The ability of cells to adapt and make fate choices in response to intrinsic and extrinsic cues is a fundamental question in biology that has deeply fascinated me. My research interests are decoding the regulatory mechanisms underlying cell fate decision and lineage specification in hematopoietic stem cells and multipotent progenitor populations. My laboratory uses genetic mouse models, omics approaches (e.g., single cell analysis, bulk sequencing, secretome analysis, etc.), multi-color flow cytometry, and various cellular and molecular techniques as primary tools. The ultimate goal of my research is modulating lineage output for therapeutic purposes in disease and aging contexts.

Specific Projects
1. The function of NF-kB signaling in the lineage priming of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and development of myeloid leukemia.
2. The function of Decorin in HSC biology.
3. The effect of hyperlipidemia in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology.
4. The function of unfolded protein response (UPR) in the lineage priming of MPP3 and development of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).
5. The function of Gata2 in the lineage priming of MPP3 and development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
6. The function of MPP3 subset in the development of multiple myeloma.
7. The function of Asxl1 in the lineage priming between megakaryocyte versus erythroid lineage.
8. Functional composition change of MPP2 upon aging and its contribution to cardiovascular disease.

• Lab Website

As a foreign-born, Asian female scientist, issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion are very important to me. I have mentored a number of underrepresented trainees and my mentoring strategy is to foster a trainee’s unique abilities and experiences as strengths. I currently serve as a committee member on the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Task Force on PhD Careers in Hematology with the goal of addressing the career development needs of PhD researchers.