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!
I grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe, finished school in the UK, and did a BA in biochemistry at Middlebury College in Vermont. I get excited about so many fields of science, as well as the techniques that scientists develop to study them. I’d like to go to grad school, perhaps for immunology which seems to take in my fascination with the structures and interactions of both biomolecules and chemicals, and also highlights the interconnectedness that I love about living systems. I’m happiest outside, birding or horse riding at home, hiking, running, or painting in parks here.
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.
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.
Christina Liu, BSc Aquaculture Specialist
I am the lab’s Aquaculture Specialist. I graduated with a BSc in Environmental Biology-Zoology from Michigan State University, and worked in a zebrafish neurodevelopment lab as an undergrad. My research interests include marine biology, aquaculture processes, and ichthyology. I hope to be able to study the effects of stressors on aquatic organisms. Outside the lab, I enjoy running, touring aquariums, and trying new foods!
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.
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.
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
Insco Lab under construction!
Insco Lab Retreat 2022!
Insco Lab Retreat 2023 - my favorite photo:)
I will mentor each team member to reach their goals and make their next leap.
Join our team!
We are seeking enthusiastic postdoctoral candidates interested in RNA and cancer biology. This role offers an unusual opportunity to contribute to our new team in a newly renovated lab space!