About US
The Cologna laboratory uses state-of-the-art mass spectrometry to better understand human disease. We are focused in three major research areas: (i) protein isoform characterization and quantification by mass spectrometry, (ii) mass spectrometry-based lipid measurements in neurodegenerative diseases and (iii) analytical method development and implementation of novel approaches to improve the detection of biomolecules. The overarching goal of this research is to develop tools which can be implemented to study biological pathways perturbed in human disease. Successful outcomes will lead to improved understanding of molecular and cellular processes and potentially lead to therapeutic options for various disorders.
group members

dr. stephanie M. cologna
Assistant Professor
B.S. – University of Arizona
Ph.D. – Texas A & M University
Postdoctoral Training – National Institute of Health
Email – cologna[at]uic[dot]edu
Postdoctoral Training – National Institute of Health
Email – cologna[at]uic[dot]edu

Mi Nguyen
PhD Candidate
B.S. – Whitworth University
In my free time, I like hanging out with friends, traveling, and drawing.
Email – tnguy214[at]uic[dot]edu
In my free time, I like hanging out with friends, traveling, and drawing.
Email – tnguy214[at]uic[dot]edu

K.P. Chandimal Pathmasiri
PhD Candidate
B.S. – University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
I like to watch TV shows, spend time on beach and swim.
Email – kpathm2[at]uic[dot]edu
I like to watch TV shows, spend time on beach and swim.
Email – kpathm2[at]uic[dot]edu

Diana Abbasi
PhD Candidate
B.S. – Purdue University
M.S. – Rush University
Full time dog mama, plant fanatic, and a lover of hiking, music, and yoga.
Email – dabbas4[at]uic[dot]edu
Full time dog mama, plant fanatic, and a lover of hiking, music, and yoga.
Email – dabbas4[at]uic[dot]edu

Audra Lemley
PhD Candidate
B.A. – Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
Outside of grad school, I enjoy gardening, brunching, and visiting Chicago’s art museums.
Email – alemle2[at]uic[dot]edu
Outside of grad school, I enjoy gardening, brunching, and visiting Chicago’s art museums.
Email – alemle2[at]uic[dot]edu

Wenping Li
Post-doc
M.S. – Illinois Institute of Technology
Ph.D. – University of Illinois at Chicago
I like to watch movies and travel with my family.
Email – jklwp007[at]uic[dot]edu
Ph.D. – University of Illinois at Chicago
I like to watch movies and travel with my family.
Email – jklwp007[at]uic[dot]edu

Dominick Pierre-Jacques
Graduate Research Assistant
A.A.S. – Gwinnett Technical College
B.S. – Kennesaw State University
I like to cook and play video games.
Email – dpierr4[at]uic[dot]edu
B.S. – Kennesaw State University
I like to cook and play video games.
Email – dpierr4[at]uic[dot]edu
Group Photo April 2022
