Our Team

  • Andrew Modzelewski

    Andrew Modzelewski (PI)

    Lab Stuff Postdoctoral Training: UC-Berkeley (MCB) Graduate Training: Cornell University (GGD) Undergraduate: Penn State University (BMCB)

    Fun Stuff Restoring antiques, collecting old things, fixing and using obsolete music technologies (phonographs, gramopohones, record players), Kayaking, Hiking, Competetive sleeping.

    Awards: Beckman Young Investigator Searle Scholar

    Contact: amodz@upenn.edu

  • Katie Toohill (DSRB Graduate Student)

    Hi, I’m Katie! I got my Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. There, as an undergraduate and later as a full-time lab tech/manager, I worked in the Kalsotra Lab studying the role of an RNA-binding protein and splicing regulator, PTBP1, in the liver as well as liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy in diseased states. In the Modzelewski Lab, I am interested in elucidating the role of IAP-GAG in early embryogenesis.

    Outside of the lab, I enjoy all genres of video games (but especially RPGs), board games, and creative writing.

    Contact: Katie.Toohill@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu

  • T32 Recipient!

    Hyun Hyung “Claire” An (DSRB Graduate Student)

    I am PhD student with a special interest in developmental biology & hematology. I think the way cells make “decisions” during developmental processes is really neat! Prior to joining the Modzelewski lab, I worked with Dr. David Roberts at Franklin & Marshall College and with Dr. Stella Chou at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

    Outside of lab, I enjoy gardening, bothering my cats when they’re napping, and going to the Philly Orchestra!

    Contact: anhyunh@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

  • Ten Dian Li 李典 (Postdoc)

    Scientific interest

    My name is Ten and I did my Ph.D. training in Keio University School of Medicine, Japan. I have been fascinated with the mystery of retrotransposon L1(LINE-1) for years, and my research goal is to unveil its role in early embryogenesis.

    Fun Stuff

    Outside the lab, I enjoy painting and 3D CG modeling!

    Contact: liten@vet.upenn.edu

  • Zach!

    Youjia “Zach" Guo 郭 又嘉 (Postdoc)

    Scientific interests

    Zach did his PhD training in Keio University School of Medicine where he identified a transcription factor that activates retrotransposons to promote mouse preimplantation development. Currently Youjia is interested in identifying and elucidating molecular biology processes where retrotransposons are integrated as essential part of normal biology.

    Fun Stuff

    An avid hiker, skier, and used-to-be competitive cyclist. Enjoys tinkering with technical gadgets, building custom bikes, PCs, and keyboards.

    Contact: guoyouji@vet.upenn.edu

  • Chantal Diallo

    Chantal Diallo (Research Specialist)

    Chantal Diallo earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Dayton where she explored her passion for biomedical research. During her undergraduate, she researched Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogenic bacterium that produces listeriolysin O, a potent toxin that enables the bacteria to invade and replicate within host cells and leads to Listeriosis, a severe infection that affects humans and other mammals. With a deep interest in advancing her knowledge of Biomedical Research, Chantal Diallo joined the Modzelewski Lab in 2022.

    Hobbies: Watching studio Ghibli animation films, Journaling, Listening to music, visiting gardens and arboretums, reading, bookshops, crocheting and creative writing.

    Contact: diallo97@upenn.edu

  • Vamshidhar Nallamala (Bioinformatician)

    I have a Bachelors degree in Bioinformatics and a Masters's degree in Bio-Medical and Health Informatics.

    I am a Bioinformatician and Computational Scientist with experience in developing Bioinformatics Workflow and bioinformatics Infrastructure on HPC Clusters. Learning more about the Future of Bioinformatics workflows and Cloud-based solutions like Server Less Computing and Container as a service (CAAS) in Bioinformatics Space.

    Contact: vnall@vet.upenn.edu

  • Alex Tuller (Undergraduate Researcher)

    My name is Alex and I am a Junior in the College studying Biology on the Pre-Med track. My research interest right now is in genetics. Outside of my academics, I love to play soccer and Spikeball!

    Contact: atuller@sas.upenn.edu

  • Anmol Dash (Undergraduate Researcher)

    Anmol is a undergraduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences planning to major in Biochemistry. In addition to biochemistry, is deeply interested in molecular and computational biology, and how our understanding of the natural world can be furthered through the integration of knowledge from different fields. Outside of the lab, he is involved in many student organizations, including the Daily Pennsylvanian, the Wharton Undergraduate Consulting Club, and Penn Climate Ventures.

    Contact: anmold@sas.upenn.edu

  • We are hiring!

    Your chair awaits!