Research Personnel

Shipra Agrawa, PhD
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Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor of Medicine

Our laboratory is focused on identifying and understanding the mechanisms of podocyte and glomerular injury with an aim of developing novel treatments for podocytopathies/glomerular nephropathies and chronic kidney disease.  Additional focus is on elucidating multi-system pathways using RNA biology approaches. I serve on the University Senate and I enjoy mentoring curious and hard-working budding scientists and researchers. 
Interests: I enjoy adventure, yoga, tennis, chess and quality time with family and friends.

Monoj Kumar Das, PhD
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Post-Doctoral Fellow
PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Tezpur University, Assam, India) and experience in Cancer Genetics and Chemoprevention. Active member of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN).

Current Research Projects: Role of mRNA processing (alternative splicing and polyadenylation) and specific miRNAs in podocyte biology and kidney disease. Additional project focus is to elucidate the mechanistic role of nucleoside transporter in mediating cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity imparted by cancer drugs.
Interests: I like to travel, meditate and cook delicious meals.

Antônio da Silva Novaes, PhD
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Post-Doctoral Fellow
Ph.D. in Nephrology (Federal University de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil) and a Master in Health Sciences (Pharmacology and Toxicology). An active member of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) and the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV).

Current Research Projects: Mechanisms and role of selective modulation of PPARg in podocyte injury and glomerular disease. Additional project focus is to elucidate the role of specific miRNA in podocyte biology and kidney disease.
Interests: I am passionate about traveling, diving, and immersing in nature with my little dogs.

Mahika Yarram
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Student
Biochemistry major with a minor in Health, Medicine, and Society. A sophomore, part of the Stony Brook Honors College, and on the premedical track. A 2023 URECA scholarship recipient.

Current Research Project: Alternative polyadenylation sites in damaged podocyte cells.
Interests: I am currently the secretary of Taandava, Stony Brook University's premiere classical Indian dance team. I enjoy baking and reading in my free time.

Christian Reilly
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Student
Graduated as Valedictorian from William Floyd High School. Currently a double major in Biology B.S and Psychology B.S with an interest in the medical field. A 2023 URECA scholarship recipient.

Current Research Project: Alternative mRNA splicing in healthy vs injured kidney cells.
Interests: I am training to become an EMT, however, when I am not busy with academia, I enjoy going to the gym, socializing with friends, and playing trumpet with the Spirit of Stony Brook Marching Band.

Elsie Wong
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Student
A second-year Biology Major specializing in interdisciplinary biology, minoring in chemistry with an interest in the medical field. Passionate about pediatrics and adolescent medicine.

Current Research Project: Nucleoside transporters in cardiac and glomerular cells.
Interests: I like writing poetry and cooking during my free time. I always like to try out anything new and interesting! 

Ama Fernando
Ama Fernando

Student
A third-year student majoring in Biochemistry. Passionate about learning more about the genetics and biochemistry of organisms.
Current Research Project: Podocyte signaling pathways in health and disease
Interests: I love watching movies, reading fiction, and learning to play the piano during my free time.

Summer/Winter Students:
Kiran Johar (Summer Student: Jericho High School)
Saumya Gupta (Winter and Summer Student: Upper Arlington High School)



Alumni:
Neelu Singh, PhD: Post-doctoral volunteer (Oct 2023-Feb 2024)
Current Position: Post-doctoral Researcher, Stony Brook University

Claire Bryant, BS: Research Assistant (Feb 2020-Aug 2022)
Current Position: Scientific Writer, Forge Biologics

Galen Rask, MS: Research Assistant (Feb 2019- Feb 2020)
Current Position: Research Associate, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital