Principal Investigator
SeYeon Chung, Ph.D.
I obtained my B.S. (Microbiology), M.S. (Biological Sciences) and Ph.D. (Biological Sciences) all from Seoul National University in Korea (advisor: Dr. Jeongbin Yim). During my graduate training, I studied planar cell polarity in Drosophila. I collaborated with Dr. Paul Adler at UVA and was a visiting student in his lab for about a year. After graduation, I did my postdoctoral training at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine with Dr. Debbie Andrew, where I started working on tubular organ formation during development. I joined the LSU Biology faculty in the fall of 2017 and am currently an Associate Professor. I enjoy yoga and pilates and love dogs, cats, pandas, and all cute furry things.
Graduate Students
Jeffrey Matthew
I obtained my B.S. degree (Biochemistry) from the University of Lagos, Nigeria in January 2018. I spent the next two years as an intern at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, where I gained an appreciation for research that aims to unravel the nature of biological processes with the goal of providing therapeutics. I joined the Chung lab as a Ph.D. student to gain a deeper understanding of the processes that drive organ formation, and I hope to apply this knowledge in the field of regenerative medicine.
Debbie Obadofin
I graduated from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria with a B.S. in Pure and Applied Biology in June 2021. I had over 1 year of research and work experience at the Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, University of Ilorin, where I sharpened my scientific knowledge and research skills in cellular and molecular biology. I joined the Chung lab as a Ph.D. student with a strong interest in developmental biology and I hope to apply my knowledge and research findings to improve medical and healthcare globally.
Rutuparna Joshi
I have a master's in microbiology from Pune, India. I worked at IISER Pune, where I discovered my passion for developmental biology. I joined Dr. Chung's lab as a Ph.D. student to study further aspects about organogenesis and the molecular cues behind it. I wish to inculcate my knowledge in the world of medicine. Apart from my studies, I enjoy classical music, swimming, and meditation.
Undergraduate Students
Reem Qayssar (Work Study)
I am a senior majoring in Biological Sciences and my goal is to attend Dental school after graduation. Apart from my academic pursuits, I enjoy reading and swimming.
Cailyn Lee (Honors Thesis; President's Aid)
I am a senior pre-medical student majoring in biochemistry with a minor in music, currently pursuing my Honors Thesis in developmental biology under the guidance of Dr. Chung. My specific interests lie in the interplay between research and medical care, particularly how specific biological pathways lead to disease. Outside of academics, I enjoy working out, reading thriller books, and going out for sweet treats!
Maggie Wheat (President's Aid)
I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Business, with aspirations to attend medical school. I am intrigued by the research conducted at the Chung Lab, especially in the fields of tissue morphogenesis. I am eager to expand my understanding of these fields and explore their potential applications in healthcare innovations. Beyond my academic pursuits, I enjoy running and reading.
Alumni
Postdocs
Thao Phuong Le (Jan 2018-May 2024) Current: Digital Business mentor
Graduate Students
Vishakha Vishwakarma, Ph.D. (Aug 2018-Dec 2023) Current: Postdoctoral fellow at the Weinstein lab at NIH
Charlotte Adams, M.S. (Aug 2021-Dec 2023) Current: Research Specialist at the Brain Organoid Hub at Emory University
Honors Thesis Students
Jared Rodrigue (Aug 2022-May 2024; Distinguished Researcher) Current: Graduate School at Brown University
James (Luke) Woodward (Jan 2021-Dec 2023; LSU Discover Grant) Current: Graduate School at the University of Chicago
Zahra Naeini (Jan 2020-May 2023; Distinguished Researcher; LSU Discover Grant) Current: LSU New Orleans Medical School
Ryan Asgunod (Jan 2019-May 2020; Distinguished Researcher) Current: LSU Shreveport Medical School
Samantha Vercher (Sep 2018-May 2020) Current: LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing
Undergraduate Research Assistants (Non-Thesis)
Daniella Manilla (Jan 2024-May 2024)
Noah LaBruyere (Nov 2023-Jan 2024)
Sarah Kelley (May 2023-Jan 2024)
Hannah Dickerson (May 2023-July 2023)
Steven Young (Jan 2023-Mar 2023)
Faiz Baloch (Jan 2022-May 2022)
Jacob Moreland (Jan 2021-Dec 2021)
Charlotte Adams (Mar 2019-May 2021)
Isabella Labruzzo (Sep 2018-May 2021; LSU Discover Grant) Current: LSU Shreveport Medical School
Alyssa Lobello (May 2018-May 2020; LSU Discover Grant) Current: LSU Shreveport Medical School
Nicole Catalano (May 2018-May 2020)
Majd Al-Falah (Oct 2018-May 2019)
Lauren Hall (Sep 2017-Nov 2018)
Alexis Blackwell (Mar 2018-July 2018)
Heather Duplessis (Jan 2018-May 2018)
Youngone Kim (Sep 2017-Feb 2018)