The Gradinaru Lab

Spencer Smyth
Position: Postdoctoral researcher
Project: Using biophysical data and computations to estimate conformational ensembles of a disordered protein complex
Background:Spencer obtained his Bachelor degree at UTM, majoring in Physics and Chemistry. After completing his Master in 2018, he continued as a PhD student working on intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). His research focused on the 4E-BP2 protein and its phosphorylation-regulated folding/binding to the translation initiation factor eIF4E. Spencer defended his PhD thesis in Aug. 2024, and he is now working on using complementary structural data to obtain an experimentally-restrained ensemble of the dynamic and disordered 4E-BP2:eIF4E complex. Outside the lab, Spencer enjoys playing musical instruments, weightlifting, powersports and outdoors.

Xiaohan Zhou
Position: PhD Student
Project: The Quaternary Organization and Interaction Dynamics of GPCRs in Live Cells
Background: Xiaohan obtained his Bachelor degree at Nanjing University, majoring in Physics. He joined the Gradinaru group in the Fall of 2020 as a PhD student working on the muscarinic receptors, which are part of the Class A of G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRS). The goal is to measure the their dynamic spatial distribution and interaction kinetics with G proteins in live cells. He will map out trajectories of individual proteins to quantify their diffusion properties, by combining single-molecule fluorescence techniques such as SPT, FCS and smFRET. Outside the lab, Xiaohan enjoys video games, reading and watching his favorite football team, Bayern Munich.

Aiyan Brown
Position: PhD Student
Project: The Statistics of smFRET Broadening via Multi-parameter Experimental and Simulation Methods
Background: Aiyan obtained his Bachelor’s degree at UBC in Vancouver, with honours in Physics. In the Summer of 2024, he joined the Gradinaru group as a MSc student to help implement pulsed interleaved excitation (PIE) in a multi-parameter single-molecule fluorecence (MP-SMF) microscope. He will study broadening phenomena in single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) experiments, with the goal to delineate the intrinsic structural dynamics of proteins and other biomolecules of interest. Outside the lab, you can often find Aiyan in his boat fishing or in the gym weightlifting.

Abe Urowitz Kaufman
Position: PhD Student
Project: From Dynamics to Signalling: Looking at GPCR Interactions with a Single-Molecule Lens
Background: Abe obtained his Bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto, majoring in Biophysics. He joined the Gradinaru lab in the summer of 2025 as a PhD student focusing on studying the dynamics of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) interacting with binding partners. He will start with smFRET on receptors reconstituted in lipid nanodiscs in complex with different G proteins and then move on to map out these dynamic interactions in a live cell environment. Outside the lab Abe enjoys cooking, learning languages, and spending time with friends.

Arvin Azodi
Position: MSc Student
Project: Expanding the Labelling Repertoire of GPCRs and G proteins via Unnatural Amino Acids
Background: Arvin obtained his Bachelor's degree at UTM, specializing in biological chemistry and majoring in Chemistry. In the Summer of 2025, he joined the Gradinaru lab as a MSc student, focusing on utilizing unnatural amino acids for bioorthogonal labeling of proteins with small and bright organic fluorophores. Once optimized, this toolbox will be used in the lab for smFRET experiments on IDP complexes and for single-particle tracking of GPCRs in live cells. Outside of the lab, Arvin enjoys playing the piano, going on walks, or spending time with his friends.