Tao Research Group

Professor 
Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology 
Purdue Center for Cancer Research 
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 

My name is Yanyan Du, a Proteomics Specialist in Andy Tao’s lab. I’m from Shanghai, China. I received my Ph. D degree of Biochemical and Molecular Biology from China Agriculture University in 2008. My research in Tao Lab mainly focuses on Purification of protein complexes by proteomics studies and biochemical validation. In my free time, I like traveling with my family.

I am Muhammad Mujahid Ali, originally from Pakistan. I earned my PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China, and subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at Southeast University, Nanjing, China. In September 2023, I joined Dr. Tao's lab at Purdue University as a postdoctoral fellow. In my leisure time, I enjoy playing badminton, cricket, and watching movies.

My name is Will LeFever. I joined the Analytical division in the Department of Chemistry at Purdue in Fall 2021. I attended High Point University near my home in North Carolina from 2017-2021 and graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry. At Purdue, I am pursuing a PhD in Chemistry and study chemical proteomics here in Dr. Tao's lab beginning in July 2021 and am co-advised by Dr. Cooks.

My name is Yi-Kai Liu, and I am from Taiwan. I got my bachelor’s and master’s degree in food science and biotechnology from National Chung Hsing University. Because of my interest in proteomics, I joined Biochemistry program at Purdue in Fall 2021 and became a member of Dr. Tao’s lab in March 2022. During my free time, I enjoy dancing, listening to music, and cooking.

I am Hung-Hsiang Jen from Taiwan. I earned my B.S. and M.S. degrees at National Cheng Kung University. Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. degree at Purdue University and have been a member of Dr. Tao’s group since June 2023. My research interests include microdroplet reactions and proteomics. In addition to my academic pursuits, I enjoy listening to music and playing video games.

About me:
B.S. Chemistry (UNC-Pembroke).
M.S. Chemistry - Studied at Texas A&M-Kingsville at the National Natural Toxins Research Center.
PhD. Biochemistry - Currently studying at Purdue under Dr. Tao's supervision.

Active research involves method development to enrich low abundance liver specific ADME related plasma EV markers. Research interests include CBRN related toxicology and utilization of mass spec to analyze exposure and decontamination levels. I love music and adventure as well as studying the physical thermodynamics of pyrotechnic chemistry.

Hii! My name is Jyoti Singh and I hail from India, a country with a rich history and diverse culture. I am currently pursuing my doctoral studies in Biochemistry at The MS University of Baroda in Gujarat, India. My academic journey led me to explore exosomes and exosomal miRNA in Breast cancer, igniting a growing interest in the realm of biomarker discovery. Therefore, I joined Dr. Tao’s lab as a visiting fellow in August, 2023 to work under his supervision for investigating small EVs proteomics and miRNA constituents to develop a biomarker for Breast cancer progression and metastasis. Beyond the laboratory, I find immense joy in a variety of pursuits like listening to music, travelling, cooking, yoga and calligraphy.

My name is Annie Medina, and I am from Bogotá, Colombia. I recently received my B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, and I’m planning on pursuing a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering in the near future. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about biomedical research, particularly in the areas of tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting, biomaterials, drug delivery, and cancer technologies. I recently joined Dr. Tao’s lab as a visiting scholar, and it’s already been an amazing and enriching experience for me. I love listening to music, especially rock, and I also play a few instruments. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, cooking, walking, and spending time with my friends.

Hello, my name is Nathaniel and I joined Dr. Tao’s lab in the spring of 2023. I am from the west suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and I am an undergraduate student here at Purdue in a double major program studying Biological Engineering and Biochemistry. When I am not studying, I enjoy playing in chess tournaments, hockey, and camping. Once I graduate from Purdue, I hope to go into industry and help make medicine.

Hi, my name is Stephanie! I’m studying Biochemistry on the Pre-Med track, and I aspire to eventually become a cardiologist. I'm also interested in getting a Music History and Theory minor here at Purdue. Aside from academics, I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, but I’ve enjoyed many days working in and exploring downtown. I spend some of my free time cycling, exploring fashion, playing piano, and watching movies.

Hello! My name is Christine Habib, and I am an undergraduate student studying Biochemistry with a minor in Nutrition. I hope to pursue medicine in the future. I grew up in West Lafayette, so I have been around Purdue for most of my life. In my free time, I play in the Purdue chamber ensembles, read, and spend time outdoors.

Hi! My name is Geervan and I am an undergraduate student at Purdue studying computer engineering with minors in math and machine learning. After graduation I hope to go into industry working in the medical field. I'm from Morristown NJ and in my free time I enjoy playing tennis, climbing, playing the piano and watching sports.