Elena Ezhkova Laboratory

elena.ezhkova@mssm.edu

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Elena carried out her PhD studies on epigenetics and chromatin in Dr. Bill Tansey’s lab at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (NY, USA). For her postdoctoral studies, she moved to Dr. Elaine Fuchs’s lab at the Rockefeller University (NY, USA), where she learned the skin stem cell system. At Mount Sinai, Dr. Ezhkova's lab is part of the Black Family Stem Cell Institute and the Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology. 

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meng-yen.li@mssm.edu

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Meng-Yen received his PhD from the Institute of Biochemistry at National Taiwan University under the supervision by Dr. Guang-Chao Chen. During his PhD, he studied the function and molecular regulation of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase in lung cancer. Meng Yen joined the Ezhkova lab in February 2018. In the lab, he is interested in  skin cancer.

pooja.flora@mssm.edu

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Pooja received her PhD  at University at Albany in Dr. Rangan's lab. She joined the Ezhkova lab in September 2018 and is interested in uncovering how epigenetic regulators control hair follicle stem cell function in the adult skin. Outside of the lab, Pooja is an avid reader and enjoys fantasy fiction. She is also fascinated by true crime podcasts and documentaries.

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madison.weber@icahn.mssm.edu

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Madison earned her BA in biology and philosophical studies from Bard College at Simon's Rock. She joined the lab in December 2019 and is interested in skin cancer. Outside the lab, she stays busy with sewing, crafts, and creative writing, and she loves to dance!

meagan.branch@icahn.mssm.edu 

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Meagan received her BS in Biochemistry at Elon University in North Carolina, and after graduation she went on to participate in the NIH’s post-baccalaureate research education program (PREP) at the Medical University of South Carolina. She joined the lab in 2020 and is interested in wound healing. Outside of lab, Meagan enjoys trying new foods and restaurants as well as hanging out with friends. 

maria.mercedes@icahn.mssm.edu

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Maria received her BA/BS in Spanish Literature and Biology at Brooklyn College (CUNY). She has a master’s degree in Biomedical Science from Drexel University. She joined the lab on Fall 2021 and is interested in epigenetic regulators in epidermal stem cell control. As a first-generation student, she advocates for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in STEM.

nazifa.salsabeel@icahn.mssm.edu

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Nazifa received her BS in Biotechnology at The City College of New York (CUNY), then went on to participate in the Research Pipeline Program (ResTep) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She joined the lab in Spring 2024 and is interested in skin cancer. As a first-generation student, she advocates for the Girls Education in Medicine and Science (GEMS) program.

jasmine.zhang@icahn.mssm.edu

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​Jasmine received her BS in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern University and joined the lab in Spring 2025. Her research interests include skin innervation, neuroimmune crosstalk, and inflammatory skin disorders. She is currently exploring the mechanisms and role of Merkel cells in modulating itch sensation. Outside of the lab, she enjoys taking care of her plant babies, dabbling in the creative arts, and searching for the best foods in the city. 

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amanda.ackermann@icahn.mssm.edu

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Amanda earned her BS in Biology at Stony Brook University and joined the lab Spring of 2025. She is working on discovering the mechanisms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression. Amanda is a NY native and enjoys exploring the area in her free time, playing video games, and trying new foods.

sergei.ezhkov@mssm.edu

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Sergei joined the lab in April 2016. He is helping with genotyping and lab upkeep.