Yan Zhang, Ph.D.

Principle Investigator

Dr. Yan Zhang is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Michigan Tech. Dr. Zhang earned her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the West China Medical Center at Sichuan University and a Master’s degree in Pharmacology from Peking Union Medical College in China. She completed her Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Following her doctoral training, Dr. Zhang conducted postdoctoral research in Dr. Darren Wallace's laboratory at the Jared Grantham Kidney Institute at the University of Kansas Medical Center which is the birthplace of PKD Research.

At Michigan Tech, Dr. Zhang leads a growing research program on ADPKD, supported by multiple research grants from the National Institutes of Health and the PKD Foundation.

Research Interest

Polycystic Kidney Disease
Innate Immunity
AI for Health

Contact

Email: yzhang49@mtu.edu
Office: Dow 722

Current members

Aiping Wei,

Visiting PhD student,

I’m Aiping, and I am currently researching the molecular mechanisms of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). My work focuses on identifying key drivers of disease progression and translating these findings into potential therapeutic strategies.

Yu Xu

Visiting Master Student

"I am a graduate student majoring in anesthesiology, currently focusing on research in PKD in Dr. Yan Zhang’s lab!"

Xiaoyun Shu

Visiting Master Student

"I’m a medical student who is passionate about scientific research and enjoys the journey of life!"

Nicholas Detternman

Undergraduate Student

"Hey there! My name is Nicholas Detterman, and I am a 4th-year Human Biology Student from Chelsea, Michigan. I enjoy hiking, camping, snowmobiling, and playing volleyball with my buddies! Additionally, I serve as a volunteer EMT-B and Firefighter with Michigan Tech EMS and Chassell Fire & Rescue. Volunteering as a first responder has been an incredibly fulfilling experience and has been the driving force in my interest in becoming an emergency physician! "

Jaden Schneider

Undergraduate Student

"I am a 3rd year Human Biology Major interested in Medicine and learning skills in the lab. Outside of school, I enjoy rock climbing and spending time outdoors."

Alumni

Yang Zhang, Ph.D.

Visiting Scholar

Currently, Dr. Zhang is Associate Chief Physician of Anesthesiology at Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University with a research focus on PKD.

Uswa Sial

Undergraduate student, Summer 2025

A fellow in the Michigan College/University Partnership (MICUP).

Elisabeth Weber

Undergraduate student, 2022-2023

" I recently graduated from Michigan Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and am currently in the process of applying to medical school! During my time at Tech, I enjoyed learning more about the kidneys in Dr. Zhang's lab, serving as a biology tutor, participating in cross-country skiing, and swimming in the Portage after runs."

Sophia Peake & Mathew Plansinis

Undergraduate Students, 2022-2024

As the first students in Dr. Zhang’s lab, they have been instrumental in setting up the lab and making significant contributions to its first manuscript.

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