The Ott Lab publishes novel research on SARS-CoV-2 variants Read More

Our People

Research Area: HIV/AIDS

Yang

I am a research scientist dedicated to unraveling the complexities of diseases like cancer and HIV. My academic path began with a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences / Peking Union Medical College and postdoctoral training at Stanford University, where I focused on cancer / stem cell research. Using gene editing and stem cell models, I explored disease mechanisms to identify potential therapeutic targets. Now, my work spans both cancer and infectious diseases, to develop innovative findings and treatments.

Outside the lab, I find joy and inspiration in the arts and spending time with my family, those refresh and fuel my creativity.

 

Pedrero Classen

Valentina is originally from Chile where she got her BA in journalism. After moving to San Francisco, she realized that she wanted to pursue a career in science so she started taking different STEM classes. She arrived at the Ott lab as a student intern while completing her AS in Biotechnology from CCSF and stayed as an RA. Outside of the lab, she enjoys  hiking, taking care of her houseplants, watching anime, and listening to music.

Wang

I grew up in Taiwan and studied at Wesleyan University. After graduating, I worked as a research technician at Sloan Kettering Institute, where I studied inflammasomes in the Bachovchin lab. In the Ott lab, I will be working with Ursula to test inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV virus replication. Some of the activities I enjoy include being outdoors, biking, volleyball and tennis.

Prigann

Julia obtained her PhD in Germany at the Charité University Hospital in Berlin where she studied the interplay of innate immunity and viral pathogens like HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. In the Ott Lab, she investigates molecular mechanisms driving HIV persistence and develops new models to study HIV latency. Outside of work, Julia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, discovering the beautiful nature of the Bay area and trying to find the best place for coffee in town.

Zapatero Belinchon

Francisco (Fran) comes originally from Spain and obtained his PhD in Virology at Hannover Medical School in Germany. His main interests are the dissection of viral entry and host‑pathogen interactions of emerging and re-emerging pathogens using novel proteomics approaches. Outside the lab, he enjoys hiking, camping, playing video games, and tasting a good ol’ brew.

Matsui

Yusuke studied basic HIV research and clinical medicine at Kyoto University, Japan.

He then joined the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan, where he was involved in the outbreak control of infectious diseases with molecular techniques.

At Ott lab, he is working on research to eradicate diseases caused by HIV and SARS-CoV-2 by studying them from the molecular level.

Outside of the lab, he enjoys participating in marathon races around the world.

Li

Zichong was born in China. After an M.S. research on shrimp White Spot Syndrome Virus, Zichong did his PhD in UC Berkeley exploring the functions of the human transcription elongation machinery in HIV infection. With prior experience on genome wide genetic screens, in the Ott lab, his focus is to derive unbiased comprehensive networks of validated gene pairs supporting critical biological and pathological processes, including chronic HIV infection. Outside of the lab, he enjoys binge-reading research papers, thought experimenting, and eating cheese salad.

Chen

Originally from Los Angeles, Irene is a graduate student in UCSF’s BMS program. She is interested in how viruses hijack host transcription during infection.When she isn’t in lab, Irene can be found going off trail in the mountains, eating her way through SF, and taking care of her succulents.

Sreekumar

Hello my name is Bharath and I am a post doc in Dr. Ott’s lab. I am currently working on HIV and T-cell biology.