Members

P. C. Dave P. Dingal, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Department of Bioengineering and Center for Systems Biology
davedingal {@} utdallas {.} edu

Postdoc, Harvard University and Stanford University
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
B.Eng., Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

As a chemical engineer -turned- biologist, I became fascinated by the complexity of biological processes. I explored several facets of molecular and cell biology during my PhD and Postdoctoral fellowships and got hooked on how a cell might sense its microenvironment and the variety of ways it can respond. My inner engineer wants to take control of that cell biological response, and the struggle is real.
Extracurricular interests: rock climbing, singing, sailing

Sadhya Achanta
Graduate research assistant
sxa2300081 {@} utdallas.edu

B.Sc.     PES University, Bangalore, India

Being a bioengineer, I’ve harbored a long-standing fascination for the intricate art of engineering biological systems. With my early immersion in the realms of cell and molecular biology, my curiosity has evolved to encompass a deep desire to comprehend the complexities of signaling pathways within cells. My passion lies at the intersection of protein engineering and unraveling intricate cell signaling pathways. I aim to leverage my experience  to bridge the gap between these disciplines, translating theoretical insights into practical applications. My journey is fueled by a desire to contribute to innovative solutions that harness the potential of biological systems.
Extracurricular interests: dancing, reading, baking

Medel B. Lim Suan Jr.
Graduate research assistant
mbl210001 {@} utdallas.edu
Eugene McDermott Graduate Fellow

B.Sc.     University of the Philippines, magna cum laude

I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of the Philippines – Diliman. My thesis, “Identification of the candidate molecular targets of ciprofloxacin via comparative genomics of sensitive and resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains”, aims to find drug targets in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains using a bottom-up approach.
Extracurricular interests:
gaming

Charlotte Marasigan
Graduate research assistant
cxm230016 {@} utdallas.edu

B.Sc.     University of the City of Manila

As a biology graduate, I’ve been captivated by the complexities of biological processes. My academic journey and initial experiences in the field have led me to immerse myself in the intriguing world of molecular and cell biology. I’ve become increasingly curious about how cells perceive their environment and orchestrate various responses. Despite my background in biology rather than engineering, I’m motivated by a strong desire to manipulate these cellular reactions. While I’m fully aware of the challenges ahead, I’m committed to pursuing this path with unwavering determination.
Extracurricular interests: singing, community work and volunteer engagement, public speaking

Mustafa Alrawi
Laboratory Manager / Technician
mxa190076 {@} utdallas {.} edu

B.Sc.    University of Texas at Dallas

As a Biology major, I am captivated by how interwoven and complex the biological processes are. By understanding these processes, we are able to expand on them and implement them in artificial ways. Currently, I am interested in how proteins can be manipulated to give a desirable outcome in an organism.
Extracurricular interests: working out, reading, gaming

Nitin Chikkodi
Undergraduate Research Assistant
nsc210001 {@} utdallas {.} edu

B.Sc.     University of Texas at Dallas
Expected Graduation: May 2026

Through my biology and chemistry courses in high school, I have discovered my fascination for the beauty of science and the problem-solving aspects of attempting to uncover more about it. As a biochemistry major, I aim to unearth more about how these two fields interact and the unique benefits this interdisciplinary pathway provides. Additionally, I aspire to pursue research throughout my college experience to push the frontiers of our collective knowledge, hopefully making a positive impact on those around me along the way.
Extracurricular interests: playing chess, playing the violin, watching anime

Jaideep Kaur
Undergraduate Research Assistant
jxk190051 {@} utdallas {.} edu

B.Eng. University of Texas at Dallas
Expected Graduation: May 2024

As a biomedical engineering student, it is my priority to evaluate the downfalls of the healthcare and develop solutions to improve the quality of healthcare delivery. While gaining experience in the medical field, I developed an appreciation for life and how it functions. I want to expand my knowledge and explore life at a molecular level. I am excited to make new discoveries in the lab that will have potential to improve our quality of life in the future.
Extracurricular interests: golf, swimming, reading, and painting.

Nikhil Koya
Undergraduate Research Assistant
nxk210057 {@} utdallas {.} edu

B.Sc. University of Texas at Dallas
Expected Graduation: December 2024

In high school, I discovered my passion to apply my knowledge into empirical models and attempt to solve the mysteries between multiple interacting vectors. During my time at UTD, I hope to further uncover and expand those mysteries behind the applications of science while also helping others understand those nuances.
Extracurricular interests: taekwondo, basketball, music.

Jaimahesh Nagineni
Undergraduate Research Assistant
jxn210018 {@} utdallas {.} edu

B.Sc.     University of Texas at Dallas
Expected Graduation: May 2026

I am a Biology major at UTD with the intent of pursuing a career in medicine. Genes and how their expression can be controlled has always been an interest to me, and I hope to gain more insight and build a foundation that I can continue to improve on in my future career.
Extracurricular interests: Camping, martial arts, playing piano, reading, video games

Rodrigo Raposo
Undergraduate Research Assistant
rxg210094 {@} utdallas {.} edu

B.Sc.     University of Texas at Dallas
Expected Graduation: December 2025

I am a freshman in Biochemistry with hopes of using my knowledge and expertise in undergraduate, postgraduate, and market-level research in biochemistry and biomedical engineering. I aspire to work in the biotech industry and eventually found my own company. I enjoy working with proteins, viruses, and genetics.
Extracurricular interests: esports, philosophy, and soccer

Nashrah Sadaf
Undergraduate Research Assistant
nxs200054 {@} utdallas {.} edu

B.Sc.     University of Texas at Dallas
Expected Graduation: May 2025

I am a Healthcare Studies major pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. My current interests lie in animal development and pathology, specifically zoonotic diseases. Working as a veterinary technician has allowed me insight to the field of veterinary medicine, and with this lab, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the organism at a cellular and molecular level.
Extracurricular interests: reading, writing, playing basketball

Zain Syed
Undergraduate Research Assistant
zxs190007 {@} utdallas {.} edu

B.Sc.     University of Texas at Dallas
Expected Graduation: May 2025

I am a Biology major at UTD. I am currently pursuing a career in medicine. In addition to being a researcher, I am a PLTL leader for General Chemistry. I have always been fascinated by genes and proteins as they are integral aspects of biology, and I strongly believe that research in these fields is essential because not only does it give us more insight into organismal development, but it can also improve our understanding of diseases and their cures. At the Dingal Lab, I hope to gain more knowledge in genetic modification and protein synthesis and use it towards further research in my medical career.
Extracurricular interests: playing viola, spending time with family & friends, cooking, swimming, traveling, drawing

Ajay Tunikipati
Undergraduate Research Assistant
axt200039 {@} utdallas {.} edu

B.Sc.    University of Texas at Dallas
Expected Graduation: May 2025

Ever since I was a child I wanted to become a doctor and get into the medical field. Genetics has always been an interesting topic for me and I hope to learn a lot more about it and biology in general during my time at this lab.
Extracurricular interests: gaming, martial arts, tennis, and working out

PAST MEMBERS

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