Samir Zaidi, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor and Stephen Sherwin MD Investigator

Samir is an Assistant Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology) and Stephen Sherwin MD Investigator at the Yale School of Medicine, as well as a member of the Center for Molecular and Cellular Oncology (CMCO) at the Yale Cancer Center. Dr. Zaidi specializes in the treatment of patients with genitourinary cancers.

Samir first worked in the laboratory of Dr. Jaenisch at MIT, where he studied stem cell reprogramming, and thereafter, in the laboratory of Dr. Lifton at Yale during his MD/PhD, where he focused on the genetics of complex human diseases and cancer (Nature 2013 [PMID 2366595], Science 2015 [PMID 26785492]). Dr. Zaidi then completed his internal medicine residency in the Stanbury Physician–Scientist Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard Medical School), his medical oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), and post–doctoral training in the laboratory of Dr Sawyers where he focused on the mechanisms of lineage plasticity (Science 2022 [PMID 35981096] and PNAS 2024 [38645034]. Dr. Zaidi joined the MSKCC faculty as an Assistant Attending and the Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Scholar prior to moving to Yale.

Monieb Ahmed, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher

Monieb Ahmed earned his PhD from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, where he focused on developing advanced 3D tumour models to study cancer cell behaviour, drug responses, and the dynamics of the tumour microenvironment. His interdisciplinary background spans pharmaceutical sciences, cancer cell biology, and biological modelling, with an emphasis on designing physiologically relevant in vitro systems to better understand tumour progression and therapeutic response. Outside the lab, he enjoys bouldering and rock climbing.

Caitlin Baxter

Postgraduate Associate

I graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.S. in Bioengineering and a minor in German. I am interested in cancer biology and the discovery of new therapeutic targets, especially in regards to immunotherapy. I have experience in Electron Microscopy. I also love hiking and traveling!

Sabrina Lombardi

Senior Administrative Assistant

With a B.A. in Chemistry from Columbia University, Sabrina worked at Wyeth in small molecule drug discovery, and co-authored several publications on mTOR/PI3K inhibitors before shifting to life outside of the lab. She has a M.A in Food Studies from NYU and enjoys rock climbing, paddling, and the Huberman Lab podcast.

Tiago Paive Prudente, MD

Postdoctoral Researcher

Tiago Prudente is a Brazilian medical doctor who earned his degree from Universidade Federal de Goiás. Since the beginning of medical school, he has been passionate about research, engaging in diverse projects ranging from laboratory studies on neurocysticercosis to systematic reviews and meta-analyses. He aspires to a career in oncology and presents a particular interest in cancer biology and the tumor microenvironment. Outside of medicine, Tiago is a dog lover, an avid reader, and enjoys exploring new restaurants and recipes with his family and friends.

Michael Zhao

I’m a rising senior at Yale, double majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health. I’m particularly interested in cancer research, with a focus on signaling pathways and cellular plasticity involved in tumor progression and treatment resistance. In my free time, I enjoy long-distance running, watching baseball, and advocating for the Oxford Comma.

Carol Nelson Williams

Lab Manager, Research Associate

Carol has been at Yale for over 25 years and serves as the shared lab manager for both the Zaidi Lab and the laboratory of Dr. Richard Lifton. She brings deep expertise in the genetic underpinnings of disease and plays a critical role in overseeing all operational aspects of the Zaidi Lab.

Junhui Zhang

Associate Research Scientist

Junhui has more than 25 years of experience in mouse care, including complex surgical procedures and the management of large breeding colonies. She oversees all mouse-related work in the lab and provides comprehensive training to staff and trainees in mouse husbandry, breeding, and surgical techniques.

Adiya Malhotra

High School Intern

Adiya Malhotra is a high school senior and research intern at the Yale Cancer Center’s Zaidi Lab. She has previously conducted ovarian-based reproductive aging research at the Buck Institute, focusing on brain-ovarian signaling and immunofluorescence techniques. Adiya is passionate about using science to address health disparities and expand access to innovation.

Nicole Rittenhouse

Research Technician, Hakimi Lab

I am interested in studying rare mutations in kidney cancer in hopes of creating new models to elucidate potential targets for treatments and generate a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying this disease. In my downtime I can be caught cheering for Boston sports teams, seeing Broadway shows, and adventuring around NYC with my dog Cannolo and friends!

Amrita Mangalvedhekar

Scientific Research Lead, Hakimi Lab