Dr. Kan Cao
Principal Investigator

Kan Cao

Dr. Kan Cao is an aging scientist, inventor, professor, and founder who has spent more than two decades studying why humans age. Her research spans rare premature-aging diseases, Alzheimer's and neurodegeneration, skin and hair aging, and patented applications of methylene blue. A Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors, she translates complex longevity science into practical insights about how we can live healthier for longer.

kcao@umd.edu  ·  301-405-3016

Lab Members

Meet the team

Cat Harvey

Cat Harvey

Graduate Student

Investigating the molecular mechanisms behind LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy (L-CMD), a rare skeletal muscle genetic disease.

Elizabeth Kathryn Izydore

Elizabeth Kathryn Izydore

Graduate Student

Investigating impaired mechanotransduction and endothelial dysfunction in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome.

Jason Gill

Jason Gill

Graduate Student

Investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neural communication, memory, and cognition, co-mentored by Dr. Losert in Physics and Dr. Cao.

Anesu Kachambwa

Anesu Kachambwa

Graduate Research Assistant

Developing and maintaining the lab's digital platforms and computational infrastructure to support research and communication.

Joanna Chang

Joanna Chang

Postbac Lab Assistant

Investigating reactive oxygen species in human cells to understand how external stress influences cellular function.

Kavitha Sadashivaiah

Kavitha Sadashivaiah

Lab Technician

Investigating the effect of methylene blue on wound healing in human fibroblasts.

Christopher Bradley

Christopher Bradley

Postbac Computational Research Assistant

Building machine learning and image analysis tools to quantify cellular changes in aging and progeria.

Yuansen (Sam) Wu

Yuansen (Sam) Wu

Postbac Research Assistant

Coordinating laboratory operations by maintaining records, collecting data, and supporting research activities.

Yuefei Huang

Yuefei Huang

Assistant Research Scientist

Investigating blood-based cellular approaches to physiological resilience and stress response as part of the lab's ARL-supported Cellular Resilience Project, drawing on prior research experience at the NIH, FDA, and in industry and academic settings.

Interested in joining the lab?

We're always happy to hear from prospective students and postdocs interested in HGPS and aging research.

Get in Touch
University of MarylandCBMGNIHNHGRI