Graduate Students

Steve Zhang

Starting Year: 2021

Program Specialization:

Systems Analysis
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I graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Biology with a Specialization in Bioinformatics degree, where I became interested in applying computational methods to large biological datasets and developing methods to quicken the execution. Under Dr. Song, my current research is centered around unicyanobacterial communities, which involves building community metabolic models, identifying factors and species critical to community metabolism, productivity, and stability, and dynamically modeling them.

Zhikai Yang

Starting Year: 2018

Program Specialization:

Systems Analysis
Zhikai Yang

I am Zhikai Yang, a grad student majoring in quantitative genetics and my research is utilizing multi-omics data to predict phenotype of corn and give a hint of the underlying molecular mechanism that contribute to the phenotype.

Yu Shi

Starting Year: 2017

Program Specialization:

Systems Analysis
Yu Shi

Laboratory Association(s):

Dr. Chi Zhang

Michael Morikone

Starting Year: 2017

Program Specialization:

Systems Analysis
Michael Morikone

Dianna Morris

Starting Year: 2015

Program Specialization:

Systems Analysis
Dianna Morris

Laboratory Association(s):

Dr. Rajib Saha

Research Description:

My research explores the use of non-model bacteria for bioproduction of industrially important chemicals using both systems and synthetic biology approaches. My hope is to further the pursuit of environmentally responsible and sustainable sources for materials typically created from petroleum.

When I’m not in the lab, I’m usually enjoying my favorite aspect of Lincoln; the amazing bike trail system!

Aimee Kessell

Starting Year: 2017

Program Specialization:

Systems Analysis
Aimee Kessell

Laboratory Association(s):

Dr. Hyun-Seob Song

Research Description:

Currently working with Dr. Song in Biological Systems Engineering, where she works on constraint-based modeling through linear programming on microbial communities in the soil and gut.

I am originally from St. Lucia, and when I am not researching I am usually finding a new tea to drink or in the kitchen baking and possibly missing the beach.