Postdocs
Graduate Students
Ph.D. (2020 – 2025), Current: NCI Frederick (Postdoc)
M.S. – Mississippi State University, USA (2018 – 2020)
M.S. – Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh (2010 – 2012)
B.Sc. – Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh (2006 – 2010)
I am Naba Krishna Das, a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UMBC. I joined the Department in the Fall of 2020. My research interests are Biochemistry and Bioanalytical Chemistry.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Student (Spring 2022 – Spring 2023), Current: Johns Hopkins University (Ph.D. program)
Biochemistry and Microbiology B.S. (major)
Undergraduate – BS, Engineering Technology, University of Hartford, 2002
Coming from a career in technology, I hope to combine the skills I learn in the lab with the experience I have gained over the years to help answer questions related to the fundamental processes of life. My specific interests are in structural biology, computational biology, and biophysics, with the ultimate goal of working on scientific advances that create a more equitable, sustainable world and reduce human suffering.
Undergraduate Student (Spring 2021 – Spring 2023), Current: Georgetown University (Master’s program)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B.S. (major), Arabic Language and Culture (minor)
High School – Urbana High School, Frederick, MD (2015-2019)
Hello! I am an undergraduate student who is very passionate about biochemical and genetic research. I joined the UMBC community in 2019 and hoped to continue my studies in the field of medicine.
Undergraduate Student (Spring 2022 – Spring 2024)
Biochemistry and Microbiology B.S. (major)
High School – Northwest High School (Germantown, Maryland)
I am an undergraduate student greatly interested in understanding the molecular structures and processes involved in the human body. I joined Dr. Koirala’s lab to gain knowledge and experience in the research field. I hope to one day create accessible therapeutics for those who have no access to them. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing tennis and listening to music.
Undergraduate Student (Spring 2022 – Fall 2025), Current: University of Maryland Medical School
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B.S. (major), Psychology (minor)
High School – Poolesville High School (Poolesville, MD)
Beginning my senior year of high school, I became incredibly captivated by genetics and molecular biology, something I wished to continue pursuing during my time at UMBC. I joined Dr. Koirala’s lab in the Spring of 2022 and have been able to apply my academic passions while also learning along the way. I also love playing chess and piano and have done so for over a decade.
Undergraduate Student (Fall 2021)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B.S. (major)
High School – Paint Branch High School
The study of complex, efficient mechanisms, moreover, ones we cannot see, is very intriguing to me, coupled with my desire to know more about the human body on a molecular level, which makes what I am studying here in the Koirala lab perfectly suited to my interests. I love playing the piano and have done so for more than 12 years, and I also love to write stories.
Undergraduate Student (Spring 2021 – Spring 2022)
Biological Sciences B.A. (major), Spanish (minor)
High School – Easton High School (Easton, MD)
After completing a Biomedical career pathway course in high school, I have held a great interest in working in forensic science. While pursuing a Biological Sciences degree and crafting my coursework around forensic-related studies, I am incredibly interested in innovating many of the standard practices used for identification in the forensic world, where some practices have been untouched for decades.
Undergraduate Student (Fall 2021 – Spring 2022)
Biological Sciences B.S. (major)
High School – Pikesville High School
I first gained research interest when I joined the STEM BUILD research program at UMBC in the Fall of 2020. I joined Dr. Koirala’s lab in the Fall of 2021. My goal is to use my knowledge in research and implement it in the medical field.
Undergraduate Student (Spring 2022 – Spring 2023), Current: University of Maryland, Baltimore (Ph.D. program)
Biochemistry and Microbiology B.S. (major)
High School – Southern Garrett High School
After leaving the Army in 2017, I applied to UMBC the same year and began a new journey into the scientific world, where I had no experience. While it has been incredibly challenging for me, I find the knowledge and awareness of biological processes both amazing and awe-inspiring. I have a particular interest in chemical interactions at the smallest scales, as well as in structures that were once thought to have no purpose but have recently been found to do quite a lot, such as circRNAs.
Undergraduate Student (Spring 2021 – Spring 2023), Current: University of Minnesota (M.D./Ph.D. program)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B.S. (major)
High School – Eleanor Roosevelt High School (P.G. County, MD)
I became very interested in biomedical research during my first semester at UMBC. My goal is to become a physician-scientist, and by learning how to use biochemical techniques to study physiological conditions, I intend to help improve the medical field.
Undergraduate Student (Spring 2023 – Fall 2023)
Biological Sciences B.S. (major), Psychology (minor)
High School – Bel Air High School (Bel Air, MD)
I first grew interested in the intricacies of the human body through the Biomedical Program at my high school. Here at UMBC, I was able to continue pursuing medical-related research by examining the structures and functions of RNA involved in biological processes via crystallography techniques. I carry an increasing appreciation for the scientific breakthroughs that allow us to continue solving and treating medical mysteries.
Undergraduate Student (Spring 2024)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B.S. (major)
High School – Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
At UMBC, I’ve delved into medical-related research, exploring RNA structures through crystallography techniques. Each discovery unveils a fragment of the intricate mechanisms governing biological processes, fueling my passion for scientific inquiry. Collaborating across disciplines, I’ve come to appreciate the collective effort driving breakthroughs in healthcare. As I navigate this journey, I’m increasingly driven by the profound responsibility to leverage knowledge for the betterment of society.
Undergraduate Student (Spring 2022 – Spring 2024)
Public Health and Biology (B.A.)
High School – Wilde Lake High School
Hello, my name is Maira, and as an undergraduate student with a passion for public health and biology, I am thrilled to be a part of this research team. When I am not donning my lab coat, you can find me exploring the great outdoors, searching for hidden gems, and trying new restaurants.
High School Students
High School Student (Fall 2020 – Fall 2021), Current: Bowdoin College, Maine (undergraduate program)
River Hill High School, Clarksville, MD
I am a high school student with a budding interest in molecular biology and public health research. I look forward to the new skills and experiences I will gain through my time in the Koirala lab!
High School Student (Fall 2022 – Spring 2023), Current: MIT (undergraduate program)
Marriotts Ridge High School
As a junior, I was introduced to the world of biochemistry and molecular biology through the biotechnology course at the Howard County Applications and Research Laboratory. I’m excited to be a member of the Koirala lab, where I hope to gain meaningful lab experience and learn what it means to be a researcher in this field.
High School Student (Fall 2021 – Spring 2023), Current: University of Missouri (undergraduate program)
Marriotts Ridge High School
Hello, my name is Akshay Kannan, and I’m a high school junior interested in genetics and molecular imaging techniques. At the Koirala Lab, I hope to gain valuable experience that will help me improve the lives of others in the medical field while satisfying my curiosity about the structure-to-function relation of macromolecules.
High School Student (Summer 2023 – Spring 2024), Current: Ohio State University (undergraduate program)
Marriotts Ridge High School
I am a high schooler who has a keen interest in molecular biology. I am fascinated by the possibilities that arise through research, and that is what led me to join the Koirala Lab. It is exciting to think about all of the things I will learn by being a part of this lab!
High School Student (Summer 2023 – Spring 2024), Current: University of Maryland, College Park (undergraduate program)
Glenelg High School
I intend to pursue bioinformatics and biomedical engineering in the near future. Through the Koirala Lab, I hope to gain valuable lab experience and develop my knowledge of RNA structure and function.
High School Student (Summer 2024 – Spring 2025), Current: UMBC (undergraduate program)
Marriotts Ridge High School
Hello! My name is Reem, and I’m a senior in high school pursuing biochemistry. I was introduced to Biochemistry and Biomedical Engineering during my sophomore year through a Biotechnology course. I thoroughly enjoyed the subject and wanted to deepen my understanding beyond the course, and that’s when I joined the Koirala Lab, where I’m hoping to gain hands-on experience and valuable insight into the field.
Others
Alex Hernandez
Intern Undergraduate Student (Summer 2021)
Biological Sciences A.S. (MC’ 21), Montgomery College, Germantown, MD (2019-2021)
Neuroscience B.S. (UMD’ 23), University of Maryland, College Park (2021-2023)
High School – EXSAL Technical Institute, El Salvador (2014-2015)
Hi, my name is Alex Hernandez, and I am from El Salvador. I am interested in microbiology and genetics research. I joined Dr. Koirala’s lab in the summer of 2021. Also, I work as a dental assistant and plan to become a maxillofacial surgeon in the future.
Intern Undergraduate Student (Summer 2021)
Biological Sciences A.S., Prince George’s Community College (2016-2021)
High School – Northwestern High School, Hyattsville, MD (2011-2015)
Hi, my name is Meghan Tucker, and I joined Dr. Koirala’s lab as an intern during the summer of 2021. I am passionate, and I aspire to learn as much as I can about the human body. In the future, I plan on going to medical school to study to become a general practitioner.