Ileana M. Cristea, PhD
Henry L. Hillman Professor of Molecular Biology
Research Molecular Biologist:
Todd Greco, PhD
Princeton, 2009 - present
A biochemist and neuroscientist by training, Todd returned to his home state of New Jersey in 2009 to join the Cristea lab for his postdoctoral work. Currently a Research Molecular Biologist, he works on multidisciplinary projects that harness mass spectrometry and bioinformatics to study the dynamics of protein complexes. When he’s not studying how protein interactions influence the development of Huntington’s disease, he’s mentoring students in the principles of proteomics and biochemistry. In his spare time, Todd enjoys cooking simple yet flavorful meals while pondering the art of mass spectrometry maintenance.
Postdoctoral Scientists:
Josiah E. (Jaime) Hutton, PhD
PhD @ Vanderbilt University
After surviving the humidity of Florida, the country music of Tennessee, and the brutal winters of Illinois, Jaime moved to New Jersey to further advance his training in analytical proteomics and to learn virology in the Cristea Lab. When not babysitting the mass spectrometers, Jaime enjoys exercising, board games with his friends, and giving attention to the best cat in the Cristea Lab.
Joshua L. Justice, PhD
PhD @ University of Alabama at Birmingham
Joshua completed his Ph.D in Virology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (where he was born and raised) and joined the Cristea lab in 2019 to study how viral infections are detected and combated by the host cell. Joshua enjoys gardening, fine whiskey, and the occasional D&D campaign with his labmates.
Xinlei Sheng
Xinlei, who leveled up with a Bachelor’s degree of biological sciences in Tsinghua University, is a unique electric-type pokemon introduced to Princeton in 2014. Xinlei recently evolved into a doctor and is continuing in the Cristea Lab as a post-doc. You could also find Xinlei playing basketball, dismantling electronic devices, and taking photos of other pokemons in the wild area.
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Graduate Students:
Bokai Song
Bokai is from Tianjin, China, and did his undergrad in Tsinghua University in Beijing before coming to the Cristea lab to pursue a PhD. He studies the function and regulation of the DNA sensor cGAS in innate immune signaling. Outside the lab, Bokai is a guitar and ukulele player.
Cora Betsinger
A lover of all things mitochondria, Cora is working to understand the battle between HCMV and host cells for control over cellular metabolism during infection. In her free time she loves hiking, camping, canoeing, trying new restaurants, knitting, and hanging out with her hamster (Sebastian).
Katelyn C. Cook
Making her way east from California, Nevada, Colorado, and finally to New Jersey, Katelyn is pursuing a PhD focused on exploring how intracellular pathogens remodel organelles to achieve infection. When she’s not at the bench, Katelyn fills her time with trail runs, gardening, strategy RPGs, cooking (pun intended), and cuddles with her cats.
Timothy Howard
Tim comes from the great state of Colorado. His PhD work focuses on the relationship between virus and host and, more specifically, how host cells recognize viral DNA to activate vital antiviral programs. Outside of lab, he enjoys playing rec softball and ice hockey, and you can often find him hanging out at local breweries or the beach in the summer.
Michelle Kennedy
In an unexpected turn of events, Michelle has become the resident coding guru of the lab and focuses on discerning biological meaning from large datasets. As a transplant from Colorado, when not glued to her computer and keyboard she enjoys exploring the outdoors, investigating the NJ craft brewery scene, and cuddling with her cats.
Dawei Liu
Undergrad @ UC Berkeley
After finishing his undergraduate work at UC Berkeley, Dawei came to Princeton to pursue his PhD. He focuses on the interactions between host and viruses, specifically how cells are able to sense invading viruses and mount effective innate immune responses. Dawei is a pro at badminton and an avid video game and board game player too!
William Hofstadter
Undergrad @ Northwestern University
Coming to Princeton from the Midwest and California, Will studies how viruses manipulate fundamental cellular processes. Outside of the lab, Will also enjoys exploring the outdoors, swimming, and reptiles.
Matthew Tyl
Undergrad @ University of Michigan
Hailing from the great state of Michigan, Matt came to Princeton to study nuclear remodeling during viral infection. Outside of the lab, he enjoys exercising and playing games with friends.
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Undergraduates:
Elene Tsopurashvili
Princeton '22
Originally from the Republic of Georgia and now living in Philadelphia, Elene found a new home in Cristea lab. Here she works to characterize structural and functional changes in ER-mitochondria contact sites during infection. Outside the lab, you will find her advocating for low-income students on campus, reading global health news and chatting with her grandparents about gardening, Princeton adventures, and everyday life.
Brett Phelan
Princeton '22
Hailing from St. Louis, Brett’s research in the lab focuses on host protein dynamics during viral infection. A recovering math major, Brett hopes to one day unite his love for math and biology in a career as a researcher. Outside of the lab, Brett enjoys tasteful pop music and the company of his dogs.
Corazón Núñez
Princeton '23
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Corazón is an undergraduate student whose work focuses on immune signaling following viral infection. In her free time, she is a member of multiple student dance groups and enjoys baking and crocheting.
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Lab Alumni:
Former Postdocs:
Joel Federspiel, PhD - Senior Scientist @ Pfizer, Drug Safety Research and Development Group, Boston, USA
Yutaka Hashimoto, PhD - Assistant Professor @ Nagoya City University, Japan
Rommel Mathias, PhD - Assistant Professor @ Monash University, Australia
Yuan-Chin Tsai, PhD - Assistant Professor @ Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Preeti Joshi, PhD - Senior Scientist @ Biogen, USA
Yang Luo, PhD - Research Scientist @ The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center
Former Grad Students:
Laura Murray-Nerger, PhD - Postdoc in Gewurz Lab @ Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
Krystal Lum, PhD - Postdoc in Weitzman Lab @ U Penn, Philadelphia, USA
Pierre M Jean Beltran, PhD - Postdoc in Carr Lab @ Broad Institute, Boston, USA
Elizabeth Rowland, PhD - Associate @ McKinsey & Co., Philadelphia, USA
Marni Crow, PhD - Associate Medical Director @ VMLY&R, New Jersey, USA
Benjamin Diner, PhD - Senior Scientist @ Editas, Boston, USA
Amanda Guise, PhD - Postdoc in Steen Lab @ Harvard University, Boston, USA
Hanna Budayeva, PhD - Senior Scientist @ Gentech, USA
Tuo Li, PhD - Postdoc in Chen Lab @ UT Southwestern, USA
Yana Miteva, PhD - Postdoc in Baer Lab @ Columbia University, USA
Danielle Rowles, PhD - Research Scientist @ QPS Delaware, USA
Val Carabetta, PhD - Assistant Professor @ Cooper Medical School, USA
Former Technicians:
Fang Yu - Research Scientist @ Fudan University, China
