MEET THE LAB!

lindsey seldin, ph.d. -PI-

Lindsey is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Cell Biology and Dermatology as well as a Member of the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory School of Medicine. She is also a Research Health Scientist at the Atlanta VA Medical Center. Lindsey received her B.A. in Biology & Spanish from Middlebury College, where she began her research career in the lab of Dr. Grace Spatafora investigating Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. She earned her Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Duke University in the lab of Dr. Terry Lechler studying mitotic spindle orientation, & performed her postdoctoral research on epithelial stem cell plasticity at Vanderbilt University with Dr. Ian Macara. Beyond her passion for epithelial biology & microscopy, Lindsey loves to swim & play tennis (no surprise that she’s a native Floridian), attend local theater & arts events, read classic literature, travel abroad, & is always on a search for the freshest seafood.

MICHAEL HAMERSKY, M.S. -LEAD RESEARCH SPECIALIST-

Michael graduated from Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences with a Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. For his thesis work, he applied genetic & imaging approaches to study stem cell asymmetric divisions. Post graduation, Mike spent two years working in industry at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. His research interests in molecular & cell biology led him back to academia. Outside of work, Mike loves exploring new eateries & cooking new recipes, especially Asian cuisine. He is a huge sports fan & has found a happy balance between winning & losing by being a fan of both the New England Patriots as well as the New York Mets.

Ruochong wang, ph.d. -postdoc-

Ruochong received his B.S. in Biological Sciences from Nankai University in his hometown Tianjin, China. He earned his M.S. in Biotechnology from Georgetown University, and his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Kyoto University in the lab of Dr. Takahiro Ito studying myogenesis, mitochondrial function, and biogenesis. Besides science, Ruochong loves cooking, soda, rock music, and badminton. He is trying to live healthier and make exercise a habit.

kush patel -undergraduate-

Kush, a native of south Georgia, is a junior and recently moved to main campus after spending freshman & sophomore years at Oxford College. He is a Biology major & plans to pursue an MD after graduation. Kush is gaining research experience to consolidate his passion for the sciences as well as develop an analytical mindset. Other than academics, he enjoys being active by working out & playing sports.

RAphAEL SHU -undergraduate-

Raphael is a junior double majoring in Biology/Chemistry & minoring in Art History. He was born & raised in Taipei, Taiwan, & plans to continue graduate research after his undergraduate studies. Raphael’s research interests include cell biology & immunology, as well as pharmacology. Aside from academics & the lab, he can be found playing guitar, trying new cuisines, & searching for specialty coffee shops (he has a slight caffeine addiction).

ZURI omari-muhammad -undergraduate-

Zuri is a sophomore MARC Scholar from Tampa, Florida majoring in Biology and minoring in Anthropology. She hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in developmental biology and a career in academia after her undergraduate studies. Her research interests include embryology, genomics, and evolutionary genetics. Outside of the lab, she enjoys going to art museums, watching old movies, and finding new thrift and vintage shops. 

NOOREEN SYED -undergraduate-

Nooreen is a sophomore pursuing a double major in Biology/Chemistry on the pre-med track. She is a Georgia native, born & raised in Marietta. Nooreen is still unsure of the specific career she wants to pursue, but hopes this research experience will both teach her valuable skills as well as shed light on diverse career possibilities. She is particularly interested in biology, chemistry, & Arabic, which she has been learning this past year (with some difficulty). Outside of academics, Nooreen loves to play soccer, go on hikes, & watch the newest horror movies with friends.

JACK HARPER -undergraduate-

Jack is a rising junior who is majoring in Chemistry. He is from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and is planning to pursue an M.D. after graduation. Jack hopes to capitalize on his passion for learning through research, and particularly improve his experimental design and presentation skills. Outside of school, his interests include staying active by working out, trying new foods, and reading.

**Former Lab Members**

Kaitlyn Perkins (2023) MARC Scholar Summer Intern

Khushi Tekale, MS (2023) Master’s

Addy Perez, BS (2022-23) Undergraduate

David Solano, BS (2022) Undergraduate