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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.
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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.
William Tian, B.A.
Research Assistant I, 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.
Frances Nicole Alfonso, B.S.
Research Assistant I, 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!
Janhavi Choudhar, M.S.
Research Assistant II, Scripps
Janhavi graduated from Gerogetown University, DC with MS degree in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Janhavi joined Chanda Lab in 2023 with an urge to pursue research and contribute to the therapeutic developments in Immunology and Virology. She has prior experience of working as Reasearch Scientist inthe field of Cancer biology. She worked on investigating therole of CD133 protein in the invasion and metastasis of Melaanoma using in-vitro techniques and mouse models. She also worked on investigatingthe role of oncogenic K-Ras in development of Pancreatic Cancer. Janhavi also has experience of working in Biotechnology industry prior to joining Chanda Lab. She is interested in applying her knowledge and experience for developing innovative technologies that would result in therapeutic advancements. After work she enjoys cooking, painting, gardening and travelling.
Patricia Hsieh, B.S.
Research Assistant I, Scripps
Patricia graduated with a B.S. in Bioengineering from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2024. She has research experience specializing in cell and tissue engineering, as well as a strong background in synthetic biology. Patricia joined the Chanda Lab in 2024, driven by her interest in advancing the field of immunology to discover new therapeutic strategies and targets. In her leisure time, she enjoys crocheting, watching television, and making treats for her family and friends.
