Tao Research Group

Professor 
Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology 
Purdue Center for Cancer Research 
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 

My name is Yanyan Du, a Proteomics Specialist in Andy Tao’s lab. I’m from Shanghai, China. I received my Ph. D degree of Biochemical and Molecular Biology from China Agriculture University in 2008. My research in Tao Lab mainly focuses on Purification of protein complexes by proteomics studies and biochemical validation. In my free time, I like traveling with my family.

My name is Will LeFever. I joined the Analytical division in the Department of Chemistry at Purdue in Fall 2021. I attended High Point University near my home in North Carolina from 2017-2021 and graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry. At Purdue, I am pursuing a PhD in Chemistry and study chemical proteomics here in Dr. Tao's lab beginning in July 2021 and am co-advised by Dr. Cooks.

My name is Yi-Kai Liu, and I am from Taiwan. I got my bachelor’s and master’s degree in food science and biotechnology from National Chung Hsing University. Because of my interest in proteomics, I joined Biochemistry program at Purdue in Fall 2021 and became a member of Dr. Tao’s lab in March 2022. During my free time, I enjoy dancing, listening to music, and cooking.

I am Hung-Hsiang Jen from Taiwan. I earned my B.S. and M.S. degrees at National Cheng Kung University. Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. degree at Purdue University and have been a member of Dr. Tao’s group since June 2023. My research interests include microdroplet reactions and proteomics. In addition to my academic pursuits, I enjoy listening to music and playing video games.

About me:
B.S. Chemistry (UNC-Pembroke).
M.S. Chemistry - Studied at Texas A&M-Kingsville at the National Natural Toxins Research Center.
PhD. Biochemistry - Currently studying at Purdue under Dr. Tao's supervision.

Active research involves method development to enrich low abundance liver specific ADME related plasma EV markers. Research interests include CBRN related toxicology and utilization of mass spec to analyze exposure and decontamination levels. I love music and adventure as well as studying the physical thermodynamics of pyrotechnic chemistry.

Md Shahadat Hossain (Babu), originally from Bangladesh, is a PhD student with a keen interest in proteomics and metabolomics. He earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy (Professional) degree from Mawlana Bhashani Science & Technology University (MBSTU) and gained valuable experience in computational chemistry through his work at the Red Green Research Center, a voluntary lab in Dhaka, Bangladesh. To further explore his passion, he joined the Tao Lab in December 2024. In his free time, he enjoys cooking and traveling.

I am originally from Uzbekistan and hold a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from Tashkent Pharmaceutical Institute and a master's degree from De Montfort University in the United Kingdom. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD in the Chemistry Department at Purdue University, where I am passionate about combining my interests in chemistry and pharmacy.

I joined Dr. Tao's lab because of its interdisciplinary research focus, and I have developed a strong interest in proteomics-related studies. I particularly enjoy working with advanced analytical instruments such as mass spectrometry and HPLC, which are integral to my research.

Outside the lab, I love traveling and have explored the UK, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. I am also an avid football player and enjoy computer games in my free time.

Md Minhas Hossain Sakib is a graduate researcher at Purdue University in the Department of Chemistry. He earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, where he conducted computational chemistry research at the Red Green Research Center. Driven by a passion for analytical chemistry, Minhas joined Dr. Tao’s group at Purdue in November 2024 to focus on proteomics. Outside the lab, he enjoys playing soccer, cooking, and exploring new places.

My name is Lucas Kramer, and I am from Iowa. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Grand View University in 2024. I joined the Biochemistry program at Purdue in the fall of 2024, and joined Dr. Tao’s research lab in December 2024. I am also co-advised by Dr. Vikki Weake. In my free time I enjoy watching college sports and baking banana bread.

Hello, my name is Nathaniel and I joined Dr. Tao’s lab in the spring of 2023. I am from the west suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and I am an undergraduate student here at Purdue in a double major program studying Biological Engineering and Biochemistry. When I am not studying, I enjoy playing in chess tournaments, hockey, and camping. Once I graduate from Purdue, I hope to go into industry and help make medicine.

Hi, my name is Stephanie! I’m studying Biochemistry on the Pre-Med track, and I aspire to eventually become a cardiologist. I'm also interested in getting a Music History and Theory minor here at Purdue. Aside from academics, I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, but I’ve enjoyed many days working in and exploring downtown. I spend some of my free time cycling, exploring fashion, playing piano, and watching movies.