Kalyani Pyaram, PhD Principal Investigator (PI)
PhD, Biotechnology: National Center for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune University, India
Postdoctoral training, Immunology: University of Michigan Medical School, USA
Kalyani Pyaram's research expertise is Cellular and molecular immunology. She has experience in complement biology, innate T cell biology and T cell metabolism. This Mom x2 and wife of a scientist loves swimming, cooking and reading.
kpyaram@kumc.edu
@ImmunolKalyani
Aprajita Tripathi
Graduate student
M.Sc., Zoology: University of Delhi, India
Aprajita is the first graduate student of the Pyaram Laboratory. She harbors immense curiosity for Epigenetics and gained experience from National Institute of Immunology, Delhi. Her passion for T-cell biology brought her to this lab. When not working in the lab, you will find Aprajita painting, crafting, dancing or recycling waste. She is also active on scitwitter (Twitter handle: aprajitatripat5)
Debolina Dasgupta
Graduate student
M.Tech, Biotechnology: Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, India
Debolina joined Pyaram lab in 2022. Debolina worked in ACTREC, Mumbai and at Auburn University before joining Pyaram lab. Debolina loves traveling to see different places and meet new people. She is an Indian classical dance performer, with 12 years of training! She also enjoys reading, cooking, eating and listening to music.
Nadine Santana-Magal, PhD Postdoctoral fellow
PhD, Tumor Immunology: Tel-Aviv University, Israel
Nadine joined the Pyaram Lab in Feb 2024. Nadine has a B.Sc in Biotechnology Engineering from the Technion-Institute of Technology and an M.Sc. in Genetics from Tel Aviv University. She completed her Ph.D. studies at Tel Aviv University, focusing on tumor immunity and T cell-based immunotherapy. In Pyaram lab, Nadine is exploring novel molecular and metabolic strategies to enhance T-cell immunotherapies. Outside of work, Nadine enjoys traveling, hiking, and picnics in the park. She is a busy mother of three little ones and a miraculous multi-tasker!
Emily Burt
Research Technician
B.S. University of Kansas, Lawrence
After earning my bachelors in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Kansas, I joined the Pyaram Lab at KUMC as a research technician where I work on immunology and cancer research–two of my favorite biology topics! Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking, hiking, reading, and trying new coffee shops. I also play in a volleyball rec league and use the weekends to explore Kansas City!
Alumini
Anil Pant, PhD
Post-doctotal fellow
PhD, Biology: Kansas State University
Anil, the first postdoctoral fellow of Pyaram lab received his Ph.D. in Biology from Kansas State University in 2021 . His doctoral research focused on Vaccinia virus-host cell interactions at the metabolic interface. When not in the lab, Anil enjoys spending time with his family. Originally from Nepal, Anil loves traveling, eating, playing sports, and watching the English Premier League.
Ashlyn Bugbee
Undergraduate Researcher
Ashlyn is a junior in Microbiology at Kansas State University with an emphasis on pre-medicine. She is set to graduate in 2023. Her hobbies include baking, reading, being outside, sports, and being with friends and family.
Grace Schieferecke
Undergraduate Researcher
Grace is a freshman in Microbiology at Kansas State University. She is a member of the K-State Marching Band. Grace enjoys cooking, baking, rock-climbing, gardening, playing trumpet, and spending time with friends and family.
Ben Choi
Research Assistant
Ben graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a B.S. in Biochemistry in 2022. He is taking a gap year to further explore his passion for science through Pyaram Lab. He aspires going to medical school for MD, but is also considering other options such as the MD/Ph.D. program or grad school. Outside of the lab, Ben enjoys playing soccer, hiking, and being with family and friends.