Swarmistha obtained her PhD from the Centre of Advanced Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, India in 2013. She worked on the structural and functional characterization of bacterial surface adhesins using X-Ray Crystallography. After working as a JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) Postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Animal Health, Tsukuba, Japan she joined the Rajan Lab in Aug 2023. Currently, she is studying the role of a CRISPR-associated protein in modulating bacterial pathogenesis. She aspires to work in an academic setting and study the intricate mechanisms by which bacteria interacts with their host to cause infection. 

Chhandosee obtained her B. S. and M. S. degrees in Microbiology from the University of Calcutta and St. Xavier's College Kolkata, India respectively. She joined the Rajan Lab in May 2021 to pursue her Ph.D. degree in the Biochemistry program. Chhandosee's research focuses on determining structure-function relations of Cas proteins when they interact with different DNA substrates. After graduation, she aspires to continuing research in an academic setting.

Saadi earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Biology from the University of Kurdistan and Azerbaijan University, respectively. In January 2022, Saadi joined Rajan Lab to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. His research is focused on the rational design of Cas proteins to enhance their accuracy and efficiency as tools for therapeutics and diagnostics. Upon graduation, Saadi intends to continue conducting research in a pharmaceutical company. 

Kole obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Biology-Biomedical Science from Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. He joined the Rajan Lab in December 2022 and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Kole's research focuses on altering and understand DNA cleavage properties in Cas proteins. After graduation, he aspires to continue conducting research in a national facility.

Kaylee obtained a BS in Animal Science from Texas A&M University, and a BS in Professional Chemistry with minors in Biology and Forensic Science from Sam Houston State University. She joined the Rajan Lab in January 2025. Her research focuses on the directed evolution of Cas proteins. After graduation, Kaylee aspires to continue conducting research in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Raphael obtained his BS in Biochemistry from the University for Development Studies, Ghana, and MS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Nanjing Forestry University, China. He joined the Rajan Lab in December 2024. Raphael’s research currently focuses on improving the gene editing efficiencies of different Cas protein variants. After graduation, Raphael aspires to contribute to research-focused institutions or those integrating research and teaching.