Hua-Kang Wu, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Hua-Kang earned his Ph.D. in Immuno-hematology from the University of Tokyo, Japan. He completed his postdoctoral training in Molecular Cancer Genetics at the University of Toronto, Canada, and gained further scientific experience in cancer research, focusing on tumor biomarker detection and characterization, translational clinical trials and pre-clinical studies at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. His academic and research background spans molecular cell biology, immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and animal experimentation. As an ASCP-certified Molecular Biologist and Cytometry Specialist, Hua-Kang excels in a variety of molecular techniques, including multicolor flow cytometry, imaging/microscopy, cell/tissue culture, in vivo disease models, and fluorescence-based methodologies. Proficient in molecular cell biology, immunohistochemistry, qPCR, FISH, multiplex assays, ELISA, and single-cell analysis, he joined UT Southwestern Medical Center in 2018 as a Research Scientist/Lab Manager before transferring to Dr. Sun's Lab in 2024. There, he focuses on advancing meningioma immunology and developing translational immunotherapies for aggressive meningiomas. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, especially traveling, hiking, riding bicycles, and cooking dinner with his daughter.
Mary Kate Kelly
Research Technician
Mary Kate Kelly received a B.S.A in Biology and Government from the University of Texas at Austin where she studied endosymbiosis under Dr. Nancy Moran. Her research interests include immunology and tumor microenvironment. Outside of the lab, Mary Kate enjoys gardening and yoga.
M. Amin Monsef
M. Amin Monsef earned his bachelor’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology in his home country. He then completed a master’s degree in Milan, Italy, focusing on osteoarthritis research and the anti-inflammatory potential of stem cell–based approaches. He later pursued a second master’s degree in the United States, where he worked on developing a novel probiotic as a potential therapeutic for individuals with low serotonin levels. He enjoys soccer, films, cooking, and reading.
Zackary Rimawi
Zack is a second-year undergraduate at the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in neuroscience. He joined the Sun Lab to explore his interest in neuro-oncology, which he hopes to pursue further through a career in medicine. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, playing/watching soccer, traveling, and spending time with family.
Alumni
Ishav Shukla
Medical Student
Ishav Shukla is a 2nd year medical student at UTSW. He received his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Texas at Dallas in December 2021. He is interested in pursuing neurosurgery and his research interests include neuro-oncology topics such as immunotherapy for meningioma and glioblastoma, tumor cell migration, and tumor microenvironment. Outside of the lab, Ishav enjoys playing cricket and pickleball and trying new restaurants.