Qitao obtained his PhD at Peking University in Beijing, China. He works on myriad RPE projects, ranging from optimizing cell culture, developing RPE culture models of AMD, and testing our most promising therapeutic targets in mouse, rat, and rabbit animal models. He is fearless at trying new methods and techniques and is known as the go-to guy for troubleshooting. He tells a good joke more often than now and then. He strongly objects to Jason's vegetarian ways, countering his diet with a healthy daily serving of tasty meat.

Gillian got her Masters from Eastern Michigan University. She is a cell culture expert, focusing on assaying for autophagy and lipid handling in RPE cultures. She is a master of organization, able to juggle 7 zillion to-do items with aplomb, and willing to teach others with enviable patience. At home, she's mom to two dogs and cats. For reasons we can't understand, she enjoys being up before 7 am for walks. Hobbies include volunteering at a metro-Detroit animal shelter, reading, and listening to true crimes podcasts. She's also excellent at baking but won't admit it.

Kecia got her Bachelor's from Eastern Michigan University. She is the Co-Lab Manager, after 20+ years as the Lab Manager for Debra Thompson at the Kellogg Eye Center, where she worked on the biology and gene therapy for visual cycle defects. She's an expert in retinoid analysis, cloning, gene therapy, a range of biochemical assays, and keeping all of us on top of our protocols, safety, and orders. Kecia has a cat joke available and ready at any point. She is also a big hiker, including foraging for ramps and all sorts of mushrooms.

John obtained his PhD from Thomas Jefferson University in April 2023. His thesis work in the lab of Nancy Philp involved in vivo examination of the role of glucose and lactate transporters in outer retinal function. Joining the lab in April 2023, John has significant expertise in retinal and RPE metabolism, as well as in vivo models of retinal disease. His ultimate scientific goal is to direct a lab examining the intersection between metabolism and epigenetic changes in neurodegenerative diseases. John is working on screens involving RPE lipid secretion and metabolism, as well as exploring lipid droplet biology. John has myriad interests outside of lab, including city planning and architecture, and you can find him biking, hiking, or camping with friends outside lab.

Kaitlyn obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina in biochemistry and molecular biology. She worked in the College of Pharmacy studying palbociclib resistance in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, which inspired her pursuit of a PhD from the University of Michigan. In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys reading fantasy novels, indoor rock climbing, and admiring her plant collection. Joining the lab in April 2023, Kaitlyn works on translating autophagy inducers from cell culture into animal models while exploring the mechanisms driving the polarity of apoE secretion in the RPE. She is heavily involved in a range of extracurriculars, including the consulting group MiLEAD as well as various mentorship programs for undergrads and URMs.

Nathan is an undergraduate student studying Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology with a minor in Business. Nathan discovered his passion for basic science research studying the fundamental mechanisms of autophagy in the lab of Dr. Daniel Klionsky, where he is now working to complete an honors thesis. In 2023, Nathan completed a summer internship with Dr. Ula Jurkunas at the Schepen’s Eye Research Institute, where he investigated the role of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathology of Fuch’s Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD). In the Miller lab, Nathan is examining autophagy and mitochondrial respiration. In his free time, Nathan sings in the Men’s Glee Club and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and rock climbing. Following graduation, Nathan wants to pursue training as a clinician-scientist. 

Nathalie is an undergraduate studying Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Music. She was previously a member of Dr. Amy Chang’s MCDB lab, where she studied the mechanisms by which mitochondria adapt to Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, a cellular occurrence linked to neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. Joining the Miller lab in fall 2024, Nathalie studies the relationship between lactate and other nutrients in preventing RPE glycolysis. In her free time, Nathalie enjoys reading, drinking matcha lattes, practicing violin, and playing board games with her friends. After completing her undergraduate degree, she hopes to pursue a career as a physician and scientist. 

Erin is an undergraduate student studying Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Previously, Erin was a member of Dr. Ursula Jakob’s lab, where she studied the molecular basis of aging and the role that oxidative stress plays in this process, with applications to antioxidant therapies for diseases like Alzheimer's. Joining the lab in the fall of 2024, Erin studies apoE RPE biology, including its transcriptional regulation and its uptake by receptor-mediated endocytosis as apoE plays a significant role in the formation of pathologic extracellular deposits that form in AMD. Outside of the lab, Erin works with the Saline/Ann Arbor memory loss community and enjoys camping whenever she gets the chance. Following graduation, Erin plans to pursue further education in medicine.