Meet The Team

Current Members

 

Dr. Yea Ji Jeong DVM, PHD

Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor

Dr. Yea Ji Jeong is an Assistant Professor of Anatomic Pathology at NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She holds a PhD in Pathobiology from Johns Hopkins University, where she researched pancreatic cancer metastasis using 3D organoid models. Her current research focuses on developing a precision oncology platform for companion animals, integrating histopathologic diagnoses, genomic data, and drug screening in 3D organoid models to enhance veterinary cancer care.

Dr. Jeong is dedicated to mentoring students and trainees of all backgrounds, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth. Outside the lab, she enjoys exploring local coffee roasteries and dancing with her cat and baby.

  • If I were an animal, I’d be a: Capybara

Gabriella Alexander B.S.  

Research Technician

Gabriella received her Bachelors of Science in Human Biology and a minor in Forensic Science from NC State University in 2024. She has backgrounds in molecular genomics and microscopic dissections, and strong interests in anatomic and clinical pathology. As Research Assistant, she is responsible for overseeing laboratory operations, maintaining proper EHS laboratory standards and conducting laboratory research.

Gabriella hopes to create a welcoming environment for individuals to grow their confidence in STEM research through hands-on experience. When she’s not in a lab coat, she enjoys thrift shopping, going to the gym, and spending time with her loved ones

  • If I were an animal, I’d be a: Mallard duck

Abby Turner B.S.

2nd-Year Summer Vet Student

Hi! My name is Abby. I am currently a rising second-year veterinary student at NC State. I joined the Jeong Lab this summer as part of the Veterinary Scholars Program to gain hands-on experience in veterinary research. 

My current interest area within medicine and within research is all things pathology (specifically, anatomic pathology)! I learned about this particular field from some excellent professors I had during my first year of vet school, and I have been stuck on it ever since. It seems to be the perfect career to apply the clinical knowledge I am learning in school in combination with the practical science experience I gained from my undergraduate background in cellular and molecular biology. Plus, I love learning about the VAST array of diseases that affect our unique and diverse veterinary species.

I am excited to explore the worlds of research and pathology through my current project…investigating pancreatic cancer in cats! 

  • If I were an animal, I’d be a: Sea otter