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. 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.
Alexander Behram
Role: Undergraduate Researcher
Email: anb87@cornell.edu
I am from Potomac, Maryland. I am majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in mathematics and plan on graduating in 2027. I am on a pre-med track and hope to go to medical school after graduation. I find the mysteries of cancer metabolism fascinating, and it has led me to an interest in contributing to its research in order to ultimately help cancer patients in the future. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing tennis and watching American football.
Soren Jensen
Role: Undergraduate Researcher
Email: sj847@cornell.edu
I am from Los Angeles, California, and I expect to graduate in 2028 in Biological Sciences from the College of Arts & Sciences. I have a particular interest in cell and molecular biology and enjoy applying my knowledge to solve problems. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in research so I can contribute to the development of therapies that better people’s lives. Outside the lab, I enjoy listening to music, trying new foods, and competitive debating.
Lucas Strauss
Role: Undergraduate Researcher (MBG REU Program)
Email: las572@cornell.edu
I am a rising junior at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, majoring in biochemistry. I am a participant in Cornell’s MGB REU program for the summer of 2026. I have a deep interest in the molecular mechanisms of disease and searching for targets to combat them. In the future, I hope to obtain a PhD in a biomedical science field and conduct medical research as a career. Outside the lab, I enjoy listening to music, exploring nature, and playing ultimate frisbee.
Ann-Patricia Kenfak Maffo
Role: Undergraduate Researcher (Internship)
I am from Frankfurt, Germany, and I am currently studying Pharmacy at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt. My interest in molecular biology and drug development brought me to research early on, and I have since had the chance to explore both through internships at Bayer AG and Sanofi. After completing my studies, I hope to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research and contribute to the development of therapies that make a real difference for patients. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing tennis, boxing, reading, and trying out new foods.
We will consider intrinsically motivated undergraduates for lab research experience in Fall 2026.
PREVIOUS LAB ROTATION GRADUATE STUDENTS
Mingmar Sherpa (September 2 – October 24, 2025)
Phuong Pham (August 25 – September 26, 2025)
Nabila Binti (September 3 – October 25, 2024)
Chiamaka Ezeh (October 30 – December 22, 2023)
FORMER LAB MEMBERS
Laiba Shiekh – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Jan 2024 – May 2026) – Graduated an with Honors Thesis
Darren Binder – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Jan 2024 – May 2026) – Graduated an with Honors Thesis
Tiffany Fan – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Sep 2024 – May 2026) – Graduated with an Honors Thesis
Dr. Harshita Khedkar – Postdoctoral Associate (Feb 2025 – Mar 2026)
Rohith Karthik – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Jan 2024 – Mar 2026)
Aditya Bakshi – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (April 2024 – Dec 2025)
Ethan Yu – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Jan 2024 – Dec 2025)
Ali Shiekh – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Jan – Dec 2025)
Sofia Nwosu – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Jan – Dec 2025)
Hawon Kook – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Sep – Dec 2025)
Leo Li – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Sep – Dec 2025)
Cody Paul – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Oct 2024 – Oct 2025)
Bowen Fu – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Jan 2024 – Oct 2025)
Andrea Anyanwu – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Sep – Oct 2025)
Amina Bilalbegovic – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (March 2024 – May 2025) – Graduated with an Honors Thesis
Matthew Cheung – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Jan 2024 – May, 2025)
Maximilian Farma – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Jan 2024 – May, 2025)
Merel Latour – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Jan – May, 2025)
Rohan Bhasin – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Oct 2023 – May, 2025)
Somya Dash – Postdoctoral Associate (June 1 – September 30, 2024)
Long Wu – Visiting Student (July 15 – Sept 3, 2024), Nwosu Lab Cancer Research Internship, from Peking University, China
Erica Marlette – Visiting Student (Jun 3 – Aug 9, 2024), Cornell MBG REU, from Georgia Gwinnett College
Ingrid Tachim – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Jan 25 – Aug 25, 2024)
Linyuhui Zheng – Cornell Undergraduate Researcher (Oct 1, 2023 – Jul 31, 2024), 1st member of the Nwosu Lab