Principal Investigator
Albert Y. Han, MD, PhD
Dr. Han is an assistant professor of clinical otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He leads a research laboratory that focuses on the molecular mechanisms of the formation and recurrence of head and neck cancers. His research team is particularly interested in the role of viruses and bacteria in the progression of cancer, as well as identifying biomarkers to develop new ways to diagnose head and neck cancers early and noninvasively. Dr. Han has authored more than 50 published works, including journal articles and book chapters.
Resident Physician
Stephanie Wong, MD
Dr. Wong is uses cutting-edge organoid modeling techniques to study the mechanisms of cancer spread. In collaboration with Dr. Lin’s laboratory, she focuses on creating and analyzing three-dimensional organoid cultures that mimic the complex environment of human tissues. This collaborative effort allows for a more precise examination of how cancer cells interact within their microenvironments and spread to other parts of the body.
Medical Student
Ryan Chung
Ryan is a fourth-year medical student with a deep-seated passion for head and neck surgery. He is particularly interested in the translational research aspects of head and neck cancer, focusing especially on human papillomavirus (HPV). Ryan is committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of HPV-related cancers through innovative research and clinical practice. His dedication to this specialty is driven by a desire to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the field of head and neck oncology.
Medical Student
Michelle Koh
Michelle is a first-year medical student with a burgeoning interest in the development of thyroid cancer. Her focus is on understanding the biological and genetic factors that contribute to the onset and progression of this disease. Eager to contribute to the field, Michelle actively engaging with research and clinical experiences that will deepen her knowledge and potentially influence innovative approaches to treatment and prevention of thyroid cancers.
Laboratory Manager
Cindy Lin
Cindy is currently pursing Masters Degree in Drug Development and Design. Her academic pursuits are centered on understanding the molecular dynamics of diseases and the creation of novel therapeutic agents. With a strong foundation in biochemical principles, Cindy is particularly interested in the translational aspects of her field, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Sophia Rhyu
Percy Zhou
Sunjum Sanghari