People

I received my BA in Chemistry and Physics and MA in Chemistry from Harvard, followed by my MD/PhD from UT Southwestern where I studied mechanisms of innate immune and inflammasome signaling.  I completed my Radiation Oncology residency at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where I also completed a postdoc studying cancer metabolism.  I returned to UTSW as faculty in 2023.  In addition to studying metabolic signaling in the lab, I also treat patients with brain and spine tumors. 

I received my B.S. in Environmental Engineering with a Minor in Math from Southern Methodist University in 2019. After working in civil engineering consulting for 3.5 years, I decided to pursue a career change in a more healthcare focused field. Outside of working and studying, I enjoy going to yoga classes, reading different books, going to concerts (a big Taylor Swift and Harry Styles fan), and spending time with my friends and family.

I received my Ph.D. degree in microbiology from China Agricultural University, where I studied the mechanisms of heterochromatin formation in Neurospora crassa with Dr. Qun He.  My work characterized casein kinase II as an important regulator for histone H3K9 and DNA methylation.  I joined the Cai lab in 2024, where I am studying how metabolites function in epigenetic and transcriptional regulation.  Additionally, in my spare time, I enjoy reading mystery novels and watching suspenseful movies.

I received my Ph.D. degree from Prof. Junmin Quan’s lab of Peking University in June 2024. I have dedicated my doctoral training to developing novel inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway, which plays a crucial role in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Throughout my research, I have focused on understanding the precise pathogenesis of the cGAS-STING pathway in human diseases and exploring therapeutic interventions. I am committed to uncovering potential molecular events driving disease progression and identifying therapeutic targets. I have a profound passion for unraveling the intricate mechanisms behind metabolic abnormalities in diseases. Outside of working and studying, I enjoy playing badminton, running and swimming.

I am a neuroscience student at Texas Christian University. Originally from Saigon, Vietnam, I have embarked on a journey across various American states, from NYC and NJ to Texas.  I am pursuing a pre-med track with the aspiration of becoming a physician with a goal to bring much-needed healthcare to underserved communities in third-world countries, where access to medical care is limited. At TCU, I serve as the president of The Art and Science of Medicine club, where we come together to explore the intersection of mindfulness, narrative medicine, and the science of meditation.  I have a profound love for books. Additionally, I like to explore museums and nature. I find great joy in hiking, connecting with the outdoors, and embracing the serenity it provides.

Hello, my name is Yousef Ashour and I am currently a High School Senior at the Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts. I live in Dallas, Texas and I board at the Middlesex School. 

I enjoy topics such as Hematology and Oncology and I aspire to attend college with an Social Science degree on a Pre-Med track. Outside of school and work, I like to run, visit art museums, visit botanical gardens, and listen to music! My favorite artists are Brent Faiyez and Pharrell Williams.