Dr. Van Lu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Western Ontario and a Scientist at the Children's Health Research Institute. Dr. Lu completed her PhD in Pharmacology at the University of Alberta and post-doctoral training at the NIH (USA) and the University of Cambridge (UK). Her research focuses on nutrient-sensing mechanisms in secretory gastrointestinal epithelial cells. Her work has identified novel mechanisms regulating gut hormone release and tested the modulation of ion channels to control cell function. The Lu lab utilizes mouse and human organoid models and advanced molecular tools to interrogate cell signaling mechanisms. Dr. Lu enjoys baking in her spare time and watching British crime dramas.