Zhao
Laboratory
Team
Xiaoai Zhao M.D., Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
I completed my medical training in Nanjing, China before moving across the Pacific. I joined John Sedivy's lab at Brown University for my graduate degree, where I studied molecular pathways of organismal aging in mouse model of longevity. I then completed my postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Anne Brunet at Stanford University. In my postdoctoral work, I investigated the functional consequences of complex lipidome changes during neural stem cell aging. Outside the lab, I enjoy great food, photography and watching race cars driving around.
Andrew (AJ) Erickson
Postgraduate Research Assistant
I am originally from San Diego, California, but I attended Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York where I completed my degree in Biochemistry. During my time at Vassar, I researched a novel metal free synthesis route of the natural product Brazilin, before branching off towards researching the optimization of a novel 2,3 epoxy alcohol carbon carbon bond fragmentation in Professor Evan Howard’s organic chemistry lab. In Dr. Zhao’s lab I am studying the functional regulation of complex lipid composition during neural stem cell aging to potentially understand the functional decline of neural stem cells during the aging process. Outside of the lab I enjoy playing volleyball and golf, while also staying up to date on my favorite TV show One Piece.
Zixing (Josh) Chen
Postdoctoral Associate
I graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), with a PhD degree in Food and Nutritional Sciences, under the supervision of Prof. Chung Hau Yin. My doctoral thesis was related to the development and characterization of cell culture systems applicable to gustatory research. After obtaining my PhD, I joined Prof. Chen Zhen-Yu’s lab at CUHK and conducted research related to nutrition, with a focus on obesity and sterol metabolism. During my previous research, I have been developing and applying the “omics” technologies to help address problems in the fields of food sciences and nutritional physiology. I am currently continuing my postdoctoral training in Dr. Zhao’s lab to study the intricate interplay between lipids and aging, using mass spectrometry as a central tool. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and reading. In recent years, I have also been particularly interested in contemporary philosophy, both in the continental and analytic traditions, as well as their seemingly irreconcilable dialogues.
Natalie Ito
Postgraduate Research Assistant
I completed my degree in Neural Science from New York University, where I researched in Dr. Eric Klann’s lab, focusing on the regulation of protein synthesis in long-term memory consolidation using a novel optogenetic tool. During my undergraduate studies, I also explored the effects of systemic inflammation on cognition in a mouse model of sepsis in Dr. Fiona Harrison’s lab. More recently, I investigated the regulatory functions of non-coding genetic risk variants associated with neuropsychiatric disorders in iPSC-derived neurons under Dr. Kristen Brennand and Dr. Steve Reilly. My research interests center on bridging bench research with clinical applications, particularly in understanding the molecular mechanisms, regulatory pathways, and genetic and environmental factors influencing cellular function and disease pathology. In Dr. Zhao’s lab, I am excited to study the functional implications and mechanisms of lipidomic changes in aging. Outside the lab, I enjoy baking, learning languages, and exploring new cafes.
