Our Members
The Lu laboratory aims to gather unique individuals passionate about RNA processing in hematopoiesis, immunity, and cancer.
Michal Sekrecki
Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Michal is a medical biotechnologist with a PhD in biological sciences, who is fascinated by the world of ncRNAs and animal models. Michal earned his PhD in Krzysztof Sobczak’s Lab at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland. His doctoral project focused on miR-21 biogenesis and the connection between splicing and polyadenylation in this process. He is enthusiastic about facing new scientific challenges and addressing novel questions. Michal believes that the effort of all team members, side by side, will lead to great success. In his free time, Michal competes in triathlons and enjoys playing board games.
In Sydney Lu’s laboratory, Michal will look for a direct connection between splicing and polyadenylation events and how they affect processes like hematopoiesis, immune function, carcinogenesis, and anti-cancer immunity.
"Doing science is almost like doing a triathlon: there is reading, pipetting, and writing! It is an extreme and exciting sport.”
Contact: sekrecki[at]stanford[dot]edu
Agata Sekrecka
Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Agata has a longstanding interest in dissecting the molecular mechanisms of hematopoiesis and immunity. For her MSc, she elucidated the impact of glucocorticoids (GC) on human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. For her PhD, she studied the role of intracellular pathways downstream of type I and II interferons, dissecting roles of the critical GAF, ISGF3 and IRF1 complexes in time-dependent IFNalpha- and gamma-activated transcriptional responses to understand target genes and modules, as well as both convergent and distinct roles of type I and II interferons.
During her postdoctoral studies, she is applying her strengths in the biochemistry of intracellular signaling, RNAseq and computational analyses to clinically important questions regarding the pathobiology of recurrently mutated RNA splicing genes.
In her free time, she enjoys birdwatching, swimming, cycling and playing board and video games.
Contact: a.sekrecka[at]stanford[dot]edu
Xunhong Cao
Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Xunhong Cao obtained her PhD (Clinical Medicine-Hematology) degree from Peking University in 2024. During her doctoral studies, she was mentored by Professor Xiaojun Huang in the Hematology Department at Peking University People's Hospital. Her research focused on the role of virus-specific T cells in combating CMV and EBV infections, while maintaining a keen interest in the regulation and clinical applications of NK cell functions. Xunhong has consistently maintained a high level of enthusiasm for scientific research and hopes to integrate basic research questions with clinical translation in the future to make meaningful contributions.
In Sydney Lu’s lab, Xunhong will focus on the mechanisms and translational research of RNA metabolism, including RNA splicing and polyadenylation, in hematological diseases.
In her free time, Xunhong enjoys hiking, playing badminton, playing the piano, and spending time with her family.
Contact: xunhong[at]stanford[dot]edu
Rohan Reddy Lattupally
Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator
Rohan graduated from Rutgers University in 2021. During his time there, he worked in the lab of Advaitha Madireddy, exploring the contribution of defective replication, transcription, and repair to genomic instability in disorders such as Fanconi anemia and Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.
In the Lu Lab, Rohan is excited to apply novel techniques, hone his problem-solving skills, and challenge himself in new ways under the direct mentorship of Dr. Sydney Lu. As a coordinator, he works closely with patients and their doctors, as well as lab-based researchers, ensuring effective communication and coordination. He collects and organizes patient specimens -- an indispensable and precious resource for blood related research that will lead to improved therapies.
In his free time, Rohan enjoys cooking, hiking, weightlifting, and traveling to new places.
Contact: rrl73[at]stanford[dot]edu
Kenny Le
Life Science Research Professional
Kenny graduated from the University of California, Davis with a degree in Molecular and Medical Microbiology in 2023. From 2021 to 2023, he was an intern at the Dandekar Lab where he assisted in increasing crop yield of walnuts and grapes on a commercial scale. In the summer of 2023, he interned at Dr. Ami Bhatt's lab at Stanford University, where he studied recombinases.
As a life science research professional, Kenny is committed to continuously learning and mastering new skills in molecular biology, particularly in splicing and mRNA processing. He applies these advanced techniques to explore intricate cellular mechanisms. His work includes planning, executing, and documenting experiments with laboratory animals, ensuring their care and well-being. Additionally, Kenny, together with Rohan, manages and maintains the laboratory environment, ensuring optimal conditions for research.
He enjoys trying new recipes, going to the gym, and watching TV shows. His favorite shows are Breaking Bad, Invincible, and Fresh Prince of Belair.
Contact: knyle[at]stanford[dot]edu