Jin-Ah Park, PhD, ATSF
Associate Professor of Airway Biology
Principal Investigator
Areas of expertise:
Toxicology, Mechanobiology, Airway epithelial cell biology, Asthma
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Chimwemwe Mwase, PhD
PhD student, BPH program [Fall 2018- April 2023]
Postdoctoral fellow [Since May 2023]
Dr. Chim Mwase is an airway epithelial cell biologist. Her research focuses on the role of tissue factor proteins contained in extracellular vesicles released by mechanically compressed airway epithelial cells. Mechanical compression mimics the mechanical effect of the airway epithelium in the narrowed airway during asthma exacerbations. Thus, her goal is to identify the role of tissue factor protein in asthma pathogenesis.
Megan Solan, PhD
Postdoctoral fellow [Since June 2023]
Dr. Megan Solan is an environmental toxicologist. Her research focuses on the mechanisms of cellular plasticity that are induced by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in human airway epithelial cells. Understanding how environmental exposures affect mechanisms of cellular plasticity can offer vital insights into disease pathogenesis and contribute to public health improvement.
Faria Khan, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow [Since July 2023]
Dr. Faria Khan is an air pollution toxicologist. Her research focuses on the toxicity of chemicals of emerging concern (CECs), with a specific focus on their involvement in the development and progression of cancer in airway epithelial cells. This research delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of cellular plasticity following exposure to these CECs. The scientific evidence produced by this study holds the potential to shape public health policy decisions.
Hyangsu Nam, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow [Since August 2023]
Dr. Hyangsu Nam is a chemical engineer. Her research focuses on the mechanism of epithelial cell unjamming in response to mechanical compression. Uncovering the mechanism of epithelial cell unjamming is crucial for advancing our comprehension of physiological and pathological processes, particularly in cancer metastasis, wound healing, and embryonic development, where epithelial cell migration plays a pivotal role.
Emma Goetzinger
MS student, Department of Environmental Health
Ms. Emma Goetzinger is a master’s student who is investigating the toxicity of flame retardant chemical, triphenyl phosphate, on human bronchial epithelial cells.
We are inviting postdoctoral fellows!
Please send your CV, a brief statement of goals, and three references (including names, email addresses, and phone numbers) to hsphparklab@gmail.com.
Applicants must have a recent MD or PhD in Lung physiology, Toxicology, Biomedical Engineering, Material science, or a related field. Support for up to 3 years is available. Support from an NIH T32 training grant is also available in the MIPS program.
