People

Joanna C. Chiu, Ph.D., Principal Investigator

Professor and Chair

Department of Entomology and Nematology

College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Center Affiliations:

Graduate Group Affliliations:

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, M.A., with double majors in Biology and Music. After college, I proceeded to pursue graduate studies under the guidance of Dr. Gloria Coruzzi, Carroll & Milton Petrie Professor and Chair of Biology at New York University. I received a Ph.D. in molecular genetics from the Department of Biology at NYU. The overall goal of my thesis research was to understand the function of glutamate receptor genes (GLR) in plants by using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism. Even though I enjoyed my career in plant research as a graduate student, I realized that my real passion is to study how genes and proteins regulate and control animal behavior. Of particular interest is the field of circadian biology. Circadian rhythms are endogenously driven, and exist in life forms ranging from bacteria to mammals. It drives daily oscillations of physiological states and activities including sleep and feeding, and allows organisms to perform necessary tasks at biologically advantageous times of day. To study the inner workings of circadian rhythms, I joined the lab of Dr. Isaac Edery at the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine in Rutgers University, NJ, as a postdoctoral fellow to study how posttranslational mechanisms of clock proteins regulate circadian rhythms. I am now continuing to investigate the regulation of animal circadian and seasonal rhythms in my own lab in UC Davis by using a combination of molecular genetics, biochemical, and proteomic approaches.

My UCD Entomology page

Yao Cai, Postdoctoral Fellow

I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Protection from China Agricultural University (CAU). I then pursued and received a Master’s degree majoring in Agricultural Entomology and Pest Control from CAU. To explore new aspects of biological research, I joined the Chiu Lab as a PhD researcher in the Fall of 2016 and investigated the timing mechanisms by which animal circadian clocks keep time. I was excited to see that my discoveries advanced the comprehensive understanding of circadian clock and shed light on the molecular mechanisms of a human sleep disorder! Upon graduation in Summer 2022, I continued my postdoctoral research in the Chiu Lab. With a newfound interest in genome stability, I hope to investigate how circadian clocks contribute to the maintenance of genome stability. Outside of the lab, I investigate the timing mechanisms in music via playing drums.

Sergio I. Hidalgo Sotelo, Postdoctoral Fellow

I received my BSc in Biochemistry in 2015, and a MSc degree in Biological Sciences in 2017, from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC, Chile). In April 2020, I finished my PhD in Biological Sciences Majoring Cell and Molecular Biology at PUC, working with Dr. Jorge M. Campusano. During this time, we examined the neurochemical and molecular changes underlying sensory and behavioural impairments observed in Drosophila genetic models of schizophrenia. As part of a dual-degree, I also obtained a PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology from the University of Bristol (UK), where I worked with Dr James J.L. Hodge, investigating the contribution of schizophrenia-associated genes to circadian locomotor activity and memory in Drosophila. I am particularly interested in understanding how environmental cues are sensed and processed in the brain. Specifically, how these signals are integrated at a molecular and network-level to generate circadian and seasonal adaptation. I joined Dr. Chiu’s Lab as a postdoctoral scholar, to explore the molecular mechanism and underlying circuits participating in the regulation of seasonal variation in reproductive dormancy.

Xian-Hui (Nitrol) Liu, Postdoctoral Fellow

I received my BSc in Biological Sciences in 2014 from Beijing Forestry University (China). I completed my Ph.D. in Entomology at UC Davis in September 2020. For my Ph.D., I explored the interplay between circadian clock and metabolism in maintaining animal health. Specifically, I investigated the regulation of cellular protein O-GlcNAcylation by circadian clock and metabolic signals. O-GlcNAcylation is a nutrient senstive post-translational modification that can alter the structure and function of thousands of cellular proteins. I was fascinated by how circadian biology can be shaped by multiple factors through complex mechanisms. My long-term goal is to understand how molecular pathways are coordinated temporally to maintain animal health and wellness. For this reason, I am excited to work as postdoctoral scholar in Dr. Chiu’s lab and investigate key proteins and pathways that are modulated by daily O-GlcNAcylation cycles in both fly and mouse models.

Christine Tabuloc, Postdoctoral Fellow

I graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Davis in 2015. I joined the lab as an undergraduate research assistant in 2012, completed my Ph.D. in Entomology in 2023, and am currently a postdoctoral fellow. Much of my work in the lab has involved different agricultural pests and investigating the molecular aspects contributing to the insect’s ability to be an effective pest. My current focus is to investigate the effects of climatic change on gene expression of an invasive pest and determine whether there is a correlation to resistance and survival.

Curtis Carlson, Graduate Student (Entomology Graduate Group)

I graduated with a B.S. in Global Disease Biology from UC Davis in 2018. During my undergrad, I worked on the phylogeography of North American Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm) in Dr. Steve Nadler's lab. After graduating, I joined Dr. Bryce Falk's lab in Plant Pathology where I worked as a Junior Specialist. In Dr. Falk's lab I researched the insect-host-microbe interactions of citrus greening disease, completed new genome assemblies of Diaphorina citri (Asian citrus psyllid), and worked to engineer insect-specific viral vectors. I joined the Chiu Lab in 2022. I am broadly interested in entomology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics and hope to combine these interests for my PhD in entomology. 

Rodrigo Del Rio, Graduate Student (Integrated Genomics and Genetics Graduate Group)

I received my B.S degree for Ecology and Evolutionary biology from UC Irvine in 2020. As an undergraduate researcher, I conducted research in Dr. Susana Cohen-Cory’s laboratory investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate synapse formation during development. I was given the opportunity to present my research at both ABCRMS and AAAS before graduating. From my undergraduate research experience, I became interested in molecular biology and genetics and decided to pursue a Ph.D. degree with the IGG graduate program here at UC Davis. I now am a member of Dr.  Chiu’s laboratory, investigating the mechanisms underlying the responses of the circadian clock to temperature changes.

Yu-Ping Meng, Graduate Student (Entomology Graduate Group)

I joined the Chiu Lab in the summer of 2022 as a second year undergraduate student majoring in biotechnology.  I am interested in understanding the mechanisms of animal circadian rhythms because dysfunctional circadian rhythms can cause lots of health problems and I am a person that is heavily influenced by circadian rhythms.  I feel excited to work with the Chiu Lab and have recently started my Ph.D. in Entomology. I will continue working in Dr. Chiu's lab and will investigate metabolic regulation of circadian rhythms.

Katherine Avila-Diaz, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am a third year undergraduate student majoring in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior Science.  I joined the Chiu Lab in Fall 2023 with the support of the Biology Undergraduate Scholar Program (BUSP) and Advancing Diversity in Aging Research (ADAR) program.  I’m mentored and guided by postdoc Yao Cai and focusing on how nutrition regulates sleep. During my time in the Chiu Lab, I look forward to improving my research skills and know about amazing scientific discoveries.

Shea Erler, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I’m a second-year Microbiology major on a pre-med track and am in the Biology Undergraduate Scholar Program (BUSP). My mentor in the Chiu Lab is Christine Tabuloc, and I’m currently studying the molecular components of the disease Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome. I’m so excited to expand my knowledge and experience in scientific research with the Chiu Lab!!

Derek Jermanis, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am a third year undergraduate student at UC Davis, majoring in Molecular and Medical Microbiology. I joined Dr. Chiu's lab in Spring of 2023, with help from The Research Scholars Program in Insect Biology (RSPIB). The laboratory skills I have acquired and practiced in Dr. Chiu's lab is unlike anything I expected to learn at university, and I am constantly surprised by how much I have left to learn.

Ben Kunimoto, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I started interning in the Chiu lab as a high school student at Davis Senior High School in 2018 because I wanted to explore my fascination with entomology and biochemistry.  Now as an undergraduate at UC Davis, pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, I plan to continue my independent research  in Dr. Chiu’s lab to study mechanisms of circadian rhythms.  I have been learning a lot about the incredible molecular processes of the circadian clock and what it's like to work in an entomology lab.  I hope to pursue entomology and biochemistry in my future career. 

Lorenzo Munoz, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am a second year undergraduate student at UC Davis majoring in Animal Biology. I joined Dr. Chiu’s lab for her mentorship and to gain experience in the field of research as I aspire to get my PhD or become a veterinarian. In addition, I want to expand my knowledge on how circadian rhythm affects neurological disorders. I am beyond excited to work with the Clock Lab and expand my knowledge. 

Nusrat Jahan, Visiting Scientist

I completed my BSc in Animal Husbandry and earned a master's degree in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Bangladesh Agricultural University in 2023.  During my master's studies, I developed a strong interest in molecular genetics. Seeking to gain practical experience and deepen my understanding, I joined Dr. Joanna Chiu's lab as a learner.  Currently, under the guidance of Dr. Yao Cai, I am learning molecular cloning and working on a project focused on regulation of nuclear transport of cellular proteins.  My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in molecular genetics and conduct research on the molecular basis of animal behavior and production-related traits.

Lab Alumni

Vickie Chung

(UG, 2011-2012)

Diana Teng

(UG, 2011-2012)

UCSF Master's Program in Nursing

Jessica Chan

(UG, 2012-2013)

Counselor at Sacramento Children's Home

Anna Lei

(UG, 2010-2012)

Research Associate at HealthTell

Ivy (Yu) Zhong

(UG, 2014-2015)

Sales Manager at 10X Genomics

Lisa Soyeon Baik

(UG and Junior Specialist, 2012-2014)

Postdoc at Yale

Axelle Weeger

(UG, 2013-2014)

Career in genetics 

Jonathan Diehl

(M.S. in BMCDB, 2012-2014)

High school teacher in Washington

Kevin Cervantes

(UG, 2014-2015)

Medical School

Elizabeth Chan

(UG, 2015-2016)

Career in veterinary medicine

Jessica West

(UG, 2013-2016)

Graduated with PhD from Cornell

Pedro Gutierrez Tamayo

(UG, 2014-2016)

Graduated with PhD from Columbia

Tientien Hsieh

(UG, 2014-2016)

Scientist at Revolution Medicines

Ran Bi

(UG, 2015-2016)

Pharmacy degree, CSU

Katherine Murphy

(UG and Research Associate, 2011-2016)

PhD Student at Stanford

Rosanna Kwok

(Junior Specialist, 2010-2012; PhD, 2012-2016)

Research scientist at Genentech

Helen Capewell

(UG, 2016-2017)

Khine Lin

(UG, 2016-2018)

Scientific Data Curator at Stanford

Adam Contreras

(PhD, 2013-2018)

Research Scientist at BioStone Animal Health

Vu Lam

(PhD, 2012-2018)

Ying Li

(PhD, 2013-2018)

Data Engineer at SymphonyRM

Derek Wilson

(Junior Specialist, 2016-2018)

Scientist at Archer Daniels Midland

Hoang Nguyen

(UG, 2016-2018)

Scientist at Denali Therapeutics

Thu (Tammy) Pham

(UG, 2016-2018)

Scientist at Global Blood Therapeutics

Jose Del Carmen Li

(High School Research Assistant - Project SEED, Summer 2017 & 2018)

Undergrad at UCLA Class of 2022

 Qi Wei

(Visiting Student, CSC Fellowship, October 2017 to February 2019)

Assistant Researcher, State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China


Michelle Lei

(UG, 2018-2019)

Christopher Ochoa

(UG, 2017-2019)

Ph.D. student at UCLA

Dominik Aylard

(UG, 2017-2020)

Ph.D. student at UC Berkeley

Wenqi Song

(UG, 2018-2020)

M.S. from Stanford, Scientist at Dren Bio, Inc.


Kory Chan

(UG, 2018-2020), Medical School

Cindy Truong

(UG, 2018-2020)

Megan Fung

(UG, 2020-2021)


Daniel Eweis-LaBolle

(UG, 2019-2021), Ph.D. student at Cornell


Maribel Anguiano

(Junior Specialist, 2020-21), Ph.D. student at UC Davis Neuroscience

Antoine Abrieux

(Postdoctoral Fellow 2016-21), Strategic Research Associate, Innovation Institute of Food & Health

Christian Flynn Atallah

(UG, 2019-2022), Research Associate, Arcturus Therapeutics


Yi (Zita) Gao

(UG, 2020-2022), Ph.D. student at UC Irvine


Kiya Jackson

(UG, 2020-2022), Ph.D. student at UCLA

Ana Armenta Vega

(UG, 2020-2022), NIH IRTA Scholar

Cameron Vasquez

(UG, 2021-2023), Ph.D. student at University of Michigan


Kenna Takamiya

(UG, 2023-2024)


Maeta Phoupraseut

(UG, 2022-2023), Graduated from UC Davis

Madison Sandler

(UG, 2022-2024)

Alexandra Espinosa

(UG, 2022-2023)


Emily Chen

(UG, 2022-2023), M.S. student at Stanford


Kyle Lewald

(PhD, 2018-2023), Scientist at Advanced Cell Diagnostics

Hayley Sheehy

(MS, 2021-2023), Scientist at Astellas Gene Therapies

Xuehan Xu

(MS, 2021-2024), Research Associate at HD Biosciences, WuXi AppTec company


Gary Chow

(Postdoc Fellow 2020-2023), Scientist at the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of J & J


Summer Calvache

(UG, 2022-2023), Graduated from UC Davis