Principal Investigator (PI)Coral Y. Zhou, Ph.D.
Coral completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at the University of Maryland, College Park. She graduated from the University of California, San Francisco with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics before completing postdoctoral work at the University of California, Berkeley. After 15 years in California, Coral moved to Lawrence, Kansas to start her lab in January 2025. Coral is passionate about chromatin, active mentorship, and training the next generation of scientists and critical thinkers. She also loves to draw on the whiteboard. Outside of the lab you can find her cooking, reading, doing yoga, or hanging out in Kansas City.
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Assistant Researcher
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Cael Gorman, B.S.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Cael graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. Some of Cael’s notable achievements as an undergraduate student include working as tech at the university's Animal Care Unit, working on several projects studying animal behavior, and studying marine biology abroad in Honduras. With a strong background in organismal biology from his undergrad experiences, Cael is excited to start his career as a biologist in the Zhou lab where he will help maintain the Xenopus colonies, as well as develop a stronger knowledge of molecular biology through lab work. Outside of the lab, Cael enjoys spending his time with friends and family, outdoors fishing and playing sports, playing guitar, cooking, and cheering on KU athletics.
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Undergraduate Researchers
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Sarayu Pentapati
Sarayu Pentapati is a sophomore at the University of Kansas majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Healthcare Management on the pre-medical track. She began conducting research early in her academic career, joining the Zhou lab as both a student laboratory assistant and undergraduate researcher during her freshman year. In the lab, she has contributed to ongoing studies focused on genome scaling using Xenopus frogs as a model organism. Through this experience, she has gained valuable exposure to molecular biology techniques and developed a strong foundation in experimental design and data analysis. Sarayu is passionate about bridging the gap between scientific research and clinical applications, and hopes to pursue a career in medicine where she can integrate laboratory science and patient care. In her free time, Sarayu enjoys bollywood/hiphop dancing, reading, and calligraphy.
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Katherine Lenz
Katherine is a senior studying Biochemistry on the pre-Med track at the University of Kansas. She joined the Zhou lab in February 2025 hoping to expand her knowledge in biochemistry lab techniques and build connections in the scientific community through attending conferences and presenting her research findings. In her free time, Katherine enjoys playing her violin in groups around Lawrence, reading, playing tennis, and eating ice cream.
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Danny Jack
Danny is currently a sophomore at the University of Kansas, majoring in Biochemistry with aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine. He became involved in the Zhou lab in February 2025, motivated by a desire to deepen his understanding of scientific research and strengthen his ability to engage with diverse communities through academic outreach. Outside of school, Danny is an avid wrestler, a dedicated member of the KU marching band where he plays the trumpet, and an enthusiastic reader.
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Junior Froggy
Frog is currently a first year froggy at the University of Kansas, majoring in Pond Ecology with a minor in Fly Management. He joined the Zhou lab in July 2025 after hearing rumors of a grant-funded bug buffet and decided to stick around once he realized science involves fewer predators than the swamp. His research interests include splash dynamics, algae bloom gossip, and the evolutionary psychology of lily pad loyalty.
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