Dr. Xiaojun Lance Lian

Lauren Randolph is a post-doc focusing on genetically engineering human stem cells and their derivative cell types for therapeutic application. Specifically she is working on developing a universal donor stem cell line as well as engineering hPSC derived cardiomyocytes to improve therapeutic applicability. She is also studing the developmental cues regulating early hematopoietic specification. In her free time, Lauren likes to practice her culinary skills, dance, read, and travel.

Yuqian Jiang is a fifth year PhD student focusing on pancreatic beta cell differentiation. She is using a variety of approaches to obtain efficient yields of human beta cells from hPSCs for diabetes therapy. She is also working on understanding cardiac muscle development by identifying early progenitor markers. In her spare time, Yuqian likes to draw and cook. 

Alessandro Howells is a first year PhD student in the lab. He will be working with Lauren on genetically engineering universal donor hPSCs for cardiomyocyte tissue engeineering strategies. Outside of the lab, Alessandro enjoys jogging, going to the gym, playing guitar, and videogames.

Tahir Haideri is a first year PhD student in the lab. He will be working on methods for genetically engineering stem cells for therapeutic applications in cardiac tissue engineering. Outside of the lab, Tahir spends his time playing immersive strategy games, hiking, and living life as an avid cinephile.

Xuyue Qiu is a first year masters student in the lab. Xuyue will be working on modifying Cas9 for gene editing. 

Majeed Iyoun is a one year masters student who will be working on CRISPR mediated gene activation in stem cells. In his spare time, he tutors for a startup company, cooks, and trains jiu-jitsu.