Andrew Burciu

Research Scientist

Who am I … Everyone comes closer and closer everyday to discovering their true identity, but at the core, I’m just a someone who loves science!

I aspire to … learn more about how, at its most stripped down principle, some cells were given signals to become immune cells and how such a collection of cells interacting give rise to such a complex immune system!!

I am most excited … to learn more about macrophages. I love learning about the immune system because of all the crazy interactions between cells to defend the host. How this came about is just astounding, and learning more about the instructions of how these cells came about is super exciting.

Besides science, I love … to read, cook, and see my friends.

Caroline Spencer

Research Scientist

Who am I … I’m from the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. I received my B.S. in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Linguistics from UNC Chapel Hill.

I aspire to … develop new research skills, grow as a scientist, and later continue onto graduate school and a future career in science.

I am most excited … learning more about the immune system, discovering and studying novel genes involved, and observing the innate immune response in zebrafish.

Besides science, I love … running, ultimate frisbee, going to the beach, and playing with my dog.

Ethan Bedsole

Graduate PhD student

(Starting Fall 2022, currently Research Assistant)

Who am I… I grew up for most of my life in Kernersville, North Carolina. I received both my bachelor’s in Biology and a master’s degree in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology from East Carolina University. 

I aspire to … use the techniques and knowledge gained from working in the lab to enter academia to show students the joy and excitement of research.

I am most excited … about learning new experimental techniques and further developing techniques to better understand biological issues related to the immune system and neuronal health. 

Besides science, I love …playing tennis and spending time with family.

John Zhu

Research Scientist

Who am I… I’m from Cary North Carolina, I completed my undergraduate from UNC in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Computer Science.

I aspire to… keep pursuing a love for learning and to continue with a career in science. 

I am most excited… to keep growing my knowledge in the immune system and to develop a deeper understanding of zebrafish and biology in general. 

Besides science, I love… rock climbing and spending time outdoors. 

Matt Hamilton

Graduate PhD Student

Who am I… I grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina, and lived in Basel, Switzerland for high school.  I received my baccalaureate from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and master’s degree in the Environmental Toxicology program at Clemson University.

I am most excited about… using advanced techniques in our lab, such as genetic screens, genome editing, and in vivo imaging, to characterize new pathways that could provide insights to innate immune dysregulation.

I aspire to… use what I have learned in graduate school and will learn in the Shiau lab to conduct biomedical research.

Besides science, I love… hanging out with friends, being outside, traveling, and going to the beach.