Lab Members
Swathi Arur, Ph.D.
Professor
Blanche Bender Professorship in Cancer Research
MD Anderson Distinguished Educator
Deputy Department Chair
SArur@MDAnderson.org
Research Staff
Shin Yu Chen, M.S.
Research Investigator
Brings a proteomics-driven lens to biology, combining molecular precision with cell-based systems to uncover how protein networks shape cellular behavior.
SChen3@MDAnderson.org
Amelia Li, B.S.
Research Assistant I
Drives genome engineering in the lab, pairing CRISPR–Cas9 expertise and helps keep the C. elegans cultures growing!
HALi6@MDAnderson.org
Kenneth Trimmer, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Explores the biology of germ cells, with a focus on the fundamental mechanisms that govern development, identity, and reproductive function.
KATrimmer@MDAnderson.org
Postdoctoral Fellows
Han Bit Baek, Ph.D.
T32 (TPEHS) Postdoctoral Fellow
"Intersection of Maternal Nutrition and Female Germ Cell Development"
HBaek@MDAnderson.org
Rares Drula, Ph.D.
MD Anderson Odyssey Postdoctoral Fellow
"Lineage Plasticity, Phosphorylated Dicer and Cancer Progression"
RCDrula@MDAnderson.org
Xingxing Yan, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
"Drosha, Female MicroRNAs and Oocyte to Embryo Transition"
XYan5@MDAnderson.org
Alumni
Tokiko Furuta, B.S.
2013–2025: Senior Research Coordinator
Current Position: Senior Research Assistant, Mouse Genetics Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Nick Newkirk, Ph.D.
Graduate Student: 2020–2025
Debabrata Das, Ph.D.
2023–2025: Instructor
2017–2023: Odyssey Postdoctoral Fellow
Current Position: Assistant Professor (tenure track), Biology, William & Mary College
Melany Puente
PCCSM Postbac: 2023–2025
Current position: Ph.D. student in Genetics and Genomics Program at Baylor College of Medicine
Shuo Chueh (Janet) Cheng, M.Sc.
Master's Student, 2022–2024
School of Health Professions, Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics Program
Raisa A. Reyes Castro, Ph.D.
Graduate Student: 2019–2023
Current position: Medical School University of Puerto Rico
Jacob Ortega, Ph.D.
Graduate Student 2018–2024
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow with Dr. Josh Mendell, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Jacob Seemann
Research Assistant II, 2017–2023
Current position: Medical School Student, School of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Incarnate Word, San Antonio
Chia-Wen (Charlotte) Lee, M.S.
Research Assistant I: 2016–2020
Current position: Medical Technologist, Taiwan
Amanda Minogue, Ph.D.
Graduate Student: 2016–2020
Current position: Proposal Development Coordinator, University of Washington
Jessica (Jie) Chen
Research Assistant: 2013–2015
Current position: Assistant Professor, Drexel University
Andrew Lopez
Research Assistant: 2012–2014
Current position: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Houston
Hyoe-Jin Joo, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Associate: 2011–2016
Current position: Teaching Faculty, Lone Star Community College
Melanie Drake, B.S.
Research Assistant: 2011–2014
Current position: TEM Faculty, Fort Bend Middle School