I received my PhD in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences from Oklahoma State University. Before joining our group, my study in the Hormel Institute was to apply a novel method on breast cancer models for tracing tumor cell migration in mouse organs during metastasis. I developed the method in Lillehei Heart Institute to trace cell migration in the heart and skeletal muscles based on the secretion and assembly of mCherry - collagen I fusion protein in vivo. The idea was a result of my early studies in the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill for the roles of PECAM-1 in inflammatory signaling and extracellular matrix assembly in vascular diseases. My current studies include the generation of engineered T cells that are able to enter tumor tissues efficiently and deeply in Dr. Moriarity lab, and  tracing cell migration in animal cancer models based on the secretion and assembly of fluorescence protein tagged collagens in our group. The long term goal is to develop effective cell therapies for cancer treatment.

Favorite things: tomatoes, swimming, programming, Do-It-Yourself projects, my family and friends. Co-advisor: Branden Moriarity