Leadership Team
William Yang, Co-President
Will is a PhD student at the Driskill Graduate Program at Northwestern with experience in cancer drug discovery and computational biology. My research focuses on developing novel MYC inhibitors and identifying biomarkers for clinical trials. Will has an interest in science and business and enjoys racket sports, gaming and reading outside of academic work!
Natalia Matiuto, Co-President
Natalia is a dual degree Life Sciences Ph.D./Clinical Investigation M.S. student at Northwestern University with extensive international and interdisciplinary education and research experience in chemical engineering, biomedical nanomaterials, and sustainability. Her research is focused on mitochondrial transplantation for vascular complications in diabetes. Besides ADCA, she holds leadership roles at Northwestern Biotech Club and Nucleate Chicago. Outside of academic and leadership activities, Natalia enjoys ice skating, reading, and traveling. Feel free to connect and reach out to Natalia on LinkedIn.
Fancy Li, VP of Finance and Career Development
Fangze (Fancy) Li is a PhD candidate in the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN) Program. As a member of the Kessler Lab, she studies the mechanisms in the hippocampal neurogenic niche mediating depressive behavior and antidepressant action, using animal behavior studies along with cellular and molecular techniques. Fancy chose Northwestern and Chicago for the diverse non-academic opportunities, which she is eager to share with the NUB community. Beyond her research, Beyond her research, Fancy is passionate about cooking, painting, beach outings, singing, and nurturing her expansive indoor plant collection
Violet Wu
Violet is a PhD student at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, with a background in cancer biology and metabolism. Her current research is focused on investigating how metabolic stressors lead to immunosuppression in cancer models. Beyond the lab, Violet is passionate about biotechnology and entrepreneurship, with plans to launch a biotechnology startup in the future. She is also committed to mentoring younger students and supporting science education. In her free time, Violet enjoys drawing, reading, baking, and visiting art museums.
Johnson Yang
Johnson is a third-year PhD student in the Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences. Originally from China, he moved to San Francisco in 2005. He received his undergraduate degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from San Francisco State University. Then, he pursued a master’s degree and served as a visiting CIRM scholar for two years at Stanford. Johnson’s scientific focus is on using induced pluripotent stem cells to explore the role of APOL1 in kidney disease under the mentorship of Dr. Jennie Lin. Outside of the lab, he loves hiking, bouldering, playing board games, exploring new places with friends, and binge-watching Shark Tank and Survivor.
Isha Ghadge
Isha is a Masters’ student in the Biotechnology Program at Mccormick School of Engineering with a background in Pharmacy. Currently, she works as a research student at the Muller Lab at Feinberg School of Medicine. My research focuses on determining the mechanism for Transendothelial Migration in Leukocytes and tumor cells. Isha enjoys reading, cooking, and growing plants in her free time.
Ruochen Du
Ruochen is a PhD student in the Driskill Graduate Program at Northwestern University, with experience in immune-oncology and cancer drug discovery. Her research focuses on the role of CNS resident innate immune cells in gliomas. Ruochen is passionate about translational research and has a strong interest in the intersection of science and business. Outside of academia, Ruochen enjoys movies and hiking.
Brian McGrath
Brian is a Postdoc at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, focusing on developing immunotherapies for benign tumors. He earned his PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan, where he investigated the mechanisms behind a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. Following this, Brian spent two years at Merck KGaA in an internal consulting role, working with senior leadership on oncology and multiple sclerosis projects, including strategy development and phase 3 launch planning for Commercial, Medical and R&D teams. Now based in Chicago, Brian is excited to contribute to the growing Midwest biotech community. Outside of research, he enjoys cooking, sports, and spending time with friends and family. Feel free to connect with him http://linkedin.com/in/briantmcgrath
Mahanash Kumar
As a passionate biotechnologist, Mahanash is on a mission to harness the power of artificial intelligence to overcome the challenges in the biotechnological realm, uncovering innovative solutions that will shape the future of the field. With a deep-seated love for avian biodiversity, I strive to bridge the gap between technology and nature.
He is currently working at UCB Biopharma in the UK on the biologic drug UCB9741 in Phase 1, focusing on analytical optimization using techniques like SEC, DLS, SDS-PAGE, and mass photometry. He collaborates cross-functionally to integrate data and contribute to the commercialization strategy, ensuring alignment with clinical and market objectives.
Chen Kai (Andrew) Huang
Andrew is a PhD student at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine’s Driskill Graduate Program. His background lies in cancer immunology. Andrew’s research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, Andew is passionate about combining with his scientific pursuits with entrepreneurship, with vision to translate science to immunotherapies in the future. Outside of work, he plays local tennis tournaments and enjoys snowboarding in the winter. Feel free to reach out to Andrew on LinkedIn.
Advisory Board
Joseph Moskal, PhD, Advisor
Joseph Moskal is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University. He is also the Director of the Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics.