Alyssa Le, MCB PhD student

Alyssa completed her BS in Biotechnology at SUNY Buffalo and worked in a Behavioral Neuropharmacology lab. She studies the impact of estrogens on neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. Outside the lab, you can find her binge watching crime documentaries or trying out new recipes and restaurants.

Hazel, UG Student, Biology

Hazel wants to pursue a career in research. She is studying biology but is also interested in neuroscience. In her free time, she enjoys singing and playing video games. Don’t mention brawl stars to her…. she might try to 1v1 you.”

Ian Miller, MCB MS student

Ian’s research focuses on the functional and molecular characterization of cell types in the neural retina. In the future, he wants to continue his education and earn a PhD (hopefully somewhere with a slightly cooler climate). He relaxes by reading, playing some mediocre guitar/piano, and gaming.

Joel Maliyil, UG student, Biology

Joel has a strong interest in pursuing a career in medicine. When free, he plays drums, sports, socializes with friends, plays chess, volunteers at church and community events. He also likes to try new foods and cuisines.

Ezzeldin Elhawary, MCB PhD student

Ezz has a BSc in Biotech and an MSc in Genomic Medicine from the UK. His project explores cell type diversity in the mouse retina. When free, he plays the classical guitar and the Oud. A diehard Formula 1 fan. He speaks Arabic, English, and French and he’s currently learning Mandarin but don’t test him. Also, a coffeeholic!

Tanvi Khandekar, UG student, Molecular Biology

Tanvi has an interest in neuroscience and intends to continue research and earn a Ph.D. When free, she enjoys reading, watching tv shows, crafting, and baking. She knows more than five languages!

Hamza Lalami, MCB PhD student

Hamza completed an M.S. in Mol & Cell Biol from UT Dallas. His research concerns the neurological significance of AQP4X.  Besides science, he tries painting, video games, new languages, or reading/watching a quasi-niche story. Avoid speaking about One Piece to him. The last person who brought up this animated story to him is still listening to him ramble.

Daniel Lee, UG student, Biomedical Sciences

Daniel plans to pursue dental school after graduation. When he’s free, you can usually find him playing guitar, working out, or losing in Valorant. A proud member of the Yelp Elite Squad, Daniel loves exploring new restaurants and sharing reviews. He also volunteers with his church and campus ministries.

Victor Vinh Nguyen, UG student, Molecular Biology

Victor is interested in pursuing a career in research. In his free time, he enjoys playing the violin, watching Netflix, and making origami.

Cathy Rajesh, UG student, Neuroscience

Cathy is on the pre-medical track and passionate about the inner workings of the brain. Her interests include playing the violin, learning Spanish, volunteering, and experimenting with new recipes. If you catch her listening to the Rotten Mango podcast, don’t be alarmed! She’s just a bit of a true crime junkie.

Sujal Rijal, UG student, Healthcare Studies and Biology

Sujal is a double-majoring senior on the pre-dental track, planning to attend dental school. You can find him discovering new hobbies, with the most recent victim being crocheting! He is also fond of hitting the gym, cooking a new recipe, volunteering or taking evening walks if the great ol’ texas heat has mercy upon us.

Darshan Sapkota

Darshan received his PhD from SUNY Buffalo and postdoctoral training from Washington University in St. Louis, focusing on developmental and molecular neurobiology. In 2021, his lab opened its doors at UT Dallas. Besides neuroscience, Mark Knopfler, JJ Cale, and George Harrison give him goosebumps.

Daniel Shen, UG student in Biology

Daniel is planning to pursue a career in medicine. He enjoys meeting new people and finding connections with them. When free, he enjoys playing the guitar, losing a staring contest with his cat, or watching a chick flick with his wife.

Zhan Shi, MCB PhD student

Zhan completed his undergraduate in Biochemistry and master’s in Mol and Cell Biol at UTD. His research focuses on the role of AQP4X in the molecular organization of AQP4. He enjoys collecting fidget toys. He is only okay with social events, and so you’ll usually find him in quiet corners.

Prarthana Suresh, MCB PhD student

Prarthana completed a master’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology from UTD. Now she is examining the role of astrocytes in demyelinating diseases. You can almost always find her hunched over a book, obsessively trying to devour its contents.