My Team

Dr. Song Lou, Assistant Project Scientist

I got my Ph.D. degree from the Chinese Academic of Science with training in Analytical Chemistry, and Chemical interaction mechanisms. Till now, I have gained valuable experience and strong expertise in the field of epigenetic regulation of transcription, cancer biology, neuroscience, and drug delivery system during all my scientific life. Currently, my research program is driven to understand the mechanism of epigenetic silencing and its implications for human diseases like breast cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. The long-term goal of my research program is to gain valuable insights in the aberrant epigenetic modifications in disease conditions and use this information to develop novel therapeutics for triple negative breast cancer and X-linked neurological disease.

Yuanji Zhao , Graduate Researcher

I received my Bachelor degree in cell biology from the University of California Davis. I joined the Bhatnagar lab in 2022. I am working on X-linked neurological disease and the mechanism of inflammation. Besides my passion for science, I like fishing, boxing, and exploring the wild.

Dr. Michel Fofack, Postdoctoral Fellow

I completed my Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Pharmacology from the University of Dschang, Cameroon. In 2024, I joined the Bhatnagar Lab, where I am currently engaged in genome-wide CRISPR screening to identify and develop novel therapeutic targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). My research interests lie at the intersection of functional genomics and cancer biology, with a focus on translating molecular discoveries into impactful clinical strategies

Ruth More, Graduate Researcher

I am a Master’s student at the University of California, Davis. My research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer progression, with a particular emphasis on epigenetic regulation and protein function in breast cancer. Specifically, I am investigating the roles of TRIM37 overexpression and SSX1 knockdown in modulating oncogenic signaling and metastasis in breast cancer cell models. My training in the Bhatnagar lab has provided me with experience in mammalian cell culture, genetic manipulation, and protein expression analysis. My long-term goal is to pursue a Ph.D. and build a career in cancer research, with the aim of developing targeted therapeutic strategies for aggressive and treatment-resistant tumors. In addition to my research, I enjoy baking, traveling, and creating videos, which allow me to explore creativity outside the lab.

Bon II Koo, Undergraduate Researcher

My name is Bon Il Koo, and I am from Seoul, South Korea, currently pursuing a B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. I am interested in learning about the neurodevelopmental disorders of the brain through the mechanisms of gene regulation as well as their possible treatments. Currently, I have experience with statistical analysis of neuronal connections as well as basic lab skills. After my undergraduate degree, I hope to either pursue a Ph.D. degree to further my research experience and studies or apply to medical school to become a neurosurgeon. Outside the lab, I enjoy basketball and taekwondo, photography, and talking to family and friends

Zafreen Shaik , Undergraduate Researcher

My name is Zafreen Shaik, and I’m originally from Hyderabad, India. I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of California, Davis, pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Public Health. I am passionate about understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive human health and disease, with particular interest in oncology and immunology. My long-term goals include contributing to biomedical research that advances therapeutic development and improves healthcare access globally. I am also interested in bridging science and public health through work in the pharmaceutical industry or global health initiatives.

Hiya Bhandari, Undergraduate Researcher

I’m an undergraduate researcher with a strong interest in biostatistics and biomedical research. I work with largescale genomic datasets to investigate associations between genetic variation and complex traits. Using statistical and computational tools, I aim to support research that advances our understanding of human disease and contributes to the development of precision medicine.