Justin is a second-year undergraduate student, originally from Hoschton, Georgia. He is pursuing an A.B. in Neuroscience at Princeton University. Before joining the Liang Lab through the Summer Research Program, he conducted research in the Waller Lab at the Emory Winship Cancer Institute on vasoactive intestinal peptide and the role of blocking the VIP/VPAC pathway in improving anti-leukemic activity in acute myeloid leukemia patients. His work, along with associated work in the lab, was published in the American Society of Hematology’s journal Blood. Justin’s research interests center on neurodegenerative disorders, stem cell technology, and cellular biology, and he is committed to helping expand healthcare access through global health policy.
Undergraduate Student: May 2026 - August 2026
Angela Ji Bo Undergraduate Student
Angela is a rising senior from Rolla, Missouri. Her interests lie primarily in chemistry and psychology, and she hopes to pursue those fields further after graduation. A TEDx speaker and BETA state champion, she has long been fascinated by psychology and is grateful for the opportunities she’s had to explore it further. She also enjoys staying involved in her school community, serving as an officer in HOSA, NHS, and DECA, experiences that have taught her so many invaluable skills. Outside of academics, she loves baking, reading, and scrapbooking her life. She's thrilled to join the Liang Lab and looks forward to deepening her understanding of science and research.
Undergraduate Student: May 2026 - August 2026
Patrick Lu High School Student
Patrick Lu is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a rising senior at The Westminster Schools. He is passionate about biochemistry, neuroscience, medicine, and scientific research. At school, Patrick pursues a rigorous academic curriculum while serving in several leadership roles, including Mu Alpha Theta Executive Council, Discipline Council Prefect, Music Service Club lead, and editor of the Sci-Tech section of The Bi-Line, his school’s student-run newspaper. He is also a varsity swimmer, a GHSA State Swim Meet finalist, and an accomplished pianist who has performed at Carnegie Hall and received awards at regional and national competitions. Outside of school, Patrick volunteers at Emory Decatur Hospital and shadows physicians across multiple specialties. He looks forward to interning at the Liang Lab to further explore biochemistry and biomedical research.
High School Intern: May 2026 - August 2026
Lakshmi Sambhavi Vedula GATech Masters Student
Lakshmi Vedula is originally from Bangalore, India. She earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Shiv Nadar University in Delhi NCR. As an undergrad, she synthesized biopolymer films as potential alternatives to single-use plastics. In her final year, she also optimized microreactor design to improve biodiesel production. She is now a Master's student in Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology (GATech), where she focuses on aptamer technology and protein structure prediction. She joined the Liang Lab because she is strongly interested in applying biomolecular and materials-based approaches to understand and engineer biological systems, particularly in areas related to human health and disease.
GATech Masters Student: May 2026 - August 2026
Arzoo Virani Undergraduate Student
Arzoo is from Duluth, Georgia, and is a rising junior at the University of California, Los Angeles, majoring in biochemistry. She is deeply interested in applying biochemistry and biotechnology to healthcare. She has experience with analytical and organic chemistry lab techniques, as well as clinical research methods. Outside of school, she works as a research assistant at UCLA's TRUST Lab, in association with The Broad Institute, investigating pediatric mental health and clinical psychology. She also volunteers and supports community health outreach initiatives, such as developmental screenings at the Los Angeles Child Development Institute. She joined the Liang Lab to refine her biological laboratory skills and gain more exposure to biochemistry research.
Undergraduate Student: May 2026 - August 2026
Gavin Xie High School Intern
Gavin Xie is a high school sophomore from Gainesville, Florida, and attends The Frazer School. He is passionate about biology and biomedical research and has pursued these interests through advanced coursework, academic competitions, and leadership activities. At school, Gavin co-founded and teaches a Biology Club, where he leads lessons for students preparing for the USA Biology Olympiad and organizes laboratory activities focused on biochemistry techniques, dissection, and experimental design. He is also an active member of Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, Quiz Bowl, and HOSA, mentoring younger students and helping them prepare for competition. Outside academics, Gavin plays baseball for his school team, draws, and plays pickup basketball with his friends at the local park. He looks forward to continuing to develop his scientific knowledge and research skills through his work in the Liang Lab.
