Leadership Team, Alumni and Founders
UT Southwestern Biotechnology Club
Current Leadership
Abbas Zaki - President
Abbas is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Biomedical Engineering prgoram. He works in Dr. Joshua Gruber's lab to engineer photosynthetic mammalian cells with the ultimate goal of developing a green biomanufacturing platform. Outside of lab, Abbas enjoys running, making coffee, and listening to podcasts.
Shawn Huang - Vice President
Shao-Po (Shawn) Huang is a third-year MD/PhD candidate at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Prior to joining the program, he was a biologist at Eli Lilly and Co. for two years. He works in Dr. Isaac Chan's lab, using spatial transcriptomics to investigate intratumoral heterogeneity in breast cancer and its influence on surrounding tissue homeostasis and immune response. Outside of lab, Shawn enjoys reading, playing badminton, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Katherine Borner - Director of Operations
Kate is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Biomedical Engineering program. She works in Dr. Matt Petroll's lab in the Department of Ophthalmology where she focuses on the characterization of gene expression patterns during corneal wound healing events. Outside of lab work, Kate enjoys caring for her collection of plants, music and spending time with her friends, family and corgi.
Animesha Krishnamurthy - Director of Marketing
Animesha is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Biomedical Engineering program, working in Dr. Jinming Gao's lab. She recived her BS/MS from Case Western Reserve University, with her research focus being lipid nanoparticles for. Her current research involves evaluation of STING-activating nanoparticles in patient-derived tumor fragments. Outside of lab, she enjoys reading, making homemade coffee syrups, and spending time with her family.
Sonya Ostashevskaya-Gohstand - Director of Seminar Series
Sonya is a second-year PhD student in the Biochemistry program. She works in the Corey laboratory, where she is investigating microRNA function in the context of cancer models. Prior to joining the program, Sonya was a Physical Therapist working in the public and private sectors in the UK, Nepal and Israel. Following completion of her MSc in Neuroscience at University College London, Sonya worked as a Research Assistant at Imperial College London, where she studied osteoderm development in squamates. Sonya moved to Dallas in 2022, where she worked as a Research Associate in the Department of Surgery at UTSW, studying heterotopic ossification in mouse models. Sonya would like to pursue a career in oligonucleotide therapeutics within the biotechnology sector. Outside of work, Sonya enjoys travelling, art and outdoor activities.
Courtney Santos - Assistant Director of Seminar Series
Courtney Santos is a third-year PhD Candidate in the Molecular Microbiology program. She works in the Forsberg Lab studying bacterial defense mechanisms against phages and how they are related to eukaryotic antiviral factors. In her free time, Courtney enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking for loved ones, taking care of her plant babies, and relaxing with some yoga.
Gabriela Ayala Pazzi - Director of External Affairs
Gaby is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Biomedical Engineering program. With a background in Biology and two years of experience in cancer research, she hopes to dedicate her Ph.D. to elucidating the mechanisms behind LNP-mediated drug delivery as part of the Siegwart lab. Her goal is to be part of the driving force of scientists who take innovative treatments from the bench to the clinic. In her free time, Gaby likes listening to music, shopping, and spending time with friends
Malavika Jayaram - Director of International Relations
Malavika (Mal) is a second-year immunology Ph.D. student in the Alto Lab, currently investigating the role of type three secretion effectors of bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella in regulating innate immune signaling. As a member of the Biotech Club, she seeks to actively engage with the international student body at UTSW and help connect them to biotech opportunities to achieve their career goals. Outside of the lab, she enjoys traveling, comedy podcasts, and yoga.
Minwoo Kim - Co-Director of Alumni Relations
Minwoo is a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Organic Chemistry program. Currently he works on the synthesis of lipids for nanoparticle formulations; he hopes to use the nanoparticles as a targeted delivery system with various payloads. His interests in science lies in medicinal chemistry, targeted delivery, the chem-bio interface, and organic synthesis/methodology. Outside the lab, Minwoo likes to watch tv, read, listen to podcasts, and socialize. He hopes that as part of the biotech club he can leverage the excellent alumni of UTSW to help current students learn more about opportunities and careers in science.
AP Wang - Director of Fellowship
AP is a first-year Ph.D student in the Biomedical Engineering program with an interest in nanomedicine and imaging as tools for drug delivery. Prior to joining the program, AP worked at Pfizer Inc. in the oncology R&D department focusing on impurities, cytotoxicity, and automation of methods. AP aspires to bridge the gap between the general public and scientists in disseminating scientific information, and to continue to inspire young scientists to pursue the unknown. Outside of work, AP enjoys all things gym, cooking, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
Lexus Tatge - Director of IP Education
Lexus is a sixth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Cell and Molecular Biology program. She works in Dr. Peter Douglas's laboratory in the Molecular Biology Department, where she focuses on how lipid metabolism is activated and attenuated, and how the microbiome affects neuronal health and longevity. Outside the lab, Lexus enjoys coaching high school lacrosse, running, and reading. She plans to attend law school in the fall of 2025 to pursue a career in patent law.
Lisa Kim - Assistant Director of Marketing
Yujin "Lisa" Kim is a third-year graduate student in Dr. Daniel Siegwart Lab. She was born in South Korea, lived in China for 8 years, and at age of 16, she moved to Dallas with her family. She received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Southern Methodist University. Since joining Siegwart Lab, she is working on active targeting of lipid nanoparticles using conjugation of sugar molecules. In her free time, she likes to watch TV show Modern Family and go boulder with her friends.
Samantha Sakells - Director of Seminar Series
Sam is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Molecular Microbiology Program. She works in the Forsberg Lab studying the bacteria - phage arms race. More specifically, Sam wants to understand how phages evolve inhibitors of CRISPR-Cas systems, known as anti-CRISPRs, in a process known as de novo gene birth. Outside of the lab, Sam enjoys gardening, crocheting, and spending time with her cats.
Victor Tse - Assistant Director of Seminar Series
Victor Tse is a postdoctoral researcher that joined the Corey lab at UT Southwestern in the Fall of 2024, investigating small RNAs function through nuclear RNA interference in cancer models. Victor earned his doctorate in the Sanford lab at UC Santa Cruz in the Spring of 2024. His accomplished research demonstrates a molecular link between RNA splicing and rare diseases, as well as in establishing a novel role for RNA structures as targets for RNA precision drugs. Victor also has a track-record of engagement in the biotechnology ecosystem as both a scientist (e.g., Amgen Inc, Merck & Co.), and an entrepreneur (e.g., former Nucleate fellow). Victor's involvement within the biomedical spheres of academia, industry, and entrepreneurial entities stems from his long-standing interest to develop and deliver novel precision medicines to patients with unmet needs. Outside of research, Victor enjoys exploring the outdoors and spending his time with friends and family.
Kerelos Shehata - Assistant Director of External Affairs
Kerelos (Kero) Shehata is a first year PhD student aiming to join a lab in the cancer biology or genetics, development, and disease programs. Prior to joining UT Southwestern, he did three undergraduate internships in the biotech industry and after graduating worked for two years as a biotech research associate, working towards developing and optimizing cell engineering strategies to develop iPSC-derived CAR-T cell therapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune indications. While at UT Southwestern, Kerelos aims to conduct translational research towards understanding and enhancing novel therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment. Outside of lab, Kerelos enjoys working out and spending time with friends and family.
Winston Liu - Assistant Director of International Relations
Winston is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Cancer Biology Program. He works in Dr. Kareem Azab's lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, where he focuses on developing a novel nanoparticle platform to enhance T cell activation, aiming to translate his findings into more effective therapies for cancer patients. His research interests include cancer immunology and drug delivery, and he is passionate about making an impact in the biotech industry in the future. Outside of the lab, Winston enjoys sports, traveling, and watching movies and TV shows.
Merve Yilmaz - Co-Director of Alumni Relations
Merve is a postdoctoral researcher in the Shay Lab. Her research focuses on investigating novel telomere-targeted therapeutics to target cancer, and she has also been working on biosensors and developing theranostic agents. Her career goal is to run a biotech company that connects science with technology to uncover new insights and solve unanswered questions. Outside of the lab, she enjoys outdoor activities, going to the gym, discovering new restaurants and hanging out with friends.
Desiree DeHart - Director of Institutional Partnerships
Desiree is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Biomedical Engineering program. She is interested in pursuing a career in research studying soft tissue engineering within the scope of developmental and regenerative medicine. Aside from being in the lab, she enjoys baking, game nights, and spending quality time with her family and dogs.
Board Members
Maggie Wang
Previously: President
Maggie was the previous president (2022-2024) and currently a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Biomedical Engineering program. She works in Dr. Jinming Gao's lab investigating the mechanism in which PolySTING, a novel nanoparticle-based STING agonist developed in their lab, drives the induction of type I dendritic cells for cancer immunotherapy. Maggie is deeply passionate in empowering the next generation of leaders, particularly young women to pursue higher education in STEM. Maggie's career goal is become a CEO of biotech companies or venture capitals.
Kara Poole
Previously: Director of Marketing and Comm.
Kara is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Biomedical Engineering program. Her research in Dr. Matthew Petroll's lab focuses on corneal cell mechanics and wound healing. Outside of lab, Kara enjoys painting, baking, and trying new coffee shops in DFW.
Ryan Kowash
Previously: Vice President
Ryan is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Cancer Biology program. He works in Dr. Esra Akbay's lab studying the mechanisms of chemoresistance in small cell lung cancer and novel immunotherapy targets for treatment. Ryan is interested in the pharmaceutical industry and immuno-oncology. Outside of lab, Ryan enjoys playing golf, running, and spending time with family and friends.
Yehui Sun
Previously: Director of Seminar Series
Yehui is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Biomedical Engineering program. She works in Dr. Daniel Siegwart's lab focusing on engineering lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver mRNA selectively to lung via intravenous administration and using Lung SORT LNPs to advance the gene editing technologies for cystic fibrosis. Yehui is interested in Pharm/Biotech industry and nanomedicine for clinical translation. Outside of lab, Yehui enjoys traveling and reading manga.
Founding Members and Alumni
John "Tyler" Piazza
Founder
Tyler founded the Biotechnology Club in the summer of 2018 to provide an industry-focused campus organization to the UT Southwestern student body. Tyler graduated with his M.S. in Genetics, Development, and Disease and now lives in Boston where he works in the life sciences and healthcare data industry. Following graduation, he gained experience working as a strategy consultant, including a role at Trinity Life Sciences where he developed a passion for using real-world healthcare data to improve the development, launch, and commercialization of new therapies.
Jordan Baumhardt
Jordan completed his Ph.D. at UT Southwestern Medical Center focused on Biophysics in early 2020. He studied how a prominent mutation in the major nuclear export machinery contributes to cancer pathogenesis in Yuh Min Chook's lab. During his time at UT Southwestern, Jordan led market analysis projects for promising early-stage technologies at the UTSW Office of Technology Development. He then stepped away from his Ph.D. studies for a summer to join the Flagship Pioneering Venture Fellowship in Boston. Soon after the Flagship fellowship, he spent six months interning with the Strategy Department at Reata Pharmaceuticals.
Jackson Gartman
Co-Founder
Jackson Gartman is currently a medicinal chemist at AbbVie. Jackson was a co-founder of the Biotech Club and joined UTSW in 2016 as a graduate student in Uttam Tambar's lab in the Biochemistry department, where he focused on the total synthesis of natural products, chemical methodology, and medicinal chemistry collaborations. In 2020 he joined AbbVie in Lake County, IL in their Protein Degradation Platform Team as a Senior Scientist.
Aman Kumar
Aman completed his Ph.D. in molecular microbiology from the laboratory of Prof. Vanessa Sperandio at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 2020. Aman studied how tryptophan metabolites affect the human microbiome and host-pathogen interactions. Currently, Aman is a postdoctoral associate at the Yale School of Medicine, where he is exploring the interactions between xenobiotics and the gut microbiome. Aman is interested in devising strategies for precision medicine.
Madeline Milligan
Madeline is a Ph.D. candidate in the Biological Chemistry program at UT Southwestern. Her research in Ben Tu's lab focuses on investigating the effects of nutrient availability and metabolic state on gene expression and epigenetics. Madeline is interested in the pharmaceutical industry.
Minghao Li
Minghao is a Ph.D. candidate in the Immunology Program at UT Southwestern. His work in the Chen lab focuses on understanding how innate immune signaling pathways can be modulated to adapt to different diseases. Minghao is interested in understanding how scientific discoveries can be developed into profitable drugs and devices.
Yongbin Choi
Yongbin is a Ph.D. candidate in the Immunology Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center. His research in Dr. Andrew Koh's lab focuses on understanding the effects of resident bacteria (microbiota) in the gastrointestinal tract on cancer immunotherapy. Outside of research, Yongbin is interested in how the current macroeconomic situation can influence the biopharmaceutical industry and individual companies.
Lindsay Johnson
Lindsay is a Ph.D. candidate in the Biomedical Engineering Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Her research in Dr. Daniel Siegwart's lab focuses on investigating the interactions of RNA-loaded dendrimer lipid nanoparticles with specific cell populations of the liver. Outside of research, Lindsay is passionate about fitness and nutrition. She enjoys long-distance running and is currently training for her third marathon. Lindsay is excited to be involved in the Biotech Club leadership this year and is interested in the pharmaceutical industry and cell-specific nanomedicine.
James Raynard Casida Dizon
James is a fourth-year Ph.D. Candidate in Dr. Ian Corbin's lab in the Advanced Imaging Research Center department at UT Southwestern. His current research focuses on exploiting metabolic liabilities in clear cell renal cell carcinoma using a low-density lipoprotein-based nanoparticle system. Beyond the lab, James enjoys hiking/camping and making coffee in the woods. In the future, James wants to work at the intersection of science and the clinic as a medical science liaison.
Tanner Reese
Tanner is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Cancer Biology program. In the lab of Dr. Ganesh Raj, he focuses on model development for the study of breast cancer brain metastasis, with the end goal of identifying molecular drivers and clinical targets of this deadly disease. Tanner is interested in the pharmaceutical industry, specifically oncology drug development. Outside of lab, Tanner loves to golf, play and watch hockey, and spend time with friends and family.
Amogh Vaidya
Amogh is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Biomedical Engineering program (Nanomedicine track). As part of Dr. Daniel Siegwart's Lab, he is devising lipid nanoparticle-based strategies to facilitate extrahepatic delivery of siRNA. He is interested in advancing clinical translation of genetic medicines for currently undruggable pathologies in a biotech/pharma setting. Outside the lab, Amogh enjoys playing sports, cooking, traveling, and exploring eating/hiking spots around Dallas with friends.
Colton Davis
Previous president
Currently a Scientist in the Process Chemistry Team at Sanofi
Colton completed his Ph.D. in the Organic Chemistry Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center with Professor Joseph M. Ready in June of 2022. His research in the Ready lab focused on iridium-catalyzed enantioselective allylation of highly functionalizable boronic esters, including a detailed-mechanistic investigation of the transformation. Colton currently works at Sanofi in Boston, Massachusetts as a Scientist in the US Process Chemistry team. He is responsible for the design and preliminary process development of NDA routes for commercial manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.
Akansha Shah
Previous president
Akansha has recently obtained her Ph.D. in Genetics, Development, and Disease from UTSW. Her research in Dr. Eric N. Olson's lab focuses on investigating the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms that repress skeletal muscle differentiation and promote tumor growth in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Akansha is interested in advancing the fields of cancer biology, cancer immunology, and drug discovery by working in a translational Biotech setting. Outside of research, she enjoys running, playing badminton, dancing, and any outdoor activity.
Purbita Saha
Purbita is a fifth year Ph.D. candidate in the Genetics, Development and Disease Graduate Program. Her research in Dr. Laura Banaszynski's lab is focused on understanding chromatin-mediated regulation of enhancer activation during embryonic stem cell differentiation. Purbita is excited to work with the Biotech Club leadership team to help develop resources and create learning opportunities for students interested in a career in the Biotech industry. Outside of lab, Purbita is a gastronome who also enjoys cooking and baking.
June Ho Hwang
June Ho is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Molecular Biophysics programs. His research in Dr. Michael Rosen's lab focuses on investigating the nature of material properties in biomolecular condensates that form via liquid-liquid phase separation. June Ho's career goal is to join a venture capital firm to find opportunities in emerging biotechnology companies. Outside of lab, June Ho enjoys sleeping, eating and other basic needs.
Anirban Dasgupta
Anirban is a second-year postdoc in the Department of Molecular Biology. His research in Michael Buszczak's lab focuses on understanding the intricate differences within the DNA replication and DNA damage response pathways in fly and human germline development as compared to their somatic counterparts. As a part of the Biotech Club exec team, he hopes to help UTSW students with their preparations for entering the Biotech industry through training workshops. Outside of lab, Anirban enjoys watching soccer, cooking, and trying out new cuisines.