What I do:

My group and I explore RNA processes in mammalian cells using chemical tools, gene editing, and disease models. Generally, our research falls into three areas: 1) We make fluorescent small molecules and RNAs to track and visualize aminoacylation of tRNAs in cells, 2) we use gene editing to access cell and mouse models of rare disorders (specifcally, neurodevelopmental disorders) caused by mutations in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and the splicing factor SRRM2, and 3) we explore new RNA therapy strategies.

Ask me about:

One of the questions that drives a lot of our research is how subcellular localization influences RNA processes. Specifically, we often wonder, how tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are trafficked as localized mRNA translation is such a central process. Does every ribosome have access to the same tRNA pool? What are the consequences if key proteins carry mutations? I was born in China, grew up in Germany, moved to the US for a postdoc, and now live in Canada – I have been an immigrant in every country I lived in, basically all my life. I very strongly believe that different viewpoints, experiences, and strengths add up to amazing science!

Why me:

As chemists, we like to build new tools and find new applications for existing tools!

Fun facts:

I live with two orange cats

Sector: Academia (Post Secondary)

English proficiency: Read, Write, Speak

Other Language(s): German

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Gender: Cisgender Female

Demographic: East Asian