Lab Members


PI

Eric Van Nostrand, Ph.D. - PI

Eric grew up loving math, and the application of statistics and computational tools with experimental genomics to understand biology was a natural fit. He is interested in developing new experimental and computational tools to improve our ability to identify and quantify RNA processing and RNA regulatory networks, and using these tools to better understand how alteration of RNA processing is a driver of many human diseases.

CV -- NCBI Publication Listing



Postdoctoral Researchers

Maureen Akinyi, Ph.D.

Maureen was introduced to the fascinating and complex world of RNA while doing her M.Sc. and has been hooked ever since. Her passion for RNA has led her to different corners of the world working with many inspiring scientists. In the Van Nostrand lab, Maureen is interested in elucidating global functional networks of RBPs through examining mechanistic relationships of RBPs and their targets in processes such as splicing and regulation by miRNAs.

CV

Yi-Han Li, Ph.D.

Yi-Han is an interdisciplinary molecular biologist passionate about gene regulation, especially transcriptional and translational regulation. Yi-Han loved to investigate the relationship between gene regulation and disease incidence in order to improve screening and treatment options for cancer or genetic diseases. In Van Nostrand’s lab, Yi-Han is working on RNA binding protein regulatory networks that drive altered translation in breast cancer progression.

CV

Lisa Deliu, Ph.D.

Lisa’s interest in translation began in her PhD where she studied the effects of ribosomal protein mutations using fruit flies as a model system. Since her PhD work, she has continued pursing the fascinating topic of translation regulation in mammalian models. In Van Nostrand’s lab, Lisa is working on investigating translation regulation mechanisms in disease and how the translation process can be used as a target for future therapies.



Graduate Students

Zhouyi (Joey) Song, M.S.

Zhuoyi has strong interests in gene regulation, especially under aberrant situations, such as stress or diseases. During her rotation, she was fascinated by the powerful function of small RNAs in regulation. In the Van Nostrand lab, Zhuoyi is devoted to developing new technology to study small RNAs and elucidating the function of them in translation and viral infection.


Jen-Yun Chang, M.S.

Jen-Yun is a graduate student in the Genetics & Genomics program with a deep passion for scientific discovery. He enjoys the process of thinking and investigating the principles behind natural phenomena and technologies. Jen-Yun loves to expand his knowledge in different fields. He has joined the Van Nostrand lab to learn more about RNA biology and is excited to gain new knowledge and skills."



Research Staff

Anne Starner - Research Technician

Anne has been interested in anything involving genetics since high school. After her time in the Air Force and through personal experiences, she came back to biology with renewed admiration for the topic and for research. Since joining the Van Nostrand Lab in 2021, Anne has been introduced to the world of RNA and RNA binding proteins. Anne looks forward to learning more about RNA and exploring what can be accomplished with eCLIP technology.


Mason Bartels - Bioinformatician

Mason was bit by the research bug during his undergrad when analyzing beetle DNA. Even now his passion for discovery has never ceased. Having completed his masters in bioinformatics Mason is excited for a career analyzing and identifying new factors in RNA. Mason isnt all work and no play - once he shuts his work computer you can find him playing video games, painting miniatures, and caring for his family of 4 animals.



Alumni

Charlotte Le Roux (Research Technician) - now PhD student, Baylor College of Medicine

Fei Yuan (Bioinformatics Analyst) - now Instructor, Baylor College of Medicine

Bhoomi Bhatt (Research Associate) - now Graduate Student, Baylor College of Medicine