Team
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor
Post-Doc: CRCHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
Ph.D.: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) New Delhi.
B.Tech.: Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad, India.
Email: pavan.kakumani@mun.ca
Current Members
Sushmitha Ramakrishna
PhD Student, E-mail: sushmithar@mun.ca
I am from Mysore, a beautiful city in the southern part of India. I completed my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biochemistry from the University of Mysore. After my Master’s, I started my PhD journey in Dr. Kakumani’s lab in 2022. In our lab, I am trying to uncover the mysteries surrounding how siRNAs regulate AGO2-mediated gene silencing in mouse embryonic stem cells.
Outside of my research, I like hiking, movies, and music.
Arezou Arvand
MSc student, E-mail: aarvand@mun.ca
I grew up in a small village called Algen in the south of Iran. I completed my Bachelor's degree from Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz where my interest in Genetics has grown. I am so curious about cell signaling and gene regulation. I joined Kakumani’s lab in June 2023 to start my graduate studies and find the answer to my questions while questioning more things! (This cycle has been my whole life!)
Outside the lab, I am a hair and skin counselor and I love learning about fashion. I also love being in nature and focusing on how natural things work in the world.
Mahammed Zaid Patel
MSc student, E-mail: mahammedarip@mun.ca
I am from Bharuch, the oldest city in Gujarat, India. I completed my bachelor's degree from P P Savani University, located in Surat, Gujarat. Ever since high school, I have nurtured a deep curiosity about the molecular machinery of the human body and the causes of diseases like cancer. I am joining Kakumani Lab as a graduate student in September 2023. I am particularly interested in studying the role of piRNAs in somatic and stem cell differentiation as part of my research focus.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I have a great passion for exploring new places, meeting new people, and indulging in the delights of various cuisines.
Yuguan Jiang
MSc student, E-mail: yuguanj@mun.ca
I am from Shenyang, Liaoning Province, a city in northeastern China. Between 2018-2023, I received my bachelor's degree in clinical pharmacy from China Medical University. During my undergraduate studies, I developed an interest in studying cells from the DNA and RNA and protein levels. I am joining Kakumani's lab in September 2023 as a graduate student and am studying piRNAs and the role of PIWI proteins in living organisms.
In addition, I am a philosophy enthusiast, enjoy jogging and painting.
Claire Hynes
Research Assistant
I just completed my B.Sc Biochemistry (Honors). I joined Kakumani Lab group in 2022 and where I have been studying the role of CSDE1 missense variants and the miRNA pathway in the development of autism spectrum disorders.
When not in the lab, I enjoy swimming, skiing, and hiking.
Evan Williams
Biochemistry (BSc) Honors Student
I am currently completing my B.Sc Biochemistry (Honors) degree under the supervision of Dr. Kakumani. I was honored to join Kakumani Lab in October 2023 and am pursuing studies related to the Piwi protein, MIWI. I take great personal interest in diseases and disorders which impact the human body, and the molecular basis from which they arise.
Beyond my studies and work within Kakumani Lab, I thoroughly enjoy volunteering, running and acquiring new life skills, such as completing American Sign Language courses.
Grigory Arutyunyan
Biochemistry (BSc) Honors Student
I was born in Yekaterinburg, a city on the border of Europe and Asia in Russia. I am currently in the final year of my B.Sc. Biochemistry (Honours) program, focusing my thesis research on studying gene expression controlled by miR-708.
Outside the lab, I enjoy painting, playing the piano, and baking.
Former Members
Jamie Fleming, MUCEP Student (Spring 2024)
Mason Waye, MUCEP Student (Spring 2024)
Claire Hynes, SRIP/MUCEP Student (Fall 2022 & Winter 2023), NSERC USRA (Spring - Summer 2023), Biochemistry Honors (Fall 2023 - Winter 2024), NSERC USRA (Spring-Summer 2024)
Evan Williams, MUCEP Student (Fall 2023 & Winter 2024)
Grigory Arutyunyan, MUCEP Student (Fall 2023 & Winter 2024)
Jenna Hu, MUCEP Student (Fall 2023)
Maria Dodgson, MUCEP Student (Spring & Fall 2022), Biochemistry Honors (Fall 2022 - Summer 2023)
Emily Collins, MUCEP Student - Summer 2023
Laura Grasmeyer, MUCEP Student - Spring 2023
Connor Milks, MUCEP Student - Fall 2022 & Winter 2023
Amina Khaled, MUCEP Student - Fall 2022
Kangwa Napanje, MUCEP Student - Spring 2022
Emma Layman, MUCEP Student - Winter 2022
Lily Bertolo, MUCEP Student - Winter 2022
Esosa (Naomi) Ighodaro, MUCEP Student - Winter 2022
Grace Christopher, Research Assistant, November 2021 - March 2022
Yaneesh Jerath, MUCEP Student - Fall 2021