Hoon-Ki Sung | Principal Investigator
Hoon-Ki Sung received his MD and PhD from the University of Yeungnam, South Korea. Following these trainings, he worked at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in the laboratory of Dr. Gou Young Koh. In 2006, he moved to Toronto and joined the laboratory of Dr. Andras Nagy at the Tanenbaum-Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital. In 2014, he established his research laboratory in the Physiology and Experimental Medicine Program at The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute. His research is supported by CIHR, CFI, Banting and Best Diabetic Centre, and ALS Foundation.
Jacques Togo | Research Fellow
I am Dr. Jacques Togo, a research fellow at the Sung Lab. With a focus on investigating the mechanisms underlying intermittent fasting, I am exploring how this approach can help slow down aging and metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Specifically, my research aims to uncover the role of hepatic Cpt1a expression in sustaining the metabolic benefits of intermittent fasting and understanding its regulation. Additionally, my work includes investigating the potential of intermittent fasting as a treatment or means to slow down fatty liver disease, which is one of the most rapidly evolving and deadly diseases worldwide. Apart from my passion for scientific research, I enjoy sightseeing, playing the piano, and discussing space and extraterrestrial life. I find watching documentaries about space and the universe fascinating as it provides deeper insights into our place in this vast cosmos.
Abigail Delizo | M.Sc. Student
H.B.Sc., Human Biology (Health & Disease Specialist, Immunology Minor), University of Toronto, 2025
Hi, my name is Abigail!
I am currently studying the effects of adipose tissue remodelling and metabolism in response to the discontinuation of various dietary interventions, including calorie restriction, intermittent fasting and GLP-1a medications. Particularly, my research focus aims to potentially uncover a hybrid approach that combines the principles of these given interventions, in hopes of mitigating possible metabolic dysfunction that occurs with medication discontinuation and ultimately enhancing the longevity of benefits.
Outside of academics, I enjoy sketching, nature hikes and rock climbing with friends, as well as, learning new things, such as guitar and ASL!
Qi Wei (Samuel) Zhang | PhD Student
PhD Candidate, Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto
I received my bachelor’s degree in Anesthesiology and my master’s degree in Surgery in China. I spent approximately three years working as an intern anesthesiologist and surgeon at a hospital. During my master’s degree, my research focused on bariatric surgery, specifically studying how bypassing different lengths of the small intestine affects the secretion of multiple gastrointestinal hormones. Since joining the Sung Lab, my research has centered on examining the effects of the AMPK pathway on adipose remodeling and metabolism.
Some of my hobbies include traveling, taking photos, singing, and watching horror movies.
Annie Yew | M.Sc. Student
H.B.Sc., Immunology, Human Biology, University of Toronto, 2024
Given the importance of healthy skeletal muscle in overall healthy, I am exploring therapeutics to combat skeletal muscle wasting. Particularly, my research uses various muscle wasting mouse models such as the D2.mdx mousseline which models Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to assess the effect of therapeutics on skeletal muscle growth and function under different wasting conditions.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking and sightseeing.