Chiosis Lab Interns
Derek Li
I am currently a Junior studying Biochemistry at Stony Brook University. My interests include organic chemistry synthesis and how synthesized molecules are able to be manipulated to interact with the body in a specific manner. I was extremely lucky to be able to be mentored by Dr. Sharma during the summer of 2023. During my internship, we attempted to find a method to synthesize a modified epichaperome probe that would incorporate the use of a fluorine molecule while still being able to cross the blood-brain barrier. This probe could then be utilized to detect epichaperomes in the brain, which play a role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. During this internship, I was able to have hands-on experience with many pieces of incredible technology and techniques. It was incredible to be able to see the inner workings of academia and see just how much passion the entirety of the Chiosis Lab had for their individual projects.
Weiyee Mock
I was an intern at the Chiosis Lab during the summer of 2023 and was honored to receive mentorship from Dr. Tanaya Roychowdhury. During my internship, I simulated an in vitro model of Alzheimer's disease using mouse neuroblastoma cells and amyloid-β to see its correlation to epichaperone levels. Through this experience, I became more knowledgeable about epichaperome and protein complexes. It informed me about many different chemical and biological processes. I am proud to have had this as my first lab experience, where I learned many skills such as cell culturing, gel electrophoresis, western blotting, and cell imaging. I also presented my research and findings in a poster symposium. Working in this lab has affirmed my passion for the sciences and opened new horizons for me. I hope to explore more about neurodegenerative diseases, biochemistry, proteins, pathogenesis, and many more scientific areas in the future. My goal is to be able to use the knowledge that I gain to continue being curious and become an influential figure.
Ava Goldsmith
I am interested in cellular and chemical biology. At the Chiosis lab, I am studying the effect of HSP90 and the Epichaperome on oncogenic transcription in breast cancer. Through 2022 and 2023, I will research under the mentorship of Dr. Tanaya Roychowdhury. Through my research and with the help of Dr. Roychowdhury, I hope to develop essential lab and critical scientific analysis skills.
Ava achieved first place in the Cell & Molecular Biology category of the Regeneron Long Island Science in early 2024 and Engineering Fair and will go on to present her research at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May 2024.
Rania Awad
I am currently a student at the Packer Collegiate Institute in New York. During my time in the Chiosis Lab, under the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Tanaya Roychowdhury, I will be studying the factors that affect the epichaperome in the context of Alzheimer’s Disease. Specifically, I will be seeking to better understand the correlation between tau and epichaperome levels. My project at the lab is projected to run from 2024 to 2026.
Prior to the Chiosis lab, my lab experience included programs at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Long Island, New York, and the DNA Learning Center at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Brooklyn, New York. I hope that this internship will equip me with the knowledge and experience to pursue a successful career in the sciences.
Tahmid Ullah
Shambhavi Joshi
Sheily Medina
I am currently a Junior at Binghamton University majoring in Neuroscience. I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to intern at the Chiosis lab during the summer of 2022 under mentorship of Dr. Anna Rodina and Dr. Anand Santha Seela. During my time in the Chiosis lab, I was able to expand my knowledge on the inner workings of epichaperomes on proteins through hands-on experience conducting antibody based experimental techniques such as western blotting. Being a part of this team expanded my skills and passion to learn more about epichaperomes in neurodegenerative diseases, as well as initiated my interest into medical research.
Kamya Parikh
I was an intern at The Chiosis Lab at MSKCC during the summers of 2022 and 2023. My scientific interests include biology, chemistry, psychiatry, forensics, and physiology. I am a student at The Bronx Highschool of Science. I had the opportunity to work with my mentors Dr. Digwal and Dr. Bay, learning how to conduct immunofluorescent imaging, cell staining like TCO2 staining, chemical assays like LCMS and MTT assays, dilutions of solutions, cleaning out solvents. These lab techniques and processes not only got me familiar with what goes on in a lab, but also has helped me develop a perspective on the project I am about to create in terms of epichaperome complexes. Learning that the drugs made in a lab and the experiments that are done here are all for the purpose of saving someone’s life from cancer brings pride as you understand that you are a part of something noble.
Vivian Holland
I am pursuing an individualized concentration in chemistry and the history of science at NYU's Gallatin School in hopes of getting a PhD in chemical biology after graduation. My scientific interests include chemical synthesis and the study of mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, as well as drug development. I was an intern with the Chiosis group during the fall 2022/ spring 2023 academic year, working on various chemical synthesis projects, including the optimization of a new synthetic route for the HSP70 probe YK55, under the guidance of Chander Digwal, and performed competition experiments for newly synthesized probes under the guidance of Sadik Bay. This experience was extremely helpful in my understanding of how cross-disciplinary chemical biology experiments are carried out from start to finish and greatly increased my confidence in performing hands-on research, as well as my enthusiasm towards pursuing a PhD.