We are an interdisciplinary team of research biologists, medical doctors, engineers, mathematicians, and computer scientists. We collaborate extensively with other biomedical researchers and clinicians within and beyond Washington University on large-scale cancer projects.

Principal Investigator

Li Ding, Ph.D.Professor of Medicine and Genetics Director of Computational Biology, Oncology Assistant Director, McDonnell Genome Institute Washington University School of Medicine

Li Ding, Ph.D.

David English Smith Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Genetics, Director of Computational Biology, Oncology Assistant Director, McDonnell Genome Institute Washington University School of Medicine

Li Ding, PhD, is the David English Smith Distinguished Professor of Medicine at Washington University. Dr. Ding's research focuses on integrating cancer proteogenomics (including single cell and spatial omics), patient-derived cancer models, functional genomics, and drug  development to advance cancer biology and precision medicine. This work spans many cancer types, including acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, glioblastoma, and multiple myeloma, with key findings including the identification and characterization of pathogenic germline variants and somatic cancer drivers, and discovery of age-related clonal hematopoiesis. Her research team has also developed widely-used computational tools, including VarScan, SciClone, BreakDancer, MSIsensor, Pindel-C, HotSpot3D, and MuSiC and she plays significant roles and co-chairs various groups within The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), the Patient-Derived Xenografts Development and Trial Centers Research Network (PDXNet), Patient Engagement and Cancer Genome Sequencing (PE-CGS), Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet), and Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN). She also serves on the Steering Committees of CPTAC, TCGA, PDXnet, PE-CGS, SenNet, and co-chairs the HTAN Steering Committee. Dr. Ding has been recognized several times among Thomson-Reuters’ surveys of influential researchers, including listing among “The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds”, and was a member of a group honored with the American Association of Cancer Research Team Science Award for contributions to TCGA. Her work continues to be inspired by the ultimate goal of making personalized medicine a reality for cancer patients.

 

Group photos

 

Faculty and Staff

Michael Wendl, Ph.D., Research FacultyI completed undergraduate and graduate training at Washington University, after which I joined the nascent Human Genome Project working with Dr. Robert Waterston on signal analysis (basecalling), bioinformatics …

Michael Wendl, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine

I completed undergraduate and graduate training at Washington University, after which I joined the nascent Human Genome Project working with Dr. Robert Waterston on signal analysis (basecalling),
bioinformatics algorithms, and operations-research theory applied to genomic sequencing. My interests continue to be in the mathematical and statistical aspects of cancer biology and biophysics.

Matthew Wyczalkowski, Ph.D., Instructor in MedicineI develop large scale computational pipelines to support bioinformatics research, and specialize in visualizations of such data to help communicate results. I write software tools and manage our lab’s support of consortia including CPTAC3 and HTAN. Outside of work I am involved in The BALSA Foundation and enjoy photography, cycling, and travel.

Matthew Wyczalkowski, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine

I was born in Poland, grew up in Pennsylvania, and received my PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Washington University. As a data scientist I develop large scale computational pipelines to support bioinformatics research, and specialize in visualizations of such data to help communicate results. I manage our lab’s support of consortia including CPTAC3, HTAN, and SenNet. Outside of work I am involved in The BALSA Foundation and enjoy photography, cycling, and baking bread.

Song Cao, Ph.D., Instructor in MedicineI obtained my Ph.D in Physics and then spent some years in RNA folding field. Now my research interests are in bioinformatics, cancer genomics, cancer proteomics and cancer virology. In the past, I developed Vfold model for accurately predicting RNA two and three-dimensional structures, VirusScan pipeline for detecting viruses from NGS data, Somaticwrapper and Germlinewrapper pipelines for calling somatic and germline variants, MiSplice pipeline for detecting mutation induced splice sites, and 10Xmapping pipeline for mapping variants to single-cell RNA-Seq data, etc. In my spare time, I enjoy fishing, running, hiking, and playing basketball.

Song Cao, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine

After obtaining my Ph.D in Physics, I dedicated several years to studying RNA folding. Now, I have shifted my focus to cancer genomics, cancer proteomics, and cancer virology. Throughout my career, I have developed multiple models and pipelines across various spectra of the bioinformatics field. For instance, I created the Vfold model, which accurately predicts RNA’s two and three-dimensional structures. I also designed the VirusScan pipeline, capable of detecting viruses from NGS data. Additionally, I developed the Somaticwrapper and Germlinewrapper pipelines, which identify somatic and germline variants, respectively. Moreover, I designed the MiSplice pipeline, which detects mutation-induced splice sites, and the 10Xmapping pipeline for mapping variants to single-cell RNA-Seq data. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as gardening, fishing, running, and hiking.

Reyka Jayasinghe, Ph.D., Instructor of MedicineI hail from Los Angeles and spent a few years in San Francisco before coming over to St. Louis. I spend most of my time meowing at people and attempting to create computational tools to analyze sequencing data with a focus on alternative splicing. With the rest of my time I work with two awesome non-profits: Young Scientist Program and BALSA Foundation.

Reyka Jayasinghe, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

I hail from Los Angeles and spent a few years in San Francisco before coming over to the Lou. In Dr. Ding’s group I use bulk and single-cell to understand the transcriptional dynamics that are altered in tumor and immune cells due to treatment and over the course of disease progression. With Dr. DiPersio I use single-cell technologies to optimize clinical and preclinical models of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy to treat cancer. I also help run the Opportunities in Genomics Research Program (OGR) with Dr. Jim Skeath that provides research opportunities to underrepresented students in genomics and related fields.

R. Jay Mashl, Ph.D., Senior ScientistMy research includes developing computational tools and building pipelines for genetic variant analysis and interpretation in relation to human disease. During these efforts, I have contributed to several large-s…

R. Jay Mashl, Ph.D., Senior Scientist

My research includes developing computational tools and building pipelines for genetic variant analysis and interpretation in relation to human disease. During these efforts, I have contributed to
several large-scale consortium projects. In my personal pursuits, I enjoy hiking and running.

Michael Iglesia, M.D. Ph.D., PostdocI grew up in North Carolina and obtained my MD and PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology from UNC Chapel Hill. I completed Internal Medicine residency here at WashU/BJH and am currently a clinical fellow in Hematology/Oncology. My primary research interest is using genomics approaches to explore the tumor microenvironment, particularly with regard to the host immune system. I also enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and freshwater fishkeeping.

Michael Iglesia, M.D. Ph.D., Instructor in Medicine

I grew up in North Carolina and obtained my MD and PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology from UNC Chapel Hill. I completed Internal Medicine residency here at WashU/BJH and am currently a clinical fellow in Hematology/Oncology. My primary research interest is using genomics approaches to explore the tumor microenvironment, particularly with regard to the host immune system. I also enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and freshwater fishkeeping.

André Targino, Ph.D., Staff Scientist

I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and received the Ph.D. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After becoming a Fulbrighter, I worked for startups from the U.S. and the U.K., among other countries. I am passionate about making the most of my Mathematical skills, Image Processing expertise, and Artificial Intelligence experience, to help startups thrive as a Google for Startups Accelerator Mentor and to collaborate with my fellow lab mates in all things Life. Oh, and I also love to lift, hang out, and eat ice cream!

Preet Lal, Ph.D., PostdocI hail from Himachal Pradesh in northern India. I obtained my Ph.D. in Biomolecular Sciences from the University of Trento in the Italian Alps. Now, in collaboration with the Chen Lab, I am involved in the deep discovery and…

Preet Lal, Ph.D., Staff Scientist

I hail from Himachal Pradesh in northern India. I obtained my Ph.D. in Biomolecular Sciences from the University of Trento in the Italian Alps. Now, in collaboration with the Chen Lab, I am involved in the deep discovery and clinical interpretation of germline and somatic cancer drivers using in-vitro and in-vivo cancer models. I am a vegetarian, and I like hiking, cooking my favorite foods, and sometimes singing Bollywood songs.

Bailey Martin-Giacalone, Ph.D., PECGS Instructor in Surgery - Public Health Sciences

I grew up in Belleville, IL, and completed my PhD at Baylor College of Medicine, followed by postdoctoral training at WashU. My research focuses on studying gene by environment interactions in the context of cancer health disparities. I am also passionate about using community-engaged research approaches in cancer genetics and genomics research. I like gnocchi, journaling, and being in the sun, while some of my dislikes include scary movies, social media, and late nights.

Yingduo Song, Research Assistant

I was born and raised in Beijing, China. After getting my bachelor's degree in biology, I came to Washu studying in MSBDS program. And now I learn and work on cancer genomics and solve problems using single-cell technology. Also, I love reading and running in my free time.

Faria Anjum Simin, Research Technician II

Born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh, I moved to the United States in 2021 to pursue graduate studies. I have a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from North South University, Bangladesh, and a master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I am eager to utilize my knowledge of pharmacology and wet lab expertise to identify potential therapeutic targets for cancer and urogenital diseases. In my spare time, I enjoy watching and learning about space exploration programs.

Yuting Zhao, Research Technician II

I grew up in Shenzhen, a southern city in China. I came to the state and obtained my bachelor's degree at The University of the South, with a biochemistry major and music minor. In addition, I obtained my master's degree in biomedical science at the University of Pittsburgh. I hope that I can learn more advanced techniques in the wet lab and meet more diverse people here. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and the piano.

Fankun Zeng, Research Assistant

I spent my formative years in Hebei before relocating to Jiangsu, from the northern to the southern regions of China. Holding the Master's degree in Computer Science from Washington University, my academic journey has fueled a passion for the diverse applications within the realm of computer science. Beyond my professional pursuits, I enjoy traveling, reading novels, singing, playing video and board games, and watching movies.

Maede Shahin, MS, Research Technician II

I earned my bachelor's degree in biology from Damghan University in Iran. I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in science, but I also had a sense of adventure urging me to explore the world. I heard nothing back from Japan embassy. So, I came to the United States for my master's in molecular biology. My journey began in Edwardsville, Illinois, at Southern Illinois University. For my thesis project, I worked in Professor Amy Winn's lab, focusing on the SLC12 gene family in Schmidtea mediterranea. This experience provided me with a deeper understanding of molecular biology and hands-on experience with recombinant DNA and RNAi techniques to study gene effects in planarians. I successfully defended my thesis in May 2024. And now, here I am, in Missouri!

Xiyi Wei, Visiting Researcher

I grew up in Huain, China. I obtained my bachelor, master and medical doctor degree of clinical medicine at Nanjing Medical University.  Previously, I worked on the basic and translational research on renal cell carcinoma in the team of Professor Song and Professor Qin. We mainly study the regulatory mechanisms of epigenetics and cell fate in renal cell carcinoma. I hope to utilize my wet laboratory expertise to identify potential therapeutic targets for renal cell carcinoma. In my free time, I enjoy playing games and watching NBA.

 
 

Postdocs

Xiang Li, Ph.D., Postdoc

I grew up in Shanghai, China. I then moved to Australia and completed my Undergraduate, Honours and PhD in Medical Biochemistry at the University of Newcastle. My previous research focused on neurology and oncology crosstalk, with the expertise in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, bioinformatics and biostatistics. Here at WashU, I joined the cellular Senescence Network (SenNet) project to develop the cellular senescence atlases for different human organisms using single cell-based multi-omics and imaging techniques. In my leisure time, I enjoy traveling, reading, games and movies.

Kapur Dhami, Ph.D., PostDoc

I belong to Nepal, a south Asian nation known for its natural beauty. I completed my doctoral degree from University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). In my PhD, I studied the role of protein-immune cell interaction in Alzheimer’s disease. I am interested in translational research that leads to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets for diseases. I am working on different cancer models that can be organoid or PDX or mouse models to uncover the mechanism of disease initiation and progression leading to the identification of promising drug target. I love to spend my spare time with my family watching movies or listening eastern classics or exploring new places.

Yize Li, Graduate StudentI grew up in Guangzhou, a southern city in China with warm weather, gorgeous views, and hospitable people. I now learn and work on cancer genomics research and cancer biology. Outside of the lab, I love various kinds of spor…

Yize Li, Ph.D., Postdoc

I grew up in Guangzhou, a southern city in China with warm weather, gorgeous views, and hospitable people. I now learn and work on cancer genomics research and cancer biology. Outside of the lab, I love various kinds of sports, especially basketball, badminton, and swimming. Besides that, I also enjoy hiking and reading.

Fernanda Martins Rodrigues, Ph.D., Postdoc

I grew up in Pelotas, a lovely city in southern Brazil known for its history and delicious desserts. I studied Biotechnology at the University of Pelotas and Bioinformatics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. At WashU, my goal is to use computational tools to better understand cancer genetics. In my spare time I enjoy hanging with friends, exploring the city and trying new bars and restaurants.

Wen-hung Chou, Ph.D., Postdoc

I grew up in Taiwan and obtained my undergraduate degree in physics. During my Ph.D. at UChicago, I studied cytoskeletal structures in cells using quantitative microscopy. In the Ding lab, my postdoc work will focus on cancer biology using multiomics and imaging approaches. Outside of the lab, I enjoy baseball and ballroom dancing.

Yuwei Zhang, Ph.D., Postdoc

I grew up in Wenzhou, an oceanside city in China. I received the Ph.D degree in Chemical Pathology from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. My previous research focused on epigenetics, RNA modification, RNA secondary structure and computational oncology. Currently, I continue to study genetic mechanisms using multi-omics approaches. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, games, hiking and biking.

Gaurav Bhatt, Ph.D., Postdoc

From the picturesque town of Kotdwar in Uttarakhand, India, I bring a deep passion for cancer research and therapeutics. I pursued my Ph.D. at IIT Guwahati under the supervision of Dr. Latha Rangan and Dr. AM Limaye, where I investigated the transcriptomic footprint and mechanistic details of karanjin's mode of action in breast cancer cells. This research led to the elucidation of the activation and modulation of Estrogen receptor α and Aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Currently, I am dedicated to advancing our understanding of kidney and Prostate cancer progression and resistance by studying both in vitro and in vivo models, as well as clinical settings. I am particularly interested in utilizing single cell technology, spatial transcriptomics, CRISPR and other cutting-edge techniques to uncover mechanistic insights, develop new biomarkers, therapeutic molecules, and ultimately improve treatment outcomes. Outside of my research, I find joy in playing soccer, sport, travelling and making a positive impact through social work in the community.

Xiangwei Fang, Ph.D., Postdoc

I grew up in Hangzhou, a poetic city in China, and completed my clinical medical training in Shanghai. After coming to the US, I studied actuarial science in mathematics, and then earned a Ph.D. in molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry. Here at WashU, I aim to dive into the future by developing computational biology skills to gain a deeper understanding of oncology. Outside of the lab, I enjoy sports, cuisines, and spending time with my family (including my dog).

Alla Karpova, Graduate StudentI grew up in Russia, where I obtained my undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology at Moscow State University. After moving to the US, I studied Biomedical Engineering here at WashU, and earned a MS degree with the thesis focusing on regulation of histone and non-histone proteins by acetylation in breast cancer. Now I’m in the middle of my PhD and I shifted my interests towards tumor microenvironment, which I tackle via single cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies. When I’m not in the lab, I love rock climbing, traveling, hanging out with friends, watching good shows and maybe cooking.

Alla Karpova, Ph.D., Postdoc

I grew up in Russia, where I obtained my undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology at Moscow State University. After moving to the US, I studied Biomedical Engineering here at WashU, and earned a MS degree. In Li Ding’s lab I completed PhD focusing on epigenetic regulation of cancer transitions and on senescence in liver. When I’m not in the lab, I love rock climbing, traveling, hanging out with friends, watching good shows and maybe cooking.

Simon Mo, Graduate StudentI am a Biomedical Engineering student born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. I am a biochemist by training but have developed an interest in bioinformatics in recent years. I moved from Durham in North Carolina to St. Louis last year and have been enjoying the wider selection of Asian gourmet food here in St. Louis. Outside of the lab, I enjoy good food, shows, movies, and lifting.

Simon Mo, Ph.D., Postdoc

I am a Biomedical Engineering student born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. I am a biochemist by training but have developed an interest in bioinformatics in recent years. I moved from Durham in North Carolina to St. Louis last year and have been enjoying the wider selection of Asian gourmet food here in St. Louis. Outside of the lab, I enjoy good food, shows, movies, and lifting.

 
 

Graduate Students

Ilya Strunilin, Graduate StudentI grew up in Moscow, Russia before moving to the US to study biology. I got my bachelors in Biology and Biophysics at Duke University. Doing research feeds my curiosity and helps me make sense of the world. I like electronic music, live shows, rock climbing and cooking with friends.

Ilya Strunilin, Graduate Student

I grew up in Moscow, Russia before moving to the US to study biology. I got my bachelors in Biology and Biophysics at Duke University. Doing research feeds my curiosity and helps me make sense of the world. I like electronic music, live shows, rock climbing and cooking with friends.

Julia Wang, Graduate StudentI grew up in Cupertino, California, and attended UC Berkeley as a biochemistry major (go Bears!). Upon graduating, I worked for two years as a lab tech in the Genome Engineering and iPSC Center at WashU, then decided to c…

Julia Wang, Graduate Student

I grew up in Cupertino, California, and attended UC Berkeley as a biochemistry major (go Bears!). Upon graduating, I worked for two years as a lab tech in the Genome Engineering and iPSC Center at WashU, then decided to continue my education in St. Louis. My rotation project aims to characterize how the post-translational modification of transcription factors are affected in cancer cells. Outside of lab, I enjoy reading true crime, painting, and spending time with my cat.

Wagma Caravan, Graduate StudentI was born and raised in Queens, NYC, and received my bachelors degree in Chemistry at Adelphi University. In my free time I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music.

Wagma Caravan, Graduate Student

I was born and raised in Queens, NYC, and received my bachelors degree in Chemistry at Adelphi University. In my free time I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music.

Erik Storrs, Graduate Student

I am from St. Louis and received my undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University, where I majored in computer science and geology. I'm especially interested in the application of machine learning - particularly deep learning - in cancer proteogenomics. When I'm not in front of a computer screen you will find me hiking, reading, or drawing.

Austin Southard-Smith, Graduate Student

Although I was raised in Nashville, Tennessee, I attended UNC Chapel Hill in North Carolina where I earned a B.S. in Biochemistry. From there I participated in single cell methods development work at Vanderbilt University before arriving at WashU. Here, I aim to use multi-omic approaches to study tumor heterogeneity. Outside of lab I enjoy being objectively bad at various video games, listening to music, and cycling.

Jingxian “Clara” Liu, Graduate StudentI grew up in Beijing, China and studied biology and computer science at Cornell University. I am interested in learning and applying new multiomics techniques to understand cancer. Outside of lab, I enjoy nature, food, cooking and always excited to try new ice cream flavors. 

Jingxian “Clara” Liu, Graduate Student

I grew up in Beijing, China and studied biology and computer science at Cornell University. I am interested in learning and applying new multiomics techniques to understand cancer. Outside of lab, I enjoy nature, food, cooking and always excited to try new ice cream flavors. 

Yizhe Song, Graduate StudentI grew up in Shandong, a coastal province of East China. I love the ocean, rain, and snow. I also enjoy the sun, breeze, and fallen leaves. These regular things are the spark in my life. Usually, I'm resistant to cold and hot weather. I also like zoning out for a moment when I stay indoors.

Yizhe Song, Graduate Student

I grew up in Shandong, a coastal province of East China. I love the ocean, rain, and snow. I also enjoy the sun, breeze, and fallen leaves. These regular things are the spark in my life. Usually, I'm resistant to cold and hot weather. I also like zoning out for a moment when I stay indoors.

Omar Ibrahim, MS, Graduate StudentI descended from the pharaohs to grew up in a sunny Mediterranean city called Alexandria, where I earned my Pharmacy degree and did my oncology pharmacy training. I am also Fulbright alumnus in Tumor Biology and Immunology from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York. My research interest is broadly focusing on identifying therapeutic targets and modulating the tumor microenvironment-promoting components. If I am not doing research, I will be listening to pop music while reading about speculative philosophy, lifting weights, or watching soccer games.

Omar Ibrahim, Graduate Student

I am a descendant of the Pharaohs and grew up in the sunny Mediterranean city of Alexandria, where I earned my Pharmacy degree and completed my Oncology Pharmacy training. I am a Fulbright alumnus in Tumor Biology and Immunology from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York. Herein, I discover therapeutic targets, and advance drug development to combat cancer. When I am not researching, I enjoy listening to pop music while reading about speculative philosophy, lifting weights, or watching soccer games.

Evan Peng, MD, Graduate Student

I am a gastroenterologist from Taiwan. While seeing patients for years, I developed an interest in biomedical research and decided to become a physician-scientist. Now, I am interested in using various sequencing technology to unravel the disease mechanisms and improve personalized medicine. Outside of work and research, I enjoy reading, jogging, listening to podcasts, and finding ways to get my daughter to go to bed.

Ambrose Plante, PhD, Medical Student

I grew up in New York and attended Cornell University with majors in Physics and Chemistry. I received my PhD from Weill Cornell Medical College during which I applied biophysics and machine learning to uncover novel functional mechanisms of molecular machines. I am pursuing my MD at WashU with a focus on the application of artificial intelligence-based solutions to clinical problems. Outside of the lab I enjoy playing guitar, singing, surfing, and rock climbing.

I-Ling Chiang, Medical StudentI grew up in Fremont, California and studied chemistry/biology at MIT. In the lab, I am helping with the investigation of multiple myeloma with single-cell technology. Outside of work, I enjoy watching movies, exercisin…

I-Ling Chiang, Resident Physician (Vanderbilt)

I grew up in Fremont, California and studied chemistry/biology at MIT. In the lab, I am helping with the investigation of multiple myeloma with single-cell technology. Outside of work, I enjoy watching movies, exercising, and cooking.

Kelsey Gallant, Graduate Student

I hail from North Carolina and earned a B.S. in Biology from Spelman College. Post-graduation, I spent three years at the National Cancer Institute, developing a high-throughput imaging pipeline to study biomarkers of aging. As an MD-PhD student at WashU, I am interested in elucidating the systemic mechanisms underlying cancer and aging phenotypes, leveraging multi-omic and computational approaches. Through this, I aim to uncover insights that can shape the landscape of precision medicine. Outside academia, I enjoy ballet, contemporary dance, running, and epicurean adventures with friends.

Kyowon Koo, Graduate Student

While I was mostly born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, I have spent a significant amount of time studying in Singapore and the East Coast of the United States before moving to California to complete my bachelors in Biochemistry at USC. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing video games, sampling local cuisines while traveling abroad with friends & family, and drawing on my iPad. 

Winnie Pan, Graduate Student (Master’s Program)

I am from Beijing, China, and completed my bachelor degree in U of M Twin Cities. Then I attended to WashU and developed my interest in bioinformatics. Outside of lab, I enjoy skating, exercising, cooking and playing with my cat.

Roman Smirnov, Rotation Student

I grew up in Russia where I obtained my bachelor's in Biology, and master's in Bioinformatics. I am interested in deeper understanding of human diseases using computational tools and multiomics data. Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, reading biography books and walking in nature.

Rachel Baits, Rotation Student

I grew up in Rockford, IL, and earned my bachelor’s degree from UIUC. After completing my undergraduate studies, I moved to Chicago, IL, where I worked in industry for several years and developed an interest in advancing precision medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy biking, trying new restaurants, and exploring different forms of art.


Mengyao Shi, MPH, Rotation Student

I grew up in Yantai, China, and earned my MBBS degree from Sichuan University. I then completed an MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at WashU. My research interests focus on leveraging multiomics data to explore the underlying mechanisms for cancer prevention and early detection. Outside of work, I enjoy acrylic painting, playing tennis, and spending time with my cat.

Bahareh Bahmani, Graduate Student (Master’s Program)

I was born in Iran and grew up in various countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Netherlands. I studied Computer Science in San Francisco and gained valuable academic experience as an intern at Stanford University, along with industry experience at Johnson & Johnson. Currently, I’m pursuing a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, and swimming.

Ana Romani, Rotation Student

I grew up in Peru, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Genetics and Biotechnology. My main interest lies in exploring the relationship between the microbiome and human diseases. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, football matches, and going to the gym.

 
 
 

Undergraduate Students

Shreya Mangalam, Undergraduate Student

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. I’m interested in studying computational biology and genomics. I’m hoping to learn and explore more about disease development and the application of computational and experimental methods to further those findings. Outside of this, I hold a woman candidate master title in chess, play competitive chess, spend time with my friends and dog, and listen to pop music.

Samantha Livingston, Undergraduate Student

I grew up in Sleepy Hollow, NY. I am studying computational biology and genomics as an undergrad at WashU. I am hoping to learn more about combining computational and experimental tools to explore disease. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, playing tennis and spending time with friends and family. 

Lauren Fulghum, Undergraduate Student

I am a Houston native studying Computational Biology and Genomics at WashU. I hope to better my understanding of how to build effective and efficient computational tools, particularly ones that can analyze the cellular mechanisms and origins of cancer. Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking, reading, and trying new yoga classes with friends.

David Wang, Undergraduate Student

I'm originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I'm working towards a Data Science degree at WashU. I'm really interested in connecting the dots between computational biology and neurobiology. I'm looking forward to learning more about bioinformatics and programming. Outside of the lab, I enjoy listening to music, playing piano, and going on runs.

 
 

Affiliated Faculty, STAFF, AND STUDENTS

Alumni

Ding Lab

Faculty, Staff & Postdocs

  • Qingsong Gao, Ph.D.

  • Kuan-lin Huang, Ph.D.

  • Cyriac Kandoth, Ph.D.

  • Dawn King, Ph.D.

  • Wen-Wei Liao

  • Jie Ning

  • Beifang Niu, Ph.D.

  • Clara Oh

  • Adam Scott, Ph.D.

  • Sohini Sengupta, Ph.D.

  • Sunantha Sethuraman, Ph.D., Postdoc

  • Lisa Thammavong

  • Jiayin Wang, Ph.D.

  • Amila Weerasinghe, Ph.D., Postdoc

  • Kai Ye, Ph.D.

  • Venkata Yellapantula, Ph.D.

  • Houxiang Zhu, Ph.D., Postdoc

  • Mamatha Serasanambati, Ph.D., Postdoc

  • Hua Sun, Ph.D., Postdoc

  • Wen-Wei Liang, Ph.D., Postdoc

  • Nataly Naser AL Deen, Ph.D., Postdoc

  • Hanin Elfandi

  • San Kwon

  • Yige Wu, Ph.D, Graduate Student first, then Postdoc

  • Andrew Shinkle

  • Rita Lu

  • Yanyan Zhao, Lab Technician

  • Kazuhito (Kazu) Sato, M.D. Ph.D., Postdoc

  • Nadezhda Terekhanova, Ph.D., Postdoc

  • Siqi Chen, M.D. Ph.D., Instructor in Medicine

  • Qingqing Li, Research Assistant

  • Atieh Abedin, Ph.D., Postdoc

  • Grant Rousseau, Research Technician I

  • Andrew Houston, Senior Research Technician

Graduate & Medical Students

  • Emily Luc (rotation)

  • Jimmy Zhong (rotation)

  • Isabel Risch (rotation)

  • Ling Liao, Graduate Student

  • Fankun Zeng (rotation)

  • Xiangyu Chen (rotation)

  • Liang-Bo "Bobo" Wang, Ph.D

  • Daniel Cui Zhou, Ph.D.

  • Douglas Abrams (rotation)

  • Daniel Mendez (rotation)

  • Winston Anthony (rotation)

  • Matthew Bailey, Ph.D.

  • JooHee Choi (rotation)

  • Emily Coonrod (rotation)

  • Jennifer Flynn (rotation)

  • Steven Foltz, Ph.D.

  • Arielle Homayouni (rotation)

  • Yang Li (rotation)

  • Shuangjia Lu (rotation)

  • Di Liu (visiting Graduate Student)

  • Ju Heon Maeng (rotation)

  • Peter Ronning (rotation)

  • Sam Sun, M.D.

  • Xinxin Wang (rotation)

  • Naomi Wilson (rotation)

  • Wing Hing Wong (rotation)

  • Mingchao Xie, Ph.D.

  • Yitan Chen (rotation)

  • Lijun Yao, Ph.D

  • Liting Zhang, Visiting PhD Student

  • Ruiyang Liu, Ph.D

  • Alice Kao (rotation)

  • Diana Odhiambo (rotation)

  • Christopher Yoon (Graduate Student)

  • Jennie Yao (rotation)

Undergraduate Students

  • Prag Batra

  • Maheetha Bharadwaj

  • Jonathan Chen

  • Justin Chen

  • Erin DeNardo

  • Nathan Dollinger

  • Guanlan Dong

  • Ani Gururaj

  • Malik Hadjri

  • Felix Hu

  • Mo Huang

  • Shrikar Iragavarapu

  • Caleb Ji

  • Sean Kelso

  • Akhil Kondepudi

  • Monica Lim

  • Carolyn Lou

  • Edwin Qiu

  • Rachana Reddy

  • Ryan Sachar

  • Moses Schindler

  • Terrence Tsou

  • Weihua Wang

  • Jessika Baral

  • Fred Hua

  • Akshay Govindan

Medical genomics

  • Ken Chen, Ph.D.

  • Nathan Dees, Ph.D.

  • Xian Fan

  • Chris Harris

  • Xin Hong

  • Mark Johnson

  • Krishna Kanchi

  • Dan Koboldt

  • David Larson, Ph.D.

  • Ling Lin

  • Charles Lu, Ph.D.

  • Rick Meyer

  • Chris Miller, Ph.D.

  • John Osbourne

  • William Schierding

  • Heather Schmidt

  • Dong Shen, Ph.D.

  • Xiaoqi Shi

  • Yuzhu Tang, M.D.

  • Joelle Veizer

  • John Wallis, Ph.D.