Welcome to
The Lynch Lab!
At The Lynch Lab, we are dedicated to exploring the intricate connections between obesity, diet, and immune cell functions.
Our research focuses on understanding how these factors influence innate immune cells, including invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, natural killer (NK) cells & gamma delta T cells.
In addition to our primary research, we investigate the critical role of the immune system in regulating metabolism and body weight. We pay special attention to the local immune system within adipose tissue, studying its impact in both mice and humans.
Meet The Team
Dr. Lydia Lynch, PhD
Principle Investigator
Professor, Molecular Biology, Princeton
Full Member, Ludwig Cancer Research Institute, Princeton Branch
Laura Lin
PhD Student
Project:
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Favourite Cell:
Leafy Ye
PhD Student
Project:
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Favourite Cell:
Brenneth Stevens
PhD Student
Project:
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Favourite Cell:
Thomas Atkins
PhD Student
Project: Co-advised between Julien Ayroles and Lydia Lynch, Thomas is interested in understanding immune variation—between populations, between individuals, and between cells—and its consequences.
Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy cooking, playing D&D and videogames with friends, and visiting art museums!
Favourite Cell: What even is a cell type, anyway?
Zhiyue Zhang
PhD Student
Project: I analyze single-cell data to understand the cellular phenotypes underlying tumor immunology, in the context of obesity and aging. Another branch of my work is assembling a pan-innate T cell scRNA atlas to gain insight into the transcriptional states of IL-17 producers. Additionally, I am interested in integrating multi-modal data to best represent the biological factors driving disease and dysfunction.
Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy writing, reading, cinema, and chess
Favourite Cell: The cell whose RNA survives sequencing library preparation
Claire McIntyre
Postdoctoral Fellow
(co-mentored by Dr Alison Ringel at The Ragon Institute, MIT)
Project: Understanding lipid metabolic pathways that regulate gamma delta T cell function and how we can target these therapeutically.
Interests/Hobbies: Cycling and baking
Favourite Cell: Has to be gamma delta T cells of course!
Nicolo Bancaro
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Project: Effect of Dietary interventions on Tumor immune cells metabolism
Interests/Hobbies: I have a deep fascination for space and nature. I love cooking and experimenting with flavors from around the world, staying active with different sports, and diving into RPGs and board games with friends.
Favourite Cell:
Kristin DePeaux
Postdoctoral Researcher
Project: Understanding how obesity and host metabolism affect the tumor microenvironment, specifically CD8+ T cell fate and function.
Interests/Hobbies: Hiking & crafting
Favourite Cell:Cytotoxic T cell & Treg
Matt Fischer
Postdoctoral Researcher
Project: I am interested in understanding how γδ T cell-derived IL-17 coordinates adipose tissue homeostasis
Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy hearing stories and playing games, and I love it when these two things intersect
Favourite Cell: γδ T cells
Yu-San Kao
Postdoctoral Researcher
Project: My research interest is investigating how metabolic regulation determines the fate and function of T cells. My research here focusses on studying the role of lipid droplets and type 17 signature genes in γδ T cells.
Interests/Hobbies: Badminton, Travel, Drinking bubble tea
Favourite Cell: γδT17 cells
Katie Healy
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Project: Transcriptional and metabolic regulation of human MAIT cell functions. My other interest include tumor immunology and IL-17 regulation
Interests/Hobbies: Playing videogames and going to trivia nights with my wonderful labmates
Favourite Cell: MAIT cells, the ultiMAIT innate T cell
Muhammad Elkayal
Undergraduate Student
Project:
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Favourite Cell:
Helena Ploss
Undergraduate Student
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Carolina Pavlik
Undergraduate Student
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Favourite Cell:
Brittany Bamonte
Project: My main focus is our mice. I perform injections and collect data from the laboratory mice in order to help my lab-mates meet their research goals. I hope to continue to improve in all areas involving the mice to better assist everyone!
Interests/Hobbies: Drawing, writing, and reading.
Grace Guan
Project:
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Dr. Martin Brennan, PhD
Past Member
Project: Characterisation of murine CD3+, CD4-, CD8-double negative T cells in homeostasis and cancer
Science Interests: T cell biology, cytokines, cancer immunology, gut mucosa.
Interests/Hobbies: I love travelling and exploring new places, keeping up with tv shows & movies, gym & fitness, and my newfound hobby, stage acting.
Favourite Cell: I have a soft spot for all unconventional T cells!
