People

Maximilian Diehn, MD, PhD

Jack, Lulu, and Sam Willson Professor
Vice Chair of Research
Division Chief of Radiation & Cancer Biology
Dept. of Radiation Oncology
Stanford Cancer Institute
Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine
Stanford University School of Medicine

Bio

Angela Hui, PhD
Research Associate / Lab Manager

I am a research scientist at Stanford Cancer Institute.  My current focus is the application of circulating tumor DNA in translational research projects. I enjoy hiking, traveling and visiting museums.

Noah Kastelowitz, MD, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar

I am a Holman Pathway resident physician in the Department of Radiation Oncology. I completed my MD,PhD through the University of Colorado Medical Scientist Training Program, where my research focused on extracellular vesicle detection and protein design. I am currently investigating molecular mechanisms of radiation resistance and biomarkers of radiation therapy toxicity.

Mohammad Shahrokh Esfahani, PhD
Instructor

I am an Instructor in the Division of Oncology, focusing on computational oncology and cancer systems biology. Prior to that, I was a postdoctoral scholar in Diehn and Alizadeh labs. During my postdoc, I had been received a Stanford TRAM Award, Kirschstein-NRSA Award (for Radiation Sciences), and Stanford Cancer Systems Biology Scholar Program fellowship.

Soyeong Jun, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar

I am a postdoc in the Diehn lab. I am interested in developing noninvasive biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of cancer.

Rui Wang, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar

I am a computational biologist from China. My interests lie in developing both experimental and bioinformatic methods for improving cancer detection, gene expression inference and cell type composition estimation. During my PhD, I mainly focused on single-cell multi-omics data analysis of human embryos and cancer samples( colon and lung cancer). Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and baking.

Iris van ‘t Erve, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar

I am a molecular biologist interested in translational liquid biopsy research. During my PhD at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, I investigated the role of circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker for metastatic colorectal cancer. My current research focuses on identifying new biomarkers for immunotherapy response in lung cancer. Outside the lab, I like to travel, hike, bike and cook.

Anni Zhang, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar

I am a cancer biologist interested in understanding the tumor immune microenvironment in patients with KEAP1-mutated lung cancer. Outside of lab, I enjoy skiing and traveling.

Jason Barzel Ross, MD, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar

I grew up in California and New York. I completed my undergraduate at Stanford University, where I majored in biological sciences and conducted research in stem cell biology. I then entered the Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program in New York City, where I obtained my MD from Weill Cornell Medical College and my PhD from The Rockefeller University, where I studied breast cancer metastasis. I completed residency at Stanford in the Department of Radiation Oncology. In my spare time I enjoy hiking outdoors and spending time with family.

Monica Nesselbush, AB
Graduate Student

I am a PhD student in the Cancer Biology program at Stanford.

Emily Hamilton, BA
Graduate Student

I’m a PhD candidate in the Diehn and Alizadeh labs focusing on developing noninvasive methods for early cancer detection. Outside of lab, I like to cook, hike, and ski.

Diego Almanza, BS
Graduate Student

I’m a PhD candidate in the Diehn and Alizadeh labs focusing on developing noninvasive methods for cancer disease monitoring. Outside of lab, I like to rollerblade, and travel.

Isabel Jabara, BS
Graduate Student

I am a PhD student in the biology program at Stanford. I am interested in developing and applying liquid biopsy technologies to understand radiation therapy toxicity. Outside of lab, I like to play soccer.

Kevin Liu, MS
Graduate Student

I am a PhD student in Cancer Biology interested in using liquid biopsy to detect cancer early and guide treatment decisions. Previously, I worked on developing stem cell differentiation methods to generate highly- pure populations of endothelial cells, hepatocytes, and bladder progenitor cells. Outside of lab, I enjoy traveling and playing with my dogs.

Nova Xu, BS
Medical Student

I am a medical student who is interested in oncology. I have a background in biological engineering, and I am interested in developing a deeper understanding of mechanisms of resistance to EGFR therapies in patients. Outside of lab, I enjoy going on long walks and swimming.

Sharon Clarke
Administrative Associate

I have supported Dr. Max Diehn and his lab since 2020 and have worked in Radiation Oncology for over 35 years.  It’s been such a privilege and pleasure to be able to contribute and work with this great group of people.

Yi Peng Wang, BA
Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator

I support Dr. Max Diehn and his lab in clinical research. I am passionate about healthcare and hope to pursue a career in the medical field. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the Bay Area, trying new cuisines and spending time with family and friends.

Rene Bonilla
Clinical Research Coordinator II

I am a clinical research coordinator in the Diehn Lab and provide clinical, database and biobanking support for the team. In my spare time I enjoy running and discovering new music.