Team Members
Megan Insco, M.D., Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
[email protected]
I did my undergraduate work at Duke University and my M.D./Ph.D. at Stanford University in the School of Medicine. I completed my internal medicine residency at BWH and medical oncology fellowship at Dana-Farber. I then did a post doc in Leonard Zon's lab at Boston Children's Hospital. I practice as a melanoma oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 1/2 day a week. When not in the lab or seeing patients, I love spending time with my family, playing ultimate frisbee, and doing anything outdoors!
Principal Investigator
[email protected]
I did my undergraduate work at Duke University and my M.D./Ph.D. at Stanford University in the School of Medicine. I completed my internal medicine residency at BWH and medical oncology fellowship at Dana-Farber. I then did a post doc in Leonard Zon's lab at Boston Children's Hospital. I practice as a melanoma oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 1/2 day a week. When not in the lab or seeing patients, I love spending time with my family, playing ultimate frisbee, and doing anything outdoors!
Tanzina Tanu, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
I am here to explore science one step more. I completed my B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Bangladesh. Then I found my interest in the field of Molecular Biology RNA and carried out my Ph.D. research at The University of Tokyo. I am interested to explore more about the Molecular regulation of RNA and its impact on human disease, especially cancer. Out of research, I love to do gardening, cooking and sightseeing.
Postdoctoral Fellow
I am here to explore science one step more. I completed my B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Bangladesh. Then I found my interest in the field of Molecular Biology RNA and carried out my Ph.D. research at The University of Tokyo. I am interested to explore more about the Molecular regulation of RNA and its impact on human disease, especially cancer. Out of research, I love to do gardening, cooking and sightseeing.
Swathy Babu, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
I am here to research, recognize, and refine professionally and personally. I received my integrated BS-MS dual degree from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, India and my Ph.D. from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan. During my Ph.D. I investigated the physiologic and molecular functions of a tumor suppressor gene called Banp. My research interest is to understand molecular mechanisms underpinning the development and progression of cancer. Other than research, I like spending time with family and friends, playing badminton, and watching documentaries on ancient megalithic structures.
Postdoctoral Fellow
I am here to research, recognize, and refine professionally and personally. I received my integrated BS-MS dual degree from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, India and my Ph.D. from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan. During my Ph.D. I investigated the physiologic and molecular functions of a tumor suppressor gene called Banp. My research interest is to understand molecular mechanisms underpinning the development and progression of cancer. Other than research, I like spending time with family and friends, playing badminton, and watching documentaries on ancient megalithic structures.
Priyanka Sharma, PhD
Computational Biologist
I earned my master’s degree in biotechnology and Ph.D. in microbial and structural bioinformatics. I became interested in cancer research after realizing the alarming morbidity and mortality experienced by cancer patients. My prime research interest is the discovery of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutics. I am here to learn more about cancer-omics and explore the scope of novel diagnostics and therapeutics to combat cancer. My future goals include establishing a successful career in cancer bioinformatics as well as educating people about science through my ideas and skills. Other than research I love reading, cooking and spending time with my family.
Computational Biologist
I earned my master’s degree in biotechnology and Ph.D. in microbial and structural bioinformatics. I became interested in cancer research after realizing the alarming morbidity and mortality experienced by cancer patients. My prime research interest is the discovery of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutics. I am here to learn more about cancer-omics and explore the scope of novel diagnostics and therapeutics to combat cancer. My future goals include establishing a successful career in cancer bioinformatics as well as educating people about science through my ideas and skills. Other than research I love reading, cooking and spending time with my family.
Kaiwen Sun, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Understanding how the cells in our body work has been always intriguing to me. I did my BSc in Molecular Cell Biology at the University of York. Then for MSc, I decided to move on to virology as I was fascinated by how submicroscopic pathogens overcome the immune system to cause serious health issues. During my PhD at the University of Leeds, I focused on how a novel protein called Musashi Homolog 2 interacts with the genome of Chikungunya virus and regulates its replication. For my postdoctoral research, I hope I can use animal models and molecular techniques to provide clinical/therapeutic oncologic insights. Besides laboratory time, I love exercising and sightseeing with my family.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Understanding how the cells in our body work has been always intriguing to me. I did my BSc in Molecular Cell Biology at the University of York. Then for MSc, I decided to move on to virology as I was fascinated by how submicroscopic pathogens overcome the immune system to cause serious health issues. During my PhD at the University of Leeds, I focused on how a novel protein called Musashi Homolog 2 interacts with the genome of Chikungunya virus and regulates its replication. For my postdoctoral research, I hope I can use animal models and molecular techniques to provide clinical/therapeutic oncologic insights. Besides laboratory time, I love exercising and sightseeing with my family.
Calvin Ludwig, MD
Resident Research Fellow
I am an internal medicine resident physician and a research fellow in the Insco Lab. My project involves exploring dysregulated RNA modifications, particularly polyadenylation, in melanoma. I grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY and then earned a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and biology at Williams College. As a computational research technician in the Zon Lab at Boston Children's Hospital, I worked closely with Dr. Insco during her postdoc. I then earned my MD at Tufts University before beginning internal medicine residency at Tufts Medical Center. In the future, I hope to pursue hematology/oncology fellowship with a focus in computational research. For fun, I enjoy long-distance running anywhere outdoors and playing the flute!
Resident Research Fellow
I am an internal medicine resident physician and a research fellow in the Insco Lab. My project involves exploring dysregulated RNA modifications, particularly polyadenylation, in melanoma. I grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY and then earned a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and biology at Williams College. As a computational research technician in the Zon Lab at Boston Children's Hospital, I worked closely with Dr. Insco during her postdoc. I then earned my MD at Tufts University before beginning internal medicine residency at Tufts Medical Center. In the future, I hope to pursue hematology/oncology fellowship with a focus in computational research. For fun, I enjoy long-distance running anywhere outdoors and playing the flute!
Maddy Roelofs, BA
Technician
I completed my bachelor’s degree at Bates College with a major in biology and minor in chemistry. For my undergraduate research project, I used the zebrafish model to investigate the developmental toxicity effects of a mixture containing two different short-chain PFAS molecules. I am here because I have always been curious about the close tie between gene expression, cellular function, and human disease. I am excited to continue working with zebrafish to study how oncogenic gene expression and mutations can impact crucial cellular processes. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, hiking, skiing, and spending time with family.
Technician
I completed my bachelor’s degree at Bates College with a major in biology and minor in chemistry. For my undergraduate research project, I used the zebrafish model to investigate the developmental toxicity effects of a mixture containing two different short-chain PFAS molecules. I am here because I have always been curious about the close tie between gene expression, cellular function, and human disease. I am excited to continue working with zebrafish to study how oncogenic gene expression and mutations can impact crucial cellular processes. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, hiking, skiing, and spending time with family.
Allison Williams, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
I have a long-standing passion for RNA biology. I completed my undergraduate biochemistry degree at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA with minors in math and physics and did research on RNA G-quadruplex structures in Fragile X syndrome. I did my PhD at Penn State in the Bevilacqua lab where I studied G-quadruplex phase separation and RNA structure in Methanosarcina acetivorans. I then moved to Boston for a post doc in the labs of Paul Anderson and Pavel (Pasha) Ivanov to study tRNA cellular stress responses. I am excited to expand my knowledge and skills to investigate RNA stress mechanisms in cancer biology. When I am not in the lab, I love to spend time with my husband traveling, watching movies, or crafting!
Postdoctoral Fellow
I have a long-standing passion for RNA biology. I completed my undergraduate biochemistry degree at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA with minors in math and physics and did research on RNA G-quadruplex structures in Fragile X syndrome. I did my PhD at Penn State in the Bevilacqua lab where I studied G-quadruplex phase separation and RNA structure in Methanosarcina acetivorans. I then moved to Boston for a post doc in the labs of Paul Anderson and Pavel (Pasha) Ivanov to study tRNA cellular stress responses. I am excited to expand my knowledge and skills to investigate RNA stress mechanisms in cancer biology. When I am not in the lab, I love to spend time with my husband traveling, watching movies, or crafting!
Ethan Jeon, BS
Technician
I completed a Bachelor’s degree at Williams College in chemistry with a minor in 'biochemistry and molecular biology'. My undergraduate research focused on synthetic biology in E. coli and Vibrio natriegens. For my thesis, I developed a database to help automate the plasmid cloning pipeline including design, construction, and downstream verification - which streamlined cloning planning and execution. In the Insco lab, I’m excited to transition to melanoma research and work with eukaryotic vectors as I determine what my future in research and medicine will look like! Outside the lab, I am desperately learning how to cook and survive on my own in the city of Boston.
Technician
I completed a Bachelor’s degree at Williams College in chemistry with a minor in 'biochemistry and molecular biology'. My undergraduate research focused on synthetic biology in E. coli and Vibrio natriegens. For my thesis, I developed a database to help automate the plasmid cloning pipeline including design, construction, and downstream verification - which streamlined cloning planning and execution. In the Insco lab, I’m excited to transition to melanoma research and work with eukaryotic vectors as I determine what my future in research and medicine will look like! Outside the lab, I am desperately learning how to cook and survive on my own in the city of Boston.
First lab "retreat" to go pumpkin picking:)
Insco Lab Retreat 2023! Brave Hike in the rain:)
Celebrating three new lab members summer of 2023!
Tanzina's awesome Happy Hour poster 2023
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Insco Lab under construction!
Insco Lab Retreat 2022!
Insco Lab Retreat 2023 - my favorite photo:)
Insco Lab Retreat 2024 - relaxing on a log on the hike:)
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I will mentor each team member to reach their goals and make their next leap.
Alumni
Scout Wilbur, Aquaculture Specialist
Scout joined us in 2024 and now is off to pursue her new passion, teaching!
Scout joined us in 2024 and now is off to pursue her new passion, teaching!
Judith Stelzer, Master's Student
Judith joined us for a 4-month internship in the fall of 2024 and is now off to start her master's thesis.
Judith joined us for a 4-month internship in the fall of 2024 and is now off to start her master's thesis.
Christina Liu, Aquaculture Specialist
Christina helped run our fish room 2023-24 and is now off to her next role: Administrative Assistant Senior Healthcare with the Michigan Medicine Department of Dermatology.
Christina helped run our fish room 2023-24 and is now off to her next role: Administrative Assistant Senior Healthcare with the Michigan Medicine Department of Dermatology.
Anna Cox, Research Technician
Anna helped Megan to set up the lab and will be starting her PhD in Chemical Biology at Harvard in the fall 2024!
Anna helped Megan to set up the lab and will be starting her PhD in Chemical Biology at Harvard in the fall 2024!
Gautier Cachoux, Master's Student
Gautier did an internship with us in the summer of 2023 and is now pursuing his interests in intellectual property.
Gautier did an internship with us in the summer of 2023 and is now pursuing his interests in intellectual property.
Emma Foster, Aquaculture Specialist
Emma helped Megan to set up the Insco Lab's zebrafish facility and now works in industry.
Emma helped Megan to set up the Insco Lab's zebrafish facility and now works in industry.