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Contact Information:
dzhang12@nyit.edu
Dr. Dong Zhang,
(Professor)
Dr. Zhang is a professor of Cancer Biology at the College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology. Dr. Zhang also serves as the director of the Center for Cancer Research at the New York Institute of Technology. Dr. Zhang obtained his Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Brandeis University in the laboratory of Nobel Laureate, Dr. Michael Rosbash. Dr. Zhang then did his postdoctoral training at the Biochemistry Department of Baylor College of Medicine and the Genetics Department of Harvard Medical School. In addition to running a cancer research lab, Dr. Zhang also teaches medical biochemistry to medical students and is a faculty adviser for the First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 since 2020.
Contact information: dzhang12@nyit.edu
Contact Information:
lbucha01@nyit..edu
Liam Buchanan
Liam Buchanan
Liam is our current Lab Technician in Dr. Zhang Lab. Liam Graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 2023 with a B.S in Biology with a pre-medicine concentration. While in his undergrad, he did three years of synthetic biology research with three different projects which ranged from constructing empty cyanophages to output various end-products, to utilizing enzymes to cleave a hairpin in the DNA with a fluorescent tag to act as a detection system.
Contact Information:
jcaste09@nyit.edu
Justin Castellano
Justin Castellano
I am Justin Castellano, and I am a first-year medical student at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine. I earned my B.S. in Health Science from Hofstra University and have gained valuable clinical experience as a medical scribe, EMT, and oncology intern, deepening my appreciation for cancer biology and targeted treatment strategies. Outside the lab, I enjoy going on walks, playing video games, and have a passion for cooking. Motivated by both personal experience and academic curiosity, I am eager to contribute to identifying novel molecular targets for cancer research.
Sydra Daniyal
Sydra Daniyal
2021-Present
Sydra graduated with an advanced Regents Science Diploma and is a first-year undergraduate student at Hofstra University with a concentration in anthropology and double minoring in Biology and Medicine, culture and society in Stuart and Nancy Rabinowitz Honors College. She has previously examined the mechanisms by which some proteins transport and assemble across the bacterial outer membrane (OM) at Hofstra University. Sydra is very excited to join the team to further her bench research. When not volunteering, studying, researching, or doing community service, you will find Sydra playing with her Persian cat Leo and training him to be a puppy.
Contact Information:
jhalle02@nyit.edu
Jillian Haller
Jillian Haller
Jillian is a first-year medical student who graduated from the University of Scranton with a B.S. in neuroscience and minors in biochemistry and Spanish. As an undergraduate, she studied anosmia and anxiety-like behavior, and risk-taking behaviors in a model of diabetes. After graduating, she spent her a gap year as research technician at Weill Cornell Medicine where she studied SNARE protein and alpha-synuclein dysfunction in the setting of neurological diseases. Outside of the lab she enjoys knitting, baking, and playing with her dogs, Sofie and Ellie.
Bronwyn Kelly
Bronwyn Kelly
Bronwyn is a first-year medical student at NYITCOM from Huntington, NY. She graduated from Fairfield University, having earned her B.S. in Biology with minors in Spanish, Philosophy, and Health Studies. She is passionate about the field of oncology and is looking forward to engaging in medical research with Dr. Zhang's lab. Outside of the lab, Bronwyn is a dedicated medical student and likes to spend her free time with friends and family.
Contact Information:
rkelly08@nyit.edu
Rebecca Kelly
Rebecca Kelly
Rebecca is a first-year medical student at NYITCOM who graduated from Boston College in 2023 with a major in biology. She is passionate about advancing cancer research and hopes to pursue oncology in the future. Outside of lab, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and discovering new TV shows.
Contact Information:
snaji@nyit.edu
Shakir Naji
Shakir Naji
Shakir is a current Academic Medicine Scholar in the Zhang Lab, with a passion for advancing research in cancer biology and biochemistry. He graduated summa cum laude from The College of William and Mary, earning a degree in neuroscience with a minor in biochemistry. His academic research has primarily focused on the genetic sequences involved in axon degeneration. Beyond the lab, Shakir is dedicated to education, actively teaching first and second-year medical students; in his free time, he enjoys playing video games, exploring new restaurants with friends, and revisiting his favorite TV shows.
Contact Information:
jpate262@nyit.edu
Jagrut Patel
Jagrut Patel
I am Jagrut Patel, a first-year medical student who graduated summa cum laude with B.S. in Biology from Sacred Heart University, CT, where I also received the Gold Medal of Excellence in Biology. Before immigrating to the USA, I completed a B.S. in Nursing in India, and my experience as a scrub nurse sparked my passion for Surgical Oncology. Currently, I balance my medical studies while working as a per diem nurse and nurse preceptor at Lawrence-Memorial Hospital in CT. Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I practice Krav Maga (MMA), enjoy playing video games, watching movies and watching the NBA, and I am an avid fan of the show The Big Bang Theory, which I've probably binge-watched more times than I can count!
Contact Information:
aragupat@nyit.edu
Ashwin Ragupathi
Ashwin Ragupathi
Ashwin is a D.O./Ph.D. student in the Zhang Lab. He graduated with a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. with Honors in Chemistry from Emory University. He is dedicated to developing new diagnostics methods and therapies to tackle cancers. He is also passionate about medicine, research, and science education and plans to pursue careers in these fields. Outside the lab, Ashwin enjoys reading, rock climbing, and playing with his cats, Rajesh and Parvati.
Contact Information:
srazza02@nyit.edu
Sarah Razzaq
Sarah Razzaq
I’m a first year medical student at NYITCOM as part of the 7 year BSDO program with NYIT, majoring in Life Sciences during undergrad. I am excited to participate in oncology research and feel a personal connection to the research since I have family members who have battled cancer. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, trying new foods, and painting.
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