Current Members
Collin is a senior studying biomedical engineering. Currently he is involved in a project focusing on sphingolipid metabolism in the midgut of Drosophila . In his spare time, he enjoys whitewater kayaking, skiing, and playing soccer.
Madeline Houghton is a recent college graduate with a bachelor of science degree in biology and an emphasis in ecology and environment. She enjoys working as a lab technician aiding in ecdysone signaling research. Some of her hobbies include gardening and adding new specimens to her insect collection. She is planning to attend graduate school in Fall 2024.
Education:
Master of Research (MRes) in Biomedical Research, Imperial College London, UK
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemistry, Shandong University, China
Research interest:
Xiaoyu’s research interest lies in exploring the function and targets of the JAK-STAT signal using Drosophila midgut as model system.
Caroline is a senior undergraduate student, majoring in honors biology with a focus on genetics and genomics. Currently, she is actively involved in the Edgar Lab, collaborating with Tahmineh on a fascinating project centered around ecdysone signaling. Prior to this, Caroline gained valuable research experience while working at the Phadnis Genetics Lab.
In addition to her academic commitments, Caroline also serves as a student ambassador for the University of Utah's College of Science. Her dedication to scientific exploration and research has driven her ambitions beyond her undergraduate studies. After completing her bachelor's degree, Caroline plans to continue her journey with the Edgar Lab, taking on the role of a laboratory technician. Subsequently, she intends to pursue a PhD in the field of genetics.
Outside of her scientific pursuits, Caroline enjoys indulging in her passions for rock climbing, skiing, and traveling, which provide a well-rounded balance to her academic pursuits.
Originally from Connecticut, Steve received a BS in pathobiology and MS in biophysics from UConn. During various stints as a research specialist at the Sloan-Kettering Institute, Stanford University and the biotech industry, Steve worked on a plethora of projects ranging from cell signaling to growth factor discovery to antibody development. In 1999, he moved to the University of Utah to join the Mary Beckerle Lab. His many projects there centered on the role of integrin-binding complexes in cell adhesion and signaling. In 2016, Steve joined the Edgar Lab as lab manager and coordinated its move from Heidelberg to the University of Utah. In addition to his management role, Steve has spearheaded a ribosome profiling/riboseq project to examine the possible role of translational control in regulation of the cell cycle. Outside of the lab, Steve enjoys anything outdoors (climbing, trail running, mountain biking, etc), funky music and border collies.
Current junior in biomedical engineering undergrad. Enjoys skiing, running, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.
Emily Williams joined the Edgar Lab as a technician in April of 2023 with a multidisciplinary background in fly genetics, ecdysone signaling, and cancer biology. After graduating from Mount Holyoke College with a BA in biological sciences and a minor in gender studies, she enjoyed an internship studying proliferative metabolism in neuroblastoma at the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute in her home state of Massachusetts. Today, she employs her interdisciplinary background in a variety of projects investigating colorectal cancer and stem cell proliferation in fly and human tissues.
Initially, she used her undergraduate experience in Drosophila ecdysone signaling to assist Dr. Peng Zhang in investigating the genetic cascades necessary for damage response via stem cell turnover in fly gut. Recently, she has added several other projects to her roster, including the use of 3D human PDxO models of colorectal cancer to perform cancer treatment assays, as well as honing her skills in laser confocal and fluorescent microscopy across a variety of applications.
When she’s not in the lab, Emily enjoys volunteering on the Utah Women’s State Legislative Council, and unwinds with rock climbing, hiking, reading, and painting.
Peng Zhang joined the Edgar lab at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)/University of Heidelberg in 2014 as a senior postdoctoral researcher and moved with the lab to the Huntsman Cancer Institute/University of Utah in 2016. Currently, he serves as a research associate in the Edgar lab and holds the esteemed position of a Susan Cooper Jones Endowed Fellow in Cancer Research.
Peng Zhang's research focuses on utilizing Drosophila midgut and mammalian intestinal organoid models to delve into the mechanisms that govern intestinal stem cell proliferation, gut regeneration, and tumorigenesis. Aside from conducting his research projects, Peng Zhang actively engages in training and mentoring new students (both graduate and undergraduate) as well as technicians in Drosophila genetics and molecular biology. Additionally, Peng Zhang provides valuable support in the preparation of grant funding applications, working closely with Dr. Edgar.
