Janane Rahbani, PhD
Principal Investigator
Dr. Rahbani received his master’s degree in chemistry from the American University of Beirut and his PhD in Chemical Biology from McGill University. He then joined the Kazak lab at the Goodman Cancer Institute for his postdoctoral fellowship, where he studied the molecular determinants of creatine metabolism in adipocyte thermogenesis. Dr. Rahbani is passionate about mentoring academic trainees and committed to fostering a culture of learning and development in his lab. Outside the lab, Janane loves cooking and discovering new cuisines, traveling, attending comedy shows and exploring the vibrant art scene of Chicago.
Youhua Liu, PhD.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Youhua obtained his Ph.D. in Animal Science from Zhejiang University, where he focused on investigating the impact of RNA modifications, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and C5-methylcytosine (m5C), on fat deposition and in the development of obesity. In our lab, he is particularly interested in studying Gαq signaling due to its critical role in regulating key metabolic pathways and energy balance, as well as its potential implications for addressing metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Outside of his research, Youhua enjoys traveling, cycling, and working out at the gym.
Ronard Kwizera, PhD.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Ronard, originally from Rwanda, relocated to the United States after finishing high school. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Philander Smith University in Arkansas in 2018 and went on to complete a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Purdue University, Indiana, in 2024. Driven by a passion for leveraging research to fuel scientific innovation and improve medical advancements, Ronard’s postdoctoral work explores the influence of the bone marrow microenvironment on leukemia. Beyond his work in the lab, Ronard enjoys soccer—both playing and watching—along with ping pong, pool, and music.
Em Lundberg, BSc.
Research Technologist
Em earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Drake University. Later, she completed her post-bac at UC Berkeley, focusing on medication adherence in individuals with psychosis. Em is passionate about research, viewing it as a means to contribute positively to the world. In our lab, Em studies the role of Gαq signaling in regulating adipose tissue-liver cross talk and in controlling the whole-body metabolism. Beyond her academic pursuits, she finds joy in reading and discussing literature, running, and attending live music events.
Minsu Song, BSc.
Research Technologist
Minsu earned his Bachelor’s degree in Life Science from Handong Global University in South Korea, where he researched the role of macrophages in kidney fibrogenesis. He later joined Prof. Bonventre’s lab at Harvard Medical School, focusing on developing bioluminescent enzymatic probes for diagnosing acute kidney injury. In our lab, Minsu investigates the impact of dietary interventions on the development and treatment of acute leukemia. Outside of his research, he enjoys playing tennis and soccer.
Athanasios Kondilis, DO/PhD.
Internal Medicine Resident
Athanasios is a first-year internal medicine resident in the University of Chicago NorthShore program. He earned his DO and PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University, where his research focused on the effects of obesity on the central nervous system using chemogenetics in mouse models. Athanasios aims to build a career as an obesity medicine specialist, combining research and clinical practice to address the growing obesity epidemic. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, exploring Chicago’s concert scene, and traveling the world.
Obi Ukomadu
Undergraduate Student
Obi is a rising third-year undergraduate student at The University of Chicago majoring in Biological Sciences. His project focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of adipose tissue atrophy in cancer associated cachexia. Outside of school, Obi enjoys playing basketball and listening to music.
Alumni
Hannah Berley, Undergraduate Student (2024).
We are hiring!
The Rahbani lab is looking for enthusiastic undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
Rahbani Lab 