Page 9 - The Hormel Institute 2024 Annual Report

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Assistant Professor
Background and Experience
I received my PhD from Case Western Reserve University and began my post- doctoral training at Harvard Medical School.
In 2013, I moved to Singapore, where I continued my postdoctoral training at Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore. In 2019, I was promoted to Assistant Professor.
In 2023, I returned to the United States to advance my career at The Hormel Institute and continue my research, which centers on metabolic physiology complemented by bioinformatic analysis and RNA molecular biology.
Over the years, I have identified several novel regulators, such as Ybx2 and HuR, which play roles in adipocyte (cells that store energy as fat) metabolism. My research findings have been published in prestigious journals, including Nature Metabolism, Nature Communications, Diabetes, and Journal of Experimental Medicine.
We are investigating the functions and mechanisms of RNA regulatory networks in response to nutrient challenges. We intend for our discoveries to facilitate the development of RNA-based therapies for metabolic diseases.
Why I Chose The Hormel Institute
Joining HI was appealing to me because of its ongoing expansion into food and nutrition research. Not only is this fitting for my area of research, but it also
creates even more opportunities for internal and external collaborations.
This expansion into more health-related research areas creates even more opportunities for internal and external collaborations, and these state-of-the- art facilities give our lab the space and necessary resources to propel our research forward.
Assistant Professor
Background and Experience
I received my PhD from Kobe University in Japan, where my research laid the foun- dation for a deep understanding of cancer biology. Following this, I completed my postdoctoral training at The Hormel Institute, where I was promoted to Assistant Professor. My research primarily focuses on the molecular and cellular biology of tumors and the tumor microen- vironment, particularly in skin and gas- trointestinal cancers. I am dedicated to identifying novel therapeutic targets and developing innovative treatment strategies aimed at cancer prevention and therapy.
Currently, my research employs multiomics bioinformatics analysis to identify the roles of potential biological targets in tumor development. We conduct experiments using both cell-based and murine models while establishing collaborations for potential clinical applications. I am particularly interested
in exploring new therapeutic targets and cancer signaling pathways, with a focus on the crosstalk between tumors and the tumor microenvironment, this research aims to provide valuable insights into cancer progression, metastasis, and resistance to various forms of therapy, ultimately contributing to the devel- opment of more effective treatment strategies.
Why I Chose The Hormel Institute
I chose to continue building my research career here because of its supportive and collaborative culture, which fosters innovation and creativity. This environment not only allows for meaningful interactions with outstanding colleagues but also facilitates the exchange of ideas and knowledge across various disciplines.
Here, I have the opportunity to work alongside passionate individuals dedicat- ed to advancing research in cancer, nutrition, metabolic syndrome, and other critical areas, which helps cultivate lasting friendships. Additionally, the Institute offers excellent potential for career progression and professional development. This nurturing environment aligns perfectly with my aspirations, providing an ideal setting for both my research and personal growth.