Pavan Kakumani, Ph.D.

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

ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8755-860X

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.                     

Beauty Dam

MSc Student, Email: bdam@mun.ca

I am from Sylhet, a beautiful green city in the north-eastern part of Bangladesh. With a Bachelor’s degree in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, my research interests lie in cancer biology and precision medicine. I am joining the Kakumani Lab in May 2025 to begin my graduate studies, focusing on gene regulation.

Besides academic life, I enjoy watching dramas and discovering scenic natural landscapes.

Victoria Sutton

B.Sc. Honours in Human Biosciences

I am an honours student completing a B.Sc. in human biosciences. I joined the kakumani lab as a MUCEP student in the fall of 2024, and I am currently studying the role of GRP75/Mortalin in the stabilization of AGO2. When I'm not studying or in the lab, I'm usually baking, knitting or on an adventure somewhere with friends.