Hello everyone! I’m Limeng Sun, a new postdoc in the Ott lab. I am from China. I got my PhD from Huazhong Agricultural University.I focused on exploring the interaction mechanism between coronavirus and host factors, I’m also keen to explore unknown functional receptors for pandemic and emerging viruses performed by Crispr/Cas9 library and multi-omics. In the Ott lab, I will focus on research interesting and important phenotypes induced by virus protein depending on the virus protein library. Outside of the lab, I enjoy sports ( kinds of ball games and hiking) with friends , go to concerts and cook for new cuisines.
Archives: People
Person
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.
Zheludev
Hi everyone, I’m Vanya and I’m originally from the UK. I just finished a Ph.D. in biochemistry in Andy Fire’s lab at Stanford and now I’m in the Ott lab continuing my studies on funky RNA parasites of bacteria. Come find me to talk weirdo biology, sci-fi, and baking.
Williams
Shoshana is originally from St. Louis, Missouri. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry at Stanford University, where she developed antimicrobial polymers in the laboratory of Prof. Eric Appel. In the Ott lab, Shoshana is excited to investigate affordable point-of-care diagnostics for infectious diseases. Outside of the lab, you can find her hiking, jogging, reading, or playing with her friends’ dogs.
Klimaj
I am a virologist and innate immunologist studying how viruses interact with, evade, and reshape host immune defenses. I completed my PhD at the University of New Mexico at the end of last year in the lab of Dr. Alison Kell, where my work focused on Seoul orthohantavirus replication in endothelial cells, with particular emphasis on innate immune sensing through the RIG-I-like receptor pathway and the spatial organization of viral replication. My research examined how differences in viral infection efficiency and host immune responses between human and rodent reservoir hosts contribute to divergent host immune responses, and how this could explain divergent disease outcomes. Broadly, I am interested in negative-sense RNA viruses, virus-driven cellular remodeling, and how conserved host-virus interfaces that may inform antiviral strategies. Outside the lab, I enjoy baking, board games, and exploring the city and outdoors with my senior dog Samantha and my partner Ryan.
Rosecrans
My name is Julia and I recently graduated from Mills College with a BA in biology and a concentration in evolution ecology and behavior. I love being in the outdoors with my dog Buddy and I’m excited to be joining the Ott lab as an RA!
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.
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.
Fonseca
Veronica has over 15 years of experience working in Research and Biotech and is passionate about contributing to purpose-oriented organizations. Veronica oversees the administrative and operational affairs in the office of the director of the Gladstone Institute of Virology. In her free time, Veronica enjoys beach/river activities, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with her family.
Aguilar
Alia has her BA in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley, where she graduated in 2021. At Cal, she was involved in various animal behavior labs, as she is interested in veterinary medicine and hopes to go to vet school in a few years. In her lab experience, she has always enjoyed the administrative side of running a lab. In her free time, Alia enjoys volunteering at the Marine Mammal Center, reading, and hiking.