Yi-Heng Hao, Ph.D.
Instructor
I received my Ph.D. degree from the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and came to work at UT Southwestern before I joined Sorrell lab as a research scientist. In Sorrell's lab, I discovered that oncogene MYC regulates transcription of numerous genes in the WNT/β-catenin pathway, including the β-catenin co-transcription factor LEF1, which leads to activation of WNT/β-catenin pathway, increase of fatty acids metabolism, and cell proliferation. Currently, my work focuses on functions of MYC during glioma progression, neuronal development, and differentiation, through the repression of the bHLH-PAS domain gene ARNT2.
Maria del Carmen Lafita Navarro, Ph.D.
Instructor
Ph.D., Molecular Biology and Biomedicine, University of Cantabria, Spain
My research focuses on identifying molecular pathways that promote cell growth and proliferation of cancer cells from the activation of specific metabolic pathways to the regulation of nucleolar activity. I joined the Sorrell Lab in February 2016 after obtaining my Ph.D. with Dr. Javier León at the University of Cantabria, Spain. There, I studied the MXD family of proteins, which are MYC transcriptional antagonists. Outside the lab, I enjoy the outdoors, being with my birds, and playing Ultimate Frisbee.
Li Li, MD
Senior Research Scientist
M.D., Hunan Medical School, Changsha, Hunan province, China
I have been a scientist at UTSW since 1991 and joined the Conacci-Sorrell lab in 2021. My research focuses on developing mouse models related to current lab projects. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family.
Lizbeth Perez-Castro
Post Doctoral Fellow
Ph.D., Cell Biology track, UTSW 2023
B.S., Biology, the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey I started my Ph.D. at UTSW in 2018 and joined the Sorrell Lab in February 2019. I am interested in understanding the role of tryptophan metabolites in liver cancer. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing board games with friends, dancing, and trying new restaurants.
Isabella "Izzy" Brown
Ph.D. Candidate, Cancer Biology track
NSF-GRFP Fellow
B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona.
I am originally from Tucson, Arizona and I joined the lab at the end of 2020. My research focuses on understanding nucleolar activity and how translation is aligned in cancer cells. My favorite lab techniques are western blots and microscopy! In my free time, I enjoy reading, spin classes/running, traveling, and playing with my cats, Beaker and Bunsen, and my dog Anakin.
Roy Garcia
Ph.D., Candidate, Cancer Biology track, MoDTS track
HHMI Gilliam Fellow
B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara
I’m originally from Los Angeles, CA. My lab project is “Studying tryptophan metabolism in colorectal cancer to direct and design novel therapies”. My favorite lab techniques: “Hates western blots.” Fun fact “Did you know tryptophan is the cutest amino acid?”
Pedro Augusto Nogueira, PhD
Post Doctoral Fellow
Ph.D, Cell and Anatomy Biology, UNICAMP-Campinas State University, Brazil
I am from Brazil! Recently, I joined as a PostDoctoral Research in Sorrell´s lab in September 2022. My research area is related to Tryptophan metabolism in liver cancer obesity. I am very interested in molecular, cellular, and tissue crosstalking and energy homeostasis during Tryptophan starvation. I love coffee, food (pizza), meeting new people, and hanging out with friends. Out of lab, I try to occupy myself with things that I love to enjoy as nature, travel, sports (running, bicycling, and hiking), skateboarding, playing drums, and reading/discussing human sciences.
Shun Fang, M.D., Ph.D.
Post Doctoral Fellow
Pathologist, M.D., Ph.D., Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
My research focuses on discovering new biomarkers for renal cancer and potential molecular mechanisms. I joined the Sorrell Lab in September 2022, before that I worked as a pathologist in Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China and studied chemoresistance of small cell lung cancer. In my free time, I enjoy staying with my family and going on trips.
Afshan Fathima Nawas, Ph.D.
Post Doctoral Fellow
Ph.D, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Texas at Dallas
I joined the Sorrell lab in May 2023. My research focuses on the rate limiting enzymes involved in conversion of Tryptophan to Kynurenine and its role in fetal lung development versus lung cancer. Outside of research, I enjoy gardening, embroidery and making jewelry.
Emily "Emma" Parks
M.D./Ph.D. student, Immunology track, 3M.D.track
B.S., Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
I joined UTSW in 2020 as an MTSP and joined the lab in 2022 focusing on tumor immunology. I love to cook, run, read, and sing, and I hate western blots (I also clearly love a good oxford comma). I am originally from south Florida and now I’m here! Thanks for stopping by our lab website :)
Igor Lopes dos Santos, M.S.
Ph.D. student, Cancer Biology track
M.Sc. in Health and Environment, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, Brazil
I am originally from Goiânia, Brazil. I am interested in exploring the role of Tryptophan-derived metabolites in liver cancer cell growth. My research goal is to contribute to the development of better screening tools and novel therapeutic targets for liver cancer. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing volleyball, going to concerts, and hanging out with friends.
Arlene Levario
Ph.D. student, Cancer Biology track
B.S., Biochemistry, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
I am originally from Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua. My passion for science and desire to become an independent researcher and mentor led me to pursue a PhD degree. Currently, I'm working on characterizing a hydroxylase, OGFOD1, which appears to have an important role in the proliferation of MYC-driven cancers. Additionally, I'm collaborating on a project aimed at understanding the significance of ZNF692, a novel nucleolar protein. Beyond my scientific pursuits, I'm dedicated to promoting diversity and representation in the science community. As the secretary of DASH (Differently Abled Science Heroes), a newly established student organization, I'm actively working to promote neurodiversity and encourage those with neurological and physical disabilities. In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, and attempting to become a plant mom (although my track record with succulents isn't the best!).
Mahima Bastar
Green Fellow/Lab Technician
I am a Biochemistry Major at UT Dallas and have been at the Sorrell Lab since July 2022 as an undergraduate intern and a Green Fellow. My project looks into the prolyl hydroxylase enzyme OGFOD1 and how it influences stress granule formation and chemoresistance in brain cancer. I will (hopefully) be starting grad school next year and I am so excited to keep doing science! In my free time, I love to cook, bake, and travel (on a budget of course).
Joyane Eriom
PB2PHD Postbaccalaureate Scholar
B.S., Neuroscience, Baylor University
In June 2023, I joined the Sorrell lab as a postbac and am currently working on two projects. The first project focuses on exploring the treatment of Neuroblastoma by inhibiting the Kynurenine-AHR Pathway. The second project aims to understand how amino acid-free diets impact body composition and to find a viable diet-based intervention for liver cancer. I am excited to begin graduate school in the fall. When I am not working, I enjoy painting, reading, and spending time outdoors.