The Piston Lab is made up of scientists specializing in islet biology and imaging, with the goal of studying new aspects of diabetic hormone regulation, as well as imaging technique development. We also collaborate with scientists at other institutions, including many at our previous institution Vanderbilt University.


David Piston, PhD

David Piston, PhD

Edward Mallinckrodt, Jr. Professor and Head, Cell Biology and Physiology

Subhadra Gunawardana, DVM, PhD

Subhadra Gunawardana, DVM, PhD

Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology

Alessandro Ustione, PhD

Alessandro Ustione, PhD

Staff Scientist

Chen Kong, PhD

Chen Kong, PhD

Staff Scientist

Lai Kuan Dionne, PhD

Lai Kuan Dionne, PhD

Assistant Professor of Cell Biology & Physiology

Shichao Gao

Shichao Gao

Graduate Student

Mark Ma

Mark Ma

Undergraduate Student

Hsiang-Ting Lu

Hsiang-Ting Lu

Visiting Researcher

Bella Melena

Bella Melena

Graduate Student

Michael  Mohs

Michael Mohs

Undergraduate Student

Amanda Tat

Amanda Tat

Postbaccalaureate Researcher

Hayden Kolb

Hayden Kolb

Postbaccalaureate Researcher