Team
Dr. Meghal Desai
Ph.D. (Biotechnology): NCCS, University of Pune
Meghal completed her Ph.D. studies in molecular neurobiology at the NCCS, University of Pune.
She is an anthophile and astrophile who also enjoys cooking, jogging, and binge-watching on weekends.
Email: meghal.desai@rutgers.edu
Dr. Manasi Agrawal
Ph.D. (Neuroscience): Kent State University
Manasi completed her Ph.D. studies in developmental neurobiology at the Kent State University.
She loves to sketch, and is our official lab baker.
Email: manasi.agrawal@rutgers.edu
Shruti Ghumra, MS 
BSc. (Microbiology), MS (Biological Sc): Mumbai, India
Shruti is a third year PhD student at Rutgers University, Newark.
She completed her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Mithibai College, India, and a master’s degree in Biological Sciences from NMIMS, Mumbai, India. She conducted her MS dissertation research at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), India in the field of nanotechnology.
Email: sg2078@newark.rutgers.edu
Yashashree Bhorkar, MS 
BSc. (Biotechnology), MS (Biotechnology): Pune, India
Yashashree is a third year PhD at Rutgers University, Newark.
She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biotechnology at Fergusson College in Pune, India. She conducted her MS dissertation research at the National Centre for Microbial Resources (NCMR) in Pune, India, in the field of microbiology.
Email: yb356@newark.rutgers.edu
Sanjana Thanedar, Rotating Ph.D Student
BSc. (Biotechnology): Mumbai University / MS (Molecular Genetics and Genomics): Wayne State University, Michigan
Sanjana is a second year PhD student at Rutgers University, Newark.
She completed her bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology at Mumbai University and her MS in Molecular Genetics and Genomics from Wayne State University, Michigan.
She loves to sing, and enjoys reading thriller novels in her spare time. (Fun fact: she is also ambidextrous!)
Yuri Kato (Class of 2027)
BSc. (Biological Sciences): George Washington University
Yuri is a Masters student at Rutgers University, Newark.
Her hobbies include hiking, travel & landscape photography, reading, and playing with her cats.
Email: yk750@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Alana Lore (Class of 2027)
Alana is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University, Newark, and she wants to major in biology.
She likes hanging out with her friends and family, sewing, photography, watching hockey (she is a NJ Devils Fan!), and going to live music shows/concerts.
Email: aml490@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Arshdeep Parmar (Class of 2029)
Arshdeep is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University, Newark. She plans to double major in applied mathematics and psychology with a minor in pre-health.
Her hobbies include running, mindful organization, driving, and nail art.
Nethra Sriram
Nethra is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University, Newark, majoring in Neurobiology with a second concentration in the Honors College.
Her hobbies include photography, learning classical music on the flute, reading, and playing chess.
Email: ns1700@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Ikram Ashi 
Ikram is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University, Newark
Her favorite hobbies include going on walks, hanging out with friends, and cooking/baking. She plans to major in neuroscience.
Email: ika14@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Ny-Ziah Hamilton-Hill
Love Singh (Summer Intern)
Love is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan. He plans to major in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Neuroscience, and is looking forward to a future in medicine.
His hobbies include volunteering as an EMT, lifting weights, coaching youth basketball, and enjoying walks on trails and parks.
Email: lovedeep@umich.edu
Lahiri Kuchibatla (Summer Intern) 
Lahiri is an undergraduate student at Boston University.
She enjoy reading, traveling, and especially exploring theme parks, I also love taking long walks and listening to music and making many playlists for them!
Email: lahirik@bu.edu
Kaili Taylor, Rotating Ph.D. Student,Fall 2023
Currently a Ph.D. student in Rutgers Univ.
Email: kdt71@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Krishna Rana (Class of 2026)
Krishna is an undergraduate student at NJIT, Newark.
He likes playing cricket, listening to music, playing acoustic guitar, taking photographs, and exploring new places in nature.
Email: kdr105@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Noor Amira (Class of 2026)
Noor is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University, Newark, and she wants to major in biology.
Her favorite hobbies are boxing and basketball.
Email: na891@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Mohamed Amer (Class of 2026)
Mohamed is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University, Newark, and he plans to major in biology.
His hobbies are soccer, playing, and watching. He likes to watch MMA, goes to the gym a lot, plays FIFA, reads religious books, and loves to spend time with his girlfriend.
Email: mga86@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Keya Gulati (Class of 2026)
Keya is an undergraduate student at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and she is majoring in biology.
She is a part of the 7-year Accelerated BS/MD program with New Jersey Medical School.
Some of her favorite hobbies include playing basketball, hiking, and crocheting.
Email: kg575@njit.edu
Alaa Karim (Class of 2025)
Alaa is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University- Newark. She’s majoring in Biology, minoring in Chemistry, a
nd planning to pursue a career in medicine.
Aside from her passion for research and fueling her interest in science, she likes to fulfill her artistic side too with drawing, calligraphy, handmade crafts, and reading.”
Krystina Carrington 
Krystina, was a high school intern in the lab. She is from the North Star Academy High School.
Email: krystina.i.carrington@student.northstaracademy.org
Oluwasemipe Adebiyi Hunter (Ella) 
Ella, was a high school intern in the lab. She is from the North Star Academy High School.
Email: oodebiyihunter@student.northstaracademy.org