Funded Students

PhD Candidate, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience (School of Life Sciences), Arizona State University
Velazquez Lab, ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute

Education
BS (Natural Sciences, 2010), University of Alaska Anchorage
MS (Biology, 2014), University of Alaska Anchorage

Bio
For my dissertation, I am investigating mechanisms underlying the vulnerability of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in the context of Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, I focus on the role of endosomal abnormalities in the susceptibility of these cells, and how those changes relate to the behaviors modulated by their targets. More broadly, my research examines the contribution of endosomal dysfunction to cellular vulnerability across multiple neurodegenerative diseases, given that endosomal trafficking is central to processes such as synaptic communication, growth factor signaling, and autophagy. Looking forward, I aim to pursue a neuroscience career that combines my love of research and teaching with my passion for science outreach through the visual arts.

PhD Student, Chemistry, School of Molecular Sciences (SMS), Arizona State University
Ros Lab, ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute

Education
BS (Chemistry, 2023), [Boise State University
PhD Student (Chemistry, 2023–present), Arizona State University

Bio
During my undergraduate studies, I investigated enzyme inhibitors to mitigate side effects of cancer therapy treatments. In Fall 2023, I began my PhD in Chemistry at Arizona State University and joined Dr. Alexandra Ros’ lab. My current research focuses on developing a microfluidic platform to isolate and study protein content from cells. Specifically, we aim to isolate amyloid beta oligomeric species from brain tissue sections to better understand their chemical behavior, structural properties, and composition. While amyloid beta is strongly implicated in Alzheimer’s disease pathology, its specific role remains unclear. Our work seeks to shed light on its function and origins, with the potential to contribute to improved understanding of neurodegenerative disease. Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, caring for my cats, and spending time with my loved ones.

PhD Candidate, Computer Science, School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI), Arizona State University
NIH AI+X Fellow, [Advisor/Lab Name if applicable], ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute

Education
BS (Computer Science, 2016), West Bengal University of Technology, Kolkata, India

Bio
My research sits at the intersection of computer vision, deep learning, and neuroimaging, with an emphasis on data-efficient learning (few- and zero-shot), domain generalization, and multimodal modeling for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. I focus on building reliable, reproducible ML methods that translate across scanners and clinical sites, working closely with radiologists and neuroscientists to ensure biological relevance and clinical utility. At ASU, I also serve as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant in algorithms and engineering. My goal is to advance robust, transparent AI tools that accelerate discovery and improve outcomes in ADRD research.

PhD Candidate, Computer Engineering, School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI), Arizona State University
Advisor: Visar Berisha; School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering + College of Health Solutions, ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute

Education
MS (Computer Engineering, 2019) Arizona State University

BS (Electrical Engineering, 2016) Arizona State University

Bio
My research lies at the intersection of machine learning and speech signal processing, with the goal of developing automated tools to advance clinical speech assessment for disease detection and monitoring. Application areas of interest include ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, child speech, and pulmonary disease. I have also completed several industry internships, where I conducted research on in-memory computing for deep learning and contributed to projects aligned with my doctoral work. My broader goal is to build innovative computational solutions that improve early detection and monitoring of neurological and speech-related disorders.

PhD Student, School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI), Arizona State University
Wu Lab, ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute

Education
BS (Computer Science, 2023), Virginia State University
MS (Computer Science, 2024), Virginia State University

Bio
For my dissertation, I am developing and applying graph-based computational models to investigate patterns and mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease. My work seeks to uncover how complex relationships between biological and clinical factors can be modeled to improve understanding and prediction of disease progression. More broadly, I am interested in advancing computational approaches to study neurodegenerative diseases and support data-driven discoveries that can inform diagnosis and treatment strategies. Before beginning my academic career, I served in the U.S. Army from 2012–2015, completing two tours in Afghanistan. Outside of research, I enjoy reading and gaming.

PhD Student, Biochemistry, School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University
JKS Lab, ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute
NIH AI+X T32 Fellow (Spring 2025)

Education
BS (Biochemistry – Medicinal Chemistry, 2023) , Arizona State University
MS (Biochemistry – Medicinal Chemistry, 2024), Arizona State University

Bio
My research background bridges biochemistry, structural biology, and photobiology, with experience spanning both undergraduate and master’s thesis projects in the JKS Lab at Arizona State University. My master’s thesis, “Binding of Benzo[a]pyrene to the Retinal Binding Pocket of Mammalian Rhodopsin,” explored molecular interactions relevant to vision and environmental toxicology. My Barrett Honors thesis, “Investigating Suspected Light Sensitivity of Potential Opsin Proteins in Pocillopora damicornis,” investigated photoreceptor proteins in coral systems. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Biochemistry, supported by the NIH-funded Intergenerational Community-Driven Training in Alzheimer’s Disease Research: An AI+X Approach T32 Training Grant (Spring 2025). Through my work, I aim to advance understanding of biochemical mechanisms relevant to both fundamental biology and neurodegenerative disease.

PhD Student, Neuroscience, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience (School of Life Sciences), Arizona State University
Snyder-Mackler Lab, ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute

Education
BS (Animal Science, 2015), University of Massachusetts Amherst
BS (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 2020), University of Massachusetts Amherst
MS (Neuroscience and Behavior, 2022), University of Massachusetts Amherst

Bio
My research focuses on understanding sex differences in brain aging and neurodegeneration using single-nucleus RNA sequencing to analyze a dataset of 5.3 million cells. This large-scale computational approach allows me to identify cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying age-related transcriptional changes with unprecedented resolution. My interdisciplinary background includes dual bachelor's degrees in animal science and biochemistry, as well as a master's degree in neuroscience and behavior, where I explored chemosensory processes in sea slugs. Through this work, I aim to contribute to precision medicine strategies that address individual differences in aging and neurological health.

PhD Student, Data Science and Engineering, School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI), Arizona State University
Wu Lab, ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute

Education
BTech (Information Technology, 2019), Nirma University, India
MS (Robotics and Autonomous Systems – Artificial Intelligence, 2021), Arizona State University

Bio
My research focuses on developing deep learning frameworks that leverage transcriptomic data, including bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), to model the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as pseudo-temporal trajectories. I am also designing an imputation strategy to address sparsity in scRNA-seq data, aiming to improve the accuracy and interpretability of downstream analyses. My broader interests span machine learning, deep learning, medical imaging, and multi-modal analytics for biomedical data, with the goal of building robust models to better understand complex biological processes and neurodegenerative diseases.

Google Scholar Profile

PhD Student, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience (School of Life Sciences), Arizona State University
Tseng Lab, ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute

Education
BS (Physiology, 2023), Alma College
MS (Anatomy – Neuroscience Focus, 2025), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Bio
I am a first-year neuroscience PhD student working in Dr. Henry Tseng’s lab, where our research focuses on abnormal tau protein modifications in healthy aging and disease using both mouse and cellular models. My academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in physiology from Alma College and a master’s degree in anatomy with a focus in neuroscience from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Outside of research, I enjoy hiking and photography.