TEAM
I received my PhD in Neuroscience in 2014 in the laboratory of Dr. Eric Nestler at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where I studied how chronic exposure adverse environmental stimuli such as stress or drugs of abuse led to long term transcriptional and chromatin changes that disrupt normal reward circuitry. I then went on to complete my postdoctoral training with Dr. Oliver Hobert, where using the model organism C. elegans, I examined the transcriptional programs that underlie the temporal maturation of post-mitotic nervous system during post-embryonic development.
I established the Sun Lab at UAB in Oct 2021. The long-term goal of my research program is to understand how adverse gene-environment interaction impacts nervous system development and function and its implications in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
​
As an LGBTQ+ immigrant growing up in Canada, I recognize the important roles that opportunity and the fantastic mentorships I received throughout my scientific training played to allow me to pursue my dream career of academic research. I hope to pay this forward to the next generation of science trainees by establishing an inclusive and fun lab environment where rigorous science is conducted.
​
Favorite Musical Artist
Ella Fitzgerald, Kelly Clarkson, Beyonce
Favorite Hobby
Musical theater
Favorite Food
Dumplings
Favorite Scientist
Ben Barres
I earned my B.Sc. in biology at UAB, and I am now a postbacc student studying computer science. As an undergrad, I was first introduced to research under the mentorship of Dr. Carmen De Miguel where I studied sex dimorphism in the role of vascular endothelium-derived endothelin-1 during diabetic kidney disease. Currently, in this lab, I am a researcher II and the lab manager. With the assistance of Dr. Sun and other authors, I recently had the opportunity to take on the role as first author in Current Biology where we were able to identify LIN-14 homology to the BEN domain via structural analysis. I am also involved in additional projects specifically, characterizing the role of lin-28 in post-embryonic neuronal maturation. My long-term goals are to work on bioinformatics projects in the lab and enlighten children from underprivileged areas about careers in science.
Favorite Musical Artist
Alina Baraz
Favorite Food
Bibimbap
Favorite Hobby
Fishing
Favorite Scientist
Alan Turing
TERRY LEWIS
Scientist I
Shortly after completing my Doctorate of Philosophy degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Department of Pathology with a focus on Neuropathology, specifically, the role of lipoproteins in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease, I began my role as Technical Director of the NINDS-funded UAB Neuroscience Molecular Detection and Microscopy Core. Next, I accepted a position as a researcher at UAB in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine.
Currently, I am working in the UAB Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology for the laboratory of Dr. HaoSheng Sun as a Scientist I. My position in the lab is to initially expand the fledgling mouse colony to facilitate future experiments involving alterations that occur during early development in the brain, specifically, neuronal maturation and the mechanisms which lead to these changes. In addition, I perform administrative duties to ensure the lab is operating according to standard operating procedures.
Favorite Musical Artist
Colton Lewis
Favorite Hobby
Hunting
Favorite Food
Fried Chicken
Favorite Scientist
Ken-Ichiro Fukuchi
My research questions revolve around what molecular and epigenetic mechanisms regulate the growth, feed utilization, and lipid metabolism in fish. My key interests are how nutritional factors (especially fatty acids, EPA, and DHA) during the critical windows of early development exert permanent effects on the metabolism and neurodevelopment a phenomenon known as nutritional programming. I try to explore the underlying molecular and epigenetic mechanisms in nutritional programming that are applicable to humans.
Favorite Musical Artist
Aretha Franklin
Favorite Hobby
Travelling
Favorite Food
Burritos
Favorite Scientist
Marie Curie
I attended the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama where I received my B.Sc and M.Sc. in Biology. I was mentored underneath Dr. Ryan Littlefield for both my undergraduate and graduate research projects studying muscle physiology. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student within the Neuroscience theme at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. My research focuses on examining the effects of extrinsic factors such as neuronal activity and environmental stimuli on post-embryonic nervous system maturation using the model organism C.elegans. My future aspirations include earning my PhD in neuroscience, and later working in academia to study neuropsychiatric/neurodevelopmental disorders.
Favorite Musical Artist
The Internet
Favorite Hobby
Playing Guitar
Favorite Food
French fries
Favorite Scientist
Barbara McClintock
Hello, my name is Dalton Patterson, I received my B.Sc from Piedmont University where I majored in cell and molecular biology. I joined the lab in 2022 as a Ph.D. student in the Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics theme here at UAB. I am working to understand how alternative splicing can regulate developmental changes through the lifespan of C. elegans and how that can be targeted as potential therapeutics for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases. My future aspirations include working in the field of neuroscience and understanding how genetics plays a role in the onset of neuro related diseases.
Favorite Musical Artist
Bring me the Horizon
Favorite Hobby
Movies
Favorite Food
Italian
Favorite Scientist
Rosalind Franklin
I am a Ph.D. student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics theme. I received my B.Sc. in Biology and Chemistry from Judson College in Marion, Alabama. I started my adventure in the Sun lab in 2023 as a graduate student and I am currently exploring the effects of acute vs. chronic exposure to drugs of abuse, with an interest in applying this understanding to identifying and characterizing regulators of drug-induced plasticity in distinct neuronal cell types.
Favorite Musical Artist
Percy Sledge
Favorite Hobby
Baking bread
Favorite Food
Pepperoni pizza
Favorite Scientist
Barbara McClintock
I received my B.Sc. in Biology from University of West Florida where I studied photoreceptor regeneration in zebrafish. Currently, as a graduate student my research interest is in understanding molecular mechanisms regulating temporal neuronal maturation during post-natal central nervous system development in mice. After I finish graduate school, I would like to stay in academia and pursue a post-doctorate position.
Favorite Musical Artist
Burna Boy
Favorite Hobby
Soccer
Favorite Food
Pan ku stoba
Favorite Scientist
Dr. Scott Taylor
I am a Ph.D. student and AMC21 scholar in the Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics theme here at UAB. I want to investigate the broader role of the gut-brain axis in the post-embryonic neurodevelopment of C. elegans. My future aspirations are to pursue a post-doctorate position and potentially stay in academia as a professor.
Favorite Musical Artist
Conan Gray
Favorite Hobby
Video Games
Favorite Food
Chinese
Favorite Scientist
Dr. Jennifer Doudna
MOLLY REYNOLDS
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a senior in the science and technology honors program majoring in neuroscience with a minor in chemistry and I am also pursuing an accelerated masters degree in Multidisciplinary biomedical sciences. I am investigating the role of electrical synapses in post-embryonic neuronal maturation and aging. Understanding the role of electrical synapses in neuronal development could lead to a better understanding and potentially therapeutic treatments for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. I am the acting Senior co-chair of the Science and Technology Honors Program, co-founder and Treasurer of a STEM outreach program for girls called Her Science, and hope to attend graduate school after graduation to pursue a PhD.
Favorite Musical Artist
Harry Styles
Favorite Hobby
Crochet
Favorite Food
Tacos
Favorite Scientist
Rosalind Franklin
ANANYA THENETI
Undergraduate Researcher
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Genetics and Genomic Sciences with chemistry and spanish minors and am pursuing an accelerated Master's in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Genetics. In lab, I am investigating the role of early life stressors (ELS), specifically starvation, on neurodevelopment, and how the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin modulate the effect of ELS on neuronal maturation. By understanding these pathways, we hope to gain a better understanding of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders in humans. After graduation, I hope to pursue an MD and become a physician.
Favorite Musical Artist
Arijit Singh
Favorite Food
Pasta
Favorite Hobby
Singing and Cooking
Favorite Scientist
Ms. Frizzle
I am an undergraduate student in the Science and Technology honors program majoring in Genetics and Genomic Sciences and pursuing an accelerated master's in Biology. On campus, I am the acting Social Chair of the Science and Techonology Honors Program. In lab, I am working under Shelby to look at the effects of acute and chronic drug exposure. I hope to apply the practical skills I learn to pursuing a PhD in the future.
Favorite Musical Artist
Phoebe Bridgers
Favorite Food
Pesto Tortelinni
Favorite Hobby
Crochet
Favorite Scientist
Rosalind Franklin
Amit Chaudhary
Postdoctoral Fellow
I earned my PhD in Biotechnology from NIT Allahabad, India, where I focused on unraveling the genetic factors involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. After completing my PhD, I joined the Polymer Simulation and Characterization Lab at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India, as an Institute Postdoctoral Fellow. There, I employed molecular dynamics simulations to explore the antibacterial properties and amyloidogenic activities of amphibian antimicrobial peptides. Concurrently, I collaborated with the Soft Materials Research Lab, Department of Chemistry, IIT Bombay, where I studied the secondary structure transitions of alpha-synuclein in the presence of polymer surfactants in both aqueous and non-aqueous solvents. I am currently a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Sun Lab, working on the deorphanization of G-proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs). I also serve as the Social Media and Communication Coordinator in the Postdoctoral Association (PDA) at UAB.
Favorite Musical Artist
Arijit Singh, Vishal Mishra
Favorite Food
Mutton Curry, Chicken Momos
Favorite Hobby
Travelling, Bike Riding, Cooking
Favorite Scientist
Har Gobind Khorana, C.V. Raman
I am an undergraduate majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemsitry. In addition, I am an event planner for Blazer production assistants and work as a business developmental intern. In the lab, I am currently working with the RG3384 strain of C. elegans which has the plc-3 gene, homolog of human PLCG2 gene. plc-3 gene encodes a phospholipase C enzyme. Mutations of PLCG2 gene have been linked to the neurodengenrative diseases. My future plans include pursuing a master’s in Biomedical and Health Sciences and followed by attending an MD/DO school, as I aspire to become a surgeon.
Favorite Musical Artist
Lana Del Rey, Arijit Singh, Yeat
Favorite Food
Tacos, Ramen
Favorite Hobby
Baking
Favorite Scientist
Santigo Cajal
Luu, Thi Thanh Ly
Assistant Researcher
Here at UAB, I'm presently enrolled in an MS in Biotechnology program. I previously attended medical school in Vietnam and, upon graduation, worked as a physician in the obstetrics and gynecology department. I primarily work with C. elegans in the Sun Lab. I investigate the effects of varying food sources, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids, on the behavior, developmental timing, and aging. I wish to pursue a career in research and become a scientist in the future.
Favorite Musical Artist
Big Bang, Rhyder
Favorite Food
Vietnamese food, Tacos
Favorite Hobby
Traveling, Movies
Favorite Scientist
Rosalind Franklin
Born and raised in Korea, I majored in Applied Life Science at Yonsei University. It was during my time in Dr. Jin Lee’s Behavior Genetics Lab that I first encountered C. elegans —and it was love at first sight. There, I explored the mechanisms behind olfactory learning. I then pursued a major in Medical Science at Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, where I became one of the founding members of Dr. Kyoung-Hye Yoon’s lab at the Mitohormesis Research Center, focusing on mitochondrial function and the development of various learning paradigms in C. elegans. After earning my Ph.D., I moved to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to work with Dr. HaoSheng Sun. In the Sun Lab, my research delves into how mitochondria contribute to neuronal development, the role of microRNA and chromatin remodeling in neural processes, and how these factors influence learning and memory.
Favorite Musical Artist
Amy Winehouse
Favorite Food
Kimchi Carbonara
Favorite Hobby
Theater, Museums
Favorite Scientist
Cori Bargmann
I currently work under Shelby in studyng the affects of drug use on C.elegan behavior and neural expression. I am an undergraduate sttudent in the Science and Technology Honors Program majoring in biomedical sciences with minors in chemsitry and nuitrition. I hope to apply what I learn while under Shelby to constructing my own project and thesis. I am also involved in leadership in the Vietnamese Student Organization here at UAB. After graduation, I plan to attend dental school in order to become an orthodontist.
Favorite Musical Artist
OneRepublic
Favorite Food
Poke
Favorite Hobby
Reading, Gaming
Favorite Scientist
David Ausubel
In the Sunlab, I am a postbacc research technician. My overall career aspiration is to have a career in genetics translational research focusing on embryology, infertility, and prenatal genomics. I also work under Shelby, studying the behavioral effects of cocaine use disorder in C.elegans.
Favorite Musical Artist
Beyoncé
Favorite Food
Asian food, Doughnuts
Favorite Hobby
Running, Traveling
Favorite Scientist
George Washington Carver
I am a sophomore majoring in Bioinfomatics with minors in Biology and Computer Science. I am also pursuing an accelerated masters in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Bioinformatics. I currently work under Dalton Patterson studying how alternative splicing impacts and regulates changes in development in C. elegans. I am also a member of the Science and Technology Honors Program and the outreach director for Women in Tech. After graduation, I hope to apply what I learn in the lab to potentially pursue a PhD in the future.
Favorite Musical Artist
IDKHow
Favorite Food
Japchae
Favorite Hobby
Video Games, Digital Art
Favorite Scientist
Ada Lovelace
Adrian Garibay
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a senior in the Honor's College and the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Genetics and Genomic Sciences. In the lab, I work under Dr. Serhat Turkmen to learn about the importance of longchain polyunsaturated fatty acids during embryogenesis and their effects on behavior and gene expression in postembryonic stages. I am also a work-study student in the lab so I assist with weekly tasks such as making solutions. My primary future aspiration is to obtain a PhD in Genetics.
Favorite Musical Artist
Lana Del Rey, Kali Uchis, Ariana Grande
Favorite Food
Mexican Food
Favorite Hobby
Gym, Walking, Gaming
Favorite Scientist
Jane the Chemist
MONTY
Lab Mascot / Cheerleader
Monty is a Min Pin mix with a PhD in Squirrel Chasing. He doesn't actually do any lab work, but will be there to cheer you up when the experiments do not work.
ALUMNI
Helen Zhou - Former Lab Manager
Meghan Hall - Former Undergraduate Researcher
Neil Sethi - Former Intern / High School Student from James Clemens High School
Emma Sautman - Former Undergraduate Researcher
Nash Robinson - Former Undergraduate Researcher
Gabriella Stovall - Former Undergraduate Researcher
Forest Nandjou - Former Undergraduate Researcher / SURGE-GM student from Alabama A&M University
​