People

Haiyang Yu, Ph.D.

Haiyang Yu, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

I grew up in Chengde, a neighboring city of Beijing. I earned my bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in biological sciences from Nankai University in China and attained my Ph.D. in molecular cell biology from Washington University in St. Louis.
My journey in science started when I was an undergraduate at Nankai University, where I studied chemical inhibitors for a kinesin, Eg5. At WashU, my thesis research focused on how the actin cytoskeleton is regulated by Rho family small GTPases.
As a postdoctoral fellow mentored by Dr. Don Cleveland at UCSD, I focused on how TDP-43, a nuclear RNA-binding protein that is essential for neuronal health, forms cytoplasmic aggregates in affected neurons in ALS and FTD. I and my colleagues found that TDP-43 de-mixes into complex droplets (which we named anisosomes) when it loses the ability to bind RNA through disease-causing mutation or post-translational acetylation. My postdoctoral research was funded by an NIH postdoctoral fellowship (F32) and a Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00).

Fang Zhang

Fang Zhang, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Researcher

I received my Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology from Southern Methodist University, analyzing the assembly pathways and clinical mutations of respiratory complex I. In the Yu lab, I study the silencing mediator of retinoid and thyroid receptor (SMRT), a co-repressor for nuclear receptors and other factors. Outside the lab, I enjoy photography, hiking, traveling, music, and cuddling with my cat.

Xiangmei Kong, M.D., M.S.

Xiangmei Kong, M.D., M.S.

Research Scientist

I earned my Doctor of Clinical Medicine and Master of Science degrees in China. In the Yu Lab, I am in charge of animal-related research. I enjoy working with other lab members. In my spare time, I like cooking and growing plants.

Devin Keely

Devin Keely

Research Technician I

I recently graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Oklahoma with a major in biomedical sciences and a minor in chemistry. I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, river rafting, bike riding, and skiing. My hobbies include caring for plants and cooking.

Lab Alumni

Cheng Cheng, Ph.D.

Medical Student
UCLA

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