Akshaya Vijaya Annapragada

Martin & Carol Macht Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

Repeat elements, which comprise more than half of the human genome, have long been implicated in disease, but have historically been excluded from whole-genome analyses because of incomplete references and computational challenges. I developed a new method (ARTEMIS) to study genome-wide repeats and identified alterations in 820 elements not previously implicated in cancer. I then used ARTEMIS to develop blood tests for early detection of cancer, when tumors can be most effectively treated. Early in my Ph.D. work, I and others developed accessible cancer blood tests using machine learning and whole genome sequencing to analyze tens of millions of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments from less than 1mL of blood (DELFI). Here, I used ARTEMIS to expand the scope of these tests, combining ARTEMIS and DELFI to noninvasively detect lung, liver and other cancers. Finally, I piloted liquid biopsies beyond oncology for detection of fibrotic liver disease. This work has illuminated genome-wide repeat elements in cancer and cfDNA, and provides a proof-of-concept for their use in noninvasive detection of cancer and other diseases. This work was done in the Cancer Genomics Lab, mentored by Victor Velculescu and Rob Scharpf.

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

As an M.D./Ph.D. student with a background in applied mathematics, it was very important to me to train at a university with outstanding programs in both clinical medicine and quantitative research. The biomedical engineering Ph.D. program and the M.D. program at JHU have provided me with incredible opportunities in these fields. 
 
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

I appreciate this validation of the utility and scientific merit of my work. I am grateful for the generosity of Martin and Carol Macht in endowing this award and for the opportunity to present my work as part of the Young Investigators’ Day program. I have been inspired by the work of past recipients, and am honored to join this group myself.
 
What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

I have received outstanding mentorship from my Ph.D. advisers, Victor Velculescu and Rob Scharpf, who have helped me design clinically impactful projects and enabled me to explore and grow as a scientist. My amazing colleagues in the Cancer Genomics Lab have also been instrumental to the success of this work.
 
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

I appreciate that the Young Investigators’ Day program provides significant support and recognition of trainees. Every day, I walk past our lab’s hallway lined with Young Investigators’ Day award posters from former trainees. Knowing those scientists and seeing their work firsthand has been a daily reminder to me of what is possible as a student here. It is personally meaningful to me that I am now part of this lineage.  

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

My best memories are of just being in lab and laughing about random things with friends while brainstorming and troubleshooting exciting science. I am very lucky that my colleagues are all incredible friends who have made each day fun and exciting. 
 
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I recently defended my Ph.D. and am returning to the clinic to complete the final two years of medical school. I’m committed to a career at the intersection of science and medicine, and look forward to completing my clinical training while continuing my research. 
 
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I have lived in all four U.S. census bureau regions. I love exploring Baltimore’s coffee shops, taking walks by the harbor and spending time with my family and the lifelong friends I have met here in graduate and medical school.

 

Joshua James Black, Ph.D.

Barry Wood Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

In Rachel Green’s lab, my research focuses on effector toxins that are used by the bacteria Legionella pneumophila to subvert its host cell’s biology. My work specifically focuses on understanding the biochemistry of a specific effector, SidL, and I unexpectedly discovered that this effector chemically modifies a host metabolite to produce a previously unknown metabolite. My ongoing research is to understand how Legionella uses this new metabolite and benefits from its production. 
  
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

I was drawn to Johns Hopkins because of its vibrant community of excellent scientists and resources. This has been a crucial resource for me as my research spans multiple fields of study, and it would not have been possible without JHU’s collaborative environment and its researchers with expertise in a variety of topics and perspectives. 
  
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

I’m honored to have received this award in recognition of my research, and I am excited for the chance to share my findings with the broader Hopkins community. 
  
What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

I think the main things were twofold. First, my adviser’s guidance to connect me to the right people, helping me identify collaborators and resources that really propelled this project. The second thing is reading and thinking broadly, which helped facilitate some creative thinking leading to hypotheses that followed the data I was collecting. 
  
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins? 

Young Investigators’ Day is a great opportunity to highlight the excellent trainees who work at Hopkins, allowing their work to shine with the broader Hopkins community. I’m excited to be a part of it this year to share my research. 
  
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins? 

My lab is a large group of wonderful people, and we are quite close. My most memorable experience is one where my labmates played a monthslong prank on me that came after an offhand comment about how many pumpkins would be too many. In the days leading up to Halloween, more and more pumpkins (and candy!) would appear at my desk, culminating in a fun happy hour on Halloween itself. It was a fun time. 
  
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.? 

I still have more to learn! My research has multiple exciting possibilities to follow, and I’m excited to continue this work. As for the immediate term, I hope to continue working at Hopkins for a few more years to gain more technical skills and develop an independent research program. 
  
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences? 

I love to explore cities, especially by foot, public transit or cycling. Its slower pace allows you to experience the city in a way where you have the time to notice small details and experience subtle changes as the seasons progress. I really recommend people try it some time, if able!

 

Henry Yi Cheng

Paul Ehrlich Research Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1/2) are the most common metabolic alterations in human cancers and drive production of the oncometabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG). As the “poster child” of cancer metabolism, D-2HG has been intensely studied across different cancers for nearly two decades; however, a central question has remained unresolved: how this highly charged metabolite exits tumor cells to shape the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we identified the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) as the principal conduit for D-2HG release from IDH-mutant cells and a key driver of tumor immunosuppression. Surprisingly, we discovered that VRAC-mediated D-2HG efflux also serves as a previously unrecognized D-2HG clearance mechanism that is essential for maintaining mIDH tumor cell fitness. By exporting D-2HG, VRAC prevents excessive intracellular buildup that would otherwise induce mitochondrial metabolic stress, epigenetic reprogramming and impaired proliferation. This work, along with my other Ph.D. studies, was performed in Dr. Zhaozhu Qiu’s lab in the Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics (PP&T). 

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

Hopkins is a historic research university that has fostered many foundational discoveries in human history. Coincidentally, although I didn’t know it when I joined, the initial discovery of IDH mutations was made at Hopkins by Dr. Ken Kinzler. I came to Hopkins for rigorous, comprehensive scientific training and a culture that values deep mechanistic work. The strength of the research community and the collaborative environment here have made it an ideal place for my growth and development as a scientist.

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

Receiving this award is a tremendous honor. It recognizes the research contributions I have made in the Qiu lab. Dr. Paul Ehrlich has long been an inspiration to me, representing the kind of research I hope to pursue and the scientist I aspire to become. I have known — and been inspired by — several previous recipients of this award, and I am honored to be counted among them. Professionally, this recognition motivates me to continue pursuing rigorous, impactful research and to never underestimate the importance of fundamental biological questions.

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

I attribute the success of this work to the collective effort of past and current members of the Qiu lab and our collaborators. I have also been fortunate to be mentored by Dr. Zhaozhu Qiu, who gave me significant research freedom while consistently offering invaluable scientific insight. I learned a great deal from his scientific vision and from the way he frames and communicates research questions. He has been an important role model for me as a thoughtful and rigorous scientist. The CMP graduate program and the PP&T department provided a kind, welcoming environment and strong support for Ph.D. students. I am also grateful to my thesis committee — Drs. Xinzhong Dong, Steven Claypool, Andrea Cox and Nathan Archer — for their guidance, thoughtful feedback and steady encouragement throughout my Ph.D. training. Overall, I feel very fortunate to learn from these leaders in science and medicine as we tackle small, but hopefully meaningful, questions.

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

Research can be challenging and, at times, isolating, and we often have to troubleshoot and push through obstacles day to day at the bench. Events like Young Investigators’ Day are invaluable because they give us a chance to step back, see the outstanding work of our peers, and connect through conversation. Sharing our experiences and excitement for discovery helps sustain motivation and reminds us that we are part of a larger scientific community.

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

I’ve had many great moments at Hopkins, both inside and outside the lab, but one of my favorites has been the annual Christmas parties at Zhaozhu’s home. They were a chance to relax, connect with colleagues and celebrate the year’s hard work and accomplishments. Talking, playing games and spending time together helped us recharge and come back energized for the year ahead.

What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I plan to graduate in late Fall this year, and have begun my postdoc job search. I hope to join a lab where I can investigate how metabolites function as signaling molecules and how they shape cellular programs and immune responses.

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I’m an avid classical music fan, and through student ticket programs I attended National Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Philadelphia Orchestra concerts 20–30 times in a single season. Being based in Baltimore makes it easy to hear world-class ensembles regularly. In 2024, when the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra toured the U.S. East Coast, I attended their concerts in both D.C. and Philadelphia within a three-day span.

 

Mohammad Amin Fakharian, Ph.D.

Claude & Barbara Migeon Research Award 

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research? 

Damage to the cerebellum is known to cause dysmetria, errors that worsen at the end of movements, first described by Gordon Holmes during World War I. Yet cerebellar neurons often stay active beyond movement end, raising the question of how precise control is achieved. My research investigated how the cerebellum achieves this precision for rapid eye movements, saccades. Using high-density electrophysiology in behaving marmoset monkeys and recording from multiple cell types in the cerebellar cortex, we found that neurons form interconnected groups that share learning signals; with some spikes driving behavior and others canceling unwanted effects. By analyzing population activity, we revealed how groups of neurons collectively compute movement timing and termination. This work was carried out in the laboratory of Professor Shadmehr. 
  
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

I chose The Johns Hopkins University because its medical campus offers a unique environment where cutting-edge basic science and clinical medicine intersect. Being on the medical campus provides the opportunity to learn from and interact with clinicians, bridging discoveries in the lab with real-world medical applications. This integration allows for a deeper understanding of how fundamental neuroscience research, like my work on cerebellar circuits, can inform our understanding of movement disorders and ultimately improve patient care. The collaborative environment and access to both clinical and research expertise made Johns Hopkins the ideal place for this work. 
  
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

I’m honored and delighted to receive the Claude and Barbara Migeon Research Award and to be back in Baltimore and at The Johns Hopkins University to present my work. It’s wonderful to reconnect with labmates, old friends and colleagues in a place where basic science and medicine come together so naturally. This award, established to recognize outstanding research by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, honors the remarkable mentorship and scientific contributions of Drs. Claude and Barbara Migeon, whose work bridged clinical insights and fundamental discovery. Receiving it is especially meaningful because it highlights the kind of interdisciplinary research I hope to contribute to — combining careful neuroscience experiments, computational approaches and connections to human health — while being part of a community that values both scientific discovery and mentorship. 
 
What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.) 

The success of my project was made possible by many factors. Mentorship and support from my adviser, Professor Reza Shadmehr, were invaluable, providing guidance, encouragement and a collaborative environment to explore challenging questions. The dedication, curiosity and hard work of my labmates were essential, as their contributions helped shape and advance the research at every stage. I was also fortunate to benefit from the expertise of clinicians and scientists at Johns Hopkins, especially Professor David Zee, whose insights bridged basic neuroscience and clinical understanding. And, as always, I am deeply grateful to my parents, whose unwavering support has made all of this possible. 
 
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins? 

Young Investigators’ Day at The Johns Hopkins University is a meaningful celebration of the essential contributions that trainees — medical and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and residents — make to research. It not only recognizes outstanding work through presentations, posters and awards, but also honors the legacy of biomedical discovery and mentorship at Hopkins. Being part of this event is inspiring, as it highlights the impact of trainees in advancing science and provides an opportunity to connect with peers, mentors and the broader research community. It is a privilege to participate in a tradition that celebrates both scientific achievement and the support networks that make it possible. 
  
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins? 

One of my most memorable experiences at Hopkins was the first time we successfully recorded from the brain and listened to neurons after nearly a year of planning and preparation. Hearing neural activity in real time, with all its complexity, was a uniquely exciting moment and made the long process of designing experiments and building the setup incredibly rewarding. Experiences like that, combined with the collaborative and interdisciplinary environment at Hopkins, made my time there both scientifically inspiring and personally memorable. 
 
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.? 

I started my postdoctoral studies at MIT last fall, where I am studying how the brain regulates and controls voluntary breathing and how breathing, in turn, influences decision-making and behavior. During this time, I plan to deepen my expertise in neural circuit analysis and behavioral neuroscience and develop new experimental and computational approaches. 
 
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences? 

I love outdoor activities, and being in nature is both soothing and energizing for me. I enjoy hiking, backpacking and skiing whenever I get the chance.

 

Mauro A. Garcia, Ph.D.

David Yue Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

HIV persists in the body despite effective treatment because the virus can hide inside long-lived immune cells, forming what is known as the HIV reservoir. If treatment is stopped, virus from this reservoir can rekindle active infection. My research examined which viruses from the reservoir are responsible for causing rebound. We found that rebound typically comes from reservoir viruses that are most resistant to a person’s own antibody response. These findings suggest that targeting these viruses may open a new path toward a functional HIV cure. This work was conducted during my Ph.D. in the laboratories of Drs. Robert and Janet Siliciano.

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

Johns Hopkins is a global leader in HIV research and offered the opportunity to train with scientists who made foundational discoveries about HIV persistence and cure research.

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

It is a great honor to have my work recognized by the Johns Hopkins research community. It is especially meaningful to receive an award named after Dr. David Yue, who is remembered for his scientific excellence and mentorship.

What contributed to your project’s success?

This work was made possible by people living with HIV who generously contributed samples to research. Their participation makes discoveries like this possible. I was also deeply invested in the project; there was rarely a day when I wasn’t thinking about the next experiment or question to pursue.

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself?

Young Investigators’ Day is a great opportunity to recognize the important contributions that students and fellows make to scientific discovery at Johns Hopkins.

What has been your most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

Working in such a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment and learning from outstanding mentors and colleagues.

What are your plans over the next year or so?

I recently joined AstraZeneca as a scientist in the Early Vaccines and Immune Therapies group, where I am continuing to work on immune-based strategies to prevent and treat infectious diseases.

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique.

I was the first in my family to finish high school, and later, the first to graduate from college and earn a Ph.D. That experience has shaped my perspective, and I hope to mentor and support students from similar backgrounds pursuing careers in science.

 

Ruby Gupta

Albert Lehninger Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

Endosomes act as central metabolic hubs that regulate nutrient homeostasis and mitochondrial bioenergetics through the control of endosomal pH. In Dr. Rajini Rao’s lab, we demonstrated that the exchanger NHE6 acts as a “proteostatic switch” to control insulin responsiveness and iron handling. This work redefines endosomes as active metabolic regulators with broad implications for 
understanding metabolic diseases and disorders like Christianson’s syndrome.

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

Johns Hopkins has been a dream university to me since I was a student in India, owing to its cutting-edge research and technology. When applying for postdoctoral positions, Hopkins was my singular choice because I knew I wanted to be a part of this world-class scientific community.

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

To be honored with the Albert Lehninger Award is a profound privilege. Having moved across the world to join the Hopkins community, this award represents the fulfilment of a long-held dream. 
Professionally, it is a testament to the support of my mentor and the world-class environment here. While personally, as the mother of a 14-month-old, this recognition brings me immense joy as a 
validation of my ability to successfully navigate the demands of both pioneering research and parenthood.

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

Undoubtedly the constant support and guidance from my mentor, Dr Rao, was fundamental. Additionally, the collaborative spirit of my labmates and the feedback received from colleagues during departmental seminars and poster sessions paved the way for this project’s success.

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

Young Investigators’ Day celebrates the curiosity and persistence that fellows bring to the lab every day. Being part of this celebration motivates me to continue pursuing high quality, high-reward 
research alongside such a talented cohort of peers.

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

My most memorable experience has been the incredibly supportive research environment at Johns Hopkins. The willingness of fellow researchers to share protocols and help with troubleshooting 
significantly accelerated my work and made the pursuit of science feel like a truly collaborative effort.

What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I plan to finalize my current research projects at Hopkins before transitioning into a career in industry.

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

What makes my journey unique is navigating my postdoctoral research at Hopkins as a first-time parent to a 14-month-old; juggling both worlds has taught me incredible resilience and made this professional achievement even more meaningful.

 

Vienna Huso

Paul Talalay Research Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

Ribosomes translate mRNA into protein in all cells. Regulation of this fundamental process, known as translation, is both essential for life and underlies diverse cellular programs from development to metabolism to aging. My thesis studies in Dr. Rachel Green’s lab focused on characterizing the kinase ZAK, which binds to collided ribosomes under stress conditions and activates downstream signaling processes within the cell. This work expands our understanding of the ribosome (beyond simply translating proteins). It establishes an additional key role of the ribosome as a regulator of cell-signaling pathways by direct interaction with kinases.

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

The collegial scientific community drew me to Johns Hopkins.

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

Dr. Talalay’s research career and contributions to the chemoprotectant and cancer fields have been inspiring to read about. Receiving the Paul Talalay Research Award encourages me to continue scientific pursuits with excellence, perseverance and collegiality — exemplified by Dr. Talalay.
 
What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

Previous work from the lab laid a clear foundation for this project. Dr. Green provided tremendous and unwavering support as well as insightful guidance throughout its duration, and many smart, talented and encouraging Green lab members contributed to its success as well. This project would also not have been possible without an important collaboration with the lab of Dr. Roland Beckmann and specifically Shuangshuang Niu, a cryo-EM graduate student in the Beckmann lab.

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

I admire the generosity of the families who honor their loved ones by celebrating and encouraging the newest generation of scientists. This thoughtful investment amplifies the research community here at Johns Hopkins and marks a unique commitment to trainees — past, present and future. 

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

When the Green lab celebrated its 25th anniversary a couple years ago, almost every single alumni returned for a weekend of celebration. This gave me the special opportunity to meet the many people who contributed to the research foundation of the lab and my Ph.D. studies. and match the names that I would often read on lab notebooks, freezer racks and data files to the actual people. It was a very fun, memorable weekend.

What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I intend to defend my thesis and graduate from the BCMB Program this summer. I am considering various research opportunities as I transition to my next step.  

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I will always carry a piece of my Ph.D. with me. While doing tissue culture one evening, a shard of glass from a broken Pasteur pipette embedded in my thumb and shattered. Thanks to valiant efforts from the Hopkins emergency department and orthopaedic surgery, 95% of the glass shards were successfully removed.

 

Taibo Li

Physician Scientist Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

My research focuses on understanding how genetic changes alter the regulatory programs that drive prostate cancer. Working in the labs of Eneda Toska and Alexis Battle, I studied the transcription factor FOXA1, which helps control how prostate cancer cells respond to hormonal signals. We found that alterations in FOXA1 can disrupt key regulatory networks in prostate cancer cells. Understanding these mechanisms is important because it may help explain how tumors develop and become resistant to therapy, and could ultimately lead to new strategies for treatment.

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

I chose Johns Hopkins because of its strong tradition of integrating clinical medicine with scientific discovery. I am a surgeon-scientist in training, and Hopkins offers an incredible environment where clinicians and basic scientists work closely together. The opportunity to train alongside outstanding mentors and collaborate across disciplines made it the ideal place for both my research and clinical training.

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to me. Personally, it reflects the mentorship, collaboration and support I’ve received throughout my training. Professionally, it reinforces my commitment to pursuing a career as a physician-scientist and contributing to research that improves patient care, hoping to bridge discoveries in the laboratory with advances in clinical practice.

What contributed to your project’s success?

This project was successful because of the mentorship and collaborative environment at The Johns Hopkins University. I was fortunate to work with outstanding mentors like Dr. Toska and collaborators across genomics, cancer biology, computer science and urology. My background in machine learning also helped me analyze large genomic datasets and uncover regulatory patterns that would otherwise be difficult to detect.

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself?

Young Investigators’ Day is a wonderful celebration of the creativity and impact that students and trainees bring to research at Hopkins. It’s inspiring to see the breadth of innovative work happening across the institution, and the event highlights how essential trainees are to driving scientific discovery.

What has been your most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

One of the most memorable parts of my time here has been the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from many different fields. Those interdisciplinary conversations have shaped how I approach scientific questions and have made the research experience especially rewarding.

What are your plans over the next year or so?

I completed my M.D./Ph.D. training last year, and am now a urology resident at the Brady Urological Institute. I am excited to train here in the next five years to become an excellent surgeon, and I’m excited to continue building interdisciplinary collaborations with faculty across the Hopkins community while pursuing research in urologic diseases.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.

Outside of medicine and research, I enjoy traveling, visiting new places and exploring new cultures. I enjoy being outdoors, hiking in national and state parks, as much as I enjoy caring for my four cats at home.

 

Chuan Liu

Alfred Blalock Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

In Dr. James M. Berger’s lab, my research focuses on how cells start transcription-coupled DNA–protein crosslink repair (TC-DPCR). In cells, many proteins — such as histones and topoisomerases — can become covalently trapped on DNA by drugs or normal metabolic byproducts, forming DNA–protein crosslinks (DPCs). These lesions are dangerous because they can physically block DNA replication and RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) during transcription. Although it is known that a DPC can stall RNAPII and trigger TC-DPCR, how this repair pathway is initiated has been unclear. To address this, I used the topoisomerase II cleavage complex (TOP2cc) — a clinically relevant DPC induced by chemotherapies like doxorubicin — as a model lesion. I determined cryo-EM structures of yeast RNAPII colliding with TOP2cc, with and without known repair factors, and I measured transcription outcomes when yeast and mammalian RNAPII encounter TOP2cc under different factor conditions. My results show that the RNAPII–TOP2cc collision interface is flexible, which may allow early recruitment of downstream transcription-coupled repair factors without steric clashes with the bulky TOP2cc. However, the TOP2cc blocks further recruitment of TFIIH, which explains the differentiation between TC-DPCR and transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER). This advances our understanding of the earliest steps of TC-DPCR. Mechanistic insight into how cells respond to TOP2cc provided by this work can also inform how chemotherapies kill cancer cells and how resistance or toxicity might arise. 
  
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

Johns Hopkins was the first research university in the U.S. I’m drawn to its profound historical and cultural heritage and its strong foundation in research. Another major reason is that James is a world-renowned biochemist and structural biologist, and I believe that training in his lab will prepare me well for a future academic career. 

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

Personally, receiving the Alfred Blalock Award is meaningful to me because it recognizes years of persistence. As someone new to this field, it’s an encouraging affirmation that the questions I chose to pursue truly matter. Professionally, it is a strong validation of my research direction and an important boost to my credibility. It will help me build new collaborations and pursue the next stage of this project with greater momentum. Alfred Blalock is a pioneer of neonatal cardiac surgery; I admire his courage to challenge established limits, and I aim to carry that same courage in pursuing ambitious scientific questions. 

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

My Ph.D. training in China laid a solid foundation for my postdoctoral research. More importantly, James provided strong scientific and financial support and gave me the freedom to explore new ideas independently. The success of my project also wouldn’t have been possible without the help of everyone in Berger lab and my collaborator Fan Zhao in Wolberger lab. 

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

Most scientific awards go to well-established, highly accomplished scientists. Far less attention is paid to early-career researchers, who often face substantial uncertainty and pressure to build an independent academic path. Young Investigators’ Day shines a spotlight on these young scholars and signals recognition from Johns Hopkins and the broader scientific community. It can significantly boost their confidence and help cultivate the next generation of scientists. 

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

My best experience is working with so many talented scientists to expand the frontiers of science and serve the well-being of humankind. 

What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I will stay in Berger lab for the next few years to refine this project. After that, I may pursue a faculty position.   

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

Fun fact: Prior to my postdoctoral training, I spent more than a year working in industry. 
Hobbies: I have so many hobbies that weekends are never long enough. I love everything outdoors, especially gardening.

 

Hongrui Liu, Ph.D. Candidate

Claude & Barbara Migeon Research Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

Our cells are constantly exposed to DNA damage, and they need to organize repair very quickly to protect the genome. My research studies how cells build these repair centers in the first place, and how they keep them going. 

I found that a short-lived molecule called poly(ADP-ribose), or PAR, can trigger the protein FUS to change its shape and assemble into a DNA repair condensate, which is like a temporary molecular gathering point. What is especially interesting is that this assembly can persist even after the PAR signal fades. In other words, a brief signal can leave a longer-lasting molecular effect. 

This is important because it reveals a new principle for how cells turn fleeting signals into sustained biological responses. That may help us better understand DNA repair, genome stability, and diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration, where these processes can go wrong. 

I conducted this research in the laboratory of Dr. Anthony K. L. Leung. 

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

I chose Johns Hopkins because it is a place with tremendous breadth in biomedical research, where people also take big scientific questions seriously. I was drawn to its culture of rigorous, curiosity-driven research and to the freedom to think across disciplines. Being part of the second cohort of the XDBio program gave me not only the flexibility to explore ambitious questions across biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, cell biology, virology and proteomics, but also the strong funding support that made that exploration possible. That combination was incredibly important to me. I was also especially excited by the opportunity to work in Dr. Anthony Leung’s lab, where I could study biomolecular condensates and ADP-ribosylation in a creative, deeply collaborative and intellectually exciting environment. 

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

Receiving the Claude & Barbara Migeon Research Award means a great deal to me. Personally, it feels like recognition of years of persistence, uncertainty and growth, because research rarely moves in a straight line. Many of the most important parts of a Ph.D. happen quietly, through failed experiments, rethinking and continuing to push forward when the answer is not yet clear. 

Professionally, it is deeply encouraging to have this work recognized by the Hopkins community. It gives me confidence as I move toward the next stage of my career and continue developing my own scientific ideas. I do not have a personal connection to the Migeon family, but I feel especially honored to receive an award named after two people whose legacy reflects both outstanding basic science and deep commitment to mentorship. Because those are both values I care about strongly, that connection makes this recognition especially meaningful to me. 

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

One important factor was being willing to approach the same question from multiple angles. This project drew on biochemistry, biophysics, structural thinking and cell biology, and I enjoy trying to connect those different levels into one coherent story. 

Another factor was persistence. This project took time, and the final idea became clear only after many iterations. One of my strengths is stepping back from a project, rethinking how the results fit together, and finding the version of the story that best reflects the biology. 

I was also very fortunate to have excellent mentorship from Dr. Anthony Leung, a strong collaborative environment at Hopkins, and colleagues who brought complementary expertise and insight. 

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

I think Young Investigators’ Day is a wonderful reminder that trainees are not just supporting research, they are actively driving it. Graduate students and fellows generate ideas, solve problems, mentor others and carry projects forward through years of effort. It is important to celebrate that contribution. 

I also appreciate that Young Investigators’ Day brings together people across departments and fields. It reflects one of the best parts of Hopkins, which is being surrounded by people asking very different questions, but all deeply committed to discovery. 

What has been your best or most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

One of my most memorable experiences has been mentoring students in the lab and watching them grow into confident young scientists. Over the course of my Ph.D., I have had the chance to mentor multiple trainees, and seeing them develop their own ways of thinking and contribute meaningfully to research has been deeply rewarding. 

Another memorable part of my Hopkins experience has been the moment when a difficult project finally starts to make sense. There is something very special about spending a long time in uncertainty and then suddenly seeing the logic click into place. That feeling has shaped how I think about science and about resilience. 

What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

Over the next year, I plan to complete my Ph.D. and graduate from Johns Hopkins. I am thinking seriously about the next stage of my career and exploring paths where I can combine rigorous science, clear thinking, mentorship and communication. 

I want to contribute not only to scientific discovery, but also to how science is translated, explained and shared. I care deeply about making important ideas clearer, more compelling and more human, whether through research, mentorship, scientific storytelling or innovation. 

I have also begun exploring entrepreneurship and early-stage investing, which has expanded how I think about impact, not just through discovery, but through helping strong ideas become real, useful and widely adopted. Looking ahead, I am excited by opportunities at the intersection of science, innovation and communication. 

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

One thing that is especially important to me is science storytelling. In my spare time, I created an interview-based project called Hidden Stories at the Bench (linktr.ee/HiddenStoriesAtTheBench), where I interview scientists, communicators, investors and entrepreneurs about the human side of discovery, including the failed experiments, detours, doubts and turning points that usually never appear in a paper. I also enjoy exploring the different career paths people take in and around science, and the lessons they learn along the way. 

I started this project because I wanted to make science feel more human and less isolating, especially for trainees. I think one of the most meaningful things we can do in science is not only to generate knowledge, but also to help people feel seen while they are trying to create it.  

I’m also an avid tennis fan.

 

Andrew Love

The Postbaccalaureate Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

I’ve spent the past two years working in Dr. Michael Kornberg’s lab studying the role of NAD metabolism in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disorder that targets oligodendrocytes, which are the cells that myelinate our neurons, similar to how rubber insulates copper wires allowing for electric conduction. Oligodendrocytes are matured from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC), which in a healthy person would initiate remyelination programs in the face of demyelinating attacks like in MS. In patients with MS, however, OPCs take on a destructive inflammatory phenotype that helps propagate inflammatory attacks on matured myelinating oligodendrocytes.  

What’s interesting is that these inflammatory OPCs upregulate the levels of an enzyme called NAMPT, which is responsible for synthesizing NAD in our cells. I have been trying to understand why these cells upregulate that enzyme, and what happens when its inhibited. I’ve found that NAMPT inhibition in the inflammatory OPCs is able to reduce a lot of the pathologic and damaging activities of these cells by specifically: decreasing the expression of genes that code for antigen processing and presentation machinery, limiting the expression of MHC-I on the inflammatory OPCs, and reducing the activation of CD8 T cells. Our understanding of how bioenergetics and metabolism regulate inflammatory activities is a continually growing field, and my project has helped shine a light on how one metabolic enzyme, NAMPT, is involved. A lot of current MS drugs reduce new inflammatory attacks on the central nervous system, but there are none that address ways to reinitiate myelination in the aftermath of these attacks. My research suggests that NAMPT within inflammatory OPCs may be a crucial target to both reduce inflammation and keep OPCs on track to mature into myelinating glia.  

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

As an aspiring physician-scientist who wanted to pursue M.D./Ph.D. training, I knew during my gap years I wanted to be in a place that would provide me with two important things: strong mentorship and rigorous research training. Compared to other research post-bacs, Hopkins PREP seemed to be a place that would give me the guidance and support to be a competitive applicant, with MCAT and application writing tutoring support, research experience that mirrored the expectations of early Ph.D. students with mini-thesis meetings and chalk talk practice, financial support to attend research conferences, opportunities for clinical shadowing and involvement in a patient population that matters deeply to me, and endless near-peer support from current M.D./Ph.D. students who had recently gone through this application process.  

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

As an underrepresented-in-medicine (URM) trainee, it has long been difficult to really see myself as a scientist and feel like I am meant to be in these types of spaces and institutions. Personally, this award affirms the idea that I am a scientist and have the capability to succeed in rigorous research training. Professionally, I think this helps build credibility for my research contributions and helps demonstrate my productivity during my time at Hopkins.  

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

There are a lot of things that contributed to my success, but I would say above all else the mentorship from my PI, Dr. Michael Kornberg, and my in-lab mentor, cellular and molecular medicine Ph.D. candidate Judy Lee, have been the biggest, most meaningful parts of my success. I only had 10 weeks of summer research experience before I came to Hopkins, and so I had such a high bar to clear in terms of learning how to do a lot of things in the lab and getting comfortable with the ups and downs of biomedical research. Their mentorship in not only teaching me practical skills like how to do RNA isolation for a qPCR experiment and when to do T-testing versus one-way ANOVA, but more so how science works and how to navigate research when experiments fail, how to think about controls and reproducibility, how to present research effectively, all those non-technical skills I think have been really important. I genuinely believe their mentorship and the way they’ve each poured into me has been the bedrock of my own success both here at Hopkins but especially in my next chapter of training.  

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

I absolutely love the idea of Young Investigators’ Day! I think so often it feels like your productivity in science and worth as a scientist gets reduced to your number of publications and your h-index score. For young trainees like myself who may not have those standard representations of our productivity, YID offers a forum to celebrate what we have done and also build connections with other YID awardees. Since I am a post-bac, the other awardees are people just a few years ahead of me doing the things I hope to be doing one day, and I think it is amazing to have formal support from an institution to celebrate these things.  

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

So many things, it’s hard to choose! One that stands out to me though is a few months after being at Hopkins, I got involved with an initiative led by Dr. Alexis Coslick in the PM&R department volunteering at their evening clinics doing physicals for student athletes from Baltimore City schools. I was taking vitals one night, and as I took a teen’s blood pressure, I said out loud it was reading as normal, but his mom noted that in the past his blood pressure had been abnormally high. But she quickly renounced her statement, saying, “But I’m not a doctor, you probably know more.” And when she said that, I laughed and said I also wasn’t a doctor, and that I was glad that she said that, and I would add that note on his form, thanking her for speaking up. It was a funny moment, but it made me realize how important it is to encourage folks to speak up and for me to be constantly conscious of what it might mean when someone is perceiving you as the “high and mighty doctor in the white coat.” Most of my time at Hopkins has been spent in the lab at the bench, but volunteering with the physical night clinic kept me close to clinical medicine and also affirmed my interest in community engagement revolving around primary care, particularly with boys and young men, something I want to keep being involved with as a trainee.  

What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

With my last few months in PREP and in the Kornberg Lab, I am trying to wrap up a few more experiments for a publication before I move to Chicago this summer to start as an M.D./Ph.D. student in the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine!  

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

Interest-wise, I absolutely love watching Bravo series (reality TV for those unfamiliar) because not only is it funny, but I think reality TV is often a really insightful contextual analysis of a lot of the dynamics of race, gender, class and sexuality in society and politics in the United States. I briefly flirted with the idea of being a sociology major in college, so I can’t help but think about those things when watching lol! Life experience-wise, my junior year of college I went on an immersion trip to the Galapagos Islands, and while it made me certain I could never be a field biologist, it was a really cool opportunity to see wild animals and witness all the things I would eventually learn about in my evolution class, in real life!

 

Jackson Mace

Michael Shanoff Research Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

In this work within the Calabresi (Neurology Department) and Dawson (Institute for Cell Engineering Department) Laboratories at Johns Hopkins, we showed that peripheral immune cells that infiltrate the central nervous system during disease can trigger chronic neurodegeneration. However, this cell death can be inhibited by targeting the newly described parthanatos pathway. Our research here has wide-scale application to neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The project that my Young Investigators’ Day submission was based around has just been officially published and can be found here: doi.org/10.1038/s41593-026-02201-7. 

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

Johns Hopkins has some of the leading neuroscience laboratories in the country that are on the forefront for research endeavors and technology. From multiple sclerosis, to Parkinson’s disease, to ALS and Alzheimer’s disease, Johns Hopkins paves the way for establishing advancements toward neurological disease-modifying cures. 

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

This award is a testament that hard work truly does pay off. I will never forget the countless all-nighters spent in the lab, carrying out this research, excited for the day I can broadcast it to the world. Receiving recognition for the work through this program echoed our groups’ initial thoughts on the importance of the study, with implications on how diseases such as multiple sclerosis lead to debilitation over time. Finally, the previous recipients for this particular award are incredible researchers, and I am honored to have my name categorized with them.

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

This project was a huge team effort with experts that trained me (or carried out) advanced techniques related to microscopy, flow cytometry, transcriptomic, mouse genetics and drug development in order to probe our scientific questions and endeavor on a five-year journey that continued to unveil both expected and unexpected results. Personally, I had a deep motivation to carry out this work since my father lives with multiple sclerosis and has taken many treatments over the past three decades that have yet to mitigate the insidious debilitation that worsens over time. 

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

Young Investigators’ Day is an incredible way to recognize early-career scientists who often do not have the opportunity to receive praise for their work, while broadcasting it to friends, family, colleagues, clinicians and scientists. I have always attended this prestigious and informative award ceremony at Johns Hopkins; however, this year, I will be presenting my work as an awardee! 

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

I have had a few memorable experiences; however, one of my favorite moments that expanded over several weeks was the day our research project began to come together at a high-level mechanistic level. We first had a lot of concern regarding the results, but over time, working with my co-first author on the project (a previous fellow at JHU who now runs a laboratory at UPitt), Sachin Gadani, we pieced together different experimental results that we previously overlooked. We confirmed our research suspicions over time with a series of exciting experiments, with the help of a very talented scientist in our group, Matthew Smith. This reinvigorated my passion for uncovering a scientific story through research while reminding me to never rule out results that do not fit your “ideal/initial” thoughts. 

What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I just recently graduated with my Ph.D., and am now on the job market for a postdoctoral fellowship position in a neuroscience-based academic or industry facility. From there, I plan to publish more work related to neurodegeneration and neuroimmunology, eventually becoming a principal scientist who manages a group of like-minded individuals who are intrigued by cellular and molecular neurobiology. 

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I have had the privilege of working on a wide range of scientific projects throughout my undergraduate and graduate degrees, which shaped my perspective of research that I want to pursue as a lifelong career. I have had internships in American and Greek hospitals, other academic institutes around the country, and biotech companies such as Denali Therapeutics studying everything from cancer biology to systems neuroscience. 

Beyond research, I grew up competitively park skiing and surfing, breaking many bones and tearing many muscles in doing so. In college, I gravitated toward something less physically risky, making music, and have been producing songs for the last nine years under the alias “QuixoticZ.” Lately, I have also been very into cooking healthy, vegetarian-based meals with friends!

 

Didhiti Mukherjee

A McGehee Harvey Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

The development of the sensory brain relies on early periphery-generated spontaneous neural activity and later sensory-evoked activity. In Professor Patrick Kanold’s lab, my research explored how the developing auditory cortex (ACtx) — a designated area in the brain to process sound — is shaped by self-generated ultrasonic vocalizations, a sound produced abundantly by newborn animals, including mice, during the early postnatal weeks when their ear canals are still closed. By performing live imaging of the brain in awake, week-old mouse pups, I found that the ACtx is strongly activated by the copious number of vocalizations that the pups produce, and this activation is remarkably stronger than external-sound driven activation. Moreover, vocalization-associated activation is also present in pups with congenital deafness, suggesting the activation does not rely on hearing the sound, instead follows a central pathway inside the brain. By performing a series of experiments, I discovered that vocalization-associated activation of the ACtx is linked to signals from motor-related brain regions, namely the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the secondary motor cortex (M2). ACC/M2 produces commands that generate vocalizations in pups and sends a copy of those commands to the ACtx to activate it. Pharmacological inactivation of the ACC/M2 reduces vocalizations and ACtx activation. Together, my results identify a novel source of early ACtx activity that can shape development and early neural plasticity, expanding our understanding of how the sensory brain is shaped during early development.
 
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

The scientific environment at Johns Hopkins is intellectually stimulating and is exemplified by its distinguished neuroscience research, particularly its long-standing contributions to auditory research. The university fosters a collegial, supportive and collaborative atmosphere that welcomes scientists with diverse expertise. I believe this environment has significantly contributed to my development as a researcher. Johns Hopkins’ commitment to groundbreaking research, exceptional resources, and access to advanced techniques collectively create an ideal setting for nurturing future scientists. 
 
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

I am deeply honored to receive this award. This recognition of my scientific contribution strengthens my commitment to advancing scientific inquiry. Inspired by previous awardees, I hope my achievement will motivate others to further the progress of science.  

Receiving an award named after Dr. A. McGehee Harvey, a distinguished scientist, physician and dedicated educator who advanced biomedical research at The Johns Hopkins University, is a significant honor. Dr. Harvey’s vision of integrating research with medicine closely aligns with my aspiration to combine basic neuroscience research with translational approaches and therapeutic interventions. 

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

We formulated a fundamental research question and conducted hypothesis-driven experiments to test our predictions, thereby advancing the project in a logical and rational manner. Furthermore, the mentorship provided by Professor Kanold, along with intellectually stimulating discussions, systematic troubleshooting, thorough evaluation of results, integration of interdisciplinary skills, and collaborative engagement of researchers were instrumental in ensuring the project’s successful completion. 
 
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

Young Investigators’ Day acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of emerging scientists and provides a platform for them to present their research to a broad scientific community, engage in scholarly discussions and foster collaborations. These opportunities contribute to the acceleration of scientific advancement. The YIDP awards not only recognize the accomplishments of young researchers but also express appreciation for their diligence, dedication and perseverance in practicing science. Such recognition motivates and sustains researchers’ commitment to science and supports their development as independent scientists. 
 
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

My most memorable experience at Johns Hopkins involved collaborating with colleagues from diverse disciplines. Through these interactions, I contributed my expertise and acquired valuable new skills and techniques from others. More significantly, I developed enduring friendships with my co-workers that I will continue to value in the years ahead. 
 
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

Over the next year, my goal is to apply for an independent faculty position and establish my research lab. 
 
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I am a passionate artist and performer. I have professional training in Indian classical music (singing) and extensive experience as a stage actor. Outside the laboratory, I dedicate my time to practicing and performing live music and/or rehearsing and acting in theatrical productions. I am a member of a Maryland-based theatre troupe and have performed in plays across the U.S., including off-off-Broadway productions in New York City.

 

Briana A. Santo, Ph.D., M2

Paul Ehrlich Research Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

Harvey Cushing described craniopharyngiomas as “the most formidable of intracranial tumors,” which, because of their proximity to critical neurovascular structures, cause significant morbidity. Despite surgical and therapeutic advancements, management of craniopharyngiomas remains challenging. Recurrence occurs in 20%–50% of patients, underscoring the need for reliable predictors of tumor subtypes and recurrence risk. To address these challenges, we developed machine learning models that use clinically interpretable radiomic features extracted from preoperative MRI to predict craniopharyngioma subtypes and forecast tumor recurrence. Such noninvasive, imaging-based approaches may help guide individualized treatment planning and improve outcomes for patients with these complex tumors. This work was completed under the mentorship of Dr. Debraj Mukherjee in the Department of Neurosurgery.

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

Johns Hopkins has outstanding mentors and a long-standing tradition of training and supporting physician-scientists, which makes it an ideal environment for me to learn and grow. 

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

Receiving this award is an honor, and I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of this project during my upcoming research year.

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

Invaluable mentorship and teamwork in our lab were central to the success of this project.

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

Biomedical science is advancing rapidly, and as a trainee, it can be challenging to develop essential skills, stay current with emerging technologies, and find a research focus. Young Investigators’ Day is providing the encouragement early-stage researchers need, helping them feel supported and confident that they are on the right path and making meaningful progress in their chosen field.

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

One of my most memorable experiences in medical school so far was our White Coat Ceremony at the end of first year. Hearing about everyone’s paths to medicine, celebrating with classmates, faculty and families, and collectively acknowledging the academic journey we share captured a truly special sense of community.

What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

Starting this summer, I will be taking a dedicated research year to further contribute to ongoing work in our lab on craniopharyngioma as well as other computational projects aimed at improving long-term postoperative outcomes for neurosurgical patients.

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I like to stay on the move — running in the summer, snowboarding in the winter and taking my energetic Pomsky, King, on walks or to the dog park. These activities help me recharge outside of school and research.

 

Wen Shi

David Israel Macht Research Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

The cerebral venous system is understudied in both normal and pathological conditions. Many brain diseases involve alterations in venous physiology. However, there is a scarcity of available tools to assess the cerebral venous physiology, and even the normative values for the venous physiological properties are not known. As a Ph.D. student under the mentorship of Dr. Hanzhang Lu in the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, my research focuses on developing and optimizing advanced non-contrast MRI techniques to measure the venous physiological parameters. Specifically, I investigate venous transit time as a metric of venous function and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability to water to assess BBB integrity in healthy populations and individuals with neurological diseases. 

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

Johns Hopkins is renowned for pioneering modern medicine and academic research. I am privileged to work with a host of talented investigators who develop cutting-edge techniques and conduct research aimed at addressing unmet clinical needs. The community is not only supportive but deeply collaborative, fostering an environment where innovation truly thrives. 

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

I am truly grateful to receive the David Israel Macht Research Award, and it also recognizes our team’s scientific contributions. The award motivates me to continue the mission of Johns Hopkins and to advance scientific and technical innovation to tackle critical challenges in clinical practice. 

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

My project’s success would not have been possible without the invaluable hands-on training and support from my mentor, Dr. Hanzhang Lu. Beyond this guidance, the keys to my progress have been an enduring curiosity about the unknown and a commitment to scientific rigor throughout the research process.

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

I truly appreciate this program’s commitment to fostering great minds and acknowledging the impact that young investigators have on our collective Johns Hopkins community. 

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

My most memorable experience at Johns Hopkins was the moment we unraveled a complex experimental observation. We developed a hypothesis that was ultimately validated through our subsequent research, turning a moment of curiosity into a significant breakthrough. 

What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I will soon begin a postdoctoral position at Johns Hopkins and transition toward a role as an independent investigator. 

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I enjoy exploring various forms of art, as they often ignite creative insights. I am also a passionate sports enthusiast.

 

Joel Sop

Paul Ehrlich Research Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

I study whether the regular flu shot that millions of people get every year might also provide some protection against pandemic bird flu, specifically H5N1, which has a mortality rate over 50% in humans. While seasonal flu vaccines don’t produce antibodies against H5N1, I discovered that they do generate T cells, a different arm of the immune system that can recognize and respond to H5N1.

Using T cell receptor sequencing, I found that about two-thirds of the T cells responding to seasonal flu also cross-recognize H5N1, even though H5N1 isn’t in the vaccine. This happens because these T cells target conserved regions that are similar between seasonal flu and pandemic strains.

This matters for pandemic preparedness. If H5N1 ever starts spreading among humans, populations that receive annual flu vaccines may have a baseline of cellular immunity that could reduce severe disease, even without H5N1-specific vaccines being immediately available.

I conducted this research in Dr. Joel Blankson’s lab in the Department of Medicine, which is known for HIV immunology but has been expanding into broader questions about cross-reactive immunity across viral pathogens.

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

I’m in the inaugural cohort of the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative, which trains Ph.D. students to become leaders in their field. That program was a huge draw.

I also wanted to work with Dr. Blankson. He figured out why some people naturally control HIV without drugs. The way he approaches immunology, asking why some immune responses work and others don’t, was exactly what I wanted to learn.

Also, everyone I talked to during recruitment mentioned how collaborative Hopkins is, and that turned out to be true. This influenza project involved collaborations across multiple labs and cores. People here genuinely help each other succeed, which isn’t always the case at research institutions.

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

I had to look up who Paul Ehrlich was when I found out I won. Turns out he basically invented immunology. His work on immune memory and cross-reactivity from over 100 years ago is still very relevant to what I’m doing today.

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

Good mentorship from Dr. Blankson. Reading a lot of papers helped me see the gap in the field. And timing, too — with H5N1 outbreaks in U.S. dairy cattle, the work felt relevant, and people were paying attention to pandemic preparedness.
 
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

I love that it brings together researchers from completely different fields. You see the breadth of science happening at Hopkins that you’d never encounter otherwise because everyone's working in their own area. It’s a good reminder of how much is going on beyond your own project.

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

Publishing my first first-author paper early in my Ph.D., about a year and a half in. A lot of us deal with imposter syndrome during grad school, so getting that first paper accepted in Cell Reports Medicine was validating. It proved I could do the work at this level.
 
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I’m defending this spring and moving to industry. Looking at positions in vaccine development and antiviral therapeutics.

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

My first language is French, so I think in French and translate most things to English. But most people cannot tell. More importantly, I’ve been to almost every Beyoncé show since I started walking. I’m not kidding.

 

Yotaro Sueoka

Michael A. Shanoff Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

The hippocampus is a brain region that builds an internal cognitive map of our surroundings to support spatial navigation. As we move through space, we face a computational challenge: We must simultaneously predict where we are going next using this map while also encoding new environmental features onto the map. How the brain achieves both at once without interference has been a mystery. A prominent theory proposes that rhythmic brain oscillations known as theta waves hold the key by enabling the hippocampus to rapidly alternate between prediction and encoding modes during different phases of each oscillation cycle. Working in the labs of Dr. James Knierim and Dr. Noah Cowan, I used electrophysiology and virtual reality in rats to provide direct evidence for this long-standing theory. These findings advance our understanding of how the brain maintains multiple parallel computations — a fundamental principle that extends beyond navigation to memory and cognition more broadly.
 
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

From my first visit during interview week, I was struck by the camaraderie among students and faculty and the strong culture of interdisciplinary collaboration. This proved essential to my work; my doctoral project only became possible through the partnership between my two mentors in neuroscience and mechanical engineering.

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

I am deeply honored to receive this award and to join the distinguished group of past recipients whose work I admire. I am profoundly grateful to my advisers, who taught me both the rigor and joy of scientific discovery. This award is as much a testament to their guidance as it is to my work.
 
What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

First and foremost, this success belongs to my mentors, Dr. Knierim and Dr. Cowan, and the collaborative environment in our labs. The main breakthrough came when I thought I had enough material for a paper and began exploring neural activity typically dismissed as “noise,” just out of curiosity. Recognizing systematic patterns in the data led to our paper’s central thesis. The combination of rigorous training and the freedom to follow unexpected leads made this discovery possible.
 
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

Young Investigators’ Day serves dual purposes that I deeply value. It is an inspiring window into the diverse, creative research my peers are conducting across Hopkins’ many disciplines. Equally important, it recognizes that students and fellows aren’t just learning; we are actively advancing science. The celebration affirms Hopkins’ commitment to empowering early-career researchers, which has been central to my experience here.
 
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

My first electrophysiology recording remains unforgettable. Hearing hippocampal neurons fire rhythmically through the audio monitor as the rat navigated — literally listening to the brain compute spatial information in real time — transformed my understanding of neuroscience from abstract theory to tangible reality. That moment crystallized my passion for this work.
 
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I have about a year remaining in my doctoral program, after which I will pursue a postdoctoral position to further develop my research expertise.
 
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I am an avid visitor of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I plan my travels around these sites, which often takes me to places far off the typical tourist path. One recent trip was to Mompox, a beautiful colonial village in remote Colombia that inspired Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s magical realism!

 

Atika Syeda

Alicia Showalter Reynolds Research Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

Neural responses in the visual cortex are always active, even in the dark, and this variability was often treated as noise. In my project, I developed Facemap, which is a machine-learning tool that analyzes high-speed videos to precisely track mouse orofacial movements and uses the temporal patterns of these behaviors to predict neural activity. By directly measuring the animal’s ongoing behaviors, Facemap allows us to separate behavior-related neural activity from activity driven by visual stimuli. Orofacial behavioral signals explained a large portion of the variability in visual cortical activity, more than eye movements. This shows that much of the “noise” in neural recordings reflects the animal’s behavior, emphasizing the need to measure behavior to better understand sensory processing in the brain. This work was done in Stringer lab in collaboration with Pachitariu lab at Janelia Research Campus.
 
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

Hopkins provides a great opportunity to work in a lab at Janelia Research Campus while also being able to do coursework at Hopkins in the first year of the Ph.D. program. The coursework provides exposure to different areas of neuroscience, such as developmental and systems research. The wide variety of topics provides valuable training for addressing questions in neuroscience, which is highly interdisciplinary. 
 
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally?

Do you have any connection with the particular award you received? The award recognizes my Ph.D. work, which involved addressing key questions about mouse visual systems by combining large-scale behavioral and neural data analyses using machine learning. Professionally, the award is valuable for recognizing work at the intersection of experimental neuroscience and machine learning, which has great potential to answer further questions in the field. Personally, I really appreciate the encouragement at this stage, which motivates me to pursue scientific research in the field of neuroscience and continue to develop my skills in machine learning. In addition, I am very grateful for the support from my parents, who are very happy about this accomplishment.
 
What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

My skill set in developing machine-learning models for neuroscience datasets was key for answering questions in the project. My lab’s emphasis on collecting good quality behavioral data and developing tools for analyzing it was also important for the project. My interest lies in working closely with experimentalists to understand all stages of data collection, which is useful for designing analysis pipelines.
 
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

I’m excited to meet other awardees and learn about their research. I always enjoy connecting with people from different backgrounds and sharing my research. It will be a great platform to get feedback on my current and future research plans.
 
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

Neuroscience department retreats where the whole department comes together to share their work and just hang out have been the most memorable.
 
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I am looking toward graduation over the next year and looking for opportunities to do similar research as an independent fellow while collaborating with systems neuroscience labs. 
 
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

My hobbies are running, cooking, hiking, plants and anything nature-related. I have lived in five different countries, mostly moving for education and research opportunities. Experiencing different cultures and academic environments has shaped my work and created a desire to continue to explore new places and cultures.

 

Zanshé Thompson, Ph.D.

Helen B. Taussig Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

My research uncovered a novel role of the chromatin regulator, high mobility group A1 (Hmga1), as a driver of Tet2-mediated clonal hematopoiesis through the expansion of pro-inflammatory cell types. Using mouse models of Tet2-mediated clonal hematopoiesis with different levels of Hmga1 expression, I demonstrated that HMGA1 haploinsufficiency within Tet2 mutant hematopoietic stem cells decreased atherosclerotic plaque formation and inflammatory signaling. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of hematopoietic stem cells from these mouse models, I discovered that intact Hmga1 in Tet2-mediated clonal hematopoiesis expands mutant hematopoietic stem cells and granulocyte/monocyte progenitors and activates multiple pathways governing inflammation. This work is a major step in uncovering actionable mechanisms that have the potential to reveal new therapeutic interventions to prevent atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular disease. This work was conducted in Dr. Linda Resar’s Lab.  

 Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

In 2019, I received an abstract achievement award and was invited to present my doctoral work at the American Society of Hematology Annual meeting. Impressed by my presentation, Dr. Linda Resar recruited me as a postdoctoral fellow in her lab in the hematology department at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Given the long-standing legacy of groundbreaking research and academic excellence at Johns Hopkins, I was honored to accept the position.  
  
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

It is an honor to be recognized with this award. Personally, as an African American, female scholar, I am even more greatly honored to receive an award named after Helen B. Taussig. My mentor, Dr. Resar, was fortunate enough to be trained as a pediatrician at Johns Hopkins during Dr. Taussig’s tenure. Dr. Taussig attended Johns Hopkins Medical School during a time when there were few medical schools that accepted female students. While here, she was able to conduct some of her most groundbreaking work on blue baby syndrome with the incomparable Dr. Vivian Thomas, a black technician limited by financial and racial barriers of that time. My research successes are made possible by the bravery and dedication of these great scientists. I like to believe that Dr. Taussig, the founder of pediatric cardiology, would be appreciate of my work on clonal hematopoiesis associated cardiovascular disease.  
  
What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

The expert guidance of my PI, Dr. Linda Resar, as well as the expertise and training from our lab manager, Li Luo, and bioinformatics collaborator, Leslie Cope, was instrumental to the success of this project.  
  
Also, I believe my broad training in chemical and biomedical engineering, biostatistical analysis, stem cell biology, and hematopoiesis allow me to approach research questions from a unique perspective to apply a systematic yet adaptable approach to problem-solving that has been invaluable to this work. 
  
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

I am appreciative that Johns Hopkins has established this type of event for the celebration of the students/fellows who drive the research at this illustrious institution. Young Investigators’ Day is a career-building opportunity for researchers to share their work, network and build collaborative relationships in a celebratory atmosphere.  
  
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

My most memorable experiences while at Johns Hopkins have been witnessing my trainees give presentations and receive awards for their work. I have also enjoyed bonding with my labmates over lunches, conferences, parties and “lab meetings.”   
  
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I hope to begin looking for a faculty position or a position in translational science in industry. 
  
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

Outside of the lab, I am a devoted mother and an author of fiction and poetry. I am also the founder and director of a nonprofit organization, STEMulation Station, Inc., which focuses on teaching children science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) principles through fun, hands-on activities.

 

Haobo Wang

Daniel Nathans Research Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

My research focuses on the delta-type ionotropic glutamate receptor 2 (GluD2), a neurotransmitter receptor found in cerebellum. It is critical for normal brain development and functions, and its mutations are directly implicated in developing diseases such as schizophrenia, intellectual disability and cerebellar ataxia. Nonetheless, the exact molecular function of GluD2 has been unclear for decades: It does not bind to glutamate and has no known ligands that produce canonical ligand-gated ion channel activity in cells. As a result, it has long been considered an orphan receptor and a non-target for structure-based drug designs. My recent work has characterized the structural and molecular activities of GluD2 through electrophysiology and cryo-electron microscopy, defining a new understanding of one of the most critical neurotransmitter receptors in the brain and providing molecular foundations for future therapeutic development. This work was primarily conducted in Dr. Eward Twomey’s lab in the Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, as well as in collaboration with Dr. Vasanthi Jayaraman’s lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center. 

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

Johns Hopkins has long been a leading institute in the biomedical research. The people here are unparalleled for their rigorous and innovative pursue of scientific discoveries. In addition, the collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment also helped me to make the decision.  
 
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

I am deeply honored to receive the Daniel Nathans Research Award on both the professional and the personal level. This recognizes the scientific contribution of the past work I have done in Dr. Twomey’s lab, while it motivates me to continue pursuing impactful research to solve big problems regarding human health. This award is named after the Nobel Laurate Daniel Nathans, whose pioneering work fundamentally transformed modern biomedical research. He has been a role model to inspire many of us.  
 
What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

The success definitely would not have been possible without the mentorship of my adviser, Dr. Edward Twomey, and the contributions made by my fellow lab peers and by our collaborators, Dr. Vasanthi Jayaraman and Dr. Elisa Carillo. In addition, the project would not have taken off so quickly without the help from the members of the JHU cryo-EM facility, Dr. Duncan Sousa and Dr. Cai Kai, as well as all the support I got from members of the biophysics department. Last but not the least, I would also like to personally thank my doctoral adviser, Dr. Scott Bailey at JHSPH, for preparing me well on protein biology during my years as a Ph.D. student there. 

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

Young Investigators’ Day is an excellent opportunity and tradition at Johns Hopkins to recognize and celebrate the significance of work done by emerging young scientists. It also inspires students and postdoctoral fellows to get in touch with different types of research being done here at Hopkins.  
 
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

I have many great memories at Hopkins. I truly appreciate all the comradery I have developed with many peers and faculty members here throughout the years. 
 
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I will continue focusing on my ongoing project, which is heading into exciting new directions, while I will gradually transition into finding a research position in academia or industry in the near future.   
 
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I like exploring new recipes and cooking at home while enjoying a slow day with my cats.

 

Christine Wei

The Mette Strand Research Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

mRNA vaccines delivered by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have transformed modern vaccinology, most notably through COVID-19 vaccines, and are now being actively explored for cancer and infectious diseases. A key challenge in this field is generating durable immune responses in the specific organs affected by disease. Working in Dr. Hai-Quan Mao’s lab, I investigated how the composition of LNPs influences where they travel in the body after vaccination and how this shapes tissue-specific immune responses. Through this work, I discovered that intramuscularly administered mRNA LNP vaccines exhibit formulation-dependent systemic trafficking to major organs such as the liver and lungs. Importantly, this trafficking behavior was linked to tissue-specific immune activation and long-term immune memory, including the generation of tissue-resident memory T cells, a population that provides durable local protection. This discovery advances our understanding of how mRNA LNP vaccines function in vivo and opens new opportunities to develop targeted vaccines and immunotherapies for cancer and other diseases where durable, localized immune protection is critical.
 
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

I chose Johns Hopkins for my work because of its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and translational research. At Hopkins, I have the opportunity to work closely with scientists and clinicians across fields such as materials engineering, immunology and oncology, which is essential for developing new immunotherapies. In particular, the close integration between the school of engineering and Johns Hopkins Medicine creates an environment where scientific discoveries can more readily translate into real clinical impact. This collaborative ecosystem makes Hopkins an ideal place for me to conduct research, continue learning and contribute to advancing the immunoengineering field.

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

Receiving the Mette Strand Research Award is deeply meaningful to me as recognition of the dedication and curiosity that have driven my research journey. Professionally, it motivates me to continue pursuing impactful translational research in immunoengineering and vaccine design that can improve human health. It is especially meaningful to receive an award honoring Professor Mette Strand, whose legacy celebrates scientific excellence and commitment to research and mentorship, which are values that I hope to carry forward in my own career.

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

The success of this project was made possible by the guidance and support of many mentors and collaborators. I am especially grateful to my adviser, Dr. Hai-Quan Mao, for his mentorship and for fostering an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity and translational research. I would also like to thank my project co-lead, Dr. Yining Zhu, as well as my lab colleagues and collaborators, whose teamwork and insights were invaluable throughout this work.

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

Young Investigators’ Day provides a meaningful opportunity for trainees across disciplines to connect, share their work and learn from one another. Events like this are important reminders that trainees are the driving force behind scientific discoveries, and it is inspiring to see their contributions recognized and celebrated!

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

Independently teaching the undergraduate intersession course Introduction to Nanomedicine was one of my most memorable experiences at Johns Hopkins! I truly enjoyed the entire teaching experience, and was especially happy to see that the class I offered sparked interest among the students, many of whom later went on to pursue undergraduate research in nanomedicine.

What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

Over the next year, I plan to complete my Ph.D. and graduate. After that, I hope to pursue a career in industry focused on vaccine and immunotherapy development.

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I have been fostering cats during the summers while at Hopkins. So far, I have fostered four cats!

 

Kaitlin Williams

Nupur Dinesh Thekdi Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

I conducted my Ph.D. thesis work in the laboratory of Dr. Luis Garza. I focused on the early molecular changes that occur in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin disease we have very few treatments for. While 5%–10% of HS patients have a mutation [most of those in nicastrin (NCSTN)], most patients have no mutation, and we are unsure how they acquire the disease. Surprisingly, we found even in patients without a NCSTN mutation, they have low NCSTN in their dermal fibroblasts, and that causes a cascade of inflammatory changes that match what we see in HS patients. We also found that plastic-associated endocrine disruptors (p-EDs) are present at much higher quantities in the tissue and cells of HS patients, and critically, that application of these p-EDs to normal cells causes loss of NCSTN and induction of inflammation as in HS cells. This explains the clinical observation that HS patients have diets high in ultra-processed foods, which have high p-ED levels, and demonstrates how environmental exposures to plastics in our diets may be significantly affecting disease processes and development. 
 
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

When I was choosing an M.D./Ph.D. program, I focused on institutions with excellent clinical education and a solid base in science across many disciplines. I was not sure what I wanted to study when I was applying, so having many potential fields as areas of excellence was very important to me. I will always be grateful to Johns Hopkins for providing such breadth of support and resources. 
 
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

This award was created to recognize excellence in research in honor of a former MSTP student. It is a great honor for the committee to recognize my research as deserving of that honor among so many strong and talented researchers I have met here.
 
What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

First and foremost, the mentorship of Dr. Garza made this project possible. When choosing a lab to complete my Ph.D. in, my priority was good PI fit, and Dr. Garza has been an example to live by. I will always be thankful and proud to be a Garza Lab alumnus!
 
Beyond mentorship, I have also been involved with sustainability efforts as the communication intern for the JHU Office of Climate and Sustainability under Dr. Ryan Weeks-Rutan. While not directly contributing to my research effort, this extra interest of mine has synergized incredibly well with my research contributions, and I have had several opportunities to speak to audiences about the intersection of sustainability and human health at conferences, symposiums and even testifying before Maryland Congress. 
 
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

I think it speaks to an incredible culture at Johns Hopkins of building young researchers up and investing in our careers beyond our time at Johns Hopkins. I am grateful to be part of such a kind and supportive environment. 
 
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

This is hard to answer as an M.D./Ph.D. student who has spent nearly eight years here. I will simply mention my Ph.D. thesis defense, when my friends and colleagues across many departments and areas of acquaintance and stages of my life came together to support me. 
 
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I am currently awaiting the residency match, hoping to become a dermatology resident in a physician-scientist training program. 
 
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I have already mentioned my sustainability-related activities. In my personal life, I really enjoy learning about ancient history. The sole podcast I listen to is ancient history, and whenever I travel I look for the oldest historical site in the area to visit.

 

Yingzhi Ye

The Mette Strand Research Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

My research identified Decapping Scavenger (DcpS) enzyme as a genetic modifier of toxicity caused by loss of function (LOF) of TDP-43 using a CRISPRi screening approach in human neurons. TDP-43 is an RNA-binding protein that normally functions in the cell nucleus to regulate RNA processing. In several neurodegenerative diseases, especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), TDP-43 is lost from the nucleus and forms aggregates in the cytoplasm. This disruption of TDP-43 function is thought to contribute to neuronal toxicity, yet effective treatments are still lacking.

My work helps uncover a previously unrecognized pathway related to TDP-43 LOF. Importantly, we found that reducing DcpS can rescue the toxicity caused by TDP-43 dysfunction. These findings provide new insight into the biological mechanisms underlying TDP-43-related neurodegeneration and suggest a potential therapeutic target for diseases such as ALS and FTD.I did my research in Dr. Shuying Sun’s lab.

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

Johns Hopkins is a top-tier institution with extensive research and clinical resources, and it has a long-standing history of advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS/FTD. I was honored to join this community as a graduate student, where I had the opportunity to develop my research skills and grow as a scientist.

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

Receiving this award is very meaningful to me both personally and professionally. Personally, it is encouraging to have my work recognized, especially after the many challenges and long hours that go into scientific research. It reinforces my motivation to continue pursuing questions related to neurodegenerative diseases. Professionally, the award is an honor and recognition from the Johns Hopkins research community, and it highlights the impact of the work our lab has done on understanding TDP-43-related mechanisms. I am also grateful for the mentorship and collaborative environment that made this research possible.

I do not have a direct personal connection to the specific award, but I feel honored to receive an award named after a scientist who contributed greatly to research and mentorship. It is inspiring to be associated with that legacy.

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

Several factors contributed to the success of my project. First, my training in molecular biology allowed me to design and perform experiments in my project. I also had strong interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, which motivated me to explore this question in depth. In addition, I benefited from the collaborative and resource-rich research environment at Johns Hopkins, which provided access to advanced technologies and expertise. Most importantly, the guidance and mentorship from my adviser and lab members were invaluable in shaping the direction of the project and helping me overcome technical and conceptual challenges.

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

Young Investigators’ Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the important role that students and fellows play in advancing research at Johns Hopkins. Trainees contribute significantly to new discoveries, and this event highlights both the scientific achievements and the dedication behind that work. It also brings together researchers from different fields, creating a sense of community and an opportunity to learn from one another. I think it is inspiring to see the breadth of innovative research being done by trainees, and it reinforces how essential mentorship, collaboration and curiosity are to the scientific process.

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

One of my most memorable experiences at Johns Hopkins was the many late nights spent in the lab working on experiments. Even when experiments ran until midnight, my roommate and I could still walk home together safely. Those moments really capture the experience of graduate school for me — the dedication to research, the camaraderie with friends and labmates, and the supportive environment that made the long hours worthwhile.

What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

I plan to graduate this summer and seek postdoctoral research positions.

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I enjoy swimming while listening to music — it’s a relaxing way for me to clear my mind. I also love spending time by the sea, simply watching the ocean and enjoying the quiet. Those moments help me recharge and give me space to reflect, which I find very valuable alongside the intensity of research.

 

Xiaodi Zhang, Ph.D.

Paul Ehrlich Research Award

Please describe briefly and in simple terms your research discovery. Why is it important in the context of your field? In what lab did you do the research?

My research focuses on the intersection of environmental pollutants and Lewy body dementia (LBD). Based on our lab’s previous work, we confirmed that alpha-synuclein (α-syn) strains vary according to different dementia symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). My study further validates — through epidemiological, strain-specific and genomic lenses—that particulate matter (PM) exposure induces a disease profile more closely resembling LBD rather than isolated PD. This distinction is vital for understanding how environmental triggers shape neurodegenerative pathology. I conducted this research in Dr. Xiaobo Mao’s laboratory at the Institute for Cell Engineering (ICE).

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?

I chose Johns Hopkins because of its storied history and its global preeminence in neuroscience. The university offers a world-class academic atmosphere with cutting-edge instrumentation that allows for the seamless integration of basic science and clinical research. Furthermore, I was drawn to my PI, Dr. Xiaobo Mao, as we share similar research backgrounds originating in nanoscience, which created a unique synergy for our interdisciplinary work. 

What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?

Personally and professionally, this award is a significant milestone — it is the first major accolade of my academic career. To me, it serves as a validation of my transition into a new research field, an endorsement of our collaborative research model, and a beacon of hope for my future professional transformation. 

What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)

The success of this project is a collective achievement. First and foremost, I must credit my closest friend and lab partner, Dr. Haiqing Liu. When I first transitioned to this major, she was the one who walked me through every experiment. She taught me every necessary skill and shared every detail and principle with incredible patience. Beyond the bench, her endless care and support helped me, a naturally introverted person, quickly integrate into the lab. This project was a true partnership; half of this success belongs to her, and I am honored to share this recognition with her. 

I also owe a great debt of gratitude to my PI, Dr. Xiaobo Mao. He has given me his absolute trust, constant encouragement and immense tolerance. By sharing his own research experiences, he guided me through my uncertainties. In him, I see so many qualities I still need to learn: His divergent scientific thinking and his powerful interdisciplinary communication skills were the keys to our project’s successful publication. 

I must also thank my parents. Their unwavering support and understanding have been the “solid shield” that allows me to pursue my research in the U.S. with peace of mind, and the JHU platform for providing the high-level resources necessary for this discovery. Finally, I am proud of my own perseverance — for my persistence through the most difficult times without giving up, for my determination to remain true to my beliefs without being swayed by the outside environment, and for my kindness, which I believe is why I have been lucky enough to receive so much help from others. 

What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?

I believe this celebration is vital. It provides students and fellows with much-needed confidence and formal recognition, highlighting the essential role the next generation of researchers plays in JHU’s scientific mission. 

What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?

My most memorable experience has been the return of my research partner, Haiqing, to Johns Hopkins after a two-year absence. Her presence has made my research journey here complete once again.

What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?

In the coming year, I plan to continue my close collaboration with Haiqing. Our goal is to complete more impactful projects together and successfully secure further research funding. 

Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?

I have a wide range of interests, including basketball, table tennis, golf and swimming. However, my greatest joy is cooking — nothing makes me happier than preparing a delicious meal for the people I love.