LAB MEMBERS

If you are interested in joining the Nwosu Lab, please check our “JOIN US” page for more details. If writing Dr. Nwosu to enquire about a position, please summarize your interest in 1-2 sentences and attach your CV. Prospective graduate (i.e., PhD) students should apply through the graduate fields of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology (BMCB), Genetics, Genomics and Development (GGD) or Biomedical and Biological Sciences (BBS).

Zeribe Nwosu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor

Role: Principal Investigator

Email: zcnwosu@cornell.edu

I am from the southeastern part of Nigeria. I did my postdoctoral research at the University of Michigan, USA. Prior to that, I obtained a bachelors degree in Medical Laboratory Science (Nigeria), master’s in Biomedical Science (England), and PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology (Germany). My research interest is to understand how cancer cells acquire nutrients and to determine novel ways to treat cancer patients by blocking the tumor’s ability to consume nutrients. Outside the lab, I like to play football (i.e., soccer in US). I also like to swim and follow political events/current affairs.

Dr. Harshita Khedkar

Role: Postdoctoral Associate

Email: hnk9@cornell.edu

I am from Mumbai, India, and completed my PhD in Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery in 2024 from Taipei Medical University, Taiwan. Prior to that, I earned a Master’s in Bio-analytical Sciences and a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology from Mumbai University, India. Before pursuing my PhD, I gained industry experience as a Senior Executive in the bioassay department at Reliance Life Sciences for two and a half year, followed by a role as an Application Chemist at Mettler Toledo for three and a half year. These experiences sparked my interest in cancer research, leading me to specialize in cancer biology and drug discovery. My research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of therapeutic resistance and cancer stem cells, with the goal of identifying novel drug targets for precision oncology. In February 2025, I joined The Nwosu Lab as a postdoctoral researcher, where I aim to explore how cancer metabolism can be exploited to overcome drug resistance and investigate potential therapeutics that selectively block nutrient acquisition in cancer cells. Outside the lab, I am trained in Kathak, a classical Indian dance form, and enjoy trekking, traveling, and playing badminton.

Dr. Peili Jiao

Role: Postdoctoral Associate

Email: pj323@cornell.edu

I am from China, I joined Nwosu lab in November 2025 as a postdoctoral researcher. My research investigates the contribution of the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer metabolism. I finished my PhD in Molecular Oncology from the University of Hong Kong, Master in Medicinal Chemistry from Peking University, and Bachelor in Chemistry from China Agricultural University. Outside the lab, I enjoy tennis, swimming, and kayaking.

Don-Gerard Conde

Role: Graduate Student (BMCB)

Email: dcc264@cornell.edu

I am a Haitian-American from Harlem, New York. I have been engaged in research since high school at Mount Sinai”s Icahn School of Medicine, which has led me to learn I am very interested in cancer research, more specifically drug discovery and therapeutics. I obtained my BA in biological sciences at CUNY Hunter College before joining the Cornell University graduate field of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology in the Molecular Biology and Genetics department. Outside the lab, I really just enjoy socializing. I participate in multiple events, love to discuss politics and ongoing trends. I love to also analyze in movies, anime and films as well. I also play tennis.

Chiamaka Ezeh

Role: Graduate Student (GGD)

Email: cje47@cornell.edu

I am from Nigeria and earned a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria. I am a PhD student in the graduate field of Genetics, Genomics and Development (GGD), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. I am interested in unraveling the complexities of gene regulation and its role in the onset and progression of life-threatening diseases such as cancer. By uncovering the molecular mechanisms governing gene expression, I aim to pinpoint novel therapeutic targets and contribute to the development of innovative treatments for cancer patients. Outside the lab, I enjoy nature walks and maintaining my personal journal.

Evan Zhou

Role: Research Technician

Email: ejz28@cornell.edu

I am from Loveland, Colorado and obtained my BA in biological sciences with a minor in mathematical biology from St. Olaf College in Minnesota. I am looking forward to helping out in the lab and diving into cancer metabolism research as well as improving my skills in bioinformatics. Outside the lab, I really enjoy climbing and am searching for amateur tennis partners to play with. I also love to read (especially fantasy) and enjoy writing as well.