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 Center 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
B.Tech. 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
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
Chemical Engineering (major)
High School – Mount Saint Joseph High School
My interest in RNA began after taking Genetics and Genomics at UMBC. I find miRNA and siRNA especially interesting due to their roles in gene expression, and I hope to use my experience in the Koirala lab studying structural biology to one day conduct research and improve drug-delivery systems. Besides my interest in biology, I love playing Rocket League and listening to Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator. Email: xw58254@umbc.edu