Research Assistants

Jingpeng graduated from Tufts University with a BA in Biochemistry and a minor in Biotechnology, where he developed an interest in signaling pathways and cell death mechanisms associated with kinase activation. In the Haigis lab, he works with Dr. Jaime Schneider as a research assistant, focusing on identifying key metabolic pathways altered in lung cancer. Building on his prior and current research experience, Jingpeng has developed a deep interest in translational work that bridges laboratory discoveries to clinical applications. 

Madiha graduated from Williams College with a BA in Biology and a concentration in Neuroscience. She collaborates with Dr. Annie Hsieh as a research assistant in the laboratory, investigating the metabolic regulation of neurotransmitters in glioma. She also spends part of her time working for the Sabatini lab.  

Hobbies: Watching true crime documentaries and online shopping  

Favorite Animal: Cats 

Joe graduated with a BA in Biology with a Minor in Environmental Studies from College of the Holy Cross. As a research assistant in the lab, his focus is on mass spectrometry. He also assists multiple postdocs in their research through bench work and analysis, works as an animal technician, as well as other administrative duties.

Favorite Food: Squirrel

Hobbies: Archery, bicycling, hunting.

Stacy is pursuing her BS in Biology from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She got her AS in Psychology from Middlesex Community College. As a research assistant, one of her primary roles is managing mice colonies and participating in mouse model experiments under the guidance of Dr. Elma Zaganjor. 

Was the inspiration for: Storm from Marvel (also originally from Kenya but raised in Harlem)

Olivia graduated with a BA in Biology with a Minor in chemistry from Goucher College. As a research assistant in the lab, she assists multiple postdocs in their research through bench work and analysis, works as an animal technician, as well as other administrative duties.

Favorite Food: Chicken Parm on a fresh baguette (the more sauce the better!!)

Tiffany graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a minor in business. As a research assistant, she is primarily responsible for handling the mice colonies and performing genotypic analysis.

Greatest science accomplishment: Standing at 5'0, she has provided concrete scientific evidence that not "everything is bigger in Texas." 

As a Research Assistant, I help with experimental procedures, mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, and metabolic assays. I work with Dr. Elma Zaganjor to assist with her projects and to examine the role of SIRT4 in fat metabolism.

As a Research Assistant, Brandon helps with experimental procedures, mouse colony maintenance and genotyping, and logistics for the Haigis Lab. Brandon works primarily with Dr. Sejal Vyas to characterize SIRT4 and its role in cancer cell metabolism and tumor progression.

Anita is responsible for assisting the postdoctoral fellows with their projects, and she more specifically focuses on the possible role of mitochondrial sirtuins in the adaptive immune response and the role of SIRT4 in the development and progression of tumors. She maintains Noga and Sejal’s mouse colonies, and her other responsibilities include genotyping mice and performing lab supply- and chemical inventory. In addition, she assists with events coordination and protocol updates for the lab’s mouse protocol and COMS registration.

My projects focus on SIRT4 characterization to facilitate future projects, namely, identifying novel targets of SIRT4.  I am currently an undergraduate research assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Sejal Vyas.