Meghna Gopalan (06/2022-08/2022), Undergrad Summer Research Assistant Email: mg4166 (at) barnard (dot) edu
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Lydia Wu (10/2021-06/2022), Undergrad Research Assistant
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Undergraduate student, Department of Engineering, Columbia University
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Medical School, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine |
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Undergraduate student, Department of Computer Science, Columbia University
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Graduate Student, UC Berkeley |
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Email: yq2139 (at) columbia (dot) edu
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Research Scientist, NYU Lagone Health |
Model Risk Management, Barclays |
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Helene Lovett (06/2017-08/2017), Undergraduate Research Assistant Undergraduate student, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard University
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Undergraduate student, Barnard College
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Graduate Student, University of Chicago |
Equity Research Associate, Piper Sandler |
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Jonah Lee (05/2015-01/2017), Volunteer Undergraduate student, Columbia College |
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Andrew Arditi (Volunteer, 09/2016-12/2016) |
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Jingxian You (Volunteer, 07/2016-09/2016) |
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MA in Biotechnology, Columbia University Volunteer |
Co-Founder, EleGo Education | |
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Technician |
MD program, UCSF |
Resident Physician, UCSF |
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Joy Pai ( 09/2013-05/2016)
Undergraduate Research Assistant |
Bioinformatics specialist, Michel Russenzweig lab, Rockefeller University |
Graduate Student, Stanford University |
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Kernyu Park (07/2015-10/2015) Undergraduate Research Assistant |
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