Current members
Mingnan Chen, Ph.D. (View Biosketch)
Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics
E-mail: mingnan.chen.at.utah.edu
Dr. Chen is the principle investigator of the laboratory and a member of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Dr. Chen received a bachelor’s degree from the Jimei University, a master’s degree from Peking University, and a Ph.D. degree from the School of Pharmacy of the University of Connecticut followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University. Beside research, he has genuine interest in different cultures and history around the world, and loves reading, swimming, and visiting new places and national parks.
Shuyun Dong, Ph.D., M.D
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics
E-mail: Shuyun.dong.at.utah.edu
Dr. Dong received her M.D. from West China University of Medical Sciences, M.P.H. from Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, and Ph.D. degree from University of Massachusetts Medical School. Her research focuses on development and characterization of immunotherapeutics for multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes. She enjoys playing with her daughter in free time.
Yujia Zhai
Graduate Student, Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics
E-mail: Yujia.zhai.at.utah.edu
Yujia attained her bachelor’s degree from China Pharmaceutical University in 2020. In 2021, she joined the lab to pursue a Ph.D. degree of pharmaceutics. Her research projects are about the development of protein-based therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. She enjoys reading and hiking in her spare time.
Tianxiao Zhang
Graduate Student, Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics
E-mail: Tianxiao.zhang.at.utah.edu
Tianxiao received his B.S. from Shenyang Pharmaceutical University in 2019, M.S. from the University of Southern California in 2021. Then, he joined the lab to pursue a Ph.D. degree in Pharmaceutics after a rotation. His research projects are to investigate biopharmaceutic treatments for autoimmune diseases. He likes driving and hiking, and is look forward to skiing in the future.
Lauren Naatz
Graduate Student, Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics
Email: Lauren.naatz.at.utah.edu
Lauren got her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Portland in 2019. She obtained her master’s degree in polymer science from the University of Oregon in 2021. She joined the lab after rotations in the biological chemistry program in hopes of doing research focused on therapies for autoimmune diseases. In her spare time, she enjoys playing volleyball, tennis, and golf, spending time with her family and friends, and playing the violin.