Modeling And Timing Regulatory Intracellular eXpression
Howard University College of Medicine
Explore our researchWe study how epigenetic landscapes shape the dynamic behavior of CD4+ T cells. Our work centers on bivalent chromatin domains and their role in regulating gene networks that control T-cell plasticity and lineage decisions. By combining single-cell genomics, quantitative network analysis, and targeted perturbation strategies, we investigate how chromatin modifications and transcriptional dynamics coordinate immune cell state transitions. Our goal is to define the regulatory principles that govern immune plasticity and enable precise therapeutic modulation of T-cell responses.
We investigate gene expression as a dynamic system, with a particular focus on oscillatory gene networks such as circadian rhythm regulators. Using quantitative modeling and single-cell transcriptomic data, we study how temporal patterns of transcription emerge and evolve across cell states. Beyond steady-state expression, we develop mathematical frameworks to model RNA acceleration and transcriptional kinetics, capturing how rates of change in RNA abundance influence cellular transitions. By integrating time-resolved data with physics-inspired approaches, we aim to uncover fundamental principles governing dynamic gene regulation.
In collaboration with Dr. Sergei Nekhai, we study the molecular mechanisms underlying sickle cell disease and HIV through integrative analysis of RNA sequencing data. We investigate how gene expression programs and regulatory pathways are altered in these disease contexts. Our work aims to identify shared and disease-specific transcriptional signatures that inform immune dysfunction, viral response, and disease progression, with the broader goal of improving our understanding of host-pathogen interactions and genetic disease biology.
In collaboration with Dr. Jingchun Chen, we investigate the regulatory mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease through integrative analysis of publicly available multi-omics datasets, including short- and long-read RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA-seq, and single-nucleus ATAC-seq. By leveraging large-scale transcriptomic and epigenomic data, we aim to uncover molecular networks and regulatory processes driving neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease progression.
Welcome to the MATRIX Lab
Principal InvestigatorAssistant Professor at the College of Medicine
Wai Lim received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Maryland, College Park. He subsequently completed postdoctoral training at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Outside the lab, Wai Lim enjoys traveling, playing with kids and parakeets.
Research Scientist
Whitney received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Purdue University. She has a combined background in wet lab research and computational biology. After completing her degree, she worked for several years in the biotech industry in San Francisco. She is interested in applying cutting-edge single-cell technologies and machine learning methods to problems in human disease. Outside of work, Whitney enjoys walking and eating her way around DC, going to concerts, and cooking new recipes.
Postdoctoral Fellow at Howard UniversityPart-time Research Assistant at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Jelard received his Ph.D. in Bioinformatics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His research topics include alternative splicing, statistical modeling, and RNA-seq. His personal interests outside of work are pickleball, matcha lattes, traveling, hiking, and gaming.
Post Bac Research Assistant
Jada received her B.S. in Biology at Howard University. She is aspiring to become a pediatrician. Outside of work, Jada enjoys watching popular TV shows and anime, listening to music and gaming.
Undergraduate Researcher
Leah is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Health Science at Howard University. She plans to pursue a career in medicine. Outside of work, Leah loves to travel, play soccer, and explore new foods and cultures.
PhD Student
Shaokai is part of the interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) program at Howard's Graduate School. His current research interest is understanding how Zika infection affects cardiac health. He plans to become a lead scientist in antiviral development in the future. Outside of work, Shaokai likes to cook, play tennis, and explore nature.
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