Research Associates
Kevin Hartenbower, B.S.
Research Assistant II, Calibr
Kevin graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry from Arizona State University. He joined the Chanda Lab in November 2022. Kevin has prior experience in the pharmaceutical industry working for a global CRO. He is interested in utilizing advancements in immunology for unique approaches to drug discovery. Kevin enjoys cooking, running, surfing, and playing video games.
Ayush Mehta, B.S.
Research Assistant I, Calibr
Ayush graduated from University of Houston with a B.S. in biochemistry and a minor in chemistry, in December 2022. He joined the Chanda lab in January 2023, with enthusiasm to work on antivirals and at the cutting-edge of the field. With undergraduate research in medicinal chemistry and work experience as a pharmacy technician, he has interests in biochemistry and drug discovery. In his free time, Ayush enjoys lifting, tennis, and trying new restaurants.
Lilly Morrow, B.S.
Research Assistant, Calibr
Lilly graduated from Denison University in 2022 with a B.S. in Biology, and a minor in Chemistry. While studying at Denison, Lilly worked in an epigenetics lab where she studied the UV hyper-resistance phenotype of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Since joining the Chanda Lab, Lilly has been focused on screening a large library of compounds to investigate their effects on innate immunity. Outside of work, Lilly enjoys practicing yoga, cooking, traveling, and soaking up the beautiful weather in San Diego.
Research Scientist, Calibr
Yuan received her M.S. in Biochemistry at UC San Diego. She joined the Chanda Lab in 2020 for high throughput screening, then immediately moved to the COVID team for SARS-CoV-2 related studies. Now she is focusing on large compound screening looking for activators of innate immune responses in primary myeloid cells, and follow-up mechanistic studies. Ultimately, the small molecules identified in this screen can be used as vaccine adjuvants to potentiate host antigen-specific immune responses of existing antigens. In her free time, she enjoys life in San Diego.
Research Assistant, Scripps
William has recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.A in Molecular and Cellular Biology. He has previously worked in the Ginsberg Lab, focusing on DSS-induced Colitis autoimmune mouse models, and hopes to apply those skills to his current project at the Chanda Lab conducting genomic screens on the differentiation of CD4 Treg cells. In his free time, he loves to play chess, take walks by the beach, cook and spend time with family and friends.
Lab Assistant, Scripps
Nathan currently attends the University of California, San Diego, pursuing a B.S. in Global Health. He plans to apply his understanding of communicable diseases and the biological frameworks established by the Chanda lab to become an effective physician in preventing and treating disease. In his free time, Nathan enjoys white water rafting, camping, and hanging out with friends and family.
William Tian, B.A.
Yuan PU, M.S.
Nathan Everhart, B.S.
Frances Nicole Alfonso, B.S.
Lab Assistant, Scripps
Nicole is currently a student at the University of California, San Diego, pursuing a B.S. in Microbiology. She joined the Chanda Lab as an incoming sophomore in August of 2021 to understand how the ever-growing fields of immunology and virology play a significant role in the world of medicine and health care. Outside of the lab, Nicole is a regular San Diego native who understands the joys of sunset watching, listening to music, hanging out with friends and family, and exploring all the food, beaches, and adventures the city offers!