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.

Interests: great food, photography and watching race cars driving around

Andrew (AJ) Erickson

Postgraduate Research Assistant

I'm originally from San Diego and completed my biochemistry degree at Vassar College. I previously worked in an organic chemistry lab researching metal-free synthesis and carbon-bond fragmentation.

Research: Functional regulation of complex lipid composition during neural stem cell aging

Interests: volleyball and golf — I'm also currently watching One Piece

Zixing (Josh) Chen

Postdoctoral Associate

I graduated from Chinese University of Hong Kong. I developed cell culture systems for gustatory research and previously worked on obesity and sterol metabolism, applying omics technologies broadly to my research.

Research: Intricate interplay between lipids and aging, using mass spectrometry

Interests: hiking, reading, and contemporary philosophy

Natalie Ito

Postgraduate Research Assistant

I graduated from New York University with a degree in Neural Science. I previously researched protein synthesis in memory consolidation, systemic inflammation effects on cognition, and regulatory mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders in iPSC-derived neurons.

Research: Molecular mechanisms, regulatory pathways, and genetic and environmental factors influencing cellular aging; lipidomic changes

Interests: baking, language learning, and exploring cafes