Sidney graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a degree in zoology.  He has a background in animal-based research and contributes his experience to the lab by performing surgeries and histology for ongoing projects. In his spare time, Sidney enjoys cycling, camping, and hiking with his dog.

Mingyuan Du obtained his M.B.B.S. at Central South University, China, and he is a M.D. candidate in vascular surgery and biology in Clinical Medicine 8-year Program (CSU) / Xiangya-Pitt Scholar Program (PITT). He completed clinical internship at Central South University and was a visiting intern at National University of Singapore and Omsk State Medical University, where he gained medical understanding of vasculopathy and took interest in vascular research. He also did research on inflammatory responses in pulmonary fibrosis. Under Dr. Gomez’s mentorship, he is currently studying the role of microRNAs and TET enzymes in phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cell, aiming to discover novel microRNA regulator and investigate DNA methylation that control cell plasticity and contribute to atherosclerotic vascular lesions. In the long term, Mingyuan wants to discover non-coding RNA biomarkers / therapies in arterial diseases with translational perspectives.

Outside college, Mingyuan is interested in medical social activities and worked with Xiangya Red Cross Society as presidium member and International Federation of Medical Students’ Association for local branch events.