Our Team
Margarete Diaz Cuadros
Group Leader
Margarete is a Junior Fellow in the Department of Molecular Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at Columbia University (2014) and was named class valedictorian. As an undergraduate, she worked in Dr. Martin Chalfie's laboratory investigating neuronal subtype differentiation in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. She later completed her PhD under the supervision of Dr. Olivier Pourquie at Harvard Medical School (2022). Her graduate research focused on the development of in vitro systems for the recapitulation of the mammalian segmentation clock based on pluripotent stem cells. Through a special fellow’s program, Margarete launched her independent research group directly after completion of her PhD. The Diaz Cuadros laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular and genetic basis of species-specific developmental rates by combining in vitro stem cell work with in vivo studies in C. elegans. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Margarete enjoys cooking, baking, and looking after her vegetable garden. She was co-director of the Research Experience for Peruvian Undergraduates program for four years and currently serves on the Committee for the Advancement of Women in Science in Peru.
Gabriel Valdebenito
Postdoctoral Fellow
Gabriel is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Molecular Biology. Gabe earned his bachelor's degree from UCSC, Chile, in 2015. He moved noth to Santiago to pursue a master’s degree in Human Physiology at the University of Chile (2017) and worked as part of the Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, where he investigated the role of fatty acids in fetal muscle physiology. His academic journey took him to the United Kingdom, where he embarked on a Cell and Developmental Ph.D. program at Duchen Lab at University College London (2019-2024). Here, he became interested in the intricacies of mitochondrial primary diseases, focusing on nutrient sensing signaling, mitochondrial quality control pathways, and calcium signaling. As part of this program, Gabriel implemented a myogenic model derived from hiPSCs to gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of the m.3243A>G mutation in muscle physiology. Outside of the lab, he enjoys following tennis matches, exploring new places in Boston, and rewatching The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, and Downton Abbey.
Qingyuan Hu
Postdoctoral Fellow
Born in China, Qingyuan earned his PhD in developmental biology at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. His PhD focuses on the relationship between environmental conditions and C. elegans larval development. At Margarete's lab, he will continue investigating the genes that regulate the response of developmental speed to various environmental clues in C. elegans. Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing boxing, Brazilian Jujutsu, and practicing the acoustic guitar.
Xintao Zhu
PhD Student
Xintao Zhu is a PhD student at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Originally from Neijiang, China, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Zhejiang Ocean University and his master’s degree in biology from the University of Geneva before continuing on to his doctoral studies. He is currently a Graduate Research Assistant in the Diaz Cuadros Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he investigates the mechanisms underlying species-specific differences in developmental speed. Outside the lab, he enjoys cooking and exploring new cuisines, traveling to experience both nature and cultural history, working out, playing video games, and reading books on psychology, criminology, sociology and history.
Moniya Kidd
Administrative Coordinator
Born in Boston, MA, Moniya transitioned from the clinical side of MGH, where she gained valuable insights into the healthcare industry while working in the Department of Cardiology. This experience has equipped her to explore the research side of the organization in her current role as an Administrative Coordinator in the Department of Molecular Biology. In her role, Moniya works alongside leadership on important projects and is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including overseeing department finances, planning events, managing communications, maintaining the department website, and assisting with office upkeep. She played a key role in creating the department’s newsletter and supports the onboarding of new staff. Additionally, Moniya assists Principal Investigators (PIs) with various projects, such as arranging travel, coordinating meetings, and ordering supplies. Notably, she collaborates closely with PIs involved in the Post-Baccalaureate Association at MGH and projects focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Moniya's strengths lie in creativity and community engagement. Outside of work, Moniya enjoys expressing her creativity through artistic outlets, shopping, and traveling.
Sissi Chen
Undergraduate Student
Sissi is an undergraduate research assistant who is currently a student at Wellesley College (2026), where she is majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Biology. In the Diaz Cuadros Lab, she will be working with the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In Wellesley College, she currently serves as an Unistellar astrophotographer for the Astrophysics department and is on the E-Board for Wellesley College’s Hip-Hop team Freestyle. From Beijing, China, Sissi enjoys dancing, jogging, drawing, photography/videography, reading, visiting museums, etc.
Carolina Mendez
Undergraduate Student
Carolina is a Co-Op research assistants in the Diaz-Cuadros Lab. She is currently a third year undergraduate student at Northeastern University, pursuing a BS in Cell and Molecular Biology. At Northeastern, she is also a Resident Assistant and a member of a few clubs around campus: The Latin American Student Organization (LASO), NU Sexual Health Advocacy, Resources, and Education (NUSHARE), and the Mexican Student Association (MEXSA). Outside of classes she likes to maintain her passion for ballet by taking a class about once a week. She used to be a dancer for 8 years! In the future, she hopes to apply all that she learns during her undergraduate career in the classroom and in the lab to attend medical school.
Moshi
Fetch Specialist
Sir Cornelius Stewart Introcaso I
Chief of Hoperations. Works remotely from Heaven.
Alumni
Sandra Le (2022-2024) - Sandra was the first undergraduate student to join the lab! A double major in biochemistry and biotechnology from Tufts University, she is now a postbacc researcher at the Joslin Diabetes Center.
Sofia Uribe (2023) - As a student at Clermont Auvergne University in France, Sofia came to Boston to complete her master’s internship with us. She was supported by the prestigious Eiffel Scholarship Program. She is now a PhD student at Boston College.
Hadjar Sebaa (2024) - Hadjar joined us from the International Master’s Program in Life Sciences in Lyon, France to pursue her master’s thesis in our laboratory. She is now a PhD student at University College London.
Jack Madden (2022-2024) - A graduate of UMass Amherst, Jack was a postbacc Laboratory Technician in the lab for 2.5 years. He is now a medical student at Drexel University in Philadelphia.
Katie Introcaso (2022-2025) - Katie graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago and joined the lab as a postbacc Laboratory Technician for 3 years. She is now pursuing an MPH at Columbia University - Roar Lion Roar!
Leslie Azurdia (2024-2025) - As an undergraduate student at Emmanuel College, Leslie joined the lab for a summer internship and subsequently completed her senior thesis with us. She is now preparing to attend medical school.
Diana Atlas (2023-2025) - While completing her bachelor’s degree at Brandeis University, Diana spent 2.5 years with us as an undergraduate research assistant. She is now a Clinical Research Coordinator at Dana Farber.