People
Dah-eun (Chloe) Chung, PhD
Principal Investigator
- Assistant Professor of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rutgers University
- Postdoc in Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Florida
- B.A. in Biochemistry, Washington University in St. Louis
- Hometown: Busan, South Korea
Chloe is a molecular neuroscientist with a long-standing interest in key drivers and suppressors of protein aggregation and related pathology in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. She is especially fascinated by her favorite protein, tau (because “it takes tau to tangle!”). Chloe is passionate about creating a collaborative and innovative research environment, as well as mentoring the next generation of scientists and thinkers. In her downtime, Chloe enjoys reading, knitting (or attempting to knit), trying out new eats, and going to live shows.
Krikor Kevranian
Research Assistant
- B.S. in Psychobiology, University of California, Los Angeles
- Hometown: San Bruno, California, USA
Krikor has a strong interest in the cellular mechanisms and pathology of neurological diseases, and he is excited to build on this foundation through his time working in the DCChung lab. His previous research examined microglial changes in temporal lobe epilepsy, focusing on how microglial gene expression and ramification patterns may contribute to memory impairment. During Krikor’s time at UCLA, he was involved with several organizations dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for the houseless community. He also worked with patients affected by addiction and helped connect low-income, first-generation college students with mentorship and resources for applying to medical school. Outside of the lab, Krikor enjoys playing basketball, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Chuanqi Pu
Master’s Student
- Master’s Student in Applied Psychology, Rutgers University
- B.S. in Cognitive Science, University of California, Davis
- Hometown: Anhui, China
Chuanqi is a master’s student interested in the human mind and brain. In the lab, he is currently exploring topics related to Alzheimer’s disease. He enjoys learning about the brain, asking questions, and applying what he learns to better understand who we are and what the mind is capable of. Chuanqi hopes to further explore the research field of neuroscience and grow into academic research. Outside the lab, he likes reading, exploring new places, and watching stock charts.
Iris Brody
Undergraduate Student
- Major in Biochemical Engineering & Minor in Psychology, Rutgers University
- Hometown: Springfield, NJ, USA
Iris is deeply interested in the molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease, with a particular focus on emerging evidence that alternative tau splice isoforms, such as big tau, may resist pathological changes. Her previous research includes the continuous manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies for breast cancer therapy. She also completed a co-op at Regeneron where she optimized scale-independent parameters for the C2 cell line production, and she held an internship where she worked on enhancing immunoassay sensitivity for Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers. At Rutgers, Iris is actively involved in several organizations, including Engineers Without Borders, Omega Chi Epsilon (Chemical Engineering Honor Society), and the Society of Women Engineers. Outside of the lab, she enjoys swimming, hiking, thrifting, and drinking matcha.
Matthew De Lara
Undergraduate Student
- Major in Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rutgers University
- Hometown: Columbus, NJ, USA
Matthew is interested in the pathology of neurological diseases and is eager to build his foundation through his projects in the DCChung lab. At Rutgers, Matthew works with the Rutgers American Medical Student Association, which prides itself on educating and informing pre-health students interested in the medical field. He also spends his mornings at Elijah’s Promise, a non-profit organization that provides meals to the underprivileged community in the local New Brunswick area. Outside the lab, Matthew is on the Rutgers Men’s Club Volleyball team, where he competes against other University Club teams throughout the nation.
June (Yujun) Park
Undergraduate Student
- Pharm.D. Candidate, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University
- Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Yujun is a Pharm.D. student at Rutgers with a strong interest in neuroscience and the cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to his research, Yujun is actively involved in clinical and service work. He volunteers in the pediatric and general emergency departments at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and works as a student pharmacy technician. He is also the founder and president of Hands of Gratitude at Rutgers, a student initiative dedicated to assembling and distributing 3D-printed prosthetic hands to individuals in need. Outside of academics, Yujun enjoys working out, playing rugby in the college club teams, and spending times with family and friends.
Penny
Pupdoctoral Fellow
- Hometown: Houston, TX, USA
Penny dutifully serves her dual roles as a chief morale officer and lab mascot. Since joining the DCChung Lab, she has made significant contributions by providing emotional support, greeting visitors, and listening in during Zoom meetings. Her interests include endless walks, tasty treats, and strategic napping. Penny has been obsessed with this particular question for a long time: how come squirrels can climb trees when I cannot?
[your name]
your title
- [your field of study]
- [your hometown]
This could be you!
Interested in joining our team?
Postdoctoral fellows
Ideal candidates must hold a Ph.D. (and/or M.D.) in neuroscience, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field, with strong expertise in cell and molecular techniques, data analysis, and experimental design. Prior experience with animal models, RNA biology, or neurodegeneration is a plus. Please apply by sending Chloe (1) your updated CV or biosketch, (2) a cover letter outlining your research background and interests, as well as your future goals, with an emphasis on how it can synergize with our team, and (3) contact information for three references.
Grad students
Graduate students who are already accepted into the Rutgers Neuroscience or Molecular Biosciences graduate programs may inquire about rotation opportunities. To apply, please send Chloe (1) your updated CV and (2) a cover letter describing your past research experiences, current research interests, and future goals.
Undergraduate students
Undergraduate students may inquire about potential research opportunities by using the application form below. Please email Chloe separately after you complete the form.
High school students
Currently not accepting.