Lab Members
Jaya's research in Hilgendorf lab is focused on understanding the mechanism of primary cilia mediated signaling in the regulation of adipogenesis. This involves studying how cilia resident GPCR and its lipid agonists control adipogenesis in vivo in mouse models of obesity. Previously she studied dysregulated Polycystin-1/IFT88 mediated ciliary signaling in polycystic kidney disease.
Surbhi received her undergraduate degree in microbiology (Hons) from the University of Delhi, India. She pursued a PhD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, MO, in cell biology and biophysics, working on DNA repair and UV stress signaling in pathogenic fungi. Currently, she works as a postdoctoral research associate in the Hilgendorf Lab. Surbhi is interested in understanding the biology behind breast cancer – adipocyte interaction. She is specifically working towards identifying paracrine factors and associated signaling pathways that remodel the mammary WAT (white adipose tissue) in a tumor supportive microenvironment. Surbhi enjoys hiking, cooking, and reading in her spare time.
Meghan received her undergraduate degree from Quinnipiac University in microbiology and immunology. In 2020, she joined the Molecular Biology PhD program at the University of Utah and the lab shortly after. As a current graduate student in the Hilgendorf lab, Meghan works to understand the communication between breast cancer cells and adipose tissue, with a specific focus on paracrine signaling networks. In her free time, Meghan enjoys running, hiking, camping, and rock climbing with friends.
Sierra received her bachelors degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Utah in 2021. She joined the Hilgendorf lab shortly after. She currently works to understand ciliation patterns and function in preadipocytes under different dietary conditions. In her free time, Sierra enjoys hiking, skiing, camping, and spending time with friends and family.