Team

Shijiao Huang

Principle Investigator

Research Investigator. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Postdoc. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Ph.D. Peking University, China

B.S. Nanchang University, China

Honors

K-INBRE Developmental Research Project Program (DRPP) Award

COBRE CNAP Pilot Award

Iryna Graham

Research Assistant

Iryna received her education in Biology and Biochemistry. She had experience in a both medical and research laboratory. Iryna became a laboratory technician at Kansas State University in 2022 and joined the Huang laboratory in 2023. Her goal is to provide the best environment for the research and help to improve aging research to a new level. 

Shelby Innes

Graduate Student 

Shelby is a PhD student in Biochemistry and is interested in neurobiology and neurochemistry. She got a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Psychology, from Emporia State in May 2021. She recently received her M.S. in Biochemistry from KSU in Spring 2023, doing her thesis in Dr. John Tomich's lab. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing volleyball, playing chess, and playing Pokémon games.

Andrea Miller

Graduate Student 

Andrea is a Graduate student for the department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at KSU. She received her B.S. in Biochemistry from KSU in the Spring of 2025. She is intrigued by the molecular mechanisms of aging and the role of neurons in these processes. Her goal in the Huang lab is to research the link between neuron signaling and longevity pathways. In her free time she likes to go hiking and hang out with her pet cat.

Amit Dutta

Graduate Student 

Amit is a Ph.D. student in Biochemistry with a research interest in neurodegenerative diseases, computational biology and therapeutic development. He earned his B.S. (2022) and M.S. (2024) degrees in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering from Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Bangladesh. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys photography and traveling.

Mingyi Liu

Postdoctoral Researcher

Mingyi received his Ph. D. in 2023 from Shanghai Tech University and Chinese Academy of Sciences. During his thesis work he focused on understanding the localization and function of tubulin isotypes in cilia and nervous system. Mingyi joined our lab as a postdoctoral fellow in April 2024.  His projects in the lab ask questions about which neurons are necessary for longevity pathways and neural signaling influencing aging and age-related diseases. In his free time, Mingyi enjoys reading, playing badminton and spending time with music. 

Ameerah Alfailakawi

Undergraduate 

Ameerah is a third-year undergraduate student studying Medical Biochemistry on the pre-med track at Kansas State University and is an international student from Kuwait. She is also pursuing a certificate in Global Health, Medicine, and Society. Ameerah joined the lab at the start of the Spring 2025 semester with a strong interest in understanding how the brain functions in the context of aging, particularly how molecular and neuromodulatory pathways are altered over time and contribute to neurodegenerative disease. She is especially interested in identifying mechanisms and targets that can be further explored to develop therapeutic strategies to mitigate and manage neurodegenerative conditions. She plans to pursue a career in surgery, with interests in pediatric surgery or neurosurgery, and hopes to continue exploring research in neurodegeneration and neuromodulation after graduation. Outside of academics, Ameerah has developed a growing passion for homesteading, including raising goats and chickens and maintaining a vegetable, herb, and fruit garden, along with flowers. In her free time, she enjoys baking, cooking, painting, and running.

Moussa Gacko

Undergraduate 

Moussa is a student in Biology with a minor in Neuroscience and a research interest in neurobiology, stress physiology, and aging-related mechanisms. He earned his High school scientific baccalaureate with highest honors and part of the top of his country , Senegal. He is currently continuing his studies at Kansas State University with a pre medical track. He is involved in research in the Huang Lab, where he studies stress resistance pathways using C. elegans. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys playing basketball, learning more about cars and traveling.

Sophia Mccune

Undergraduate 

Sophia is a transfer student from William Jewell College pursuing a B.A. in Biochemistry and Human Health Biology. She is particularly interested in cancer biology and genetic research, with a focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of underlying disease. She joined the lab to further explore these interests and gain hands-on research experience. Sophia plans to attend medical school and hopes to integrate her research background into patient care. Outside of academics, she enjoys being active outside, hanging out with friends, and cooking.

Cecilia Davila Vazquez

Undergraduate 

Cecilia Davila is an undergraduate assistant in the Huang Lab at Kansas State University, where she contributes to research focused on pro-longevity compounds and lifespan. She is majoring in Medical Biochemistry and Medical Microbiology and is passionate about understanding how molecular and cellular processes can be applied to improve human health. Her interests include the intersection of biomedical research, aging, and disease prevention, as well as the role laboratory science plays in advancing patient care. Cecilia also plans to pursue her Medical Laboratory Science certification to work in clinical laboratories, combining research and diagnostic medicine to support more accurate diagnoses and better health outcomes for patients.

Kenzie Summervill

Undergraduate 

Kenzie is an undergraduate student at Kansas State University, majoring in Medical Biochemistry with a minor in Animal Science on the pre-med track. She joined the lab in the spring of 2026 and is passionate about serving others while exploring the world of science, a drive that fuels her goal of attending medical school, with particular interest in the fields of dermatology and plastic surgery. Kenzie enjoys the challenge of understanding the human body at a molecular level and values the hands-on learning opportunities the lab provides. She has found her time in the lab to be both rewarding and inspiring. Outside of academics, she enjoys studying, painting, doing crafts, watching movies, and listening to music: activities that let her express creativity and maintain balance in her life.

Lauren Epard

Undergraduate 

Lauren is a senior studying Medical Biochemistry with minors in Gerontology and Neuroscience. Lauren is interested in how compounds extend lifespan and delay aging. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a physician, with a particular interest in primary care and geriatric medicine. She is currently also working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Outside of academics and work, Lauren enjoys reading, staying active at the gym, and spending time with her three cats. Lauren is excited to continue developing her scientific knowledge and clinical skills as she works toward her goal of becoming a physician. 

Lizzie Vetter

Undergraduate 

Lizzie is from Wichita, KS and is an undergraduate student studying Medical Biochemistry with a minor in Biology. Lizzie joined the lab in Spring of 2025 after taking medical biochemistry with Dr. Huang as one of the professors teaching. Lizzie thoroughly enjoyed learning about the effects of stress on body at the cellular level, so she joined Dr. Huangs lab to learn more. Lizzie is starting nursing school in August 2026 and is very excited to start that journey to becoming a nurse! Lizzie enjoys running and lifting in her free time as well as knitting while sitting down to watch a tv show. If she get stressed at all she will start to bake things like cookies or banana bread to procrastinate! 

Joey Kyle   

Undergraduate 

Joey is an undergraduate student in the Biochemistry program at K-State. With the desire to work in clinical science directly with patients, his goals include going to medical school to study psychiatry. Joey has always been fascinated with the mechanisms of the human brain and found the Huang lab a great fit. The opportunity to do research into the treatment for aging and neurodegenerative disease interested him greatly.  In his free time, he enjoys playing with his cat, Lydia, and ping pong. 

Jane Oltjen 

Undergraduate 

Jane is a junior studying Medical Biochemistry on the premedical track when she joined the lab in January of 2024. She is currently working on a lifespan extension study using C. elegans in the lab. In her free time, she likes to play tennis, hang out with her friends, and travel. Jane hopes to one day become a primary care doctor and help her patients find ways to enhance their lifespan!

Evan Dickson

Undergraduate 

Evan is studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at K-State and joined the lab in Spring 2024. Evan is interested in studying neurodegenerative diseases and improving his lab skills. He hopes to one day pursue a PhD in Biochemistry. In his free time, Evan is a member of an acapella group and enjoys playing board games, spending time with friends, and being active.

Thomas Harp

Undergraduate 

Thomas is a 3rd year student studying Medical Biochemistry, and joined the lab in the Fall of 2024. He is from Osawatomie KS, and graduated from Paola High School. Thomas is interested in learning about the various factors affecting aging and lifespan, and is also looking forward to practicing and utilizing laboratory techniques. His goal is to attend Med School, and use the skills and knowledge from this lab to achieve those goals. He is also a member of Powercat Motorsports, and spent his sophomore year as Engine Lead for the team.  

Ben Wiedenmann 

Undergraduate 

Ben is from Louisburg, KS and is an undergraduate student studying Medical Biochemistry on the premedical track at K-State. Ben is very interested in the research of longevity and anti-aging. He joined the lab in the spring of 2024. Ben’s goal is to attend Medical School and combine his love of learning and health to make his community a better place. In his free time, Ben enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with friends. 

Maddie Baucom

Undergraduate 

Maddie is from Olathe, KS and an undergraduate student at Kansas State University. She is studying Human Health Biology with a minor in Psychology. She is interested in getting her PhD in biomedical sciences on a biochemistry and molecular biology track, focusing on therapeutical development for neurodegenerative diseases. She joined the lab in Spring 2024. She is interested in anime, manga, and her dog Desmond.  

Reegan Parker

Undergraduate 

Reegan is from Denver, CO and an undergraduate student at Kansas State University. She is studying Human Health Biology with a minor in Psychology on a Pre-Medical (PA) track interested in neuroscience, oncology, and pediatrics. She joined the lab in fall of 2023 with the K-State ESR CAT Community. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching Grey’s Anatomy, being active, and spending time with friends and family.

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