For PhD, MS, and Postdoc openings, please contact: sunt02@etsu.edu

• Tianhu Sun, Assistant Professor Google Scholar

I got my Ph.D from Nanjing University, China and then received postdoctoral training at Cornell University from 2016 to 2022 before joining ETSU.  During the free time, I spend most time with family as a father of two kids. Other hobbies include film photography, camping, and cooking.

• Bikram Giri, Ph.D. candidate  Google Scholar

I am from Nepal and completed my M.S. in Biology at ETSU, where I explored mechanisms of stress response in plants. Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Dr. Sun’s lab, focusing on understanding post-translational modifications using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. My research aims to create therapeutic proteins for cancer treatment and enhance crop nutrition. Outside of research, I enjoy playing cricket, traveling, and connecting with nature.

• Sadia Mahjabin Anni, graduate student 

I started my graduate study in the Department of Biological Sciences at ETSU in the fall of 2025. My passion to plant biology has motivated me to join The Sun Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences. My current research is mainly focused on improving nutritional value of tomatoes plants using Gene editing. Tissue culture and Genetic Transformation are other crucial parts of my research. 

• Zoe McCready Martin, undergraduate student

I am an undergraduate student at East Tennessee State University majoring in Biological Sciences with a Biomedical Concentration and double minoring in Synthetic Biology and Psychology. I am projected to graduate in Fall 2026. My research interests lay in synthetic biology approaches to construct and protein engineering for biomedical applications and treatments. I am currently working with therapeutic protein expression in tobacco plants. In my free time, I enjoy writing, brewing coffee, classical ballet, and strategy games.

• Kylie Vance-Osborne, undergraduate student

I am an undergraduate student at ETSU majoring in Biology. I plan to continue my education after earning my degree. I am interested in plant genetics, bioengineering, and biochemistry, which led me to join Dr. Sun's lab. I believe that where there's a will, there's a way, especially in science.

• Xia Wan, Postdoctoral Associate

I received my Ph.D from Sichuan University in China and then completed postdoctoral research at Iowa State University before joining ETSU. Currently, I am working in Dr. Sun’s lab, focusing on improving micronutrients in soybean seeds using Prime Editing technology. Our research aims to accelerate plant breeding and precise genome editing to generate next generation nutritious crops without transgene. Outside of research, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and live performances.