Zhaokang Cheng, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Associate Professor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Washington State University
412 East Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, WA  99202-2131
(509) 358-7741
zhaokang.cheng@wsu.edu
Faculty Webpage

Zhaokang (ZK) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Washington State University. ZK received his Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Nankai University, China. He then moved to the United States for his postdoctoral training at San Diego State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was later promoted to Research Assistant Professor at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. ZK relocated to Washington State University in 2016 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2022. ZK established the WSU Cardiovascular Research Laboratory to study the regulation of cell death in the heart with the ultimate goal of developing new treatments for heart disease.

Nonscientific Interests: Outdoor activities including exploring the beautiful Inland Northwest, hiking, skiing.

Jingrui Chen, Ph.D.
Research Associate (2023 – present)
Postdoctoral Research Associate (2018 – 2023)
jingrui.chen@wsu.edu

• Career Development Award recipient
  Total funding: $231,000
  04/2025 – 03/2028
  American Heart Association
• Young Investigator Award recipient
  The Third Asian Cardiovascular Symposium
  BCVS Scientific Sessions 2021
  American Heart Association

Dr. Jingrui Chen joined Washington State University in September 2018. During his Ph.D. training, Jingrui developed expertise in myocardial infarction, ischemia/reperfusion, transverse aortic constriction, and echocardiography. During postdoctoral training, he explored the role of RBL2 in ischemia/reperfusion injury and the role of CDK7 in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. His current research focuses on the role of CDK7 in cardiac pathophysiology including myocardial hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, heart regeneration, and heart failure.

Beyond the lab, he enjoys sports, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Mahder Dawit Belew, B.Sc.
Ph.D. student (2022 – present)
mahder.belew@wsu.edu

Hi! I’m Mahder Dawit Belew, a PhD student in the Pharmaceutical Sciences department at Washington State University. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Hollins University in 2022 and joined the Cheng Lab in 2023. My research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, and I have a broader interest in cardio-oncology, kinase signaling, and cardioprotective strategies.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy drawing and traveling to new places!

Peng Xia, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Associate (2016 – 2020)

• New Investigator Travel Award recipient
  American Heart Association, 2018
• First Place Award in Oral Presentation
  College of Pharmacy Research Day, 2018

I joined Dr. Zhaokang Cheng’ lab in 2016. During this period, I focused on Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. It was absolutely an amazing experience. I have got several first-author publications, awards, and grant-writing experience. I really appreciate all the advice both in my academic career development and in my life.

Current: Instructor, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School

Sukanya Phungphong, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Associate (2021 – 2022)

My name is Sukanya. I graduated with a Ph.D. degree in physiology from Mahidol University, Thailand. Then, I joined Dr. Cheng’s lab in July 2021 as a postdoctoral researcher. My current research focuses on the mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction caused by loss of PKA regulatory subunit 1 alpha.  Researching at Dr. Cheng’s Lab allows me to improve my creativity. I will have a broader perspective on cardiovascular research and will be exposed to a thought-stimulating atmosphere.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading and watching movies.

Current: Assistant Professor, Walailak University, Thailand

Yuening Liu, B.S.
Ph.D. student (2016 -2021)

• Experimental Biology 2020 Travel Award recipient, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), 2020
• The Associated Students of Washington State University Health Sciences (ASWSUHS) Travel Grant recipient, Washington State University, 2020
• James and Diann Robbers Student Research Fund recipient, 2020

My name is Yuening Liu, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences at University of Toledo and then joined Dr. Cheng’s lab in 2016 as a PhD student. My research focused on the roles of PRKAR1A in physiological hypertrophy and myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. My goal is to provide scientific evidence for therapeutic targets and develop more effective treatments to improve therapeutic options for cardiovascular disease. Under Dr. Cheng’s mentorship and support, I am highly motivated and capable of doing research independently but also working in a team. During my training, I have gained more in-depth knowledge of cardiovascular research and am ready to pursue my career in the field.

Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling and hiking with family and friends.

Current: Postdoctoral Fellow, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, CA

Chao Huang, M.S. (2025)

Eric Beaulaurier, M.S. (2024)

Humayra Haque, B.Pharm. (2024)

Namrata Bachhav, M. Pharm. (2022)

Mengqi Zhao, B.S. (2021)

Tobias F Johnston, B.S. (2020)

Joshua Gallo, B.S. (2019)

Mehedi Rahman (2017)

Erika Nicole Bautista (2020)

Shayne Fontes (2019)

Shanyda Soe, Los Medanos College (2025)

Maya Fletcher, Gonzaga University (2019)

Shelby Coates, Pacific Lutheran University (2018)

Stephanie Dong, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2017)

Ryan Toohill, B.Sc. (2022 – 2023)

Megan Constans, B.Sc. (2021 – 2022)