Zhu Lab Members

I graduated with a bachelor’s of Science from the University of Science and Technology of China. I then moved to Salt Lake City, where I obtained a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Utah, followed by postdoctoral training at the UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. I moved to Houston in 2019 to start my lab at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center at the Baylor College of Medicine. My research focuses on understanding metabolism and obesity using biochemistry, molecular biology, and the rodent model. I am particularly interested in intercellular communication and its potential to treat obesity and other metabolic diseases. I enjoy nature, art, and working on science. I hold a strong belief that the greatest scientific discovery should be simple, evident, and artistic. I like simple things in life as well. 

I obtained my M.D., M.Sc, and Ph.D. degrees from Xiangya Medical School of Central South University in China. Simultaneously, I completed my residency and fellowship training at the Second Xiangya Hospital, progressing to an attending pediatric endocrinologist. In 2020, I became a jointly trained Ph.D. student at Zhu Lab, successfully concluding the project and defending my thesis in 2022. My overarching career goal is to be a physician-scientist. To realize this ambition, I continued my postdoctoral training, aiming to fortify my foundation as a successful scientist within Zhu Lab. The lab's conducive atmosphere and a supportive team have allowed me to pursue my passion wholeheartedly. Beyond the laboratory, I enjoy drawing, workout, traveling.
 

I received my Master of Medicine from Nanjing Medical School in China. I joined Dr. Zhu’s lab at Children's Nutrition Research Center in September 2022. I am a research assistant responsible for molecular biology procedures such as DNA/RNA/protein isolation, qPCR, western blotting as well as metabolic testing, mouse husbandry, and data analysis. I enjoy working alongside my lab members and the precious bond we share. I am thoroughly grateful for the learning experience. Outside of the lab, I like to spend time with my family and friends. 

I earned my Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Science and Technology of China. Since the autumn of 2023, I have been a part of Dr. Zhu's laboratory. This research environment has been a perfect fit for me, providing both a conducive work atmosphere and a supportive team. Outside of the lab, my enthusiasm extends to history, where I have a particular passion for both humanities and evolutionary history.

I am currently a junior at the University of Houston pursuing my B.S. in Biology with a minor in Medicine and Society. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I plan to enroll at Baylor College of Medicine as part of the Houston Premedical Academy B.S./M.D. program. I joined Dr. Zhu’s laboratory in May 2023 to pursue my interest in exploring obesity, metabolic diseases, and nutrition. The research dynamic has allowed me to learn innovative approaches to tackle scientific issues while also working in a collaborative, supportive environment. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing piano and cello, running, watching sports, and traveling.

I am a first-year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine. I graduated in May 2024 from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry. In Summer 2022, I joined Dr. Zhu’s lab through the SMART Program, where I studied the effect of hyaluronan on longevity. This inspired me to initiate a project focusing on the role of hyaluronan in the development of atopic dermatitis. I am deeply committed to tackling skin conditions and aim to become an academic dermatologist, integrating clinical care with research. Dr. Zhu and the rest of the team have been instrumental in shaping my growth as a researcher, offering invaluable mentorship and support. Outside the lab, I enjoy lifting weights, reading, and both playing and watching sports.

I graduated from Rice University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Biology. In July 2024, I joined the Zhu Lab to further explore my interests in metabolism, mechanisms to combat obesity, and the gut-brain axis. I aim to attend medical school to become a physician, and I believe that my work in the Zhu Lab will provide me with valuable technical research skills and new perspectives that will support this goal. Outside the lab, I enjoy thrifting, drawing, watching thought-provoking films, reading, and discovering new cafes.

I received my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering in June of 2024 from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China. During this time, I focused on the role of extracellular vesicles derived from skin microbiota in both skin homeostasis and skin diseases. In November of 2024, I joined Dr. Zhu’s lab at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center for my postdoctoral training, as well as to research novel therapeutics to combat metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. The lab's friendly atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities creates a perfect environment for me to pursue and achieve my career goals. Beyond the laboratory, I enjoy running, swimming, fitness, and trying anything new and exciting.

I obtained my M.D. and M.Sc. from Yangzhou University and Peking University, respectively. My previous studies focused on neurodegeneration and inflammation, and I contributed to developing collagen-based fusion proteins for cosmetic use. Currently, my interests lie in understanding the mechanisms of diabetes and obesity, as well as in developing therapeutic interventions. I enjoy collaborating with my colleagues in the supportive research environment of the Zhu Lab. Outside the lab, in addition to developing innovative and tasty low-calorie meals and testing the fidelity of various weight-loss theories for my personal fitness journey, I enjoy outdoor adventures and traveling.