Grace manages a team of researchers in uncovering novel stem cell populations driving gastric cancer and elucidating their functional contributions towards disease progression. She is also building complex organoid models to understand the role of mechanical factors in shaping tumor cell behavior. In 2021, Grace received her PhD in Developmental Biology from the National University of Singapore, where she pioneered the study of keratin cytoskeleton filaments in shaping embryo fate specification and morphogenesis. Prior to this, she held a BSc in Biology from Duke University ​funded by the A*STAR National Science Scholarship. 
 

Outside of the lab, Grace enjoys hiking, travelling and a little too much coffee. 

Lana's research journey began at the University of Belgrade, where she obtained her BSc and MSc degrees. Driven by a profound interest in stem cell research, she pursued her PhD at the Technion Institute, specializing in biomedical research and tissue regeneration therapies. Currently, she is exploring novel epithelial stem cells' populations and their roles in the GI tract and disease development. Her primary objective revolves around comprehending disease initiation processes and identifying early detection markers, thus facilitating novel therapies and enhancing treatment outcomes.

 

In addition to research, she finds immense joy in scuba diving, muay thai, and archery.

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Maxime studied embryology and developmental biology during his Masters, followed by a PhD at the University of Clermont-Ferrand (France) in 2014. He later moved to Singapore in 2015 to join Nicolas Plachta lab at IMCB as a research fellow to pursue preimplantation development research. He joined Nick Barker's Lab in 2020, focusing on identifying specific colon stem cell markers to facilitate the generation of mouse models of advanced human colorectal cancer.

 

Apart from research, he enjoys scuba diving and photography.

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Swathi obtained her Bsc and Msc degrees, specializing in Genetics and Biotechnology at Osmania University, India. She previously worked as Laboratory Executive in NUS before joining Nick Barker's Lab in 2013. Currently, her research focus is on the identification of pyloric and colon-specific stem cell markers. By understanding their role in tumor initiation and progression, she hopes to advance cancer therapies. Swathi made great contributions in generating multiple inducible knock-in and reporter mouse models in the lab. 

 

Aside from lab, she enjoys singing and dancing.

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Following her completion of a Bachelor's degree in pharmacy, Sowmya briefly engaged in pharmacology research before joining Nick's lab in 2016. In this lab, her research focuses on investigating the role of Lgr5+ stem cell-like populations in the establishment and development of advanced gastric cancers, facilitating development of a model suitable for preclinical trials. 

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Apart from indulging in binge-watching Netflix series, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, cooking, and reading detective novels.

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Tanysha obtained her BSc and MSc from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan, majoring in Life Sciences and Genome Sciences. Her research work focused on molecular endocrinological research and recombinant protein production. Now, she seeks to understand the roles of adult epithelial colon and gastric stem cells in cancer, providing technical support including lab animal handling and ex vivo organoid culture. Tanysha is also interested in social issues in science and biotechnology, and values transdisciplinarity.

 

Outside work, she loves playing the piano, cooking, travelling and spending time in nature!

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Having realized her passion for stem cell biology/regenerative medicine in Ngee Ann Polytechnic years ago, Katzrin has stayed rooted in her interests, obtaining her Bachelor's in Northumbria University. Currently, she is exploring esophageal development/regeneration and cancer progression. In the future, she aims to branch out into ageing biology research. 

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Leisurely, Katzrin enjoys spending exorbitant amounts of money chasing music festivals around the world!

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Snezhina (known as Snow) graduated from Yale-NUS College in 2021 with a BSc in Life Sciences with a focus on molecular biology. She is interested in all things cancer (apart from epigenetics!) and proceeded to join Nick's Lab in 2022 with a keen interest in cancer stem cell biology. 

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Outside the lab, she most commonly plays video games, goes boxing and sleeps. 

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With backgrounds in Medicine and Biology, Yuezhen has been working on multiple projects in a cross-disciplinary team, giving her a unique scientific view and different research skillsets for project design and execution. The expertise and network she has built enable her to conduct translational research for understanding the pathogenesis of diseases and develop tools for diagnosing and treating cancer. Her main research interests are ARF/p53 roles during Tissue Regeneration and Carcinogenesis.

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In her free time, she enjoys reading, swimming and playing table tennis.

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Raj is a versatile experienced PA/Administrator with cross-cultural interpersonal skills, having worked with a diverse group of researchers over the years. 

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In her free time, Raj enjoys spending quality time with her family, watching Netflix and cooking.

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