People

I received my BA in Chemistry and Physics and MA in Chemistry from Harvard, followed by my MD/PhD from UT Southwestern where I studied mechanisms of innate immune and inflammasome signaling.  I completed my Radiation Oncology residency at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where I also completed a postdoc studying cancer metabolism.  I returned to UTSW as faculty in 2023.  In addition to studying metabolic signaling in the lab, I also treat patients with brain and spine tumors. 

I received my B.S. in Environmental Engineering with a Minor in Math from Southern Methodist University in 2019. After working in civil engineering consulting for 3.5 years, I decided to pursue a career change in a more healthcare focused field. Outside of working and studying, I enjoy going to yoga classes, reading different books, going to concerts (a big Taylor Swift and Harry Styles fan), and spending time with my friends and family.

I received my Ph.D. degree in microbiology from China Agricultural University, where I studied the mechanisms of heterochromatin formation in Neurospora crassa with Dr. Qun He.  My work characterized casein kinase II as an important regulator for histone H3K9 and DNA methylation.  I joined the Cai lab in 2024, where I am studying how metabolites function in epigenetic and transcriptional regulation.  Additionally, in my spare time, I enjoy reading mystery novels and watching suspenseful movies.

Jun Zhou, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Ph.D. Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

B.S. Nanjing Agricultural University

I received my Ph. D. degree in Cell Biology from Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences with the mentorship of Dr. Ye Tian. My Ph.D. project focused on the regulation of cross-organs mitochondrial homeostasis with Caenorhabditis. elegans. We found a GPCR in a pair of chemosensory neurons to coordinate the activation of systemic mitochondrial unfolded protein response. I joined in Cai lab in 2025 to investigate the potential non-metabolic functions of various metabolites using multiple techniques. Additionally, I love running, dogs, cloud and sunset.

Hello, my name is Yousef Ashour and I am currently a High School Senior at the Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts. I live in Dallas, Texas and I board at the Middlesex School. 

I enjoy topics such as Hematology and Oncology and I aspire to attend college with an Social Science degree on a Pre-Med track. Outside of school and work, I like to run, visit art museums, visit botanical gardens, and listen to music! My favorite artists are Brent Faiyez and Pharrell Williams.