Team — Stallaert Lab

Dante Poe

PhD STUDENT

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.

Mark Afanasyev

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT

I am a sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University, majoring in Chemistry with a strong commitment to making a difference through research. In my free time I love playing outdoor volleyball and learning Spanish.

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 either cooking 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. I have enjoyed an interesting career in flow cytometry, and I'm thrilled by this opportunity to explore a new career chapter in cellular imaging with the Stallaert Lab. When I'm not pipetting in the lab, you'll find me busy with my two girls, tackling DIY home projects, or practicing yoga with my dog, George. Namaste!

Betsy Ann Varghese

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

I am curious to explore tumor-immune cell interactions and regulators of Tumor microenvironment. I am much fascinated about the advanced techniques we perform in our lab. When not in lab, I love cooking and exploring new places. I’m originally from God’s own country, Kerala.

Suraj Balanagu

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT

I am a sophomore undergraduate student pursing microbiology on a Pre-Medical track. I am curious about the complexities of cancer, tumorigenesis, and immunology. I love pandas, pineapples, and family.

Narayanan Nampoothiri

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

Being the Research Technician in Stallaert lab, I am interested in the cell cycle of immune cells. I am fascinated to deepen my knowledge and skills in microscopy and high dimensional image analysis using the sophisticated techniques in our lab. Outside of research I love playing the game of cricket and enjoy watching sports and movies.

Swathi Jayaram

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).