Ajay Goel Lab

Maaha Khan is a Research Associate I and Lab Manager in the Ajay Goel Lab at City of Hope. Maaha Khan graduated from McGill University with a B.S. in Biology and Mathematics with concentrations in Neuroscience and Statistics. During her undergraduate degree, she had multiple research internships where she worked on projects focusing on lymphocytic lymphoma and immune cell states in brain tumors. In her free time, she enjoys dancing and going to the beach.

Andrew Yim is a Clinical Research Assistant I in the Goel Lab at City of Hope. Andrew graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.S. in Biochemistry. He has volunteered in labs at UCLA and City of Hope, studying genes that affect Alzheimer's progression, molecular biomarkers correlated with thyroid cancer, and the effects of polyphenols on angiogenesis, largely doing wet lab work. Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing racket sports and rock climbing.

Takayuki Noma, M.D., graduated from Tokushima University of Medicine in Japan. In Japan he worked as a digestive surgeon. 

He played rugby football at university and enjoys fishing and cooking.

Junyong Weng, M.D. Ph.D. is a Global Scholar in the Ajay Goel Lab at City of Hope, Duarte, CA. Junyong Weng, M.D., Ph.D, earned a Ph.D. from Fudan University, specializing in metastatic colorectal cancer and immunotherapy research. During his time at City of Hope, under the mentorship of Professor Goel, he focuses on developing biomarkers for predicting treatment responses in colorectal cancer and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through sports and exploring his passion for cooking. 

Yuan Li, a Ph.D. candidate at Tongji University, is dedicated to her current research, which revolves around understanding the intricacies of gastrointestinal cancer metastasis and the development of resistance to cancer treatments.

Her main goal is to enhance the understanding of molecular and immune biomarkers present in tissue and blood samples. This work aims to improve the accuracy of precision diagnostics and treatment strategies for gastrointestinal cancer.

Outside of her research endeavors, she finds joy in activities such as hiking and traveling.

Jiabei Zhu, Ph.D., earned her Ph.D. from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, specializing in the role of noncoding RNAs in the development of liver cancer. During her time at City of Hope, under the mentorship of Professor Goel, she focuses on investigating the role of small ncRNAs in liver cancer pathogenesis and developing biomarkers for liver cancer diagnosis. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active through sports and traveling.

Xin Kong, Ph.D., holds a Ph.D. in Biology from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), and works in the Subspecialty of Molecular Pathology at the Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC. She is specializing in the tumor molecular diagnostic and genetic consulting. Outside of work, she enjoys sports and traveling.

Toshiaki Takahashi, M.D. graduated from Okayama University in Japan and is currently affiliated with the Department of Gastroenterological Surgery at Okayama University. His research focuses on translational oncology. Outside of his academic and research pursuits, Dr. Takahashi enjoys both playing and watching sports.

Yang Yang, Ph.D., graduated from University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. She later worked at Peking University Cancer Hospital and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, focusing on bioinformatics research. Her research interests center on tumor diagnostic biomarkers, cancer evolution, and the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Outside the lab, she enjoys running and reading.

Lingling Xu, M.D., Ph.D. graduated from Capital medical university in China. She works at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University in China and specializes in the medical treatment of gastrointestinal tumors. During her time at City of Hope, under the mentorship of Professor Goel, she focuses on the diagnostic role of non-coding RNA and the mechanisms of tumor drug resistance in gastrointestinal tumors. Outside of work, she enjoys playing piano and reading.

Yudai Higuchi, M.D., graduated from the University of Yamanashi in Japan and is currently affiliated with the First Department of Surgery. His research focuses on the development of biomarkers for gastrointestinal cancers. He is also an avid basketball enthusiast who closely follows the NBA.

Kosuke Yoshimura graduated and earned his M.D./Ph.D. from Hiroshima University. In Japan, he is affiliated with the Department of Gastroenterological Surgery at Hiroshima University Hospital, specializing in colorectal cancer surgery and conducting clinical research in the same field. Outside of his academic and research pursuits, he enjoys spending time with his family, often going for walks and shopping together.

Lei Shen, M.D., Ph.D., is a Global Scholar in the Ajay Goel Lab at City of Hope, Duarte, CA. She earned her Ph.D. from Nantong University, where she specialized in studying the role of non-coding RNAs in gastric cancer. In China, she serves in the Department of Laboratory Medicine at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University. During her time at City of Hope, under the mentorship of Professor Goel, her research focuses on developing biomarkers for the early detection of gastric cancer and uncovering the molecular determinants of gemcitabine resistance in PDCA. In her free time, she enjoys wandering through different landscapes, and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

Jasmine Wu is a Research Associate I in the Goel Lab at City of Hope. Jasmine graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in Microbiology. During her undergraduate years, she was a research lab manager and primarily focused on food microbiology research, such as studying the thermal resistance of probiotic endospores and the effects of various plant-derived compounds on food spoilage molds. Outside the lab, she enjoys painting, embroidery, and working out.

Steven Do holds a Master of Public Health from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. He has experience providing administrative support to clinical and research faculty within academic medicine, most recently here at City of Hope. Outside of work, he enjoys strength training, jogging, and playing pickleball.