Yung Lab

Laboratory of Cell Based Therapy and Neuroscience
Principal Investigator: Yun Yung

People

 
 

Staff

 
 

Julia Ottewell, B.A.

I joined the Yung Lab as a CIRM intern and am now a research assistant. My research on the beta cell project is aimed at understanding the therapeutic potential of IPSC-derived beta cells in treating type 1 diabetes using genetic and disease-induced mouse models.

 
 
 

Jonathan W. Lockner, Ph.D.

I am an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Scintillon, with deep expertise in natural products synthesis. I am interested in identifying medicinally useful compounds that address neuroinflammation and ameliorate cancer growth. Previously, I received my PhD and trained as a postdoc with Profs Phil Baran and Kim Janda at Scripps Research, respectively. More recently, I was Adjunct Faculty at University of San Diego, Miramar College, Point Loma Nazarene University, and Palomar College.

 
 

Students

 
 
 

Ananya Bharathwaj

Ever since sixth grade when I joined various biology events in Science Olympiad, I've found the intricacies within biology to be fascinating. As I continued learning over the years, I wanted to find a means to apply this knowledge. This started out as coaching the middle schoolers who were participating in the Disease Detectives Science Olympiad event, but eventually developed into conducting scientific research. At the team level, I've enjoyed leading and working with my iGEM wet lab team. This past year, we tested the effects of a deflourinating enzyme to degrade PFAS (a forever chemical) in the lab, for the international iGEM competition. Additionally, I've learned a lot alongside the Yung Lab Interns this past summer, while helping with the diabetes research project. Currently, I am independently researching the effects of a fibroblast treatment to treat sepsis. Sepsis is a condition that I've found intriguing from a young age, and I am excited to continue my sepsis research as part of the Yung Lab! 

 
 
 
 

Kejia (KJ) Ni

bio to come

 
 
 
 

Katie Hua

From a young age, I have nurtured a strong interest in biology and medicine. From my classes and extracurriculars, I have developed a passion for experimental biology research and working to improve life for others. I am particularly fascinated by the field of neuroscience and with brain circuits because of its complexity and fine control over the body.  Members of my family suffer from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes with direct or indirect neurological problems, furthering my passion to help people improve their health.  My project in the Yung Lab builds upon continue previous groundbreaking studies on hydrocephalus.  I am investigating the role of proximal lipids to LPA that can also cause hydrocephalus, as well as determining methods to therapeutically treat fetal- and neonatal-onset forms caused by intracranial bleeding. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing beach volleyball and learning white hat cybersecurity.

 
 
 

Emma Yang

Beginning in middle school biology, I have always been interested in how the human body works and functions. This curiosity only grew stronger as I participated in various biology-focused programs and projects. I continued to demonstrate awe as I took upon new challenges, such as shadowing an EMT and learning about the wide range of medical conditions people suffer from. This ultimately ignited my devotion to pursuing medicine, as I was amazed by the human body and its vulnerabilities. Through the 2024 Scintillon SURE program, I further nurtured this passion, especially for neuroscience, as I began exploring the underlying mysteries of the brain. My experience in the lab has not only allowed me to obtain valuable skills, but it has also solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in medicine. It has further deepened my interest in the complex functions of the brain and its effects on everyday lives, as the ability to contribute to meaningful research has been astonishing. Being part of the Yung Lab has given me the unique opportunity to investigate the effects of inflammation on cognitive brain function and explore potential treatments. Outside the lab, I enjoy discovering new food locations and hanging out with friends.

 
 
 

Ryan Yang

Science has always been a significant part of my life, and I was fortunate to join the lab in the fall of 2024. My scientific interests span many areas, but I am especially drawn to neuroscience, with a broader passion for biology and chemistry. At the Yung Lab, I am participating in two projects: 1) examination of anti-inflammatory peptides and 2) examination of various synthetic ganoderic acid compounds may reduce neuroinflammation using in vitro cell culture and mice in vivo. Here, I am learning and using techniques ranging from IHC, Western blot, qPCR, imaging, and rodent procedures, as well as rigorous scientific hypothesis-driven experimental planning. Previously, I published two abstracts on astrocytes and reactive astrogliosis while working at UCSD. These projects were turned into posters that I presented at the BMES conference in Baltimore, further fueling my passion for science. Outside of research, I enjoy reading, playing water polo, and spending time with my family. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in medicine and continue exploring my passion for science.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Laboratory Alumni

Hollis Halpern (2022 - 2024) – SURE summer intern, currently a research intern at the Maestripieri Behavioral Biology Lab and quantum physics consultant at Black Horse Animation.

Maya Krishnan (2022–2024) – SURE intern researching neuroinflammation using skin-derived fibroblasts in the Yung Lab.

Eshika Pallapotu (2023-2024) - former SURE and lab intern, currently junior attending Del Norte high school

Matthew Huang (2023) – SURE summer intern, currently a research assistant at the Scintillon Institute and sophomore at Palomar College majoring in bioengineering.

Elise Smith, B.A. (2023) - intern

Mia Caron (2023) - summer intern, currently senior attending Del Norte High School

Sam Beltran (2022) – SURE summer intern, later joined Sanford Burnham Prebys as a CIRM SPARK biotech intern.

Crystal Xu (2022) - former SURE summer intern, currently attending UC Berkeley

Jerry Wu (2022) - former SURE summer intern, currently attending college at Emory University

Samuel Beltran (2022) - SURE summer intern

Jessica Moser, B.S. (2021) - summer intern, currently attending college at U. Florida, currently attending graduate school at Wayne State University starting fall 2023.

Leon Wang (2021) - SURE summer intern, currently attending college at Dartmouth College

Shahan Molla, PhD (2019-2021) - Postdoctoral project scientist, currently Scientist III at Thermo Fisher Scientific

Jonathan Lockner, PhD (2019-2021) - Visiting chemist and professor, currently at Palomar College

Andrew Chiang (2020) - SURE summer intern, currently attending college at CalTech

Kaitlyn Cao (2019, 2020) - SURE summer intern, currently attending college at the UC Irvine

Haylie Murray (2019, 2020) - SURE summer intern, currently attending college at University of Southern California