The Successful Summer of the Du Lab

This summer was a big success for the Du lab here at IMET! Earlier this summer, two of Dr. Jim Du’s students successfully defended their PhD’s and are moving upward and onward. We are excited to see what Zhanxiong and Pengzheng will accomplish throughout their careers. 

Zhanxiong Zhang

Before coming to IMET, Zhanxiong studied at Ocean University of China, where he earned his master’s degree in Aquaculture Science in 2020. His research focused on the reproduction and growth of sea bass. During that time, Zhanxiong met Dr. Du and learned about his research on muscle developmental biology using zebrafish as a model organism. Du’s work greatly sparked his interest, and he was introduced to IMET. His research experience in the lab and Dr. Du’s guidance and mentorship helped him develop strong experimental skills, scientific independence, and critical-thinking abilities. Zhanxiong explained that “these experiences have prepared [him] well for my future postdoctoral research in muscle regeneration”. 

“IMET’s interdisciplinary and multi-institutional structure was new and exciting to me. I believed that studying here would allow me to explore different areas of research and interact with scientists from a wide range of backgrounds, and that has certainly been the case. IMET’s open and collaborative environment has given me tremendous freedom to explore. During my five years here, I have learned about research related to human health and the environment, built friendships with many wonderful people, and gained valuable knowledge and experience beyond scientific research. The training and experiences I have received at IMET will continue to influence my future career and personal development.”

Zhanxiong shared that his time at IMET proved that research does not always progress as expected. There can be difficulties and setbacks with research that can cause you to lose motivation. However, maintaining confidence and self-discipline helped him to continue moving forward. “I gradually realized that we are ultimately responsible for our own careers and must take ownership of our future. By managing my time carefully and actively seeking help when I encountered problems, I was able to overcome many challenges. The researchers at IMET were always friendly, supportive, and willing to share their knowledge, which greatly helped me find solutions and make progress.”

These lessons will guide Zhanxiong through the rest of his career. He is currently working as a postdoctoral fellow at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, doing research in cardiac regeneration. His research interest is to understand cardiac regenerative responses to injury and to discover new targets that underlie the regenerative deficiencies.

Pengzheng Yong

Pengzheng (Peng) came to IMET with a master’s degree from Tianjin Agricultural University after being a shrimp farmer in China, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that caused a gap in his academic journey. Peng shared that this experience “strengthened [his] adaptability, problem-solving skills, and resilience. It also deepened [his] understanding of the importance of science and technology in modern agriculture and made [him] especially grateful for the opportunity to begin [his] PhD at IMET”. 

The transition from shrimp farmer to graduate student, Peng explained, was both exciting and overwhelming. He had to work from the bottom up to build the proper laboratory skills and knowledge, which was made significantly easier with the help of Dr. Du and the rest of his lab. Slowly but surely, with their support, Peng had gone through a complete transformation from trainee to an independent researcher by the end of his PhD Journey. 

Studying and conducting research at IMET was both rewarding and deeply supportive for Peng. IMET is not only a center for scientific discovery but also a place that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. As Peng explained: 

“I experienced this support firsthand when I faced financial difficulties during my PhD. I am deeply grateful to former IMET Director Dr. Russell Hill and current Director Dr. Jenn Burns, whose generous bridge funding allowed me to continue my research and complete my degree. Their support showed me that a strong academic institution is defined not only by its scientific achievements but also by its commitment to its students. 

Another important experience was my participation in the Ratcliffe Environmental Entrepreneur Fellowship (REEF) Program, directed by Dr. Nina Lamba. As a non-native English speaker, I joined the program to improve my communication skills and confidence. However, REEF also encouraged me to think more deeply about the purpose of science. It instilled in me a principle that I will carry throughout my career: science should advance with purpose, create meaningful value, and be driven by innovation” 

The scientific training, mentorship, and values Peng received at IMET prepared him for his current work as a postdoctoral researcher in the Bhabha and Ekiert Laboratories at Johns Hopkins University. His research now focuses on microsporidia, a group of parasites that pose significant challenges to global agriculture and public health. 

To future IMET students, please take these two pieces of advice from Zhanxiong. 

1. Take advantage of opportunities to participate in seminars, conferences, and other academic activities related to your field. Stay informed about the latest research developments and communicate with researchers from different backgrounds. A conversation, a presentation, or even a simple question may inspire a new idea and open an unexpected direction for your research.
2. Always believe in yourself. Everyone has tremendous potential, even though we may not always recognize it. During the process of study, you may encounter difficulties in your research as well as emotional and personal challenges. At those moments, do not lose confidence. As long as you remain committed, continue learning, and seek help when necessary, you will be able to overcome those challenges and keep moving forward.