Zhu Lab Members

I graduated with a bachelor’s of Science from the University of Science and Technology of China. I then moved to Salt Lake City, where I obtained a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Utah, followed by postdoctoral training at the UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. I moved to Houston in 2019 to start my lab at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center at the Baylor College of Medicine. My research focuses on understanding metabolism and obesity using biochemistry, molecular biology, and the rodent model. I am particularly interested in intercellular communication and its potential to treat obesity and other metabolic diseases. I enjoy nature, art, and working on science. I hold a strong belief that the greatest scientific discovery should be simple, evident, and artistic. I like simple things in life as well. 

I obtained my M.D., M.Sc, and Ph.D. degrees from Xiangya Medical School of Central South University in China. Simultaneously, I completed my residency and fellowship training at the Second Xiangya Hospital, progressing to an attending pediatric endocrinologist. In 2020, I became a jointly trained Ph.D. student at Zhu Lab, successfully concluding the project and defending my thesis in 2022. My overarching career goal is to be a physician-scientist. To realize this ambition, I continued my postdoctoral training, aiming to fortify my foundation as a successful scientist within Zhu Lab. The lab's conducive atmosphere and a supportive team have allowed me to pursue my passion wholeheartedly. Beyond the laboratory, I enjoy drawing, workout, traveling.
 

I received my Master of Medicine from Nanjing Medical School in China. I joined Dr. Zhu’s lab at Children's Nutrition Research Center in September 2022. I am a research assistant responsible for molecular biology procedures such as DNA/RNA/protein isolation, qPCR, western blotting as well as metabolic testing, mouse husbandry, and data analysis. I enjoy working alongside my lab members and the precious bond we share. I am thoroughly grateful for the learning experience. Outside of the lab, I like to spend time with my family and friends. 

I earned my Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Science and Technology of China. Since the autumn of 2023, I have been a part of Dr. Zhu's laboratory. This research environment has been a perfect fit for me, providing both a conducive work atmosphere and a supportive team. Outside of the lab, my enthusiasm extends to history, where I have a particular passion for both humanities and evolutionary history.

I am currently a sophomore at the University of Houston pursuing my B.S. in Biology with a minor in Medicine and Society. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I plan to enroll at Baylor College of Medicine as part of the Houston Premedical Academy B.S./M.D. program. I joined Dr. Zhu’s laboratory in May 2023 to pursue my interest in exploring obesity, metabolic diseases, and nutrition. The research dynamic has allowed me to learn innovative approaches to tackle scientific issues while also working in a collaborative, supportive environment. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing piano and cello, running, watching sports, and traveling.