Meet the Team

Dr. Bhattacharyya received her Ph.D. in Computational Biophysics at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore where she used molecular dynamics simulations and graph theory to study allosteric communication in protein complexes. She made a transition into experimental biology during her postdoctoral studies at the University of California Berkeley. Here, she used structural biology and single-molecule microscopy to study the molecular mechanism of regulation in a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase that is critical for learning and memory. She started her lab at Yale University in the summer of 2020. Her focus is on understanding the molecular mechanism of signaling using an integrative approach.

​Dr. Kumar received his Ph.D. from the CSIR-IMTECH, India. He worked on redox regulation of glutathione biosynthesis and degradation using yeast as a model system. He then moved to the NIH-NIDDK to study chaperone-mediated stress response and protein degradation. Currently, his research focuses on understanding the regulation of Trk-family receptor tyrosine kinases and LRRK2, a kinase implicated in Parkinson’s disease etiology. In his spare time, he loves cooking and exploring nature.

Dr. Minh Triet Hong specializes in single-molecule imaging to investigate how membrane lipids regulate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation in live cells. His research has revealed interactions between cholesterol and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), highlighting how cholesterol distribution across the plasma membrane leaflets influences EGFR activation. By integrating single-molecule approaches with molecular biology and biochemistry, he aims to elucidate how plasma membrane lipids govern receptor activation mechanisms central to cellular decision-making in neurodegenerative processes. Outside the lab, Triet enjoys social gatherings that involve cooking, camping, and BBQ.

Dr. Samassekou received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Purdue University. There, she studied the molecular regulation of phospholipase C epsilon using cell- and liposome-based functional assays, as well as structural studies using cryo-EM. In the Bhattacharyya lab, Dr. Samassekou is working on a family of receptor tyrosine kinases called TAM receptors, which play a crucial role in the innate immune system, inflammation, and cancer. Using a combination of biophysics, single-molecule microscopy, and structural biology, she is investigating how these receptors assemble and interact with their ligands, providing insights into their mechanisms, functions, and potential for therapeutic targeting. In her free time, she likes to explore local coffee shops, watch reality TV shows, and go on long walks. She also enjoys trying new recipes and taking train rides.

Gerard studied biology and biochemistry at Villanova University and conducted a post-baccalaureate fellowship at the NIH, where he studied protein and membrane trafficking events at the cellular level. Gerard now seeks to explore the molecular mechanism of the regulation of small GTPases at the membrane and their role in oncogenic signaling. Gerard is developing and using new technologies to answer these questions, hoping to decipher how the oily environment of the plasma membrane alters protein behavior. When he isn't in the lab, Gerard can be found trail running and fishing.

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Harry received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from SUNY Stony Brook University in 2022. Under the supervision of Dr. Dongyan Tan, his undergraduate research aimed to understand the impact of histone variants on chromatin compaction and gene expression through various structural methods such as cryo-EM. In the Bhattacharyya lab, Harry is studying RTKs and the MAPK signaling pathway using cryo-EM and MD. Outside of lab, Harry enjoys working out, snowboarding, and bouldering!

Yushin earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Concordia University Wisconsin, with a minor in Artificial Intelligence. As an undergraduate, he conducted research under Dr. Terry-Elinor Reid, focusing on identifying HIV latency-reversing agents that target human histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3). Currently, his work centers on receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and downstream signaling proteins involved in regulating cell growth and pain perception. He is particularly interested in leveraging computational tools to support structural studies of proteins using cryoEM. Outside the lab, Yushin enjoys playing the violin and is always on the lookout for great food spots.

Ariane graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry from George Fox University, where, under the mentorship of Drs. Jeffrey Tyner and Brian Druker, she investigated oncogenic biomarkers driving leukemogenesis and disease progression, including TrkB and FGFR1. Ariane joined the Pharmacology. Department through the TMMPP track, with a strong interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying human disease at the protein level to help optimize therapeutic strategies.

In another life, Ariane is a boba barista and enjoys tinkering in her at-home café, experimenting with new flavors of coffee and tea.

Vibha graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science and Arts in neuroscience. She is now a Ph.D. student from the INP track and is interested in investigating the molecular bases of neurodegeneration and disease. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading books, playing around with her camera, and watching comfort sitcoms. Her favorite part of the day is coffee-with-a-sweet-treat time (this is welcome at any time of day).