Our Team | Tang Lab

Meet Our Team

Liang C, Zheng Q, Chen X, Liu J, Tanaka M, Wang S, Lepler S, Jin Z, Siemann D, Zeng B, Tang X. Human Cancer Cells Generate Spontaneous Calcium Transients And Intercellular Waves That Modulate Tumor Growth. Biomaterials, 2022, (290), 121823, doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121823.
Liang C, Huang M, Li T, Li L, Sussman H, Dai Y, Siemann D, Xie M, Tang X. Towards An Integrative Understanding of Cancer Mechanobiology: Calcium, YAP, and MicroRNA Under Biophysical Forces. Soft Matter, 2022,18, 1112-1148.
Luo Q, Zhang J, Lin G, Huang M, Tanaka M, Lepler S, Guan J, Siemann D, Tang X. Automatic Multi-functional Integration Program (AMFIP) Towards All-optical Mechanobiology Interrogation. PLOS One, 2022, 17(7): e0266098, doi:10.1101/2021.03.31.437936.

Huang M, Wang HY, Delgado AA, Reid TA, Long J, Wang S, Sussman H, Guan J, Yamaguchi H, Tang X, Combining 3D Magnetic Force Actuator and Multi-Functional Fluorescence Imaging to Study Nucleus Mechanobiology, Journal of Visualized Experiments, 2022, (185), e64098, doi:10.3791/64098.

Luo Q, Huang M, Liang C, Zhang J, Lin G, Yu S, Tanaka M, Lepler S, Guan J, Siemann D, Tang X. All-optical Mechanobiology Interrogation of Yes-asssociated Protein (YAP) in Human Cancer and Normal Cells Using A Novel Multi-functional System. Journal of Visualized Experiments, 2021, (178), e62934, doi:10.3791/62934.

Zhang Y, Shi X, Zhao T, Huang C, Wei Q, Tang X, Santy LC, Saif MTA, Zhang S. A traction force threshold signifies metastatic phenotypic change in multicellular epithelia. Soft Matter. 2019 Sep 18;15(36):7203-7210.

Lee J, Abdeen AA, Tang X, Saif TA, Kilian KA. Matrix Directed Adipogenesis and Neurogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Adipose Tissue and Bone Marrow. Acta Biomater, 2016, 42:46-55. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.06.037.

Lee J, Abdeen AA, Tang X, Saif TA, Kilian KA. Geometric Guidance of Integrin Mediated Traction Stress During Stem Cell Differentiation. Biomaterials, 2015, 69:174-83.doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.08.005

Tang X, Kuhlenschmidt TB, Li Q, Ali S, Lezmi S, Chen H, Pires-Alves M, Laegreid WW, Saif TA, Kuhlenschmidt MS. A Mechanically-induced Colon Cancer Cell Population Shows Increased Metastatic Potential. Molecular Cancer, 2014, 13:131. doi: 10.1186/1476-4598-13-131.

Tang X, Tofangchi A, Anand SV, Saif TA. A Novel Cell Traction Force Microscopy to Study Multi-cellular System. PLoS Computational Biology, 2014,10(6):e1003631, doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003631.

Tang X, Saif T. Adhesivity of Colon Cancer Cells during in vitro Metastasis. International journal of applied mechanics. 2013; 05(03).

Tang X, Wen Q, Kuhlenschmidt TB, Kuhlenschmidt MS, Janmey PA, Saif TA. Attenuation of cell mechanosensitivity in colon cancer cells during in vitro metastasis. PLoS One. 2012;7(11): e50443.

Tang X, Ali MY, Saif MT. A Novel Technique for Micropatterning Proteins and Cells on Polyacrylamide Gels. Soft Matter. 2012 Jul 21;8(27):7197-7206.

Cha C, Jeong JH, Tang X, Zill AT, Prakash YS, Zimmerman SC, Saif TA, Kong H. Top-down synthesis of versatile polyaspartamide linkers for single-step protein conjugation to materials. Bioconjug Chem. 2011 Dec 21;22(12):2377-82.

Tang X, Kuhlenschmidt TB, Zhou J, Bell P, Wang F, Kuhlenschmidt MS, Saif TA. Mechanical force affects expression of an in vitro metastasis-like phenotype in HCT-8 cells. Biophys J. 2010 Oct 20;99(8):2460-9

Xin Tang, Ph.D., xin.tang@ufl.edu

Professor Xin Tang received his Post-doctoral Fellow training from Harvard University and Ph.D. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His current research interests include biomechanics in cancer and metastasis, cardiovascular system, brains, and developing embryos; coupled mechano-electro-physiology; quantitative in vivo/in vitro functional bio-imaging; bio-nanotechnology; and development of unconventional biophysical tools to probe biological function and structure. He is a member of ASME, APS, BMES, BPS, IEEE, SES, and ASEE.

Teaching Responsibilities:

EML 6611: Continuum Mechanics

EML 6934: Biophysics for Engineers: from Single Atom to Multicellular System

EML 4507: Finite Element Analysis, Design, and Optimization

EML 4592: Bio-solid Mechanics: Science, Engineering, Art, and Humanity

YouTube Channel for Education: https://www.youtube.com/@xintang3067/featured

Abygale Cochrane

Abygale is a physics undergraduate student in Dr. Xin Tang's lab. She has worked with the Orlando Science Center and Mathnasium to promote the education of science and mathematics in youth. In Dr. Tang's lab, she is pursuing a career in multidisciplinary research to better understand how physics applies to and benefits all scales of life. Abygale is a recipient of multiple best research poster and presentation awards.

Alexa Ziff

Alexa is a biochemistry undergraduate student in Dr. Xin Tang's lab. Her career goals include obtaining a doctorate degree and becoming a cancer researcher in Dr. Tang's lab. Her passion for cancer research stems from her mom’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2016. Outside of research, she is an Emerging Leader for Dance Marathon at UF, the SAT Tutoring Coordinator for Smart Kids Tutor, and an avid crocheter and baker.

Allannah Dean

Allannah Dean is a senior (K-12) at Glades Central Community High School. She plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in microbiology and cell science once she gets into college. Allannah has been working as a UF Student Science Training Program participant in Dr. Tang's lab. Mentored by Chenyu, Andrea, and Dr. Tang, Allannah is studying intracellular biochemistry and extracellular forces relationship in cancer mechanobiology. In free time, she enjoys baking and reading books.

Amanda Snyder

Amanda Snyder is a third-year Biochemistry major, minoring in Deaf and Hearing Sciences. In Dr. Tang's lab, she specializes in 3D/4D cancer cell/tissue culture, organoids, machine-learning (ML)-enabled data analysis, and quantitative functional imaging in vitro/ex vivo/in vivo. She is a part of the UF Honors College and the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP). Amanda is involved in the Panhellenic community, UF AMSA, and RNA research training at Yale University.

Andrea Kannita Noy

Andrea is a third-year undergraduate student in Tang lab. As a fellow in University Scholar Program (UFHOW & UFHCC), she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, but is also strongly interested in exploring a future in medicine. Being from Florida’s Space Coast, she is very fortunate to have many opportunities to explore interests both close to home and at UF. In Tang lab, Andrea is mentoring multiple under-represented high-school (K-12) students on research and manuscript preparation and receives multiple best research presentation awards.

Angela Liang

Angela Liang is a pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering and is a part of the UF Honors Program and University Research Scholars Program. She is interested in exploring the many applications of engineering in a medical and cellular context. In Dr. Tang's lab, she is assisting in research surrounding electrical signaling in human cancer cells. Aside from research, she is a member of the Freshman Leadership Engineering Group and enjoys cooking and music.

Chenyu Liang

Chenyu earned his B.S. degree in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics at University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2018. Following that, he joined Dr. Xin Tang's group to pursue a Ph.D. degree in the Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering department at the University of Florida. His research interest includes 2 main areas: (1) 3D unique calcium signaling and mechanobiology network in human cancer cells, and (2) all-optical electrophysiology-genome mapping in neurons.

Cole Mackey

Cole is a Biochemistry major and Pre-Med student in Dr. Tang's lab. As a member of URSP and Honors program, Cole works on multiple projects ranging from mechanobiology to neuroscience, with a deep interest in exploring intersections of physical and biomedical sciences. He plans to attend medical school after completing his undergraduate studies, and is actively considering pursuing an MD-PhD program to further his passion for conducting cutting-edge research. Outside of the lab, Cole enjoys singing with an a cappella choir, calisthenics, and playing Nintendo games!

Daniel Parra

Daniel is an undergraduate student at the University of Florida pursuing a major in Computer Science and a minor in Bioinformatics. Daniel is part of UF’s Honors and URSP program. In Tang lab, Daniel is especially interested in programming artificial intelligence (AI) software, automation, and unsupervised machine learning (ML) for multi-scale/dimensional living system research.

Dylan Parsons

Dylan is an undergraduate student majoring in Pre-Professional Biology on the pre-medical track. Aiming to apply scientific and medical knowledge, humanitarian skill, and compassion to improve lives, his work in the Tang lab consists of assisting with the lab's "Biomechanics and Mechanobiology Engineering" project. Outside of his academic commitments, Dylan volunteers at the UF Shand's Hospital network, engages in several community service projects, and enjoys playing video games with friends.

Emma Diaz

Emma is a rising senior studying Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and plans to start medical school in the Fall of 2025. As an undergraduate leader in Dr. Tang’s lab, Emma focuses on discovering new cancer therapies and treatment and visualizing the PC9 YAP dynamics. Emma oversees the project development and mentors several undergraduates from the Center for Undergraduate Research. Outside the lab, Emma volunteers weekly at a local hospital, as a baby cuddler in the NICU, and is a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and an avid soccer player.

Erica Hengartner

Erica Hengartner is an undergraduate researcher at the University of Florida pursuing a degree in Integrative Biology. A daughter of two microbiologists, she grew up in Miami, FL, where she spent her adolescent years fascinated and surrounded by science. Erica aspires to attend a top research-intensive graduate school for a PhD and substantially contribute to the scientific community worldwide. She is in the 2024 University Scholar Program cohort.

Jadon Thomas

Originally from the Caribbean island of Barbados, Jadon is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in biology on the pre-med track at the University of Florida. He has an interest in cellular imagery and relay systems. In Dr. Tang's lab, Jadon aids in researching electrical signals in human cancer cells and tissues. Outside of the lab, Jadon is a volunteer at his local food bank, a CLAS peer mentor and enjoys soccer, cricket, and travelling.

Jellane Fauni

Jellane is a freshman at the University of Florida and pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering. She has a keen interest in specializing in machine learning and hardware, particularly in bio-nanotechnology. In Dr. Tang's lab, Jellane's academic aspirations are driven by the goal of merging technological advancements with medical research. Her goal is to utilize technology as a pivotal tool in driving the boundaries of human medical research and healthcare solutions.

Georgios Glynatsis

Georgios Glynatsis is a first-year medical physics student in the UF Honors Program and the University Research Scholars Program. He is interested in the application of physics and medical devices in treating and imaging cancer and preventing its progression. In Dr. Tang's lab, he is working towards this goal by aiding in research investigating electrical signaling in human cancer cells. Outside of research, he is in the Inter-Residence Hall Association and enjoys traditional Greek dance.

Heyang Wang

Heyang Wang is a senior at the University of Florida, working towards his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. In Dr. Tang's lab, he is passionate and interested in medical device development, biomedical, and mechanical applications in human health. He is looking for more opportunities in medical device/tool design and manufacturing. HeYang has been consistently mentoring multiple under-represented high-school (K-12) students and undergraduate colleagues on research and manuscript preparation since 2021.

Kevin Connell

Kevin Connell is a second-year mechanical/aerospace engineering student. He is part of the UF Honors Program as well as the University Research Scholars Program (URSP). Currently, he is working on data analysis, image processing, and mechanical modeling/simulation for various projects within the Tang laboratory. Outside of the laboratory, Kevin enjoys participating in numerous UF bands as a trumpet player.

Laura Garzon

Laura Garzon is a 2nd-year aerospace engineering student in the UF Honors Program and the University Research Scholars Program. In Dr. Tang’s lab, she is involved in the cancer research team and helps with engineering-related tasks such as 3D modeling lab equipment. Through her research, she hopes to continue growing in knowledge of biology and physics to complement her aerospace studies. Outside of the lab, she is a member of the UF choir and her church choir, SWAMP Launch Rocket Team, and Engineering Peer Advising.

Matthew Barrett

Matthew Barrett is currently a junior majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in chemistry. He finds cell biology interesting and combining it with his engineering background is very fascinating. In Dr. Tang's lab, he specializes in fibrin-centered cell research and has been mentoring new undergraduate students and multiple high-school (K-12) students from regional under-represented groups.

Melissa Erdem

Melissa is an undergraduate pursuing a Microbiology and Cell Science major on the Pre-Medical track. As a Tang lab member in the UF Honors and URSP programs, she is exploring mechanisms of tumor microenvironment to create unique patient treatments. She plans to continue research in medical school and pursue surgery. Apart from research, she enjoys assisting non-profit organizations, performing as a violinist with the UF Symphony Orchestra, and spending time with friends and family.

Miao Huang

Miao Huang is working with Dr. Xin Tang in the fields of cancer and neuron mechanobiology. He received his bachelor's degree from Southeast University and master’s degree from University of Florida. In Tang lab, Miao has been leading multiple research projects and simultaneously mentoring many under-represented high-school (K-12), undergraduate, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows on both experiments and manuscript preparation. Outside the lab, he enjoys being a musician.

Quang Vo

Quang is an undergraduate at the University of Florida. He is majoring in Biology and minoring in Nutritional Sciences and Pathogenesis on the pre-medical track. His primary role in the lab involves producing polyacrylamide activation gels, as well as guiding new undergraduates through lab and experimental procedures. Quang is also part of UF's Honors and URSP Programs, volunteers at HCA North Florida Hospital, and is a part of a multitude of other pre-health clubs that are affiliated with UF. In his free time, Quang enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and singing.

Riley Deputy

Riley Deputy is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Florida and is majoring in chemical engineering. Her other memberships include the UF honors program and URSP. In Dr. Tang's lab, Riley is interested in pursuing a career in sustainable bio-/other-energy development, and in her free time enjoys painting and ceramics.

Siona Zayas-Bazan

Siona is an undergraduate senior pursuing a major in biotechnology and minoring in bioinformatics & disabilities in society, towards a MS degree in genetic counseling. Siona is a resident assistant and Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship peer mentor. Outside of UF, she works as program staff at Camp Boggy Creek, helping children with serious illnesses experience fun, inclusive activities. In her free time she enjoys rock climbing and backpacking.

Yinong Chen

Yinong received a B.S. in agricultural engineering from Zhejiang University in 2022 and a M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 2024. She is now pursuing her Ph.D. degree in Dr. Tang’s lab to elucidate neural signal recording and decoding systems, brain-computer interfaces, and the underlying mechanobiology of neural systems.

Yuning Feng

Yuning is a PhD student in Dr. Tang’s lab and is researching how mechanical forces affect the biological functions of cells and organisms, aiming to apply this knowledge to prevent and treat diseases related to mechanobiology. She obtained a bachelor's degree from Sichuan University and a master’s degree from the National University of Singapore, both in Mechanical Engineering. Outside the lab, Yuning is passionate about baking and swimming.

Zaid Syed

Zaid is currently a sophomore in Dr. Tang's lab at the University of Florida. He intends to major in psychology with a specialization in neuroscience to become a physician in the future. In his free time, he enjoys socializing with hid dog Tsuki, shadowing physicians, and volunteering as a veterinary technician at the Humane Society of North Central Florida. He also has a passion for film making.

Zainab Alshakarchi

Zainab is a first-year biomedical sciences PhD student at the UF College of Medicine. Following her B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology from FAU, Zainab explored diverse research areas and many projects at the UF Scripps Biomedical Research Institute. Zainab is interested in exploring the role of RNA in diseases in the context of mechanomedicine and chemical biology. Outside the Tang lab, Zainab enjoy spending time outdoors biking or running.