Yang Laboratory @DU - Lab members

Xi Yang Ph.D., Principal Investigator

Xi grew up in Shandong, China. He received his B.S. degree from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China), and a Ph.D. degree from Chinese Academy of Sciences (mentor: Dr. Yuke He ). As a graduate student, he studied the mechanisms of miRNA biogenesis in Arabidopsis. Then he joined Dr. Ming Li’s lab at the University of Michigan as a postdoc to study the molecular mechanisms of lysosomal membrane quality control and lysosome biogenesis. Starting September 2023, he joined the Department of Biological Sciences and the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging at the University of Denver as an Assistant Professor.

Outside the lab, Xi is a big fan of the Denver Nuggets, and likes staying with his family.

Olivia Evans Graduate Student (11/2023- present)

Olivia grew up outside of Denver and received a BS in Biochemistry from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She is a Ph. D candidate in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics at DU.

Outside of the lab Olivia enjoys hiking, kayaking, knitting, and spending time with her two cats.

Zisha Lao Graduate Student (8/2024- present)

I grew up in Guangxi, China. I earned my B.S. degree in Economics and Management from Sichuan University. After making a significant transition to Biochemistry, I received my Master's degree from South China University of Technology. Now, I am taking on the challenge of pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Denver.

Outiside the lab, I enjoy watching zombie movies and playing badminton.

Aiden Lee Undergraduate research assistant (10/2023- present)

I am a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Denver who is majoring in Biological Sciences. I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and outside of lab I enjoy traveling outdoors, watching basketball and football games, and spending time with family and friends.

Anna Dymov Undergraduate research assistant (1/2024- present)

I am a third-year undergraduate student majoring in molecular biology at the University of Denver. I am originally from Parker Colorado and my hobbies include snowboarding, going to concerts, and spending time with my friends and family.

Ethan Staub Undergraduate research assistant (1/2024- present)

I am a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences at the University of Denver. I was born and raised St. Louis, Missouri. In my free time I like camping, rock climbing, and spending time with my friends and family.

Isabel Woo Undergraduate research assistant (1/2024- present)

I am a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a B. S. in Molecular Biology. I was born and raised in Houston, TX. In my free time, I enjoy travelling, hiking, and baking bread.

Karina Gasparyan Undergraduate research assistant (9/2024- present)

I’m a second year undergraduate student majoring in biochemistry. I was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived there for 7 years and NJ for 3 years, however I live in Centennial, CO now. I am Armenian and I love watching hockey and movies, as well as enjoy traveling, art, ping pong, baking, and playing with my Armenian gampr dog!

Rosie Jump Undergraduate research assistant (9/2024- present)

I am a second-year transfer student from the University of Vermont, studying biology and psychology. I grew up close by, in Centennial Colorado. I love road trips, swimming, hiking, and skiing.

Annie London Undergraduate research assistant (11/2024- present)

Hi everyone! My name is Annie London, and I am from Dallas, Texas. At DU, I’m majoring in Biochemistry and International Studies. I love watching Hockey, being outside, and being with friends and family!