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

Renee LeClair

Veterinary Student

Hi everyone! My name is Renée LeClair, and I am a rising third year veterinary student at the CVM. I am planning on going into small animal general practice, but I am especially interested in clinical pathology and surgery. I am excited to learn more about these topics this summer so that I can apply a more specialized knowledge to my future clinical practice. The majority of my previous research experience comes from my applied ecology minor in undergrad. I studied the degree of lateralization of different populations of Bahamian fish (if they are right or left “finned”). 

Outside of veterinary medicine, some of my hobbies include reading, ballet and all things crafting. I just recently learned to knit! 

If I were an animal I’d be a: Hummingbird. I run off of sugar and I never stop moving! 🙂 

Hannah Pierce

DVM Student

Hannah is a rising second year DVM student joining the lab for the VSP this summer. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science from NCSU, and was awarded a Post-Baccalaureate fellowship through the NIH prior to starting vet school, where she worked on projects advancing gene editing for sickle cell disease bone marrow transplants. She is interested in the genetic involvement of cancer development, as well as genetic based therapeutics for disease treatment, and precision medicine. She is super excited to work on the project investigating genes in canine insulinoma metastasis. She has two cats (one pictured), and also enjoys reading, embroidery, live music, and raising butterflies. 

If I were an animal, I’d be a: cat!