People

Meet the Principal Investigator

Vivian S Lee, Ph.D.

Vivian S Lee, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Molecular Biology and membership in the Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

She completed her B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Washington, followed by her Ph.D. in Developmental, Regenerative, and Stem Cell Biology at Washingto University in St. Louis. She then completed her postdcotoral training at the Brigham and Women's Hospital/ Harvard Medical School before joining UT Southwestern.

Fun Fact: With the right playlist, I believe pipetting is a form of meditation!

Faculty Profile

Lab Members

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Tamalika Chowdhury, M.S.

Mater's Student Intern

Tamalika is from India and holds a Master’s Degree in Microbiology with 2 years of work experience in molecular diagnostic lab and teaching. Currently, she is advancing her career by pursuing a Professional Science Master’s in Biotechnology at Texas Woman’s University. Her previous lab work focused on the study of antibiotic resistant enteric bacteria in raw vegetables. In the future, she wishes to find a cure for PCOS and improve women’s health by using phytoestrogen. At UTSW, she will explore how a gene’s overexpression triggers different downstream signaling. In her free time, she loves patio-gardening and believes in the “patio-to-plate” approach. 

Fun Fact: Her hobby list is too long to be mentioned here as it changes with the seasons and Texas weather.

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Eva Anderson

Undergraduate Research Intern

Eva is pursuing a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biology with a concentration in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Texas at Austin.Previously, Eva interned in the Department of Molecular Genetics at UTSW while in the STARS Summer Research Program during the Summer of 2023. As a student in the Freshman Research Initiative, Eva is researching in the Biomanufacturing lab. After graduating, she wants to pursue a Masters degree and work at Children’s Health, MD Anderson, or UTSW as a Research Assistant or Medical Lab Technician. 

Fun Fact: Eva enjoys supporting the Longhorns across many sports, especially the women’s basketball team, and attended her first March Madness game this year. 


 

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Mya Moore, B.S.

PhD Rotation Student

Mya completed her Bacehlor's at Angelo State University where she received a degree in biology and minor in chemistry. She began her research journey as a postbacc student in the PB2PHD program at UTSW working on designing CRISPR KO screens in Dr. Ralph DeBerardinis' lab. 

Fun Fact: I love watching rodeos, and if I didn't pursue science, I'd want to do professional rodeo! 

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Sara Ramirez, M.S.

Research Assistant I

Sara is originally from Tapachula, Mexico, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Bethany College in West Virginia. She recently completed her Master’s degree in Biotechnology at The University of Texas at Dallas, where she conducted thesis research investigating how lysine availability influences antibiotic susceptibility in Group B Streptococcus. During her graduate studies, she also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Introduction to Modern Biology II, gaining valuable experience in both research and education.

Sara is passionate about advancing scientific knowledge and aims to pursue a Ph.D. in the future, with the goal of contributing to impactful research and inspiring women in STEM.

Fun fact: In her free time, Sara enjoys watching college sports, cooking, and spending time with her friends, family, and dogs.

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Jasmine Wynn, B.S.

Administrative Assistant II

Jasmine holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and is currently advancing her career as an MBA candidate at Louisiana State University. She has been with UT Southwestern for seven years, bringing valuable experience and dedication to healthcare administration. Jasmine is passionate about addressing health disparities, improving health equity, and advocating for preventive health initiatives. Her future goals include driving community-focused health programs and influencing policy to close gaps in healthcare access.

 

Fun Fact: Jasmine enjoys baking and loves putting healthy spins on traditional dessert recipes.

Alumni

  • Samantha Zamora | Research Technician

Join Our Lab

We are actively recruiting dedicated scientists at all levels.