Lab Members

John Gordan, MD PhD

john.gordan (at) ucsf.edu 

I am a physician scientist, with research training in cancer biology and chemical biology. My PhD mentor was Celeste Simon (University of Pennsylvania) and postdoctoral mentor Kevan Shokat (UCSF). My clinical practice focuses on the treatment of primary liver cancers, and my research goal is to develop mechanistic insights into these tumors to identify new therapeutic targets. The Gordan lab is a young and dynamic group of scientists based in Quantitative Biosciences Institute at UCSF Mission Bay. I am very happy to have an exciting, inclusive and fun environment in the lab, with synergy between basic and translational projects. When I’m not in the lab or the clinic, I am usually trying to convince my family and dog to go hiking with me.

 

Huat Lim, MD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

huatchye.lim (at) ucsf.edu 

My work in the Gordan lab involves using computational genomics techniques to investigate the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis B virus infection. Outside the lab, I’m a hematology/oncology fellow at UCSF, where I also completed internal medicine residency. Before moving to San Francisco, I attended medical school at the University of Washington, and prior to that I worked as a software engineer and product manager at Amazon and Microsoft. When not working, you can often find me chasing my highly energetic young children around.

 

Kasturi Nayak, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

kasturi.nayak (at) ucsf.edu

I was born and raised in India, and completed my PhD work at Institute of Life Sciences Bhubaneswar, India. Before moving to UCSF, I worked as a post-doctoral fellow at SUNY, Buffalo where I have studied the role of SOX15 in head & neck squamous cell carcinoma. My work in the Gordal Lab will focus on developing small inhibitors targeting KRAS/MAPK pathway in colon cancer. Outside the lab I love to travel and explore new places. I also like to watch sports like tennis & cricket.

Angie Nguyen

Undergraduate Researcher

angie.nguyen (at) ucsf.edu

I am from the San Joaquin Valley, and I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley. In the Gordan Lab, I study the effect of PIK3CA mutation on KRAS inhibition in colon cancer. During my free time, I enjoy making matcha lattes, exploring new places in the Bay Area, and spending time with family and friends.

Bryan Pascual

Staff Research Associate

bryan.pascual (at) ucsf.edu 

I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles and received my bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. In the Gordan lab, I am developing guide libraries and performing CRISPR screens to identify kinase dependencies. During my free time I enjoy going to mom & pop cafes for breakfast bagels, or you can find me training for the next Los Angeles Marathon!

 

Verima Pereira, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

verima.pereira (at) ucsf.edu

I earned my PhD studying the gut microbiome, and prior to joining the Gordan Lab, I was at LSU, New Orleans where we probed the role of Protein S(PS). In the Gordan Lab my work revolves around tyrosine kinases and its role in integrated stress response. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, cycling, and reading.

Lin Song, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

lin.song (at) ucsf.edu

I obtained my Ph.D in biochemistry from the University of Cologne, Germany. Previously, I got a master’s degree in medicine in the field of pathology from Dalian Medical University in China. In the Gordan lab, I investigate small molecule activators of the tumor suppressor kinase LKB1. When I am not in the lab, I love hiking and traveling. I also enjoy trying new cuisines while traveling and then following up with exploratory “experiments” in the kitchen at home.

Rigney Turnham, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

rigney.turnham (at) ucsf.edu

I was born and raised in New Mexico and also completed my undergraduate at NMSU. I graduated wth my PhD from the University of Washington where I worked in John Scott’s lab, studying the role of a PKA chimera in fibrolamellar carcinoma. I joined the Gordan lab in 2019, and am investigating the role of Hepatitis B Virus in liver cancer, and want to understand how viral proteins are modifying signaling pathways in HCC. Outside of lab, I like to run, explore San Francisco on my bike, and try to pet every dog I see.

 

Alex Yoon

Undergraduate Researcher

alex.yoon (at) ucsf.edu

I was raised in the East Bay, and am currently working on my bachelor’s degree at UCSB. In the Gordan lab, my work involves exploring the role of PP2A on signaling pathways and HCC oncogenesis. In my free time, I often enjoy trying new foods, buying clothes, and going to the gym.

Lab Alumni

Name

Previous Positions/Years

Next/Currently

Sally Ume-Ukeje

Intern, 2022 and 2023

Columbia

Jolie Bilodeau

Intern, 2023

 

Ayton Marzal

Intern, 2022

UC Davis

Gary Chan

Staff Research Associate 2018-2022

PhD student, UCSF BMS

LeeAnn Wang

Staff Research Associate, 2019-2022

Emergency Medical Technician

Dom Mitchell

Staff Research Associate, 2017-2021

Clinical Research Coordinator, Stanford

Yeonjoo (Christina) Hwang

Staff Research Associate, 2017-2021

Masters Student, Georgetown

Lucille Ferret

Master’s Student, 2021

Graduate Student, Paris Saclay (Kroemer Lab)

Katie Lo

Intern, 2021

Medical Student, New York Medical College

Alex Choi

Staff Research Associate/Lab Manager, 2015-2020

Lab Manager, Varian

Zoey Cao

Pumas Intern/Undergrad Thesis, 2019-2020

Research Associate, Unity Biotechnology

Lisie Thayer

Staff Research Associate, 2018-2019

Analytics Manager, Upwave

Katie Gutierrez

Intern, 2018

Medical Student, UCSF/UCB joint program