Lab members
Principal Investigator
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Read More about Yuanquan Song Ph.D.Yuanquan Song Ph.D.
Associate Professor – Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Email Yuanquan Song Ph.D.
215-590-0631
Yuanquan Song Ph.D.
Associate Professor – Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
songy2@chop.edu
215-590-0631
Member - CCMT @ CHOP, Neuroscience Graduate Group (NGG), Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group (CAMB, DSRB), Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics (BMB), Biology Graduate Group
Education:
2009–2016 Postdoc University of California San Francisco
2003–2009 Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania
1998–2002 B.S. in Biotechnology Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Postdoctoral Scholars
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Read More about Qin Wang, Ph.D.
Qin Wang, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar
wangq3@chop.edu
267-425-3024
Education:
2012-2018 Ph.D. Cell Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
2012-2015 M.S. Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Sino-Danish Center of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China/Aarhus University, Denmark
2008-2012 B.S. Life Science Shandong University, ChinaI joined lab in 2018. I'm involved in several projects that aim to investigate the pathological function of the novel protein variants identified from neurodevelopmental patients and to explore how to promote functional axon regeneration after traumatic brain injury or neurodegeneration.
My research interest focuses on neurologic and neurodevelopmental disorders and how to restore the neural circuits to attenuate these diseases. To this end, I employ the Drosophila sensory neuron injury model to investigate how to promote robust neural repair and functional recovery. In one project, we developed two optogenetic tools, optoRaf and optoAKT, to delineate the contribution of the neurotrophic signaling pathways to neuroregeneration. Meanwhile, I have been utilizing the Drosophila model to analyze the impact of patient variants on protein structure and function, and looking for their substrates which could be targeted as potential therapies. My long-term goal is to identify druggable targets and develop therapies for neural repair after injury and to relieve symptoms in neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Read More about Alina Rashid, Ph.D.
Alina Rashid, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar
rashida2@chop.edu
267-425-3024
Education:
2015-2022 Ph.D. Developmental Genetics The Rockefeller University, NY
2011-2015 B.A. Genetics Rutgers University, NJAlina joined the Song lab in 2022. Through previous work in the Song lab and other labs, it is clear that glia are involved in the axonal regeneration response in the associated neurons following injury. Glial injury results in reduced axonal regeneration and altering the glial metabolome can drive regeneration in CNS axons, which normally fail to regenerate. However, the modes of communication between the injured neurons and the surrounding glia and the exact roles of glial cells in the regeneration process are not well defined. Alina is interested in studying these processes during her postdoc.
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Read More about Yuanhua Chen, Ph.D.
Yuanhua Chen, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar
cheny22@chop.edu
267-425-3024
Education:
2013-2018 Ph.D. Biophysics Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
2012-2013 M.S. Biophysics Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
2008-2012 B.S. Marine Biology Hainan University, China -
Read More about Josiah Zoodsma, Ph.D.
Josiah Zoodsma, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar
zoodsmaj@chop.edu
267-425-3024
Education:
2017-2022 Ph.D. Neuroscience Stony Brook University
2013-2017 B.S. Biochemistry Stony Brook University
Graduate Students
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Read More about Kayla Purdy, B.S.Kayla Purdy, B.S.
Graduate Student - CAMB, University of Pennsylvania
Email Kayla Purdy, B.S.
267-425-3024
Kayla Purdy, B.S.
Graduate Student - CAMB, University of Pennsylvania
Kayla.Purdy@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
267-425-3024
Education:
2017-2020 B.S. Clarkson University -
Read More about Christian Tirrito, B.S.Christian Tirrito, B.S.
Graduate Student - Biology, University of Pennsylvania
Email Christian Tirrito, B.S.
267-425-3024
Christian Tirrito, B.S.
Graduate Student - Biology, University of Pennsylvania
tirrito@sas.upenn.edu
267-425-3024
Education:
2015 - 2017 Northampton Community College - A.S. Biological Sciences
2017 - 2020 Lehigh University - B.S. Behavioral Neuroscience; B.A. Molecular Biology
2020 - 2021 Lehigh University - M.Eng Technical EntrepreneurshipChristian Tirrito is a Biology PhD student in Dr. Yuanquan Song’s lab at CHOP. He is interested in studying the relationship between neurodegeneration (ND) and neuroregeneration (NR), and is interested in attempting to prevent ND by upregulating NR through intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms.
He was first exposed to research in the summer of 2017, investigating homoimmunity in bacteriophages while working under Dr. Vassie Ware. After a year, he participated in a multifaceted 10-week summer research project in Dr Julie Miwa’s lab. He helped lead the biochemistry part of the project, directing a small group of undergraduates to purify a protein involved in learning/memory and anxiety. As his research interest in neurodegeneration began to emerge, he joined Dr. Daniel Babcock’s lab and spent two years using Drosophila to investigate the spread of huntingtin, ataxin, and alpha-synuclein aggregates before switching to a project involving a protein that plays a neuroprotective role in the maintenance and survival of dopaminergic neurons.
In his free time, Christian enjoys watching the latest shows and movies on Netflix, playing Apex Legends, reading journal articles, and writing music. -
Lilly Ryll, B.S.
Graduate student - NGG, University of Pennsylvania (Co-mentored with Dr. Naiara Akizu)
Email Lilly Ryll, B.S.
Lilly Ryll, B.S.
Graduate student - NGG, University of Pennsylvania (Co-mentored with Dr. Naiara Akizu)
lilly.ryll@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
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Rose Horowitz, B.S.
Graduate student - NGG, University of Pennsylvania (Co-mentored with Dr. Kacy Cullen)
Email Rose Horowitz, B.S.
Rose Horowitz, B.S.
Graduate student - NGG, University of Pennsylvania (Co-mentored with Dr. Kacy Cullen)
rose.horowitz@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
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Read More about Tristan O'Harrow, M.S.Tristan O'Harrow, M.S.
Rotation student - BGG, University of Pennsylvania
Email Tristan O'Harrow, M.S.
267-425-3024
Tristan O'Harrow, M.S.
Rotation student - BGG, University of Pennsylvania
toharrow@sas.upenn.edu
267-425-3024
Education:
2021 M.S. University of IowaTristan is a research technician working under Dr. Yuanquan Song to investigate physiological mechanisms behind neurodegeneration linked to ALS and neuroregeneration following acute injury.
Tristan began his scientific training with a focus on Drosophila larval electrophysiology in Dr. Chun-Fang Wu's lab at the University of Iowa, where he received his B.S. and M.S.. His main work in Dr. Wu's lab was on the characterization and manipulation of excitability defects at the larval NMJ of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) mutants.
He joined Dr. Yuanquan Song's lab in 2021, where he now researches both neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration. His contribution to the neurodegeneration project involves exploring the physiological deficiencies underlying defective locomotion in larvae expressing an ALS-linked mutant allele of the human fused in sarcoma (FUS) gene. He helps with the neuroregeneration project by investigating exocytic and membrane excitability mechanisms that contribute to axon regrowth after acute laser injury.
Tristan spends his time outside of the lab training and competing for the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia.
Technician
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Read More about Tsz (Emily) Yan Lo, Ph.D.
Tsz (Emily) Yan Lo, Ph.D.
Technician/Lab Engineer
lot@chop.edu
267-425-3024
Education:
2016-2022 Temple University Ph.D.
2013-2015 Temple University M.S.
2008-2012 Drexel University B.S.Emily Lo is a PhD candidate and research technician working under Dr. Yuanquan Song. She holds a M.S. degree in Bioengineering from Temple University. Her research focuses in animal models, microfluidics, and neuroscience. She enjoys knitting, traveling and photography.
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Read More about Shibo Liu, M.S.
Shibo Liu, M.S.
Technician
lius14@chop.edu
267-425-3024
Education:
2022 M.S. University of Pennsylvania
Undergraduates
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Read More about Kevin Bryan
Kevin Bryan
Undergraduate - Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania
kevbryan@sas.upenn.edu
267-425-3024
Kevin is a sophomore undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a degree in Neuroscience. He is interested in the mechanisms regulating neural regeneration, and the world of neurodegenerative disorders fascinates him. He looks to go to medical school in the future.
Kevin is a sophomore undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a degree in Neuroscience. He is interested in the mechanisms regulating neural regeneration, and the world of neurodegenerative disorders fascinates him. He is currently investigating microtubule dynamics and how Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs) regulate axon regeneration, as well as exploring how Drosophila mechanosensation is regulated. Aside from research, he spends his time as a news editor for the Daily Pennsylvanian, president of Penn’s Neuroscience Society, and volunteering at the United Community free clinic. He looks to go to medical school in the future, with aspirations to become a surgeon.
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Read More about Jackson PowellJackson Powell
Undergraduate - Biochemistry and Biology, University of Pennsylvania
Email Jackson Powell
267-425-3024
Jackson Powell
Undergraduate - Biochemistry and Biology, University of Pennsylvania
jrp24@sas.upenn.edu
267-425-3024
I am an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania currently majoring in Biochemistry and Biology in the Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences program. I am studying neuron regeneration and mechanosensation in the Song Lab, and my long-term goal is to become a neurosurgeon.
My lifelong goal has been to become a neurosurgeon. However, I have always greatly enjoyed research and believe that becoming the best possible doctor requires a strong research background, as I hope to both treat patients and contribute to developing new surgeries and therapeutics.
My first research experience was at the Young Scholars Program in the Roktya Venom Lab at Florida State University, where I studied the evolution of venom. Specifically, we looked at the Dolomedes triton, and the effectiveness of their venom on local and foreign prey items. Afterwards, I did a brief stint in the Lenhert Research Group studying lipid nanotechnology.
When I came to the University of Pennsylvania, I joined the Song Lab. My two current research projects focus on neuron regeneration and mechanosensation. These two fields stand out to me for the following reasons:
Firstly, solving the mystery of neuron regeneration will help recovery from neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases. My regeneration project focuses on neuron-glia interactions after neuron injury, and the fascinating ways glia control the ability of neurons to regrow. We are investigating the curious manipulation of ion channels, and how glia cells are be able to affect their expression and activation.
Secondly, mechanosensation plays a striking role in many different cells. Mechanosensitive ion channels control both external physical sensation and many internal processes, including neuron regeneration, transduction from cochlea cells, sensing blood flow, and much more. We are studying how Drosophila are able to differentiate the stiffnesses of different substrates, and long term we aim to understand how they compute between different stimuli (such as physical vs gustatory stimuli).
Outside of lab, I enjoy helping run Science Olympiad at Penn, and trying to draw and write.
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Diana Benedicto-Jimenez
Undergraduate - Vagelos Life Sciences And Management Program, University of Pennsylvania
Email Diana Benedicto-Jimenez
Diana Benedicto-Jimenez
Undergraduate - Vagelos Life Sciences And Management Program, University of Pennsylvania
dianaben@sas.upenn.edu
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High School Students
Visiting Scholars
Lab Alumni
Lilian Zhang - Now: Penn undergrad Then: High school student (summer 2017)
Carolyn Chow - Now: Penn MD student Then: Penn work-study student (2016 - 2017)
Dan Li - Now: Industry Then: Postdoc (2016 - 2018)
Chuxi Wang - Now: UConn graduate student Then: Penn independent study student (2017 - 2018)
Luis Felipe Carvao - Now: Penn undergrad Then: Undergrad summer intern (summer 2018)
Steven Zhou - Now: U Pittsburgh undergrad Then: High school student (summer 2018)
Zizhuo Liang - Now: Temple undergrad Then: High school student (summer 2018)
Kamran Elahi - Now: Penn undergrad Then: Undergrad intern (2018 - 2019)
Samantha Fallacaro - Now: Penn graduate student CAMB Then: SUIP Undergrad intern (summer 2019)
Jessica Goldshteyn - Now: Janssen Then: Technician/Lab Manager (2016 - 2020)
Pavithran Guttipatti - Now: Columbia University MD student Then: Penn work-study student (2016 - 2020)
Jingyun Qiu - Now: Rutgers graduate student Then: Technician (2018 - 2020)
Ernest Monahan - Now: BioLegend Then: Graduate student (2016 - 2020)
John Zhou - Now: U Pittsburgh undergrad Then: High school student (summer 2020)
Sophia Villiere - Now: Penn graduate student NGG Then: Rotation student (2020)
Feng Li - Now: Fudan University PI Then: Postdoc (2016 - 2021) Feng Li Lab
Andrew Matamoros - Now: Passage Bio Scientist Then: Postdoc (2018 - 2021)
Joseph Yano - Now: Penn graduate student CAMB Then: Rotation student (2021)
Mahdi Rashidzada - Now: Penn undergrad Then: Undergrad intern (2020 - 2021)
Shuchao Wang - Now: Central South University PI, Changsha, China Then: Visiting scholar (2019 - 2020)
Helen Downes - Now: Then: Undergrad intern (2021 - 2022)
Arayan Pugazendhi - Now: Cornell undergrad Then: High school student (2021 - 2022)
Anna Chen - Now: Penn undergrad Then: Undergraduate intern (2022 - 2022)
Anushree Aneja - Now: Then: Undergraduate intern (2021 - 2022)
Casey Kozak - Now: MD Candidate Then: Post-baccalaureate intern (2021 - 2022)
Mira Ramachandran - Now: Then: High school student (2022 - 2022)
Kalen Truong - Now: Penn undergrad Then: Undergraduate intern (2021 - 2022)
Tobias Steinschaden - Now: UAS Technikum Vienna Then: Visiting student (2022 - 2022)
Geena Jung - Now: MD Candidate Albert Einstein College of Medicine Then: Undergraduate intern and Research assistant (2019 - 2022) and Song Lab Technician (2021 - 2022)
Leanne Miles - Now: Stanford postdoc Then: Graduate student (2017 - 2023)
Victoria Yanouskiy - Now: Pursuing art Then: Graduate student (2021 - 2023)
Shannon Trombley - Now: Temple MD student Then: Undergrad summer intern (summer 2018) and Song Lab Technician/Lab Manager (2020 - 2023)
Joshua Kim - Now: Strategy & Transactions Associate, EY-Parthenon Then: Undergraduate intern and Song Lab Technician (2021 - 2023)
Adeeba Allimulla - Now: Penn State Then: Undergrad summer intern (summer 2023)
Serenity Dean - Now: Then: High School Students, CHOP-RISES II (summer 2023)
Bluma Hammarhead - Now: Amherst Then: Undergrad summer intern (summer 2023)
Caitlyn Chen - Now: Penn undergrad Then: Undergraduate intern (2022 - 2023)
Serena Chen - Now: Penn graduate student NGG Then: Rotation student (2022)
Mahir Sudad - Now: Penn undergrad Then: Undergraduate inter (2023 - 2024)