Pathology Residency Program Current Residents

Bio: Yiran received his medical degree from Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, and completed his surgical residency training at Fudan University in Shanghai. He later moved to the United States to conduct cancer research at Wayne State University and Stony Brook University before beginning his pathology residency training. Yiran especially values the supportive and welcoming environment of UM Pathology and enjoys the natural beauty of Columbia, Missouri. Outside of work, he likes spending time with his family, playing board games, and trying new local restaurants.

Bio: Dr. Zhu earned her MD from Xiangya School of Medicine in China and practiced anesthesiology for three years before transitioning into clinical research and biostatistics. She spent many years there working in clinical trials, systematic review, and guideline development for institutions such as WHO. Impressed by the beauty of the Midwest and the collegiate environment at MU Columbia, she is excited to pivot into pathology in an era when the field is being reshaped by AI and new technologies, where she hopes to bring her biostatistics background to contribute to digital pathology and AI validation. She is expected to graduate from the AP/CP residency in 2030. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors through gardening, hiking, and biking, and unwinding with reading and writing.

Bio: FNU Sonam graduated from Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Pakistan. Before moving to the U.S., she worked as a grossing assistant in the pathology department at her home institution, where she further developed her interest in pathology. After relocating to the U.S., FNU Sonam worked as a research fellow in the Department of Pathology at Mayo Clinic. She is grateful to be continuing her training at the University of Missouri, where she values the strong sense of community, excellent teaching, and supportive environment. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, painting, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She looks forward to continuing her professional growth here and exploring future opportunities in pathology.

Bio: Dr. Meng's journey in medicine began in China, where she received her MD from Qingdao University and her PhD from Peking Union Medical School. She practiced pathology for several years before moving to the U.S. Her passion for the field led her through years of research at George Washington University, followed by a role in a Clinical Pathology Lab. Now, she's thrilled to continue realizing her dream as a Pathology resident at the University of Missouri. Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Meng finds joy in cooking, gardening, hiking, traveling, and cherishing moments with her family.

Bio: Dr. Zeng earned his MD from Sichuan University in China in 2014 and practiced internal medicine before moving to the U.S., where he began conducting research in cellular therapy at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2018. Pathology has always been an integral part of his medical journey, and he is excited to continue this path within the MU Pathology Residency program’s supportive, family-like environment and the vibrant college town of Columbia. He is expected to graduate from the AP/CP track in 2029. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, exploring new cuisines, and learning foreign languages.

Bio: Dr. Zhang earned her MD from Qingdao University College of Medical Science in 2006 and completed her PhD at Peking Union Medical College in 2012. Before joining the pathology residency program at the University of Missouri in Columbia, she conducted more than a decade of research in hematology. At Missouri, she enjoys the supportive environment from both senior residents and attendings, along with the physician lounge meals and snacks. She is expected to graduate in 2029. Outside of medicine, Dr. Zhang enjoys spending time with her children, hiking, dancing, listening to music, and reading.

Bio: James obtained his bachelor's in medical humanities at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He then attended medical school at A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Away from work, he enjoys exercising, spending time with friends and family, and playing games.

Bio: Dr. Hashim completed medical school at Ameer-ud-Din Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan. MU’s resident program feels like home to him, and he feels very fortunate to be here. In his free time, he loves learning new skills.

Bio: McKenzie grew up in Maryville, MO. She studied neuroscience at Colgate University in upstate New York before completing her bachelor's degree in cellular neuroscience at Creighton University in Omaha, NE. She attended medical school at the University of Missouri-Columbia and completed a post-sophomore fellowship in pathology with the MU Pathology Department after her second year of medical school. She chose to stay with the department for her residency training due to the incredible faculty, the hands-on training experiences afforded by a small program without fellows, and the supportive family-like environment between the residents (and because Columbia is an awesome town!). In her free time, she loves trail running, backpacking, going to live music events, and playing with her dog, Theo!

Bio: Dr. Nale was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. She received her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Drury University before attending medical school at A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys fantasy books, television, orchids, and needle felting.

Bio: Dr. Zhang received her MD and PhD from Shandong University in China. After years of clinical practice, teaching, and research, she began her pathology career at the University of Missouri, where she currently serves as a co-chief resident. She is expected to graduate from pathology residency in 2027 and will complete a GI/Liver Pathology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic during the 2027–2028 academic year.

Her favorite aspects of the MU Pathology program include the supportive faculty, the close-knit camaraderie among residents, and the relaxed pace of life in a Midwestern college town.