Qi Chen  (Group Leader)

    I obtained my PhD degree at Chinese Academy of Sciences in biochemistry and cell biology, after that I joined Abcam where I worked on varioius protocols for epigenetic studies including ChIP-seq and CUT&RUN. I returned to academia and developed a keen interst on RNA biology at UCR; now I joined Qi Chen Lab at University of Utah to explore the function of RNAs and RNA modifications in epigenetic inheritance (Google Scholar)

Chen Cai (Postdoc)

Xudong Zhang (Postdoc)

    I was trained in molecular biology and stem cell biology at Chinese Academy of Sciences, where I got my Master's degree. I got my PhD at Dr. Qi Chen's lab studying  the functions and regulations of RNA modifications, paticularly those enriched in tsRNAs. My current projects involve studying the functional principles of tsRNAs and stem cells and disease models (Google Scholar)
    After I obtained my M.D. at Chongqing Medical University, I began my research with a project studying mouse embryo implantation at Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where I grew an interest in the molecular & biomechanical mechanisms to control intrauterine embryo localization and embryo orientation. After a twisted and exciting journey of discovery, I ended up studying water channels (aquaporins, AQPs) in reproductive system, discovering AQP3's role in sperm osmoadaptation, which turned out to be my Ph.D thesis.
     I then moved on to study small RNAs in sperm and pioneered the systematic discovery of tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) & rRNA-derived small RNAs (rsRNAs) that are enriched in mature sperm, and discovered the function of sperm tsRNAs and rsRNAs in mediating paternal environment-induced intergenerational epigenetic inheritance, which depends on their associated RNA modifications and regulating enzymes. We are now exploring the potential roles of tsRNA/rsRNA in regulating early mammalian embryonic cell fate decision that contribute to offspring health, as well as the expanding world of sncRNAs and RNA modifications in different biological systems including cancer causation, and their diagnostic and prognostic value for precision medicine. 
     Being a scientific wanderer so far, I enjoyed the process of following clues and explore whatever directions the clues lead us to (if get funded). Knowing how small and insignificant we are in the universe, I'm grateful and fulfilled to be with a group of motivated people who turn curiosity into scientific discoveries, with our limited minds and hands.

A Cake of Science & Wishes...

Jiancheng Yu (Graduate student)

Keep Calm and Grow Strong...

The Departure in Beijing (2015.8)

We are moving from UNR to UC Riverside (2018.12)

Maya's Honors Convocation at UNR

Farewell, UNR - the place we grow

Qi Chen lab at UC Riverside (2019)

Junchao & Xudong's PhD graduation (2022)

Qi Chen Lab alumni:
Junchao Shi (PhD student 2016-2021/Postdoc 2021-2023); PI at Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yunfang Zhang (Exchange PhD Student 2017-2018); PI at Tongji University
Bailong Zhang (Postdoc 2021-2022); PI at Lanzhou Univeristy
Menghong Yan (Visiting Scholar) 2017-2018; Junior PI at Fudan University
Shichao Liu (Postdoc/Senior Scientist 2018-2024); Research Assistant Professor at University of Utah
Maya Pahima (Undergraduate student) 2017-2018; PhD study at Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Kristopher Alighchi (Undergraduate student) 2017-2018
Joanne Garcia (Undergraduate student) 2017-2018
Shi Liang (MD student)
    I am currently a graduate student in the department of Human Genetics at the University of Utah, I have a general interest in studying small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) functionality, especially focusing on the non-cannonical sncRNAs including tsRNAs & rsRNAs. My research project invovles the exploration of AGO-dependent and AGO-idependent function of sncRNAs in different cells and species (Google Scholar)
I graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Biochemistry in 2021, and am currently a medical student at the University of Utah class of 2026. My undergraduate research training broght me to Qi Chen lab, exploring the translational application of the 'sperm RNA code'. Besides research, I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors.
Ying Liu (Graduate student/MS) 2016-2018
Ying Zhang (Visiting Scholar) 2019-2020
Dongmei Tan (Visiting Scholar) 2017-2019
Kristopher Alighchi (Undergraduate student) 2017-2018
Joanne Garcia (Undergraduate student) 2017-2018
Austin Yu (Undergraduate student) 2021-2022
Carol Wann (Undergraduate student) 2019-2020
Cameron Krainock (Undergraduate student) 2019-2020
Kashmaila Ali (Undergraduate student) 2020-2022
Carol Wann (Undergraduate student) 2019-2020
Austin Yu (Undergraduate student) 2021-2022
Megan McMurray (Urology Fellow)
    I was trained in Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, and have finished my residency in Urology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. I'm currently a urology fellow at University of Utah School of Medicine, developing a keen interest in urology/andrology related research project, with a focus on the diagnostic value of sperm RNA code in human diseases

Under the mighty nature of Utah (2024)