Search

Ashley is a Ph.D. candidate in Molecular Nutrition working with Dr. Shu-Bing Qian. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Pharmacology from China Pharmaceutical University, followed by a master’s degree in Cancer Biology from University College London. Her doctoral research in the Qian Lab focuses on mechanisms of mRNA translation regulation, nutrient-sensing signaling pathways, and cellular stress responses.

Elena Runfeldt is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in International Nutrition, working with Dr. John Hoddinott. She earned a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University in 2021. In 2023, she rejoined the Division of Nutritional Sciences after completing a Fulbright award in Barbados, where she designed, implemented, and evaluated a nutrition education program for the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s childhood obesity management initiative. Her current research centers on incorporating novel foods into school meals to

Lisa is a former professional ballet dancer who earned her Bsc. in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, summa cum laude. While there, she engaged in the research and public health communities of New York City-- she spent time working in an eating disorder research unit at Columbia University, as well as working on nutrition education initiatives and harm reduction strategies for formerly homeless new yorkers living with HIV. She subsequently also worked at Columbia

Jingjie joined the Ph.D. program in Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University in January 2023. She works in Dr. Xin-Gen Lei’s group, where she studies phytases as both animal feed additives and soil fertilizers using computational biology and enzyme engineering. Her work focuses on uncovering the evolutionary diversity and catalytic mechanisms of phosphorus-mobilizing enzymes and developing soil-compatible biocatalysts to reduce fertilizer dependence and environmental impact. Motivated by the potential of biotechnology to address global challenges in

Jiaqi a Ph.D. student in molecular nutrition, working with Dr. Yuhan Wang. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Biological Sciences and Psychology from the University of California, Irvine, and subsequently completed an M.S. in Human Nutrition at Columbia University. For the past 1.5 years, she has worked as a senior technician at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Her research investigates the molecular mechanisms through which nutrients and foods influence the body, brain, and metabolic

Henry Liang is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Molecular Nutrition at Cornell University. He earned his B.E. in Food Bioengineering from China Agricultural University. His research in the Qian Laboratory investigates the translation and quality control of amino acid–rich microproteins and their post-translational effects on mammalian cell homeostasis. Henry aims to elucidate the mechanisms governing microprotein stability and their roles in cellular stress responses, contributing to a deeper understanding of proteome regulation in health and