Research Team
Erfaneh Barati
Junior Research Scientist
Erfaneh received an MS in Human Anatomy from the Kashan University of Medical Science. She is a dog lover who is interested in doing HIIT and strength workouts and trying different types of cuisine.
Lin Hung, PhD
Post-doctoral scholar
Lin completed her BSc (Hons) and PhD in enteric neurophysiology from the University of Melbourne in Australia. She joined the Margolis Lab in 2019. Her research focus is the multifaceted roles of serotonin in disorders of the gut-brain axis, where serotonin has the potential to be pathophysiological and therapeutic. In her spare time, Lin enjoys traveling and exploring new places, and she hopes to visit many cities and states during her time in the US.
Sarah Najjar, PhD
Post-doctoral scholar
Sarah is a postdoctoral researcher in the Margolis Lab. She received a BS in biology from the University of Central Florida (2013) and a PhD in neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh (2020). Sarah completed her dissertation research on the role of the colon epithelium in visceral nociception and gut motility. She is currently studying how epithelial serotonin influences the visceral hypersensitivity associated with gut-brain disorders. Outside the lab, Sarah enjoys reading, playing music, and trying out new vegan recipes.
Zixing Huang, MS
Zixing received her bachelor’s degree in business administration at Fordham University (18’) and master's degree in human nutrition at Columbia University (20’). She joined the Margolis Lab in 2020. She enjoys playing musical instruments, hiking, and practicing pilates in her free time.
Rahi Shah
Junior Research Scientist
Rahi received her Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University. In her free time, Rahi enjoys playing badminton and squash, travel journalism, and exploring new bars and art cafes.
Yan (Ashley) Tong, MS
Yan (Ashley) Tong received her master’s degree in biotechnology from New York University (21’). She joined the Margolis Lab in 2021. During her spare time, Ashley enjoys watching animation, playing board games with friends, and trying delicious foods.
Luisa Valdetaro
Post-doctoral scholar
Luisa received her Master’s degree (2018) and PhD (2022) in Neuroscience from Federal Fluminense University. Outside the lab, Luisa enjoys sports, traveling and visiting new places.
Taeseon Woo
Post-doctoral scholar
Taeseon received his BS in Pharmacy in 2010 and an MS in pharmacology in 2012, both from Sahmyook University in Seoul, South Korea. He completed his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Missouri where his dissertation research focused on the effects of prenatal stress exposure on neurochemical, epigenetic, and structural brain changes in autism spectrum disorder. In his free time, Taeseon loves to cook, play tennis, and cheer for the Kansas City Chiefs. He is dedicated to giving back to the community and supporting causes that he cares about.
Basia Fellner
Michael O’Connor
Daniel Juarez
Student
Daniel Juarez is an undergraduate student on the pre-medical track and is studying neuroscience and behavior at Columbia University. During his free time he enjoys hiking, writing poetry, and exploring the city with friends.