Meet the team

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

Courtney Kim

Undergraduate Student

Courtney Kim joined the Jeong Lab Fall 2025. She is a rising junior at NC State majoring in Biology and Psychology on the Pre-Med track. Courtney has experience working with human bladder cancer organoids and is excited to research animal organoids next! While not in the lab, Courtney enjoys running, baking, and reading.

If I were an animal, I’d be a: Red panda

Hannah Stephen, PhD, DVM

Anatomic Pathology Resident

Dr. Hannah Stephen is a veterinary anatomic pathology resident at NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. As a veterinarian with a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, she is interested in studying the molecular mechanisms of disease in domestic species. She is currently working to identify genetic mutations that lead to the spread of bile duct cancer in cats. 

Outside of research, she enjoys taking care of her dog, trying new food, and birding!

If I were an animal, I’d be an: Owl