IDDD Fellows Program

Lily Baek, PhD

BCM

I received my Ph.D. in Systems Biology and Physiology from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. My doctoral research focused on understanding why night-shift lifestyles in modern society increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. Our daily metabolic processes are tightly regulated by the circadian clock, which coordinates energy storage and usage across the day–night cycle. I discovered that the central clock machinery regulates diurnal rhythms in glycogen metabolism, a core process in glucose regulation, highlighting how circadian control helps balance energy supply and demand to maintain long-term metabolic health.
I then joined Baylor College of Medicine as a postdoctoral researcher, where my focus shifted to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype lacking targeted therapies and relying primarily on chemotherapy. About half of patients retain substantial residual tumors after chemotherapy, leading to rapid relapse and poor survival. My studies revealed that residual TNBC tumors develop a heightened dependency on mitochondria—highly adaptable organelles central to metabolism and stress responses. Building on this, I have tested multiple strategies to target mitochondrial adaptations, guided by clinical and preclinical data showing increased oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial DNA content, transcription, and translation in residual tumors. In close collaboration with computational scientists, clinicians, and pharmaceutical partners, I demonstrated that disrupting these mitochondrial processes from different angles can re-sensitize TNBC to chemotherapy and improve treatment durability in preclinical models.
Looking ahead, I aim to expand my insights and strengthen my understanding of the drug development process, from target validation to clinical translation, preparing me for an independent research career that bridges academic discovery with therapeutic innovation.

Luis Cervantes, PhD

MDACC

I was born and raised in El Salvador and at the age of eighteen, I moved to the United States to pursue a B.S. in Biochemistry at St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX. There, I began my journey in computational chemistry under the mentorship of Dr. Eamonn Healy, conducting molecular simulations and docking studies of small molecules with protein targets.
I continued my academic training at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor (Go Blue!), where I earned a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry in the laboratory of Dr. Charles L. Brooks III. My doctoral research focused on statistical mechanics and its application to molecular dynamics simulations, particularly in the prediction of binding affinities for small-molecule drug candidates.
I am currently an industrial postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS) at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. My work centers on providing computational support for drug discovery programs using industry-standard platforms including Schrödinger, MOE, and advanced molecular dynamics software to enable structure-guided drug design and lead optimization. I am also developing and deploying free energy-based workflows to predict binding affinities and ADME properties.
With a strong foundation in physical chemistry, molecular modeling and drug discovery, I aim to contribute to the advancement of therapeutic development through cutting-edge computational approaches. In my free time I enjoy exploring local coffee shops, trying all kinds of foods and going to concerts.

Jingqi Pei, PhD

UTHealth

Dr. Jingqi Pei earned his B.S. in Biochemistry from The University of Texas at Austin in 2017, where he devoted to laboratory research to understand drug resistance development in cancer cells. He then completed his Ph.D. studies in biochemistry and cell biology from Rice University in Dec 2021. During his Ph.D. training in Dr. Natasha Kirienko’s laboratory, he focused on developing novel treatments to overcome drug resistance in cancers. He discovered a novel category of compounds inducing mitophagy via PINK-1 activation and inhibiting leukemia cells proliferation. Currently, Jingqi is a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Junchen Liu’s lab at UTHealth Houston, where he aims to understand the biological function of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in KRAS-mut cancers and identify novel druggable targets for GSL synthesis inhibition. He is devoted to developing new compounds and therapeutic methods against GSL synthesis for KRAS-mut cancer treatment. Besides research, he also participates in institutional mentoring programs. He is passionate about teaching graduate students and takes it as opportunities to learn from other professionals.

Vicente Rubio, PhD

TAMU

Dr. Vicente Rubio earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Florida Atlantic University, where he developed and characterized fluorescent cholesterol probes to investigate cholesterol trafficking and its role in Alzheimer’s disease and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders. He is now a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Texas A&M Health Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Center for Translational Cancer Research. His current work focuses on the discovery of blood–brain barrier (BBB)-penetranting macrocyclic peptides using high-throughput combinatorial chemistry and AI/ML-assisted screening, with the goal of advancing novel therapeutic strategies for cancer and CNS diseases. His expertise spans peptide chemistry, molecular probe design, and computational modeling at the interface of chemical biology and translational drug discovery.

Mohanad Albayyaa, MD

UTMB

Dr. Mohanad Albayyaa is a physician-scientist with a medical degree and a master's in Clinical Path-Oncology from Al-Nahrain University. His career is dedicated to advancing clinical research and improving health outcomes, with a particular focus on cancer patients. Before joining the Clinical Science Ph.D. program at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Dr. Albayyaa focused on translational and clinical research, developing a strong foundation in investigating complex health issues. He leveraged his expertise in clinical research and public health policy to advocate for novel therapy policies that enhance cancer survival rates and improve the quality of life for survivors.
Dr. Albayyaa’s ongoing research investigates the risks of autoimmune and neurological diseases associated with hormonal therapy, specifically androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), in underserved and underrepresented populations. His project, ``Androgen Deprivation Therapy and the Risk of Autoimmune Diseases Among Prostate Cancer Patients,`` utilizes comprehensive datasets such as the Texas Cancer Registry and SEER-Medicare to address critical knowledge gaps regarding the impact of ADT on autoimmune diseases across diverse demographic groups. Through this work, he aims to identify potential risks and disparities among non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic men undergoing ADT for prostate cancer. Dr. Albayyaa has been awarded the NIH T32 Fellowship Grant and several prestigious awards, including the Arthur V. Simmang Scholarship Award, the Herzog Award in Clinical Science, and the Katherina Seibert Award for Excellence in Oncology.

Vivian Tat, PhD, MPH

UTMB

Vivian Tat was born and raised in the Houston-Galveston area. She received her Bachelor of Science in Public Health with Distinction in Research and as a Polymathic Honors Scholar with an Evidence and Inquiry certificate from The University of Texas at Austin. Afterward, she pursued graduate studies at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). During her dissertation, she examined the host innate immune response to beta-coronaviruses in Dr. Chien-Te Kent Tseng’s laboratory. In addition, Vivian co-founded and co-leads Taking Our Best Shot, an interprofessional science and public health initiative that promotes community well-being through cross-sectoral partnerships. She graduated with her PhD in Experimental Pathology and MPH in Epidemiology from UTMB.
Currently, Vivian is a postdoctoral fellow in Drs. George Golovko’s and Kamil Khanipov’s laboratories at UTMB, where she researches the effect of the air metagenome on respiratory health outcomes. She is also a Public Health Mentor for the non-profit Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Houston-Galveston. Vivian seeks to meld her perspectives at the micro and macro level to ensure that each of us lives our happiest and healthiest lives. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, reading, and being with friends and family.

Scott Widmann, PhD

TSU

Dr. Widmann earned his B.S. in Biology from the University of Houston in 2015, where he developed a strong passion for research through volunteer work in labs specializing in ecology, neuroscience, and microbiology. In 2017, he joined Dr. Chin-Yo Lin’s lab at the Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling at UH to pursue a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology. His doctoral research investigated the effects of liver X receptor inverse agonists on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. During his Ph.D. program, Dr. Widmann also gained an interest in computational biology, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing, acquiring skills in these fields.
After earning his Ph.D. in 2022, Dr. Widmann joined Dr. Omonike Olaleye’s lab at the Center for Biomolecular and Minority Health Research at Texas Southern University as a postdoctoral research scientist. His current research focuses on drug discovery for infectious diseases and cancer, such as SARS-CoV-2 and breast cancer, by integrating computational and experimental techniques with artificial intelligence. He also manages the high-performance computing cluster at the Biomolecular Research and Advanced Computing Center. In addition to his research, Dr. Widmann collaborates with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, where he conducts research and mentors undergraduates in both computational and experimental methodologies. He is also involved in teaching computational biology and data science to TSU students, faculty, and staff. His career goal is to become a versatile and successful drug discovery scientist.

Giuseppe Buda De Cesare, PhD

UTHealth

Dr. Buda De Cesare received his bachelor's degree in Biotechnology at the University of Palermo, Italy, in 2013. He received his master's degree in Industrial Biotechnology at the University of Palermo and FHNW University in Basel, Switzerland, in 2016, working on cell-surface display in bacteria and yeast. He then pursued his PhD studies at the University of Aberdeen, UK, working on proteomic biomarkers for drug-resistant Candida species. He graduated in 2020. In the same year, he joined the Lorenz lab at UTHealth as a postdoctoral research fellow. He is currently studying Candida albicans, an opportunistic human fungal pathogen, causes of systemic and superficial infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Treatment of fungal infections is complicated by limited antifungal options and the development of drug resistance. Dr. Buda De Cesare aims to unveil the molecular mechanism behind the activity of EntV, a bacteriocin and antimicrobial peptide produced by Enterococcus faecalis on C. albicans. Its development as a therapeutic addition to the classical antifungal agents can tackle the problem of drug resistance.

Amy Cooper, PhD

MDACC

I earned my B.S. in Forensic and Investigative Sciences at Texas A&M University and during my time I started doing research in the lab of Dr. David Threadgill, studying the effects of exposure to dioxin during cardiogenesis using the collaborative cross mice. In 2017, I joined the lab of Dr. Casey Wright at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas to study alternative splicing of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) and its role in the development of lymphoid malignancies. In 2022, I received my Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology and decided to start a post-doctoral fellowship at the Institute for Applied Cancer Sciences (IACS) at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center to gain experience and training in drug discovery and development. In my current role, I participate in cross-functional research to support drug discovery and pre-clinical development of novel oncology drugs. I have gained expertise in the development of high-throughput cellular assays essential in screening IACS compounds for target engagement and pathway modulation. Further, I interface with different functional areas to understand project priorities, communicate results, and participate in data-driven decisions to help make an impact on drug discovery programs. My goal is to transfer these skills into a career as a successful drug discovery scientist. Outside the lab, I am a foodie and will always be trying various restaurants in Houston, I enjoy traveling and experiencing new cultures, and if I have time to spare, I can be found with a book in my hand.

Deepika Subramanyam, PhD

Rice Univ.

Deepika Subramanyam, Postdoctoral Associate from Dr. Vinod Vijayan’s Lab, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and CTRID, VA Hospital. Our group is focused on studying how the catalytic subunit of serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-alpha in blood platelet modulate lung cancer metastasis. Ongoing studies suggest human platelets from lung cancer patients had increased PPI in platelets, and platelet-specific PP1ca knock-out mice had decreased experimental tumor metastasis. Our study suggests the potential for PP1Ca antibodies in cancer therapeutics.

Trinh Tat, PhD

HMRI

Trinh Tat, Ph.D. (Research Associate II, Program Project Manager – Houston Methodist Hospital)
Orcid
Before coming to the United States, Trinh earned both a B.S. in Biotechnology and M.S. in Genetics from the VNUHCM University of Science – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Upon completion of her Master’s degree in Genetics, Trinh was awarded a prestigious Vietnam Education Foundation Fellowship to pursue her Ph.D. in the United States. In 2009 she joined the lab of Dr. Tim Nilsen at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, OH where her research focused on the regulation of mRNA stability by deadenylation elements and miRNAs. She completed her research and received her Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry in August of 2015. Immediately after completing her Ph.D. she joined Coller Lab at The Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, CWRU as postdoctoral researcher. Her work in the Coller Lab focused on investigating the mechanism of action of drugs for targeting certain CFTR mutations.
In 2016, as a condition of her Vietnam Education Foundation Fellowship she returned to Vietnam to share her training. During these two years, she gained industry experience as she was appointed as Regulatory and Technical Relations Manager at Procter & Gamble.
Dr. Tat joined the Kiss RNA Lab at Houston Methodist Research Institute on December 3, 2018. Her current research projects include designing, constructing, and experimentally evaluating novel RNA therapeutic candidates. She is also pursuing bioinformatics training and was co-mentored by Dr. Kaifu Chen for 2 years. She has utilized that informatics training and data mining techniques to predict and evaluate putative cytoplasmic recapping sites in mammalian cells and has experience analyzing eCLIP, RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq data as well.
Outside the lab, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Experiencing new cultures, enjoying new natural spaces and meeting new people are always on her top to do list during her vacation. She also enjoys doing flower arrangement and interior design whenever she has some time to spare.

Vinay Nair, PhD

MDACC

Vinay Nair is a computational chemist pursuing impactful small-molecule anti-cancer drugs. He has 8+ years of experience in applying complex molecular dynamics simulations in high-performance computing environments to probe protein/membrane structure and dynamics. Currently, he is an industrial postdoc at the Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS) at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he is a part of multiple drug discovery programs being prosecuted at IACS. In his current role, he is gaining expertise in state-of-the-art in computer aided drug design, while being exposed to the industry standard of drug discovery and development. During his postdoc, he has gained expertise in industry-standard tools such as CCG MOE, Schrodinger, AMBER for prosecuting drug discovery programs. Further, he has gained experience in utilizing his background as a computational and experimental researcher to interface with different functional areas and make a positive impact to the drug discovery programs. His long term goal is to transition these skills into a successful career as a drug discovery researcher.

Miusi Shi, MD

Rice Univ.

Miusi Shi, M.D., Postdoctoral Associate, Rice University, Department of Bioengineering
Dr. Shi got a M.D. degree from Wuhan University, School and Hospital of Stomatology (China), where she took two years residency training after graduation. She had a great experience on the treatment of periodontitis, as well as developing drug delivery systems and bone engineering scaffolds for tissue regeneration. In 2020, she went to Yale University, School of Medicine for her first-round postdoc training. In Schwartz Lab, she investigated the mechanosensing signaling and the cellular mechanism of atherosclerosis and then became an expert in cell biology and molecular biology.

Dr. Shi joined McHugh lab at Rice University in 2022 to explore new possibilities on drug development. Inadequate PK has been identified as a key shortcoming of many drug therapies, especially for biologics, which are more unstable with short half-lives. Therefore, her current research focuses includes: (1) enable drugs to be delivered passively with customized control over release kinetics, (2) develop a controlled-release strategy that protects biopharmaceuticals from environmental insult during formulation and release, (3) create methods that sequentially delivers multiple drugs to meet dynamically changing treatment needs, and finally bring the injectable controlled-release microsystems into clinical application to improve drug performance, drug safety, and patient compliance.