Our Team
Our PANDA Lab is a dynamic, interdisciplinary team with expertise spanning molecular engineering, bioproduction, synthetic biology, organic chemistry, bioinformatics, computer science, public and global health, and industry experience.
Though a young lab, we are rapidly growing—bringing together diverse talent from around the world. Based at UT Austin, we work locally to address pressing health challenges while remaining deeply connected to global communities and collaborators.
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Front row (L to R: Mahir, Nuttada, Zijing, Malavika) Back row (L to R: Varunya, Asmit, and Zach) Photo credit: Joshua Kleinstreuer (UT Austin BME, February 2025)
UT AUSTIN
COLLABORATORS
Coming Soon
US COLLABORATORS
Harvard University​
University of Washington
Seattle Children's Research Institute
Texas Biomedical Research Institute
GLOBAL PARTNERS
University of Pretoria, South Africa
Ministry of Health, Kenya
​Chiang Mai University, Thailand
CEINI/INER, Mexico City
Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Post-PhD Fellows
Post-doctoral Fellow
Varunya Sakpuntoon, PhD
My background is in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and some computational modeling and protein work. In the lab, I do a mix of research, grant writing, and administrative tasks like organizing the lab and handling purchasing.
What excites me is that the deeper I get into the research, the more I realize how much there is still to learn. It blows my mind how clever viruses are, how wild genetics can be, and how science constantly surprises us. That mix of curiosity and awe is what keeps me going.
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Favorite quote: "You can not change people around you, but you can change people around you."
Research Fellow
Zach Rengert, PhD
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I am an electrochemist, molecular biologist, and engineer working on electronic biosensors, isothermal amplification, and microfluidic technologies. The application of my research is in the development of affordable, deployable diagnostic assays for use in resource limited settings.
What exites you about the research? The interface between biological and electronic systems can be paradoxically simple and complex simultaneously, there’s always another layer to be revealed, another facet to be learned.
Favorite quote: “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” -Oscar Wilde
Pre-PhD Fellows
Research Associate
Afnan Hassan
Over the past decade, I have built a multidisciplinary foundation in biomedical research, combining computational and experimental approaches across diverse disease areas. At UT Austin, I worked in Prof. Ren's lab using molecular dynamics simulations to study dopamine transporter mechanisms. I work remotely with Prof. Panpradist on aptamer design for antibiotic and HIV resistance detection and I will be joining the PhD Program at Purdue University.
My earlier research at Zewail City focused on small molecule drug discovery, where I led projects targeting SARS-CoV-2, breast cancer, and Alzheimer's, earning two master’s degrees through pharmacophore modeling and virtual screening efforts. I’ve also explored protein and RNA folding, and applied machine learning to biomedical data, which has deepened my interest in protein design and molecular mechanism studies.
Favorite quote: “Whereas we have had to be satisfied with observing the chemistry in living things and describing it afterward without complete understanding, we are developing computational tools that can predict what will happen between molecules before they meet in the test tube” — Jorge Rodriguez. This sentiment accurately describes why I chose computational chemistry as my passion.​
Research Associate, incoming PhD Student
Jignesh Chowdary Gutta
My passion for biomedical engineering was sparked during my undergraduate studies in Computer Science at VIT Chennai, where I worked on machine learning models for diagnosing cardiovascular and thoracic diseases, earning the Raman Research Award. Internships at Ulster University and IIT Indore allowed me to lead impactful research in medical imaging, including breast tumor segmentation and thoracic disease diagnosis, with several high-impact publications and citations. I also proposed the Mamba framework for multi-modality imaging and mentored junior researchers, reinforcing my leadership and collaboration skills. Currently, as a graduate student, I’m developing generative AI and transformer-based models for multi-disease diagnosis. These interdisciplinary experiences have prepared me to thrive in a PhD program in Biomedical Engineering, where I can integrate computer vision, deep learning, and collaborative research to address critical healthcare challenges.
Research Associate
Sham Nafisa Ali
I am a biomedical engineer driven by the vision of creating healthcare solutions that are innovative, accessible, and globally impactful. Growing up in Bangladesh, I have witnessed firsthand the stark contrasts in healthcare access between urban hospitals and resource-limited rural communities. These experiences have shaped my desire to develop diagnostic and point-of-care testing solutions that transcend infrastructure barriers and improve patient care holistically.​
With a diverse background spanning AI in healthcare, instrumentation, biological system modeling, and wet lab experimentation, I see myself as a traveler across multiple paths within bioengineering. Through my research, I aim to leverage AI to accelerate multi-modal data analysis, inform material and hardware design, and guide the development of innovative yet affordable diagnostic solutions.
Currently, I am working as a Lecturer at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), embracing the role of an educator by leading teaching and mentorship efforts. As a Research Associate at UT Austin and an incoming doctoral student at Johns Hopkins University, I aspire to continue working to champion collaboration, innovation, and overcoming global health disparities — translating lab discoveries into tangible healthcare solutions that make a meaningful difference to society.
Favorite quote: “Innovation is seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.” – Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi
Undergrad Researchers
Ugrad Researcher
Asmit Panda
Biomedical Engineering, class of 2028
I have been living in Texas all my life but I am originally from India. When I went on vacation to visit my grandparents who are doctors, I was shocked to see the unsanitary, crowded hospitals they worked in and the lack of equipment and resources they had. This started my interest in medical devices and I am looking forward to working in this lab that specializes in research that can make a difference for people who live in places like my grandparents do.
I am excited to push the boundaries of medical research and explore innovative solutions to make people's lives better and easier. Something that I love about the Panda lab is that it explores a variety of disciplines and has the connections to actually implement our research in society and impact real people's lives.
Favorite quote: "Don't let the pursuit of success rob you of joy and playfulness."
Ugrad Researcher
Esha Shenoy
Biomedical Engineering, class of 2028
I’m from Dublin, California. I have a strong interest in the computational engineering.
I’m really interested in learning and applying AI/ML to create models that would depict thecapabilities of the electrochemical sensors made. I hope to pursue a career in the medtech industry or enter grad school after my Bachelor’s.
Favorite quote: “Ferb! I know what we’re going to do today!” – Phineas from Phineas and Ferb
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Ugrad Researcher
Mahir Patel
Computer Science and Pre-Medicine Track, class of 2027
What excites me most about this research is our focus on developing accessible diagnostic solutions for infectious diseases that can reach underserved communities. I'm particularly motivated by how our work has the potential to address healthcare disparities by creating affordable, point-of-care testing technologies that don't require expensive laboratory infrastructure. Having volunteered at Ibn Sina Medical and Dental Clinic and traveled to Bolivia for medical service, I have witnessed first-hand how infectious diseases disproportionately impact low-income populations with limited healthcare access.
Favorite quote: "The best way to predict the future is to create it."
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Ugrad Researcher
Malavika Nair
Biomedical Engineering, class of 2028
I’m excited to explore interdisciplinary approaches that can help bridge gaps in medical technology and patient care. I’m especially interested in writing scientific papers and contributing to research that advances accessible and affordable healthcare.
The thing that keeps me curious about research is being able to learn how current medical devices/procedures work and knowing that the more I learn the more I will be able to contribute to such devices.
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Favorite quote: “Curiosity is the essence of the scientific mind” – Calvin from Calvin & Hobbes
Ugrad Researcher
Priyanka Sugumar
Biomedical Engineering, class of 2028
I’m excited to get involved in not just studying biomedical engineering but to get involved in innovating in the field. I hope to be part of creating solutions that can advance the field of medicine so more lives can be improved and saved.
My career goal is to work in the biomedical device industry, where I can help design devices that improve the quality of life.
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Favorite quote: "Work for your own dreams, or someone will hire you to work for theirs".
Ugrad Researcher
Sriya Cheemalamarri
Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science (Cert) class of 2026
I have a strong interest in medical device development, specifically solutions that support patient care in both advanced and low-resource settings. Through research and internships, I’ve worked on projects like neonatal incubators, jaundice therapy systems, and intraocular lenses. I also have a strong interest in cancer immunotherapy, contributing to immunology research in BME labs at UT Austin.
I’m excited about research that uses engineering to make healthcare more accessible and impactful. I’m especially interested in developing practical and affordable medical device technologies that can make a real difference in underserved communities. Being part of work that uses innovation to aid low-resource areas is what motivates me!
Favorite quote: “It always seems impossible until it's done.” - Nelson Mandela
Ugrad Researcher
Zijing Lian
Biochemistry, class of 2027
What excites me the most about research is the opportunity to work on big ideas that have real world impacts. For me, research is a platform where ideas become practical solutions that contribute to scientific progress and societal progress.
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Favorite quote: "Enjoy the butterflies. Enjoy being naive. Enjoy the nerves, the pressure. If you want to stand on the top from day one, then there's nothing else to look forward to." - Daniel Ricciardo
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Prior to UT
YU-HSUAN HSU (She/Her) (2024 B.S. Bioengineering, 2025 M.S. Bioengineering)
MATHEA CAOLE (She/Her) (2026 B.S. Bioengineering, Minor Music and Microbiology)
BWB member and WOOF3D member
SAMI NYUGEN (She/Her) (2025 B.S. Bioengineering, Minor in Business)
BWB member
INYOUNG SEO (He/Him) (2024 B.S. Bioengineering, prospective Minor Microbiology)
LESLEY CHAN (She/Her) (2026 B.S. Bioengineering)
Former Math Tutor at Green River College. 2023 Mary Gates Travel Grant Awardee.
MEGAN VAN MEURS (All pronouns) (2024 B.S. Bioengineering, Minor Applied Math)
Former intern at the Institute for Systems Biology, instructed children ages 7-13 on basic coding, and researched within multiple different programs and labs, including internationally. 2023 Mary Gates Research Scholar. 2023 Mary Gates Travel Grant Awardee. 2023 Washington Research Foundation Undergraduate Student Fellow. Now: a Bioengineering Masters Student at the Eindhoven University of Technology
DANIEL SHIN (He/Him) (2023 B.S. Bioengineering, Minor Bioethics and Entrepreneurship)
Outside of academics, Daniel is passionate about the outdoors, skiing, and playing the cello! Daniel holds a strong background in management and leadership skills. He hopes to fully live my one chance at life by making a positive impact on everyone that he meets. Current: Graduate Student at UW Bioengineering.
ELLIE BAGLEY (She/Her) (2023 B.S. Bioengineering)
Family health struggles and personal experience with athletic injuries sparked her passion for engineering and healthcare. Ellie is driven to use her Bioengineering degree to develop life-changing technology and the means to provide access to it for all communities.
MEHER GREWAL (She/Her) (2025 Interlake High School: International Baccalaureate Program)
Mental Health Matters Trainee, TEDxOlympiaHighSchool, Founder of Worth a Shot Youth Aware Magazine
LUIZ MARTINS (He/Him) (2023 Henry M. Jackson High School)
Head of Operations for Worth A Shot Youth Aware Magazine
XUANCHANG HU (He/Him) (2024 B.Eng. Electrical and Computer Engineering)
2023 Mary Gates Travel Grant Awardee. Now: a Masters Student at Georgia Tech ECE
STEPHEN MACRIS (He/Him) (2024 B.Eng. Electrical and Computer Engineering)
2023 Mary Gates Travel Grant Awardee. Now: an Embedded Software Engineer at magniX
NARA CHEN (She/Her) (2025 Lakeside High School, Seattle)
Medical Science Club Co-Leader, Trained hunter horse rider
SOPHIA REYES LOPEZ (She/Her) (2024 Lakeside High School, Seattle)
Medical Science Club Co-Leader
ANNIKA SAHOTA (She/Her) (2022 M.S. Applied Bioengineering; Cert. Global WACh; 2021 B.S. Microbiology, B.A. Biochemistry; Minors in Human Rights and Computational Neuroengineering)
RA for Mental Health Matters; Now MD/PhD student at UT Dallas
BRIAN TRAN (He/Him) (2022 B.S. Bioengineering)
KYLA YAMASHITA (She/Her) (2022 B.S. Bioengineering, Minor Global Health)
Members of Society of Women Engineers, UW WashPIRG, Director of Communications Timmy Global Health x UW
Now Research Engineer at Just Therapeutics.
RIA SONIGRA (She/Her) (2023 B.Eng (Honors)/M.Eng. Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology) Summer Intern from the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Current: PhD Student at UW Molecular Engineering and Science Institute. Now PhD student at UW Molecular Science and Engineering Program
KENNETH RUSLIM (He/Him) (2023 B.S. Electrical Engineering, Minor Data Science)
UW Formula One Team Member, Current: An Intern at Honda in Ohio. Now: Engineer at Ford Motor Company
ANASTASIA KIM (They/She) (2023 B.S. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Minor GWSS (Gender, Women & Sexualities Studies)
Korea International Women's Invention Exposition 2018 Gold Medal. MIP Player of the Tournament 2018 Soccer Varsity Striker & Midfielder, 2022 Mary Gates Research Scholar. 2023 Mary Gates Travel Grant Awardee.
BETELHEM YOHANNES (She/her) (2018 B.S. Bioengineering, co-mentor with Dr. James Lai) 2015 Mary Gates Research Scholar, 2016 William P. and Ruth Gerberding/Early Identification Program Scholar. A medical doctor trained at UW.
ANNAPURNI SRIRAM (She/her) (2018 B.S. Bioengineering)
2017 Mary Gates Research Scholar, 2017 President of UW Biomedical Engineering Society.
Current: A medical doctor trained at Pittsburg University. Residency to Stanford University.
JONATHAN LIM (He/Him) (2018 B.S. Bioengineering, co-mentor with Amy Oreskovic)
2017 Mary Gates Research Scholar. Current: Engineer II at Bristol-Myers Squibb.
DAVID MCINTYRE (He/Him) (2018 B.S. Bioengineering)
2016 Mary Gates Research Scholar, 2016 President of UW Engineering Without Border, 2017 Husky 100, 2017 Member of UW Engineering Without Border.
Current: a Ph.D. Graduate from Boston University. Senior Scientist at Pearl Bio
SURASAK KASETSIRIKUL (He/Him)
(Intern from M.S. Mechanical Engineering Program at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand).
Current: a Ph.D. graduate from Griffin University in Australia. Postdoc at Queensland University of Technology
ANNIE WONG-ON-WING (She/Her) (2017 B.S. Chemistry and Biochemistry)
2016 Mary Gates Research Scholar, ACS Certified, Current: an MD from UW, residency at UCSD
NIKKI HIGA (She/Her) (2017 B.S. Bioengineering)
2015 Mary Gates Research Scholar, 2016 Mary Gates Travel Grant Awardee.
Current: Ph.D. Graduate at USC. Technology Licensing Manager at USC Stevens Center for Innovation
IAN ANDREWS (He/Him) (2016 B.S. Bioengineering)
2014 Mary Gates Research Scholar, 2015 President of UW Biomedical Engineering Society, 2016 Mary Gates Travel Grant Awardee. 2016 Husky 100.
Current: a Ph.D. Graduate Biological Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Research Scientist II at Day Zero Diagnostics