Postdoctoral Research Fellows

Tim Zhang is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics and the Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism. His research focuses on using microRNA-based therapeutics and stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles to target cellular senescence and age-related tissue dysfunction. He has identified both senolytic and senomorphic microRNAs and is interested in translating these findings into treatments for chronic diseases of aging.

Fernando is interested in the physiological role of somatic stem cell niches from the perspective of aging and age-related disease, and in particular how extracellular vesicles (and their cargoes) secreted by stem cells regulate cellular senescence.  He also is identifying miRNAs that contribute to initiating or maintaining the senescent cell state.  Fernando enjoys rediscovering the wonder of the world through his son, Ian's eyes.  Fernando is an aficionado of traditional Tango music, collects late 19th- to early 20th-century British and French meerschaum and briar pip

Blake is interested in clarifying how senescence-associated disease works on a molecular level, with research projects that bridge organic chemistry and biology.  Specifically, he's investigating a battery of free-radical derived reactive lipids produced abundantly in adipose during obesity/aging as mediators of senescence.  To this end, he uses L-carnosine, a dipeptide scavenger of reactive lipids, to probe molecular signatures associated with adipose senescence and highlight a potential therapeutic strategy to alleviating age- and obesity-associated senescence. 

Allancer’s research focuses on identifying new senotherapeutic and secretagogue compounds, such as bitter taste receptor agonists and natural flavonoids. He also investigates how specific miRNAs modulate cellular senescence. Outside of the lab, Allancer enjoys cooking, reading, and exploring new cultures through travel.

Representative Publications: