I grew up in Izmir, Turkey. I received my BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Bilkent University in Ankara and my PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from Harvard University. After my postdoctoral training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, I started my own research laboratory in University of Illinois at Chicago in October, 2019. I am broadly interested in understanding how mechanochemical signal transduction within the tumor microenvironment impacts cancer metastasis. In addition to science, I thought I loved playing basketball but after two broken bones and a couple of shoulder dislocations, I gave up and started watching curling instead.

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Graduate Student

I am from Egypt; I got my BS degree in Microbiology and Chemistry at Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. Once graduated, I Joined the Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 (CCHE57357) as a chemist for 2 years. In 2018, I joined the University of Illinois at Chicago as a research specialist at different departments. During that time, I got 3 publications, presented a poster at the Immunology meeting 2019™ in San Diego and another poster at the Midwestern Metabolism Meeting 2019. I was awarded the Chancellor's Student Service Award (CSSA) 2022. In 2022, I joined Er Lab as a PhD student as a part of GEMS program at UIC. I am focusing on understanding the role of Interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) in breast cancer. I love sharing and gaining knowledge, ask critical questions and help the new generation.

Graduate Student

I am from Daejeon, Republic of Korea. I received my BS in Biological Sciences from Kongju National University and my MS in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Ulsan (Asan Medical Center). During my master’s, I investigated the correlation between gut microbiome and pancreatic cancer. Following that, I moved to Chicago to join the GEMS program at UIC for a doctoral degree in fall 2022, settling in the Er Lab. My primary research interest lies in cancer biology, with a specific focus on uncovering health disparities between Black African women and White American women with breast cancer. In my free time, I love listening to music, watching movies, and enjoying Netflix. I am also a foodie, so I take pleasure in cooking and dining out at good restaurants.

I am from San Luis Potosí, Mexico. I received my BS in Biophysics, and a MS in Interdisciplinary Sciences from the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí. Later I got my PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Maryland, where I studied the mechanical properties of cells and tissues and the different variables than can affect them. At the Er Lab, as a postdoc I am aiming to study the mechanical properties of cells and their microenvironment during the metastatic process. Out of the lab you can find me hanging out with my dog Checo, playing some sports (mainly football or basketball, but also love running), or watching some good series or movies.

I am from Valencia, Venezuela. In 2021 I moved to Chicago for my undergraduate studies in Biomedical Engineering and got my BS degree in Cell and Tissue Engineering from the University of Illinois Chicago in May 2025. Throughout my undergraduate years, I found my passion in biomedical research. In August of 2025 I joined the Er Lab to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. I also enjoy cooking in my free time and learning languages.

Undergraduate Researcher

I grew up in Mumbai, India. In 2023, I moved to Chicago to pursue my BS in Neuroscience at UIC. I'm eager to be involved in research and hope to pursue healthcare as a career. 

I joined the ER lab in August of 2024, where I have been working as an undergraduate researcher. Through this role, I am involved in research practices, assisting PhD students on ongoing projects, and gaining skills in data analysis and cell culture.

In addition to research and academics, I love graphite sketching, painting, and exploring new dessert spots in Chicago. (I have an extreme sweet tooth!)

Undergraduate Volunteer

Aarav is very motivated undergraduate. He needs a bio and a picture.

Undergraduate Volunteer

I am a sophomore at UIC studying Integrated Health Studies on the Pre-Dental track.

I joined the Er lab in October 2025 and have been able to learn so much from the PhD students as well as gain skills in essential molecular techniques.

Outside of academics, I enjoy exploring Chicago, playing tennis, reading, and doing henna!