Team

Shijie (SJ) Cao

Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutics at University of Washington

Postdoc, Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago

Ph.D., Bioengineering, University of Washington

B.S.Pharm., Pharmacy, Fudan University

Pronouns: he/him/his

Contact: sjcao@uw.edu; Box #357610 

Office: Health Science Building, Room H272F 

Brad Cleveland

Lab Manager & Research Scientist

Biography:

Brad has been involved in academic research for approximately 20 years and brings with him broad scientific knowledge and work experience in virology, immunology, vaccinology, and molecular biology.  After graduating from the University of Washington in 2001 with a degree in biochemistry (B.Sc.), he joined the lab of Dr. Shiu-Lok Hu at the University of Washington.  In Dr. Hu’s lab, he worked on developing an effective HIV-1 vaccine and better non-human primate models for AIDS.  Traveling, exploring the outdoors, and experiencing and learning about other world cultures are leisure-time activities which Brad enjoys.  

Contact: cleveb@uw.edu

Huiqi (Kiki) Wang, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Pharmaceutics

Biography:

Kiki recently earned her Ph.D. from the University of Alberta in January 2024. Her graduate research focused on the intersection of polymer chemistry and nanomedicine, specifically preparing lipid-based block copolymers via microwave-assisted RAFT polymerization for targeted anti-cancer drug delivery. Additionally, she explored the bioconjugation of these block copolymers with proteins to enhance their applications in various biomedical contexts. Kiki is passionate about designing and constructing innovative biomaterials for healthcare, leveraging a cross-disciplinary approach to drive advancements in the field. During her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, cooking, and playing golf

Contact: hqwang@uw.edu

Lindsey Williams

Ph.D. Student, PSTP fellow, mim_c trainee, Department of Pharmaceutics

Biography:

Lindsey is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Pharmaceutics. She graduated from UW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, then moved on to a postbac at the Seattle VA Medical Center. There, she employed a human iPSC-derived blood-brain barrier (BBB) model to study mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease-related BBB dysfunction. Her experience cultivated strong interests in neuroimmune interactions and developing novel therapeutic strategies to treat neurological diseases. Currently, her project focuses on 1) developing a nanoplatform for the controlled delivery of immunoregulatory gut microbiome-derived metabolites, and 2) exploring the therapeutic potential of this platform in the context of multiple sclerosis.

Contact: lmw99@uw.edu 

Giulia Stewart

Ph.D. Student, Department of Pharmaceutics

Biography:

Giulia is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Pharmaceutics. She received her Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Physiology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2024). During her undergraduate years, she led a research group investigating thin films of melanin nanoparticles for biomedical applications. This interdisciplinary research experience solidified her interest in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, which she hopes to continue exploring through graduate school.

Contact: giuliast@uw.edu

Yitong Guo

Master Student, Department of Pharmaceutics

Biography:

Yitong is a master's student at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from UC Davis, where she developed interests in pharmacokinetics and physiology. Her undergraduate research in Dr. Chao-yin Chen's lab at the UC Davis Department of Pharmacology focused on the effects of air pollution and stress on autonomic regulation and cardiovascular functions. While still refining her research focus, Yitong is passionate about interdisciplinary scientific exploration.

Contact: gyt620@uw.edu 

Katie Martinez

PharmD student, School of Pharmacy

Biography:

Katie is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Washington (UW) School of Pharmacy. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the UW and worked in information technology for three years. After her bachelors, she transitioned into research and studied cervicovaginal immune mediators in the UW SLU OBGYN Department. She has a clinical background in inpatient pharmacy, specialty medication management, clinical trials and regulatory affairs. Interests include pharmacovigilance, patient advocacy, and interprofessional medical communication.  

Contact: kamart@uw.edu 

Sudheshna Thirunahari

Undergraduate researcher, Biochemistry

Biography:

Sudheshna is a senior at the University of Washington pursuing a degree in biochemistry with a minor in data science. She joined the Cao lab because she is interested in the topics of pathophysiology and immunotherapies and how they appear in the healthcare field. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in medicine. Her hobbies include being a dance captain of UW Junoon, exploring the city with friends, and getting boba (specifically at Sunright Tea Studio) 

Contact: sudheshna.t24@gmail.com 

Vincent Chan

Undergraduate researcher, Biochemistry (Seattle University)

Biography:

Vincent is a senior at Seattle University, majoring in biochemistry. With a deep interest in the scientific exploration of health solutions, he joined the Cao Lab through a summer scholar program and has continued his involvement there to gain more experience. Outside the lab and academic pursuits, he stays active by working out and playing soccer.

Contact: cchan1@seattleu.edu