Lab Members


Principal Investigator


Dr. Deepak Koirala

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)

dkoirala@umbc.edu 

 


Graduate Students


Naba Krishna Das

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 interest is Biochemistry and Bioanalytical Chemistry. Email: ndas1@umbc.edu

Manju Ojha

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 lighting 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

 

Hasan Al Banna

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 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

 


Undergraduate Students


Jason Daniels

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. Email: jasond3@umbc.edu

Alisha Patel

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. Email: apatel23@umbc.edu

Megan Nguyen

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

Zohra Mian

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. Email: zmian1@umbc.edu

Maira Usman

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. Email: musman1@umbc.edu


High School Students


Preethi Chalasani

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. Email: pchalasani0249@gmail.com

 

Abel Tatek

Marriotts Ridge High School

I am a high schooler that 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! Email: atatek653@gmail.com

 


Alumni


Joash Jean Thomas
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.

Mackenzie Cooper
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!

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.

Meghan Tucker
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.

Emily Redmond
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.

Ruhshana Bobojonova
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.

Tasnia Sadat
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 genetics research. I joined the UMBC community in 2019 and hoped to continue my studies in the field of medicine.

Akshay Kannan
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 curiosities about the structure-to-function relation of macromolecules.

Huda Abdelghani
High school Student (Fall 2022 – Spring 2023), Current: MIT (undergraduate program) 

Marriotts Ridge High School

I was introduced to the world of biochemistry and molecular biology as a Junior through the biotechnology course at the Howard County Applications and Research Laboratory. I’m excited to be a member of the Koirala lab in hopes of gaining meaningful lab experience and learning what it means to be a researcher in this field.

Jeff Vogt
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.

Brandon Fonseca
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 for UMBC the same year and began a new journey into the scientific world 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 structures that were once thought to have no purpose but recently have been found to do quite a lot, such as circRNA.

Senali Dansou
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.