Jiaxing Li
Principal Investigator
B.S. Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Ph.D. University of Michigan (with Dr. Catherine Collins)
Postdoc Vollum, OHSU (with Dr. Kelly Monk)
Outside the lab, Jiaxing likes swimming, hiking, and has recently become obsessed with tennis. Loves a quote from the Nard Dog: “Just made a character choice to be a scientist who really likes what he does and enjoys his job.”
Lucia Gancedo López
Research Specialist
B.S. Ave Maria University
Lucia, originally from Spain, recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted research on small molecules that inhibit enzymes linked to Alzheimer’s disease progression. Impressively, she also balanced academics with playing college basketball. Beyond her academic and athletic pursuits, Lucia enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and watching soccer.
Hana Dias Hiraoka
Research Specialist
B.S. University of Michigan
Hana recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular Science. Prior to joining the Li Lab, she conducted meta-analyses of research studies on plant biodiversity under water-stress conditions. She was recently appointed as the lab’s “czar of zebrafish.” Outside the lab, Hana enjoys drawing, rollerblading, and customizing dolls and figures. Her hand-drawing and crafting skills are exceptional—her Halloween costume is proof (see our lab photos).
Taranjit Saggu
Research Specialist
B.S. Duke University
Taranjit earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Global Health. During her undergraduate career, she was a part of different research projects spanning neurodegeneration, addiction, and global health implementation science. Her long-term research interests center on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease. Outside of the lab, you can find her reading, weight-lifting, or working on her many (usually unfinished) crafts projects.
Maranda Buchanan
Undergraduate Researcher, Honor Thesis
College of Charleston
Maranda Buchanan is a senior at the College of Charleston majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Prior to joining the Li Lab, she was part of the inaugural cohort of the BLOCKS cancer research initiative at the Hollings Cancer Center. During her time there she studied gene therapies for colorectal cancer. Outside of the lab, Maranda enjoys dancing ballet, reading, and trying new restaurants in downtown Charleston.
Benjamin Deaton
PhD Rotation Student
B.S. University of South Carolina
Benjamin, who is from Mount Pleasant, recently finished his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Philosophy. During his undergraduate studies, he worked on better understanding the enzyme CYP2E1 and how it impacts human health and metabolism. Outside of the lab, Ben enjoys hiking and playing tabletop games with friends.
Illia Sliusar
Fish Caretaker
College of Charleston
Illia is a sophomore at the College of Charleston majoring in Marine Biology with a minor in Data Science. He helps maintain the health and wellbeing of our zebrafish colony through daily husbandry and system maintenance. Outside the lab, he enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and hiking.
We are actively hiring motivated individuals to join our team!
Former Fry
Mackenzie Kohn (Undergraduate researcher, 2026)
Baldwin Mai (SURP, 2025)
