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, lipid handling, and metabolism 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 and now one human son. 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. Prior to joining the Miller lab, she spent 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 including lipid extraction and analysis, and how to run a tight (lab) ship. 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 RPE lipid droplet, peroxisomal, and lactate biology. John has myriad interests outside of lab, including city planning and architecture, and you can find him biking, hiking, or camping with friends. You can also find him eating ribs with Qitao.

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 Pharmacology. In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys reading fantasy novels, indoor rock climbing, and admiring her plant collection. Joining the lab in April 2023, Kaitlyn has become the lab's master of ApoE biology in the RPE. Kaitlyn has  strong focus on mentoring, and successfully saw her mentee Erin Trombly from lab undergraduate to lab tech to now successful admission to medical school. Outside of lab, she is heavily involved in a range of service activities for the Department of Pharmacology.

Abby received her bachelor's in biology from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington in 2020. Thereafter, she had stints in both academic labs and industry, including work on uveal melanoma (a type of eye cancer) with Dr. Alison Skalet at Oregon Health Sciences University. Inspired by work in the eye, Abby rotated with the Miller lab in winter 2025 as part of her PhD program in Molecular and Integrative Physiology. Joining the lab in March 2025, Abby focuses on the role of peroxisomes in RPE health, especially under conditions when RPE mitochondria are compromised. Abby's unflappable personality and ability to get along with literally everyone is obvious to all who meet her. She aspires to be a teacher/mentor for junior team members as she becomes more senior in the lab. In her free time, Abby can be found with a book or a cross stitch project when she’s not watching movies and making drinks for friends. 

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. 

Ethan is an undergraduate pursuing a dual degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Movement Science. His earlier research in Dr. Lindsey Lepley’s lab explored the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying anterior cruciate ligament injuries with a focus on changes in quadriceps muscle composition and innervation. As of Fall 2025, he joined the Miller Lab, working with Qitao on the myriad projects he's involved in. Apart from research, he can often be found anxiously cheering on Detroit sports, experimenting with new recipes, listening to the latest progressive house remixes, and contributing to UM’s Global Surgery Student Alliance. Ethan plans to pursue a career at the intersection of life sciences research and medicine as a physician.

Laura is an undergraduate student pursuing dual degrees in neuroscience and public health. Her prior research involved defining biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease. Laura has her hands in many cookie jars, ranging from directing club golf at University of Michigan to acting at an EMT. Joining the Miller lab in May 2026, she works on the role of hypoxia in governing apolipoprotein E (apoE) trafficking, lipid carrying, and extracellular deposition in drusen-like deposits. Outside of the lab, Laura is a fan of trying new restaurants with her friends, playing golf (she is even on the National Collegiate Golf Club Association's Advisory Board), baking sourdough, and making vlogs. Laura plans to pursue a career as a physician.

Kenneth is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in biochemistry. He previously worked with Dr. Adam Matzger’s group, where he studied Raman spectroscopy and chemical additives for kidney stone dissolution. Joining the Miller lab in July 2026, he is working with Kecia to characterize lipids found in the RPE. Kenneth will bring his biochemical skills to do phase extractions, TLC, density gradients, and dot blots. Outside of the lab, Kenneth works as a nurse aide and volunteers as a tutor at Mott Children’s Hospital. He enjoys spending his free time reading and weightlifting. After graduating, he hopes to pursue a career as a physician while continuing to do research.