Meet the DeNar-Dawgs

PhD Student

MCB Program

alexander.j.m @ wustl.edu

I study Kras and its interaction with the tumor microenviorment.  Outside of the lab I enjoy drawing and painting, listening to music, playing the trumpet, thrifting and antiquing, and trying new things! 

PhD Student

MGG Program

chen.jie1 @ wustl.edu

I study how to harness radiation therapy (RT)-induced immunogenic cell death to treat PDAC. Outside of the lab, you’ll find me playing the piano, trying new restaurants, playing video and board games, and spending time with my cat. 

PhD Student

MGG Program

akao @ wustl.edu

I study immune TMEs across primary and metastatic PDAC, particularly focusing on the macrophage population. Outside of the lab, I like running, hiking and spending time with my cat.

MD/PhD Student

Cancer Biology Program

blake.sells @ wustl.edu

 I study how cancer-associated fibrosis and cancer-associated fibroblast phenotypes are modulated in the setting of immunotherapy and the resulting impact this remodeling has in the creation of an effective anti-tumor immune response. Outside of lab, I love to read, try new restaurants, and learn new sports.  

PhD Student

MCBProgram

d.sen @ wustl.edu

 I am studying how stromal senescence and metabolic changes influence anti-tumor immune responses and metastasis. Outside of the lab, I enjoy biking, listening to music, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

MD/PhD Student

Cancer Biology Program

m.c.turner @ wustl.edu

 I am studying how to improve efficacy of radiation therapy in PDAC by combining radiation with other targeted therapies. In my free time I enjoy rock climbing, running in Forest Park, cooking/baking, playing board games, and going to concerts/live music!

PhD Student

Cancer Biology Program

agweinstein @ wustl.edu

 I study dendritic cell differences at the primary and metastatic sites of PDAC. Outside of the lab, you will find me at the CrossFit gym, running around Forest Park, cooking or baking, hiking with my dog, or cuddling on the couch with my cat! 

Lab Manager

bknolhoff @ wustl.edu

I am the lifeblood of this lab, managing the mouse colony as well as everyday operations large and small. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two kids. I am an avid sports fan, Go UK Wildcats! In my free time I enjoy playing golf with the guys.

Assistant Professor of Pathology & Immunology 

kangl @ wustl.edu

 I am a board-certified anatomic pathologist. In the DeNardo Lab, I am studying the tumor microenvironment of liver metastases in pancreaticcancer. Outside of lab, I enjoy collecting recipes, reading cookbooks and baking blogs/newsletters, and baking.  

Instructor

xiutingliu @ wustl.edu

Surgical Oncology Resident

usmanypanni @ wustl.edu

Staff Scientist

afaiz @ wustl.edu

I conduct clinical biopsies for research, train scientists, design experiments, and analyze data across various projects and collaborations. Outside the lab, I’m passionate about music, books, and nature

Bioinformaticist

ebutka @ wustl.edu

   I lead bioinformatics, data analysis and data management across trainees and projects. In my free time I serve as a bench scientist in my kitchen, trying and testing new and favorite recipes.

Undergraduate Student

Biology and Psychological & Brain Sciences

baek.s.s @ wustl.edu

I'm a current undergraduate student at Washington University working part-time to support the gavage team. In my free time, I love drawing, playing the saxophone, and trying new video games.