Lab Alumni

Oishika Das

Currently: MD student at Johns Hopkins University

Positions in the lab: Undergraduate researcher (2019-2022); Research associate (2022-2023)

My time in the Lu lab was instrumental in developing my love for molecular biology and my ultimate pursual of medicine. I had minimal experience in bench work when I first joined the lab, but Dr. Lu personally helped me understand not only the technical work but also the science behind each and every experiment. I was given a high level of independence that is difficult to find as an undergraduate student and quickly developed an interest in evidence-based medicine under the mentorship I found within the lab. Research and my time within this lab were the cornerstone of my undergraduate experience and inspired my aspirations of being a physician-scientist in the future. 

Isha Mondal

Currently: MD student at Duke University

Positions in the lab: Undergraduate researcher (2019-2021); Research associate (2021-2023)

My experience in Lu lab has significantly shaped my academic and professional journey, allowed me to grow and gain confidence for future research, and has been crucial in my journey toward a career in medicine.

Raymond Sun

Currently: MD student at Baylor College of Medicine

Positions in the lab: Junior Specialist (2025-2026)

My time in Dr. Lu’s lab was a truly formative chapter in my journey, fundamentally shaping who I am as a scientist, an inquisitive learner, and an aspiring physician. Beyond mastering technical bench skills and experimental methods, I discovered the resilience required to analyze deeply, troubleshoot unexpected failures, and think critically through complex problems. Dr. Lu’s patient guidance and belief in my potential transformed how I approach discovery, instilling a sense of purpose and intellectual curiosity that will stay with me throughout my medical training and future career.