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. -SENIOR 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, & his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Kyoto University in the lab of Dr. Takahiro Ito studying myogenesis, mitochondrial function, & biogenesis. Besides science, Ruochong loves cooking, soda, rock music, & badminton. He is trying to live healthier & make exercise a habit.

kush patel -undergraduate-

Kush, a native of south Georgia, is a senior working on his Honors Thesis & was recently accepted into multiple Medical School Programs! Kush moved to main campus after completing his first two years at Emory Oxford College. Other than academics, Kush enjoys being active by working out & playing sports.

RAphAEL SHU -undergraduate-

Raph is a senior from Taipei, Taiwan working on his Honors Thesis & was recently accepted into multiple Biochemistry PhD Programs! Raph was recently awarded a prestigious Sigma Xi Grant in Aid of Research & ASCB Travel Award as well as featured in a Cell Biology Departmental Trainee Highlight. Raph is double majoring in Biology/Chemistry & minoring in Art History. His 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 junior MARC Scholar from Tampa, Florida majoring in Biology & minoring in Anthropology. She recently received a Best Poster Award at the 2024 ABRCMS conference! She hopes to pursue a PhD in Developmental Biology after her undergraduate studies. Her research interests include embryology, genomics, & evolutionary genetics. Outside of the lab, she enjoys going to art museums, watching old movies, & finding new thrift and vintage shops. 

NOOREEN SYED -undergraduate-

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