New Kids in the Lab: Nico Tortorella and Michael Peng Join the Summer Science Scene

Lim Lab has gotten an infusion of fresh faces this summer with the arrival of two new student researchers, Nico Tortorella and Michael Peng. Nico, fresh off his first year at the University of Notre Dame, is diving straight into the science with a project focused on loss-of-function mutations in the CXCR2 gene. His work will explore how these variants influence receptor expression and function, tackling questions at the heart of immune signaling and disease. Meanwhile, Michael, a rising junior at Hunter College High School, is already making his mark by helping to characterize a new mouse model and developing a novel assay to detect autoantibodies. It’s an ambitious project for an early-career scientist and one that promises plenty of hands-on discovery. With Nico and Michael joining the team, the Lim Lab is set for an exciting summer of new ideas, fresh energy, and scientific momentum.