Hanqing Guo

Hanqing got her bachelor's degree from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and her major was biology. She is a Gilman Graduate Fellows, Biology Department, Feb. 2020 – June 2021. Her research has been focusing on the mechanics in early Drosophila embryogenesis. Specifically, using Drosophila ventral furrow formation (gastrulation) as a model system to study how tissue mechanics contribute to furrow formation during development. The lab has developed an optogenetic system to acutely inhibit RhoA and found tissue bistablility during mesoderm invagination. The lab further discovered that compression existed in the tissue outside the furrow region, which contributes to the completion of the furrow. It has been difficult to study maternal distributed essential proteins like RhoA in early embryogenesis, however, with this optogenetic tool, they are able to more precisely dissect the role of RhoA during early fly embryo development. Hanqing loves travelling around and trying new things. When she is at home, she also enjoys reading and playing video games.