Yong-Hui Zheng 

Principal Investigator 

Professor Zheng obtained a PhD from Hokkaido University and completed postdoc training at Vanderbilt University and UCSF. He was a professor at Michigan State University from 2005-2022 and joined the University of Illinois Chicago in 2022. Dr. Zheng has broad experience in virus-host interactions with strengths in host restrictions. He has been investigating the APOBEC3 and SERINC5 antiviral mechanisms and their antagonisms by HIV-1 Vif  or Nef. Recently, his focus has been extended to understanding the biology of class I fusion proteins in the context of HIV-1, influenza virus, Ebola virus, and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Sungro Jo

Research Scientist

I received my PhD working on the role of phosphoinositide in regulated dense core vesicle exocytosis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currently, I am working on the role of viral accessory proteins (HIV nef, MLV GlycoGag, EIAV S2) in the downregulation of anti-HIV host factor SERINC5. Before joining Dr. Zheng's lab, I worked on the immunology of NK cells and ILCs in the gut in the context of HIV/SIV infection using the rhesus macaque model.

Qiuchen Li

Post-doctoral Fellow

I graduated with my PhD in Molecular Virology from China Agricultural University. During my doctorate, I mainly studied the mechanism of how IAV utilizes host splicing factor to complete viral gene alternative splicing. Currently, my postdoc research focuses on how the host factors restrict human immune deficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) membrane fusion and infection.

ZHONGSHUN LIU

Post-doctoral Fellow

I obtained my Ph.D at the Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Science, in 2020. I was a principal investigator at Innostar Biotech Company from 2020 to 2022. I was also involved in anti-tumor research as a postdoctoral associate at the University of Notre Dame from 2022 to 2023. I joined Dr. Zheng's lab in 2023, and currently, I am working on the SARS-CoV-2 entry mechanism.

Yixiang Hu

Post-doctoral Fellow 

I am a postdoctoral researcher, obtaining my PhD in Veterinary Medicine from Zhejiang University in 2023. My previous research primarily focused on the relationship between host demethylation and influenza A virus infection. Currently, my work revolves around elucidating the role and associated mechanisms of NPC1 in SARS-CoV-2 entry.

Yu Pang

Post-doctoral Fellow 

I obtained my Ph.D. from the National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology at Huazhong Agricultural University in 2023. My doctoral research focused on the interaction between porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and host central carbon metabolism. I joined Dr. Zheng's lab in 2024, and I am exploring the role of the NPC1 Loop C domain in SARS-CoV-2 entry.

Vinny Sanchez

Undergraduate Reseacher

I am an undergraduate student studying Biological Sciences with a concentration in molecular, cellular & organismal biology.  Upon graduation, I plan on joining the Zheng Lab through the GEMS program, with the intent of studying virus-host interactions, specifically about SARS-CoV-2. 

Karylle Baltazar

Undergraduate Researcher

I am a second-year undergraduate student at UIC majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Math. Joining the Zheng lab has allowed me to research the mechanisms of prevalent diseases that adversely affect communities worldwide. Upon graduation, I intend to apply to UIC’s MSTP program to continue my research journey as a Medical Scientist.

Aksha vahora

Undergraduate Researcher

I am an undergraduate student at UIC studying neuroscience. Throughout my journey here, I've soaked up invaluable knowledge and gained hands-on experience that has shaped my perspective.  Upon graduation, I plan on applying to the Medical Scientist Training Program and continuing my journey in this field.