Principal Investigator
Postdoc – The University of Chicago, USA (2014 – 2020)
Ph.D. – Kent State University, USA (2008 – 2014)
M.Sc. – Tribhuvan University, Nepal (2002 – 2004)
B.Sc. – Tribhuvan University, Nepal (1999 – 2002)
Postdocs
Ph.D. – ShanghaiTech University, China (2019-2024)
B.En. – Zhengzhou University, China (2015 – 2019)
My doctoral research focused on cryo-EM to elucidate protein structures. Now, I aim to apply the knowledge I’ve gained to investigate the mechanisms of transcription initiation during viral replication, hoping to contribute to disease treatment. Email: glu2@umbc.edu
Graduate Students
High School – Amarsingh Higher Secondary School, Nepal
B.Sc. – Tribhuvan University, Nepal (2013 – 2017)
M.S. – Yeungnam University, South Korea (2018 – 2020)
I am interested in the most intense and fascinating questions about the very essence of life and want to develop my knowledge of structural biology. Email: manjuo1@umbc.edu
B.Sc. & M.S. (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology) – University of Dhaka,
Bangladesh (2010 – 2015)
M.P.H. (Epidemiology)– North South University, Bangladesh (2016 – 2017)
As an enthusiast of biochemistry and public health, I started my career as a researcher in immunology and infectious diseases at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b). During my graduate research at UMBC, I want to focus on finding novel structures of RNA molecules and understanding their functions. Ultimately, through my research, I aspire to help develop solutions for protecting human health. Email: hbanna1@umbc.edu
Biological Sciences B.S. (major), Chemistry and Statistics (minors) – University of Maryland, Baltimore County (2018-2022)
High School – Catonsville High School (2014-2018)
As I learned about molecular mechanisms and cellular processes in undergrad, my curiosity about viral features and mechanisms blossomed. My experiences in undergraduate and post-baccalaureate research (UMBC and NIH, respectively) were monumental in guiding my interest in studying viral RNA structural biology and the various techniques used in this field. If you’re also curious about similar topics, feel free to reach out to me! Email: bbeyene1@umbc.edu
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B.S. – University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Prince George’s Community College (General Studies A.A.)
As a UMBC alumnus, I found the field of Biochemistry to be exciting and vast. I hope to explore all sorts of discoveries as I delve deeper into RNA Crystallography. When I’m not in the lab, you’ll find me watching anime, playing video games, or going on side-quests and talking with all the fascinating people I meet. Email: jcamach2@umbc.edu
High School – St. Xavier’s College, Nepal
BTech in Biotechnology – Kathmandu University, Nepal (2018 – 2023)
My undergraduate studies in Biotechnology (B. Tech) sparked a keen interest in molecular biology and nucleic acid research. Naturally, I was highly motivated to pursue my graduate research focused on RNA biology. As a PhD student in the Koirala lab, I am interested in understanding the structures of RNA molecules and how these structures translate into their biological functions. Email: sdhakal1@umbc.edu
Undergraduate Students
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B.S. (major)
High School – Westminster High School (Westminster, MD)
Beginning in high school, I have become interested in molecular biology and the function and form of nucleic acids through my research experience in recombinant plasmids and genetic sequencing. By joining the Koirala lab, I wish to branch out and explore other topics in the field as well as make long-lasting connections. Besides my love for science, I am also passionate about cooking/baking, playing online games, playing the piano, and listening to music. Email: megann2@umbc.edu
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B.S. (major)
High School – Urbana High School (Ijamsville, MD)
As an undergraduate student, I am greatly interested in learning about Biochemistry and its real-world applications, specifically in medicine. By joining the Koirala lab, I hope to gain more research experience as well as expand my knowledge on many topics in biochemistry. Outside of the lab, I love to play tennis and watch dramas. Email: baraths1@umbc.edu
Biological Sciences B.S. (major)
High School – Mt. Hebron High School (Ellicott City, MD)
My interest in biology was sparked during my junior year of high school when I took AP Biology. Inspired by the desire to become a medical doctor, I joined the Koirala Lab to explore how biological processes unfold in real life after studying the theoretical aspects of my academic journey. Outside the lab, I am deeply passionate about soccer and have proudly represented my country at the national level. Email: hardikp1@umbc.edu
Biological Sciences B.S. (major), Chemistry and Music (minors)
High School – The Catholic High School of Baltimore (Baltimore, MD)
I developed a strong interest in biochemistry during high school, inspired by the work of vaccine developers and their impact on global health. Motivated to explore virology and therapeutic development, I joined the Koirala Lab to gain hands-on research experience and deepen my understanding of how viruses function and how they can be targeted through medicine. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing instruments and painting. Email: mruth1@umbc.edu
High School Students
Marriotts Ridge High School
I’ve been fascinated by molecular biology since my first biology class, and I’ve explored that interest through the biotechnology program and a research lab. That program sparked my interest in viruses and viral structures and gave me the opportunity to intern in Dr. Koirala’s lab. During this internship, I hope to gain hands-on lab experience and expand my understanding of viral functions. Email: rowah.aghani@gmail.com