Feng Wang, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Scientist
feng.wang2@emory.edu
I was born in Shandong province of China, the hometown of Confucius. I obtained my Ph.D. in Genetics from Nankai University in Tianjin in 2017. My graduate thesis focused on the molecular mechanisms of cross-talk between the hippo signaling pathway and other signaling pathways using Drosophila as a model system. I joined the Yao lab in February 2018. Currently, I am a postdoctoral fellow in the Yao Lab in the Department of Human Genetics. I am interested in understanding epigenetic regulation, such as various forms of DNA modifications, in mammalian brain development and brain disorders. I am also actively exploring the roles of circular RNA (circRNA), a widespread class of regulatory RNAs, in mammalian brain. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, reading, cooking and spending time with friends.
Assistant Research Scientist
feng.wang2@emory.edu
I was born in Shandong province of China, the hometown of Confucius. I obtained my Ph.D. in Genetics from Nankai University in Tianjin in 2017. My graduate thesis focused on the molecular mechanisms of cross-talk between the hippo signaling pathway and other signaling pathways using Drosophila as a model system. I joined the Yao lab in February 2018. Currently, I am a postdoctoral fellow in the Yao Lab in the Department of Human Genetics. I am interested in understanding epigenetic regulation, such as various forms of DNA modifications, in mammalian brain development and brain disorders. I am also actively exploring the roles of circular RNA (circRNA), a widespread class of regulatory RNAs, in mammalian brain. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, reading, cooking and spending time with friends.
Yingzi Hou, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Scientist
Yingzi.hou@emory.edu
I was born in Guilin, one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. I received my Ph.D. from Peking University of China. During my PhD, I investigated the epigenetic mechanisms underlying adipocyte differentiation. In addition, I characterized functional microRNAs in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome. I joined Dr. Bing Yao’s lab as a postdoc in February 2020. I am excited to learn more about epigenetic mechanisms in brain development and brain disorders. I am also interested in studying the role of R-loops in the nervous system and associated diseases. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, watching movies and playing puzzle games.
Assistant Research Scientist
Yingzi.hou@emory.edu
I was born in Guilin, one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. I received my Ph.D. from Peking University of China. During my PhD, I investigated the epigenetic mechanisms underlying adipocyte differentiation. In addition, I characterized functional microRNAs in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome. I joined Dr. Bing Yao’s lab as a postdoc in February 2020. I am excited to learn more about epigenetic mechanisms in brain development and brain disorders. I am also interested in studying the role of R-loops in the nervous system and associated diseases. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, watching movies and playing puzzle games.
Shiqi Liu, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
shiqi.liu@emory.edu
I was born in Shaanxi Province, a place where the Yellow River roars and the Qinling Mountains divide China's north and south. In 2024, I obtain my Ph.D. in Genetics from Ocean University of China, my previous work focused on unraveling the genetic basis analysis of carotenoid enrichment in the adductor muscles of scallops. I joined Yao lab in February 2025. I‘m eager to learn about the regulatory mechanisms by which the ATM kinase modulates R-loop homeostasis during the DNA damage response and interested in bioinformatics analysis. Outside of research, I enjoy traveling, watching movies and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Postdoctoral Fellow
shiqi.liu@emory.edu
I was born in Shaanxi Province, a place where the Yellow River roars and the Qinling Mountains divide China's north and south. In 2024, I obtain my Ph.D. in Genetics from Ocean University of China, my previous work focused on unraveling the genetic basis analysis of carotenoid enrichment in the adductor muscles of scallops. I joined Yao lab in February 2025. I‘m eager to learn about the regulatory mechanisms by which the ATM kinase modulates R-loop homeostasis during the DNA damage response and interested in bioinformatics analysis. Outside of research, I enjoy traveling, watching movies and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Katherine Westover, B.S.
Genetics and Molecular Biology Graduate Student
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship awardee (F31)
katherine.rebekah.westover@emory.edu
I graduated from Elon University majoring in Biology and Classical Studies and minoring in Italian Studies. During my time at Elon, I was a researcher in an evolutionary biology lab. I then moved to Atlanta to start graduate school at Emory University. In the Yao lab, I will be working on multiple projects looking at epigenetic modifications on RNA such as circular RNAs and R-loops. When I’m not in the lab I enjoy reading, baking, and spending time with my friends.
Genetics and Molecular Biology Graduate Student
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship awardee (F31)
katherine.rebekah.westover@emory.edu
I graduated from Elon University majoring in Biology and Classical Studies and minoring in Italian Studies. During my time at Elon, I was a researcher in an evolutionary biology lab. I then moved to Atlanta to start graduate school at Emory University. In the Yao lab, I will be working on multiple projects looking at epigenetic modifications on RNA such as circular RNAs and R-loops. When I’m not in the lab I enjoy reading, baking, and spending time with my friends.
Krupa Patel, M.S.
Lead Research Specialist
Lab Manager
krupaben.nimesh.patel@emory.edu
I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Wright State University in 2020. Prior to joining the Yao Lab in 2024, I worked at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for over three years, where I developed a robust skill set in working with transgenic mouse models, performing in vivo experiments, and developing and validating histological assays. At the Yao Lab, my primary responsibilities include providing technical support for research projects focused on Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) models. I am actively expanding my skills to develop expertise in bioinformatics data analysis and to contribute more effectively to the lab's research efforts. In addition to this, I oversee laboratory operations, including the timely procurement of research supplies, ensuring laboratory compliance, coordinating lab events, and mouse colony management. At my leisure, I enjoy doing fun adventurous activities such as roller coaster rides, skiing, ice skating and hiking.
Lead Research Specialist
Lab Manager
krupaben.nimesh.patel@emory.edu
I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Wright State University in 2020. Prior to joining the Yao Lab in 2024, I worked at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for over three years, where I developed a robust skill set in working with transgenic mouse models, performing in vivo experiments, and developing and validating histological assays. At the Yao Lab, my primary responsibilities include providing technical support for research projects focused on Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) models. I am actively expanding my skills to develop expertise in bioinformatics data analysis and to contribute more effectively to the lab's research efforts. In addition to this, I oversee laboratory operations, including the timely procurement of research supplies, ensuring laboratory compliance, coordinating lab events, and mouse colony management. At my leisure, I enjoy doing fun adventurous activities such as roller coaster rides, skiing, ice skating and hiking.
Evelyn Rui
Emory Undergraduate Student
evelyn.rui@emory.edu
I was born in Beijing, the capital of China, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. I am an international student and an undergraduate biology major at Emory University. I joined the Yao Lab in Fall 2024, and I am particularly interested in the field of epigenetic regulation. I am eager to explore how epigenetic mechanisms influence gene expression and contribute to various biological processes and diseases. In the future, I hope to gain more research experience in this field. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and playing tennis.
Emory Undergraduate Student
evelyn.rui@emory.edu
I was born in Beijing, the capital of China, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. I am an international student and an undergraduate biology major at Emory University. I joined the Yao Lab in Fall 2024, and I am particularly interested in the field of epigenetic regulation. I am eager to explore how epigenetic mechanisms influence gene expression and contribute to various biological processes and diseases. In the future, I hope to gain more research experience in this field. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and playing tennis.
Lab Alumni
Emily Bruggeman, Ph.D. (Lead Research Specialist/Lab manager, 2017-2019)
Janise Kuehner, Ph.D. (GMB graduate student, 2018-2023)
Huifeng Shen, Ph.D. (Lead Research Specialist, 2021-2023)
Paula Martinez-Feduchi B.S.(Lead Research Specialist/Lab manager, 2019-2024)
Yangping Li, Ph.D. (Postdoctoral Fellow, 2019-2024)
Yilin Wang, M.S. (Research Specialist, 2023-2024)
Emory Undergraduate Students
Nevin Walia (2019-2022)
Alice Hou (Emory Honors Program, 2021-2023)
Rachel Seong (Emory Honors Program, 2021-2024)
Emily Bruggeman, Ph.D. (Lead Research Specialist/Lab manager, 2017-2019)
Janise Kuehner, Ph.D. (GMB graduate student, 2018-2023)
Huifeng Shen, Ph.D. (Lead Research Specialist, 2021-2023)
Paula Martinez-Feduchi B.S.(Lead Research Specialist/Lab manager, 2019-2024)
Yangping Li, Ph.D. (Postdoctoral Fellow, 2019-2024)
Yilin Wang, M.S. (Research Specialist, 2023-2024)
Emory Undergraduate Students
Nevin Walia (2019-2022)
Alice Hou (Emory Honors Program, 2021-2023)
Rachel Seong (Emory Honors Program, 2021-2024)