Zeng Lab at virginia tech
Dr. Zeng, Jiayu Dong, Kamal Chhetri, and the 2026 Summer Interns
Kamal Chhetri
Ph.D. candidate (2023.8 - present)
I was born and raised in the western part of Nepal. My passion for plants and agriculture developed early in my childhood while growing up on a family-owned farm. This upbringing fueled my curiosity and ultimately led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University. After completing my Master of Science in Biotechnology at West Virginia State University in 2023, I started my Ph.D. journey under the guidance of Dr. Zeng at Virginia Tech. My research interests lie in exploring innovative solutions to crop disease and sustainability. I find solace in the great outdoors. I love camping, exploring new places, and immersing myself in various genres of music.
Jiayu Dong
Ph.D. student (2024.8 - present)
I was born and grew up in Hebei Province, which is in the north of China. I pursued my undergraduate degree in the plant protection major at China Agricultural University. After graduation, I chose to continue my study in plant pathology at the same school and gained my master's degree. In August 2024, I started my Ph.D. program at Virginia Tech, with a focus on tobacco target spot in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences. Beyond academic pursuits, I enjoy traveling, reading, and also derive pleasure from cooking and baking and enjoying delicious cuisine.
Undergraduate Researchers
Nia Stewart
Nia is an undergraduate student at Virginia Tech pursuing a biological sciences major and a creative writing minor. After graduating, she plans to attend veterinary school and pursue a career as a wildlife veterinarian. Over the summer at the Southern Piedmont AREC, Nia will serve as an undergraduate research assistant, supporting a variety of projects in metagenomic sequencing, fungal pathogen studies, and molecular biology research.
John Chung
I am a sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in biomedical engineering and currently working as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Yuan’s lab, where I mainly focus on bioinformatics. Although I was born in Washington, D.C., I spent most of my life in Cambodia, which shaped my perspective and desire to serve others. Through my studies and research, I hope to use engineering techniques to help people and contribute to meaningful solutions in healthcare and science.
Claire Ruscello
I am Claire! I am an incoming senior at Virginia Tech and a biology major. I am working with Jiayu on her project in the lab, studying pathogens that attack mostly tobacco plants. I plan to pursue graduate school and one day become a doctor. Outside of the lab I love to read, bake, and spend time with my family.
Aryan Srivastava
I am Aryan, a senior at Virginia Tech in Environmental Data Science. I am helping Kamal with his research in cleaning and presenting his spectacular findings using bioinformatics. I plan to use my skills in addition to everything that I learn at this research center to find solutions to real-world environmental problems.
Lab Alumni
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Paige Bilski, Virginia Tech, Summer 2025
Sophia Gavasheli, Virginia Tech, Summer 2025
Matthew Gastkins, James Madison University, Summer 2025
Samatha Ferrer, Hollins University, Summer 2024
Liv Erickson, Virginia Tech, Summer 2024
Denis Sarisoy, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Summer 2024
Caroline Taylor, Virginia Tech, Summer 2023
Sarah Hingst, Virginia Tech, Summer 2023
Xueming Xu, Virginia Tech, Summer & Fall 2023
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