Team Members

Jack became interested in biology and genetics as an undergrad majoring in Zoology at National Taiwan University (Taipei, Taiwan). His first undergraduate research project involved cloning a shrimp viral gene which hijacks gene regulation, and he later spent a summer at North Carolina State University as an exchange student studying plant biology. He received his PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from Baylor College of Medicine, where he studied the relationship between the early germ cell lineage and pluripotent stem cells in vitro. He then pursued training as a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. James Thomson’s lab at the Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he became interested in studying developmental timing and developed an in vitro model to recapitulate the human segmentation clock. His research projects focus on using pluripotent stem cells to model development and disease and to identify novel therapeutic strategies for regenerative medicine. Aside from research, Jack is passionate about teaching and mentoring young scientists. He also enjoys swimming, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his wife and two kids. 

I completed my undergrad at the University of Calgary majoring in Neuroscience. My research project explored the metabolic properties of aging in neurons with a focus on fatty acids. Over the course of my undergrad, I also became interested in regenerative medicine and am excited to continue to pursue this passion in the Chu Lab! I am currently working on projects which explore the segmentation clock and the formation of iPSC lines across multiple species. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking for my family, hiking and backcountry camping, and painting.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology (Honours) at the University of Calgary. My research project explored the effect of early-life THC exposure to zebrafish behavior and physiology. As a zoology student, I also studied cellular and molecular biology and became fascinated by developmental biology and topics like regenerative medicine. In Dr. Chu’s lab, I am currently working on cellular reprogramming and understanding the regulation of the species-specific pluripotent states. In my free time, I enjoy many activities such as hiking, reading, sports, baking, and art.

An undergraduate student at the University of Calgary majoring in Biological Sciences with a strong interest in biochemistry and molecular biology. Currently, I am working on a research project in the Chu Lab for the summer studying the role of NOTCH signaling pathway in regulating human segmentation clock model using embryonic stem cells. I plan to pursue a career in dentistry in the near future using my background in the sciences and research. I also currently volunteer with Alberta Health Services; supporting staff at temporary vaccination sites and visiting patients at Rockyview General Hospital. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing sports, going hiking, travelling, cooking, and hanging out with friends.

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Calgary currently beginning my third year of a Bachelor of Health Sciences honours degree majoring in biomedical sciences. I have a hope to work in research following the completion of my degree and intend to focus on stem cell research. Particularly, the use of stem cells in spermatogenesis with the hopes of discovering new methods of fertilization. I am currently working on a research project in the Chu lab that focuses on the role of the WNT signaling pathway on regulating porcine iPS cell renewal. Outside of the lab, I enjoy weightlifting, baking, crafting, and exploring.