Schmidt lab @MUSC
Meet the Schmidt lab
Principal Investigator
Christin Schmidt
Christin earned her PhD in Biology from Heidelberg University and the German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg in Germany. During her Postdoc at UCSF in the labs of Bjoern Schwer and William A. Weiss she studied the developmental and genetic origins of Group 4 medulloblastoma, work that is being continued in her own lab now at MUSC. When not thinking about science, Christin loves spending time with her kids and family, figuring out how to bake german bread in the south and you might find her exploring the best running trails around Charleston.
Honorary lab member
Frankie
Frankie loves catching a tennis ball, eating treats and cuddling with her family.
Research Specialist
Staff Scientist
Julia Sciandra
Kamala Sundararaj
Julia is a recent graduate of Coastal Carolina University. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Biology. During her undergrad, she studied altered gene expression and models of neurodegenerative diseases while incorporating rescue treatments. Outside of the lab, Julia loves to catch a concert, explore Charleston, and read a good book.
Kamala obtained her PhD in Biochemistry, and she has engaged in scientific investigations for several years at MUSC. Her expertise in scientific research, specifically in the field of signal transduction and oncology, will greatly enhance value to the studies proposed for how pediatric tumor occurs during the development of the brain. Apart from science, Kamala loves to cook and spend time with her family and friends.
Graduate Student
Jesslyn James
Jesslyn is a recent graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, where she earned her degree in Medical Laboratory Science with a minor in biology. She is a grad student in MUSC's MCBP grad program and joined the Schmidt lab in June 2026 to pursue a PhD in Cancer Biology. In her free time, Jesslyn enjoys crocheting, pottery, and spending time with friends.
Alumni
Carolina Hagwood - SURP student (May-July 2026)
Sarah Bordyn - Volunteer (May-July 2026)
Shivani Balasubramaniam - Volunteer (May-June 2026)
Meagan Marks - Rotation student (Spring 2026)
Apply Today
We are looking for talented postdocs, if you are interested send your resume to schmichr@musc.edu.