Our team

Shang is from Jilin Province, China. He got both his PhD and BS degrees from School of Life Sciences in Tsinghua University, China. After a short dip into biotech industry, he realized he is more enthusiastic in basic scientific research. Shang came to US and joined Dr. Xiaohong Li’s group as a post-doc in May 2019. He was promoted to Research Assistant Professor at U Toledo in July 2023. In August 2024, Shang starts his lab at LSU, Baton Rouge. In his spare time, Shang enjoys visiting botanical gardens, hiking on nature trails, playing ukelele, and playing with his orange cat "Guantou" (meaning canned foods in Chinese).

Guantou is a cute domestic shorthair orange cat. He was born in Apr 2020 and "adopted" Shang in Nov 2020. He is handsome, gentle, active, and playful. He is currently leading the project on investigating why the majority of adult orange cats get fat but he can proudly stay fit. While Shang sometimes handles experimental mice, Guatou is obsessed with a fake mice. So the PI and CEO of Su lab both take mice seriously! As the CEO and No.2 member of Su Lab, Guantou joined LSU together with Shang, to become a tiny LSU tiger.

Lin is from China. She joined Su lab as the Research Associate in Nov 2024. Before joining LSU, she works as a physician scientist in eye tumors. She is now interested in exploration of the shared targetable mechanisms across various types of cancers and development of gene therapies against these mechanisms.

Yuxiu Ao is a Ph.D. student in Su Lab, joining in May 2025. She is originally from China, and her academic journey has been a global adventure. She started with her undergraduate studies in Paris, where she delved into the fundamentals of chemistry. Then, she moved to Stockholm for Master’s degree, where she continued to explore the fascinating world of Medical Biology. She also gained valuable experience working in the biotech industry in Chengdu, China. She has had the chance to study and work, all while enjoying the best that the world has to offer. Here’s to the next chapter of her scientific journey! She is eager to uncover the complex and mysterious mechanisms driving cancer metastases.

Abby is a fourth-year LSU Biological Sciences student with a strong interest in the cellular mechanisms involved in cancer biology, joining Su Lab in Jan 2026. Her research interests focus on understanding how dysregulated cellular processes contribute to the formation of cancer, immune system interactions, and new drug discovery. She is passionate about scientific discovery and enjoys exploring new developments in science. Outside of the laboratory, Abby enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures, attending music festivals, and spending time at the beach. Abby spent a semester studying science in Melbourne, Australia, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Laya Selvaraj is an undergraduate student majoring in Microbiology on the pre-medical track, joining Su Lab in Jan 2026. She is interested in gaining hands-on research experience to better understand microbial pathogenesis, host–microbe interactions, and translational biomedical research, as she prepares for a future career in medicine. Through her work in the Su Lab, Laya hopes to strengthen her scientific thinking skills, learn laboratory techniques, and explore how research informs clinical practice. She is particularly interested in how basic science discoveries can be applied to improve human health and patient care.

Joseph is from New Orleans, Louisiana and he graduated Salutatorian from Holy Cross High School. He joined Su Lab in Jan 2026. Joseph is a freshman at LSU, majoring in Biological Sciences. He has a passion for cancer research and stem cell research. Joseph hopes that after undergrad, he can earn his doctorate in Biological Sciences and continue working in his field of study. In his spare time he likes cooking and hanging out with friends.

Emma Collett is a 3rd year biochemistry student at LSU on the pre-med track. She has previously studied hepatocellular carcinomas, which has fueled her interest in the molecular biology of cancer formation and metastasis. Joining the lab in March of 2026, she is eager to gain insight into the physiological pathways that cancer cells use to grow exponentially, applying the information and insight gained from this research towards her future in med school and later practice as a physician. She believes research is the fundamental groundwork for healthcare innovation and clinical practice, and she is eager to expand her scientific knowledge, laboratory skillset, and critical thinking throughout her time at LSU. Outside of the lab, Emma enjoys attending concerts, experimenting with special effects makeup, and volunteering at the Hospice of Baton Rouge and the Baton Rouge General.

Our next Tiger in the lab! We are looking forward to your amazing show!!! Geaux Tigers!!!