TEAM
Tianliang Sun, PhD
Principal investigator
tianliang.sun@mssm.edu
Tian trained in China, Germany and Switzerland before moving to New York in 2022. He has a long-lasting interest in studying cell-cell communication particularly in the context of tissue repair and regeneration. He likes snowboarding on the Fee Glacier and his favorite hiking trail is the Hardergrat trail. Now he is often found hiking in Central Park.
Suebin Yang
Associate researcher
suebin.yang@mssm.edu
Suebin was born in California and grew up in Soul, Korean. She is currently doing her undergraduate studies in Biology at New York University. She joined the lab in Summer 2022 as a research intern and continued as research assistant to explore multicellular dynamics in the liver during homeostasis, regeneration, and tumor formation with particular interest for novel regenerative therapeutics. Outside of lab, Suebin enjoys going to nice cafes with friends, as well as listening to music at the park.
Federico Di Tullio, MD
Ph.D. student
federico.ditullio@icahn.mssm.edu
Federico is a medical graduate who grew up in Rome, Italy. After completing his studies in Medical School at the University of Pavia in Italy, he decided to pursue further education in Biomedical Sciences. He moved to the United States to undertake a Ph.D. program explicitly focusing on Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cells. Federico’s passion for scientific growth and exploration led him to travel to various institutions worldwide to gain expertise. He spent time in Oregon (US), Cambridge (UK), and Singapore. During his training, Federico primarily focused on studying the epigenetics of mouse embryonic stem cells, lymphoma, and small intestinal organoids. Currently, Federico’s research revolves around investigating the liver regeneration processes after different forms of injury. To accomplish this, he utilizes single-cell genomic approaches. In his leisure time, Federico enjoys engaging in cultural activities. He is passionate about attending concerts, exploring museums and exhibitions, and trying new restaurants.
Jade Tam
Research Intern
jadey.tam@gmail.com
Jade is currently enrolled in the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program at the CUNY School of Medicine. As an intern, she hopes to improve her understanding of lab work and gain further knowledge on the regenerative nature of liver cells. She joined the lab in July 2022 and learned how to do lab fundamentals. She plans on pursuing a career in the field of biology for her undergraduate degree. She enjoys the arts, reading, and hanging out with friends in her free time.
Aigail Glezer
Research Intern
abbyglezer@gmail.com
Abigail Glezer, originally from New York, is completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where she is pursuing majors in Biology and Business with a minor in Chemistry. She joined the lab in May 2024, contributing to projects involving both in vivo and in vitro models focused on the regenerative properties of the liver in disease contexts. Outside of her lab work, Abigail is dedicated to promoting equal representation in STEM through Young Women in Bio and advocates for mentorship with 100 Women in Finance LaunchMe. She loves drinking different kinds of tea and hanging out with her cat George.
Jonathan Conrad
Research Intern
jonathan.ccconrad@gmail.com
Jonathan grew up in Los Angeles, California, and graduated from UCLA in 2024 with a degree in Biology. He joined the lab as a research intern during the summer of 2024, focusing on the cellular mechanisms underlying liver homeostasis and regeneration. Outside of the lab, Jonathan enjoys lifting weights, playing chess, and spending time in nature.
Siddarth Vinod Kumar
Research Intern
sidvk@g.ucla.edu
Sid, born and raised in Dubai, UAE, is pursuing a B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a specialization in Computing at UCLA. In the summer of 2024, he joined the lab as a research intern, actively exploring potential gene therapies for MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis). Outside of his academic and research pursuits, Sid is passionate about soccer and aviation.
Alumni
Sophia Wang
Undergraduate Researcher
2022-2023
ww2120@nyu.edu
Sophia is from Beijing, China, and she moved to the United States in 2016. She is currently an undergraduate student at New York University studying Global Public Health and Biology. She is part of the Sun lab since July 2022 to participate in research related to the mechanisms of liver regeneration. Outside of the lab, she loves cooking, finding great restaurants, and playing instruments.
Arianna Sarjoo
05/2022-08/2022
Undergraduate Researcher
asarjoo@bu.edu
Arianna Sarjoo was born and raised in NYC, and is completing her undergraduate studies at Boston University in Biology with a specialization in Cell, Molecular, and Genetic Biology, as well as a minor in Public Health. She joined the lab in May 2022 where she investigates the hepatocyte plasticity during liver regeneration. In her free time, Arianna is an Indian classical and Bollywood dancer, as well as a freelance author with WebMD!
Joana Almeida, PhD
2022-2024
Postdoctoral Researcher
Joana.almeida@mssm.edu
Joana, originally from Portugal, holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Zaragoza, Spain. From basic to more applied science, “the liver” has been the focus of her research. Joana moved to NYC in September 2022 for a postdoc at Sun Lab. In her free time, Joana is fascinated by nature, mainly by the coastline, where she can be found enjoying a picnic with friends.