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.
Min Yang | Research Fellow
I have been working in the field of pediatric endocrinology and genetic metabolism for 16 years at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. My clinical and research interests focus on pediatric diabetes mellitus, obesity, and inherited metabolic disorders such as methylmalonic acidemia and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In addition to my clinical duties, I have been actively involved in research. My current project in the lab aims to explore the mechanisms by which intermittent fasting influences adipose stem cells. I am particularly interested in the work of the Sung Lab on the role of intermittent fasting in obesity management. I hope that my time in the lab will contribute to both my research development and future clinical practice.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, watching TV series, and spending time with my cat.
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!
Yunhwa (Chloe) Lee | 4th Year Undergraduate Student
H.B.Sc. Candidate, Human Biology (Health & Disease Specialist), University of Toronto, 2025
Hello I’m Chloe! My project at the Sung Lab involves the study of the effects of fasting-refeeding on liver stem cell proliferation and tissue regeneration.
These days, I fall asleep to crime and space documentaries—they’re oddly calming. I’ve also started picking up new activities like boxing and cycling!
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.
Yasmin Jacot | 4th Year Undergraduate Student
H.B.Sc. Candidate, Human Biology (Health & Disease Specialist, Immunology Minor), University of Toronto, 2025
Hi, I’m Yasmin! I’m completing my 4th-year research project at the Sung Lab, where I’m investigating the effects of fasting and caloric restriction on pancreatic tissue remodeling.
Outside of research, I enjoy digital art, sewing, and going to the gym.
Hamza Sghayare | H.B.Sc.
H.B.Sc., Pathobiology Specialist, Immunology Minor, University of Toronto, 2025
Hi, I’m Hamza Sghayare!
At the Sung Lab, I’m investigating how fasting-refeeding and intermittent fasting influence intestinal lymphatic remodeling and lipid absorption in the context of high-fat diet-induced obesity. Specifically, my project explores how changes in feeding patterns affect lacteal junction phenotypes to regulate lipid uptake and support metabolic health, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic strategies for metabolic disease.
In my spare time, I enjoy photography, video editing, swimming, ice skating, and watching F1 races.
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.