Our team
Thu Pham, M.Sc
Ph.D CANDIDATE
I hold a BS in Biotechnology from the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi and a Master's from Carnegie Mellon University in Biotech and Pharmaceutical Engineering. My prior research focused on the phase separation and interaction of mitotic-arrest deficient 1 (Mad1) and Mad2 proteins, critical in understanding mitotic slippage and its role in aneuploidy or polyploidy. Currently, I investigate the cell cycle dynamics of ILCs to uncover the mechanisms behind their slow growth. Outside of the lab, I like baking and practicing piano.
Dante Poe
Ph.D CANDIDATE
I am a Ph.D. student in the CMU-Pitt Program in Computational Biology (CPCB) Program. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemisty/Biotechnology from Michigan State University. My research mainly focuses on cell microscopy, machine learning, and image analysis. Outside of research, I am involved in a science youtube channel called bioZone and enjoy following politics and art in general!
Tyler Johnston
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Hello! I am a sophomore bioengineering student on the pre-med track, passionate about exploring human disease to strengthen patients’ abilities to fight illness. I am interested in widening accessibility to science, and enjoy developing computational tools to enable research. I love spending time with my friends and family, and cleaning up after my 6-year old sister and 1-year old twin brothers.
Yian Yang
VISITING SCHOLAR
I am a Xiangya scholar majoring in clinical medicine. I’m now attending the exchange program at the University of Pittsburgh. During my clinical internship, I studied radiation oncology. In Stallaert lab, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of tumor-specific cell cycles. My aspiration is to become an oncologist capable of exploring new treatments and translating them from bench to bedside. Outside the lab, I love traveling, cooking and my cat (her name is Yaoyao, she’s good at biting everything).
Wayne Stallaert, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
I am fascinated by the interaction between a cell and its environment and the complex behaviors that emerge from this recursive relationship. When not in the lab, you can find me in the woodshop or eating.
Janet McLaughlin, MPPM
LABORATORY MANAGER
As lab manager, my goal is to build an organized, welcoming, collaborative laboratory environment for researchers and students. Fostering the growth of the Stallaert Lab from its beginnings has been a joyful and rewarding challenge. When I'm not pipetting in the lab, you'll find me busy with my two teenage daughters, five cats and two bunnies, tackling DIY home projects, or practicing yoga, trying to master arm balances. Namaste!
Anjali Srinivasan
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Hi! I’m a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in computational biology. I am passionate about the intersection of computational science and medicine, and the use of data-driven tools to solve complex biomedical challenges. I aim to use computational tools to better understand cancer, with a long-term goal of contributing to meaningful, patient-centered solutions. Outside academics, I enjoy traveling, dancing, and spending time with my cats.
Angela Renion
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Hi, I’m a junior undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Computational Biology and minoring in Korean. I’m especially interested in how computational methods can help us explore biological mechanisms and develop life changing solutions. In my free time I like to work out at the gym, draw, and edit photos and videos!
Meet Shah
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
I’m a junior undergraduate double majoring in Computational Biology and Computer Science on the Pre-Medicine track. I’m particularly fascinated by how computational biology is transforming research, especially in the context of cancer biology. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with friends, hitting the gym, and playing sports to stay active and balanced.
Swathi Jayaram, Ph.D
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
Hello world! I am Swathi Jayaram, a cell/ molecular biologist originally from Kerala, India. I did my undergraduate education at IISER Mohali and then flew to Max Perutz Labs Vienna for my PhD. During my PhD, I developed an understanding of stem cell biology and the cell cycle while gaining expertise single-cell imaging and image analysis. At the Stallaert lab, I am excited to apply my experience in microscopy and cell cycle to understand cancer cell fates upon drug treatment. I also look forward to expanding my skill set with Python-based image analysis, diving into cancer biology, and honing management and organizational skills. The non-geeky side of me loves to cook, sing, ponder, and explore places (especially try out new food).
Myra Haider
MS Student
I'm a graduate student in the MS Computational Biology program at Carnegie Mellon University. Following a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science from UC San Diego and some time in the biotech industry, I am excited about exploring novel applications of machine learning in systems biology and translational medicine. Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking, reading science fiction, and photosynthesizing outdoors.
Sihan (Gloria) Hao
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Hello! I am an honors college senior majoring in biology at the University of Pittsburgh on a pre-med track. I’m interested in plastic surgery and surgical oncology, especially in breast reconstruction and breast cancer treatments. Outside of academics, I am passionate about photography and free diving!
Marvin
LABORATORY ASSISTANT
Marv is a big fan of systems biology, quantitative imaging, and treatos. He’s not great at pipetting but he’s getting pretty good at frisbee.