Graduate students

Milad Ahmed

I am a PhD student in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati. Growing up in Sylhet, Bangladesh, I have pursued my Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, and Master of Science in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Animal and Fish Biotechnology) from Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh. I want to explore the state-of-the-art molecular approaches to combat infectious parasitic diseases. In my spare time I enjoy visiting new places, movies, music, and cricket.

Asima Das

I am a PhD student in the Lander Lab at University of Cincinnati. I have completed my Master’s in Plant Biology from Christ University, India, studying plant secondary metabolites. Subsequently, I worked at the Institute of Microbial Technology on anti-microbial peptides. I have always been interested in working in the field of infectious diseases. I want to study T. cruzi proteins that are potential drug targets for antiparasitic interventions, and therefore contribute towards the path to finding a cure for Chagas disease. In my free time I love exploring various Indian classical dance forms and sometimes cooking too.

César González Zermeño

I am a Master student at the Lander Lab since Fall 2024. I completed my B.A. in Bioscience from Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico. My research focuses on cAMP-related genes in Trypanosoma cruzi, learning about the signaling pathways in this parasite that could aid in the development of new treatment options for Chagas disease. In my spare time I enjoy playing drums, exploring new places and watching new shows and plays.

Camila Centeno Camean

I am a PhD student at the National University of San Martín (UNSAM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. My doctoral research focuses on the structural and functional characterization of protein domains restricted to trypanosomatids that exhibit structural homology with bacterial chaperones. I joined Lander’s lab as a Visiting Scholar to gain hands-on experience with innovative CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing techniques. In my free time, I enjoy playing the clarinet and saxophone with my music band, going to the theater and the cinema, and hanging out with my friends.

Undergraduate students

Sofia Stitz

I am a dual degree biology and ballet student with a pre-medicine certificate at the University of Cincinnati. I plan to attend medical school after graduation, in hopes of pursuing a career in orthopedic sports medicine focusing on dancers. As someone who has always been captivated by the biological processes of life, research allows me to pursue these interests and continuously expand my knowledge in new areas. Constantly striving for uncovering new truths in biology is fascinating to me, and it all begins at the DNA of an organism! Aside from my studies, I enjoy Pilates and baking!

Riley Hunter

I am a Biological Sciences major and Chemistry minor at the University of Cincinnati. I am passionate about understanding different biological pathways related to genetics, pathology, and cancer research. I would like to make a difference in contributing to solving some of the various health issues that exist in our world today and help address new areas of concern. I plan to attend graduate school to continue developing my research skills. Aside from my studies, I enjoy hanging out with friends, reading, and cooking.