Principle investigator
Dr. Ran Drori
I found the interaction between ice and antifreeze proteins a fascinating subject, and decided to pursue my Ph.D while studying these proteins with Prof. Ido Braslavsky at the Hebrew University (Rehovot campus). I started my post-doc at NYU's Chemistry department in 2014, working with Profs. Michael Ward and Bart Kahr.
In 2017, I joined the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Yeshiva University as an assistant professor, and in 2023 I was promoted to associate professor.
Postdocs/senior scientists
Dr. Martin Zalazar
My research interests are related with the design, simulation, fabrication and characterization (clean room facilities) of BioMEMS/NEMS focused on microsensors for mass, and biomolecules detection using piezoelectric materials (AlN, PVDF and quartz), as well as microfluidic and electronic & 3D print prototyping for biomedical applications. During my PhD, I was at Argonne National Laboratory, USA, with a Fulbright–Bunge y Born fellowship for researchers, working on a microfabrication development involving the integration of piezoelectric AlN with Ultrananocrystalline Diamond for biomedical applications (drug delivery devices and biosensors). During 2018 I had a postdoctoral position at the University of Texas-Dallas, USA, with a research fellowship from the Fulbright Commission; this project was related with the development of an implantable surface acoustic wave device for biomarkers detection. In addition, since 2015 I used to dictate a Biosensors course for undergraduate students (FI-UNER, Argentina), and also the Microelectronics postgraduate course. Regarding biosensors, I`m involved in a few projects related (acoustic wave-based biosensors, glucose sensor, impedanciometric sensors).
Graduate students
Shriya Kalburge
I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship at the Katz School of Science and Health at Yeshiva University. I hold an undergraduate degree in Biotechnology from Amity University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. My undergraduate thesis involved the use of in-silico techniques to examine the primary and moonlighting functions of crystallin proteins in vertebrates. I joined Dr. Drori's laboratory in the fall of 2023, where I am involved in creating and executing computational simulations using COMSOL software to analyze heat transfer in food materials.
Yining Zhang
I am a graduate student in biotechnology at the Katz School of Science and Health at Yeshiva University, coming from China and enrolling in the fall of 2023. I received my bachelor's degree in pharmacy from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. The Graduation Dissertation of my undergraduate degree is Exploring the Mechanism of Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong Active Components in the Treatment of Migraine Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology.
I am involved in activities related to exploring ice-binding proteins.
Undergraduate students
Tara Shtern
I am studying biochemistry at Stern College. I joined Dr. Drori’s Lab in the spring of 2023, and I am studying the impact of antifreeze proteins on inhibition of ice recrystallization by analyzing images of experiments run on a cold stage. In addition to my work in the lab, I volunteer in the intensive care unit at Memorial Sloan Kettering and am president of the Yeshiva University Chapter of College EDge, a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting underserved public school students in their quest towards higher education. In my free time, I enjoy walking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
