Nitzan Shabek
Principal Investigator
Education
Postdoctoral Fellow – HHMI, University of Washington - Seattle
PhD - Technion- Israel Institute of Technology
Katherine Hand
Graduate (PhD) Student (Integrative Genetics and Genomics graduate group)
B.Sc (UC Davis 2022, Major in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior),
Eager to explore the field of biochemistry, I joined the Shabek lab as an undergraduate, where I began to investigate the ubiquitin system in chloroplasts. Upon graduation, I continued my work as a junior specialist and took on an additional project examining the structure and function of E2-E3 interactions. I am interested in studying gene regulation, protein-protein interactions, and the mechanisms underlying essential cellular signaling pathways. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, solving mysteries, and spending time with my family, friends, and puppy.
Awards/Fellowships in the Shabek Lab: NIH-eMCB T32 Training Grant, 2024 Summer GSR Award, The Elsie Taylor Stocking Memorial Fellowship
Jacob Moe-Lange
Postdoctoral fellow
B.Sc (UC Berkley), M.Sc (University of Copenhagen), PhD (Stanford University)
I am a life-long plant fanatic. I received my BS from UC Berkeley while working on salt-stress and redox signaling with Dr. Lewis Feldman. I then pursued a MSc at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark while in the lab of Dr. Bjorn Hamberger studying terpenoid biosynthetic pathways. Returning to California, I joined the lab of Dr. Wolf Frommer at the Carnegie Institution at Stanford University for my PhD. There I discovered the role of a mechanosensitive ion channel involved in long distance calcium and electrical signaling in response wounding stress in plants. I am excited to join the Shabek Lab as a postdoc to further study how environmentally induced signaling is integrated into meaningful physiological and developmental responses in plants. In my spare time I enjoy gardening with my cats, surfing the California coasts, and shredding the mountains on skis.
Sunhyun Chang
Postdoctoral Fellow
B.Sc, M.Sc (Seoul National University, Korea), Ph.D (UC Riverside)
I'm Sunhyun Chang (pronounced SOON-HYUN), and I'm thrilled to be part of the Shabek Lab team. My journey in plant biology began at Seoul National University in South Korea, where I explored the fascinating worlds of chloroplast RNA polymerase complexes and root development regulated by JA-CK crosstalk during my undergraduate and master’s studies. For my PhD, I worked in Dr. David Nelson's lab at UC Riverside, focusing on how SMXL transcriptional repressors regulate Strigolactone and Karrikin signaling in plants. Now, as a postdoc here, I'm excited to delve deeper into how plants integrate various biological and environmental signals, using both biological and structural approaches. Outside of research, I spend most of my time with Pong the Cat, who is undoubtedly the cutest cat in the world!
Fuai Sun
Postdoctoral Fellow
B.Sc (Heilongjiang Agricultural University), M.Sc (Sichuan Agricultural University), Ph.D (Sichuan Agricultural & UC Davis)
I’m a plant biologist passionate about understanding the molecular mechanisms behind plant growth. My research explores genetic, biochemical, and structural aspects of plant signaling pathways. During my PhD, I focused on BES1/BZR1 in the BR pathway; currently, I’m investigating ubiquitin-proteasome degradation. Using proximity labeling in Arabidopsis, I aim to reveal intricate protein interactions with ubiquitin ligases, impacting protein regulation and degradation and also aim to unveil the mechanism on a structural level. Beyond the lab, I like camping and live shows. Awards in the Shabek Lab: Chinese Academy Scholarship, UCD Plant Biology Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow Award
Daniela Rodriguez-Zaccaro
Postdoctoral fellow
PhD (UC Davis)
I completed my PhD at the plant biology graduate group here at UC Davis. My research involved investigating the genetic regulation of wood development in the model tree genus Populus, with a focus on vessel traits related to hydraulic function and resistance to drought. In the Shabek lab I am now focusing on wood forming tissue proteins with the hope to better understand the molecular pathways involved in wood development. I am particularly interested in investigating the role of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway in the formation of vessel elements from the vascular cambium.
Natalie Hamada
PBGG Graduate Student
B.Sc (UC Davis)
I am interested in understanding how plants utilize various signal transduction pathways respond to their environment (and particularly microbes) at the molecular level. I will work to do so in the Shabek lab using protein structural biology and biochemical approaches. If I'm not in lab I'm probably at the gym, reading, cycling, or watching TV. Awards/Fellowships in the Shabek Lab: NIH-MCB T32 Training Grant, 2022 Summer GSR Award - PBGG, 2023-2025 USDA-NIFA Predoctoral Fellowship
Malathy Palayam
Postdoctoral fellow / Project Scientist
PhD (University of Madras)
I have completed my PhD in Center for advanced studies in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, India. As a graduate student with Dr. Krishnasamy, my research focused on purification, characterization and crystallization of protease inhibitors from plants and human lymphatic causing parasites. In the Shabek Lab, I am focusing to understand the structure, function and mechanism of plant protein complexes that involved in light sensing and hormone signaling pathways.
Julie Kwan
Junior Specialist/Lab Manager
B.Sc (2023, Human Biology - UC Davis)
After working in the Shabek Lab as an undergraduate, I developed an interest in using protein structural biology to understand plant signaling pathways in response to different environments which I hope to pursue in the next year. When I’m not at lab you can find me swimming, reading, or buying more house plants.
Roni Shechtman
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a third-year Molecular and Medical Microbiology major and I am interested in learning more about plant signaling pathways and the ubiquitination process. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, skiing, and baking.
Brian Chen
Undergraduate Researcher
I am currently a second year majoring in in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and I am highly interested in the biochemistry of protein interactions and expression, especially at the molecular level. Outside of school I enjoy playing basketball and hanging out with friends.
Annie Hu
Undergraduate Researcher
I’m a third year undergraduate studying Biotechnology and Bioinformatics. My primary interests lay in studying protein interactions and cellular signaling pathways. Outside of the lab, I enjoy dancing ballet, building mechanical keyboards, and going on sunset walks with my dog.
Pia Ashworth
Undergraduate Researcher
I’m a third year Undergraduate majoring in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. I’m really interested in the intersection of signal transduction pathways and biochemical lab techniques. Outside of the lab I enjoy being outdoors, playing volleyball, and spending time with family & friends
Andrew Nakao
Undergraduate Researcher
I’m a second year majoring in Biological Sciences. My main interest lies in researching plants at a molecular level, and learning more about signaling pathways in plants. Outside of the lab I enjoy playing piano, basketball, and golf.
Aileen Zheng
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a first-year undergraduate student in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, currently undeclared in major. I am excited to explore the diverse fields in plant science and beyond to find where my interests align. You can often find me enjoying swimming, photography, collecting things, and spending time outdoors.
Hannah Kim
Undergraduate Researcher
I'm a second year undergraduate and I'm interested in the biochemical processes of signaling pathways. Outside of school, I enjoy reading classic books, drinking coffee, cycling at the gym, and playing tennis.
Andrea Keys
Undergraduate Researcher
I’m a third year undergraduate majoring in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior. I’m excited about learning more about biochemical pathways at a molecular level. Outside of school, you can find me hiking or playing with my 11-year-old Yorkie.
Trevan Murakami
Undergraduate Researcher
Darian DebortoliUndergraduate Researcher
I'm a third year undergraduate majoring in Cell Biology. I'm interested in studying cell signaling pathways to uncover the molecular intricacies behind how cells communicate and coordinate their activities. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, swimming, baking, and spending time with family and friends.
Awards/Fellowships in the Shabek Lab: 2024 College of Biological Science Undergraduate Researcher Summer Fellowship