skip to main content
Give

Student Spotlight

Incoming Fall 2024 Cohort

Rian Hernandez

Email: rian.hernandez@tamu.edu 

Education: Bachelor's degree in biology (Chem minor) from Angelo State University (San Angelo, Texas)

Research Focus: Microbiology, Immunology, Host-pathogen interactions, Antibiotic resistance

Research Interest/Experience: Broadly I am interested in studying the interacIons between host and intracellular-bacterial pathogens. Many sIll reasonable threats to human health, especially to those who are immunocompromised. Furthermore, many intracellular pathogens secrete effector proteins that can interfere with host metabolic pathways in unique ways. Our lab worked to understand the mechanism behind an effector protein associated with an increased rate of autophagy. I am also excited to explore different research opportuniIes.

Fun Facts: 

  • Hobbies: Cycling, walking, snowboarding, soccer, making espresso, reading, video games, Inkering with computers, and being outdoors

  • Houston Goals: Go to a climbing gym, try lots of good food (open to suggesIons), go to a Texans and Rockets game, and survive the humidity.

  • Misc. Trivia: I don’t have a middle name, I can change a bicycle Ire very fast, I can toss pizza dough, I have never traveled outside the United States, and I love the snow.

  • Pets: A dog named Toby

Bingru Feng

Email: bf130@tamu.edu

Education: Master's degree in Bioengineering from Rice University, Bachelors degree in Biotechnology from Shenzhen University (Shenzhen, China)

Research Focus:  Gene therapy, Cell therapy, Synthetic biology, Gene & drug delivery, RNA interference

Research Interest/Experience: I am interested in using synthetic biology strategies to deal with different problems, such as developing therapies for diseases, and exploring methods to deliver gene editing tools. In addition, I am willing to develop different molecular tools such as small RNAs and gene circuits to solve problems, mainly for detecting or treating diseases.

Fun Facts: 

  • Hobbies: Traveling, Exercising, Drawing, Chess, Cooking, Reading books
  • Interested in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
Hanlu Chen

Email: Chenhanlu@tamu.edu

Education: B.A in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, MPhil in Genetics from the University of Cambridge

Research Focus:  

Research Interest/Experience: My research interest lies in dissecting the genetic and molecular controls of regeneration and tumorigenesis. I am especially interested in exploring the intersection of these processes in the context of cell proliferation mechanisms and how the differences therein lead to distinct outcomes for the organism. I am eager to pursue these questions with a focus on clinical applications for human diseases, particularly cancer.

Fun Facts: 

  • Hobbies: Playing with jigsaw puzzles; watching movies; baking; I have recently started playing tennis 
  • Pets: Dog (WeiWei)
Yi-Chin Chang

Email: ychang6@tamu.edu

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/Biotechnology

Research Focus:  Immuniology, Genomics, Cancer biology

Research Interest/Experience: I am interested in immunology, particularly in studying disease mechanisms and immune responses. My focus is on understanding how the immune system detects and responds to pathogens, the underlying mechanisms of immune regulation, and the role of immune cells in various diseases. In addition to immunology, I am also interested in genomics and cancer biology. My goal is to understand the genetic and molecular basis of cancer, how genetic mutations contribute to tumor development, and how genetic factors interact with the immune system in cancer progression.

Fun Facts: 

  • I play volleyball
  • I have two cats (mocat and Nacho)
Image of Mocat & Nacho
Logan Herring

Email: Lherring2001@tamu.edu

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Austin College (Sherman, Texas)

Research Focus:  Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery for treatment of Cancer

Research Interest/Experience: I am interested in studying cancer biology, particularly through drug discovery and immunotherapy. Cancer is a complex disease, and developing innovative treatments and preventive measures is crucial for reducing its global burden, prolonging life expectancy, and enhancing the quality of life for millions. My focus is on understanding the biochemical pathways and gene regulation mechanisms involved in cancers. By mapping these extensive pathways, we can identify potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, I am keen on exploring the role of stem cells and multi-potent cells in tissue repair and investigating how gene expression factors influence cell fate choices, which could have significant therapeutic applications.

Fun Facts: 

  • Hobbies: I like playing sports like pickleball, basketball, and recently have enjoyed volleyball. I also like to read books and critique movies in my free time.
  • I am allegic to chocolate
  • I won three awards in film contests during my high school education!
Brendan McKee

Email: brmckee@tamu.edu

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida, Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M University

Research Focus:  Cancer biology, immunotherapy, cellular & nuclear mechanics

Research Interest/Experience: I am interested in studying cancer migration and immune evasion mechanisms to develop effective cancer immunotherapies. Additionally, I would like to explore anti-cancer drug discovery and potential clinical applications of applied science in this regard.

Fun Facts: 

  • Hobbies: Basketball, cookinh (Italian), strategy/board games
  • Pets: Whiskey (German Shepard)