Leadership
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Lars Pache, Ph.D.
Res. Asst. Prof., Sanford Burnham
Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (SBP)
Lars received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Virology from the Freie Universität Berlin. He conducted his postdoctoral training with Dr. Chanda at SBP, where he identified a novel class of drugs that reverse HIV latency. As a Research Assistant Professor at SBP, Lars leverages multi-omics to identify novel drug targets and investigate mechanisms that control viral replication. He is also interested in developing strategies for the management of large datasets and has contributed to the development of the popular Metascape bioinformatics tool. Outside the lab, Lars is an avid sailor and enjoys outdoor sports.
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Sunnie M. Yoh, Ph.D.
Institute Investigator, Scripps
Sunnie received her Ph.D. in Microbiology from UC Davis. Sunnie’s scientific career has been dedicated to studying disease mechanisms at the molecular level. During her post doctoral training at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, she investigated epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Since joining the Chanda Lab she has focused on innate immune pathways in autoimmunity, cancer and viral infections. She has made several high-profile discoveries about innate immune sensing and her current research focuses on the role of innate immune sensing in neurodegeneration. In her free time, Sunnie enjoys cooking and walking

Nisar Farhat, Ph.D
Principal Scientist, Scripps - Calibr
Nisar is a dedicated scientist with a Ph.D. in Molecular and Medical Pharmacology from the University of California, Los Angeles, where his research under Dr. Ting-Ting Wu explored the molecular mechanisms of viral immunomodulation, contributing to therapeutic and vaccine developments for gammaherpesviruses. At Bioniz Therapeutics, Nisar developed multifunctional biologics for autoimmune disorders and cancer immunotherapy. At Vir Biotechnology, he designed high-throughput screens for antiviral therapies, and at Equillium, he advanced bi-specific cytokine immunomodulators, improved cytokine drug properties, and engineered oral cytokine mimetics. Nisar thrives in collaborative environments, working with cross-disciplinary teams to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. Passionate about fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning, he is committed to tackling complex scientific challenges with creativity and diligence. In his spare time, Nisar enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, baking, and secretly planting fig trees around the San Diego area.

Gilberto Sabino-santos, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist, Scripps
Gilberto Sabino-Santos “G” earned his PhD in Virology and Immunology from the University of São Paulo in 2015. His extensive postdoctoral training spans institutions worldwide, including the British Council (2015), the University of São Paulo (2019), the University of California, San Francisco (2020), and Tulane University (2024). In addition, he served as a Research Instructor on Molecular Epidemiology, Virology and One Health at Tulane University from 2020 to 2022. With over 16 years of experience in Virology and Immunology, G adopts a transdisciplinary approach to investigating virus-host interactions. His work focuses on tracking, predicting, and preventing viruses with pandemic potential, making significant contributions to global health and pandemic preparedness initiatives. Beyond his professional endeavours, G is passionate about nature, the ocean, and outdoor activities. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, hiking, rock climbing, camping, and travelling, embracing the diversity of cultures and perspectives the world has to offer.

Indrajee Wewaliyadda, M.S.
Lab Manager / Scientific Assoc., Scripps
Indrajee received his M.S. in Microbiology from San Diego State University, where he studied the effects of antibacterial peptides on bacterial physiology. He has been the microbiology lab coordinator for San Diego State University and Minnesota State University, Mankato. He has been an academic lab instructor since 2016. He joined Chanda lab in 2022. He likes hiking and enjoying time with his family.

Tian-hao, Ph.D.
Research Scientist, Scripps
Tian-hao received his Ph.D. in molecular biology from Ren Sun’s lab in UCLA. He used integrated multi-omics methods to study the host pathogen interactions of RNA viruses. During his Ph.D., he invented single virion genetic barcoding and used it to trace viral dynamics in animal models. He also constructed several high throughput genetic profiling systems for RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1, InfluenzaA and so on. Before he became a full-time virologist, he was a professional Pokemon trainer.