Our group focusses on using DNA as a material to design and build synthetic nanostructures and functionalizing them for different applications. We currently work on developing strategies to enhance the biostability of DNA nanostructures so that they can survive in physiological conditions (for example, withstand degradation by nucleases), to attach drug molecules at specific sites of the nanostructure (eg: click chemistry) and to release drugs by external stimuli (eg: biological stimuli such as other nucleic acids or physical stimuli such as light). Working with biological and clinical collaborators, we are currently developing DNA nanostructures that can act as drug delivery platforms for different types of drugs, specifically focusing on Alzheimer’s disease and myotonic dystrophy. We are also interested in rationally designing DNA motifs that can assemble into 3D DNA crystals. These crystals will contain cavities that can accommodate other guest molecules, acting as a scaffold for X-ray based structure determination. Some of our other interests are in designing DNA devices that can perform logic operations and act as short-term information storage devices.
Madhanagopal Barathraj
Postdoctoral Associate
mbarathraj [at] albany.edu
Madhan completed his PhD on supramolecular assemblies of polyproline peptides and peptide nucleic acids (PNA) under the guidance of Prof. Krishna N Ganesh in Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune. As a postdoc, he studied the self-assembly of branched PNAs and the biophysical properties of bimodal PNAs in Prof. Ganesh’s lab at IISER Tirupati. He was involved in designing and constructing DNA nanodevices in the Krishnan lab at the University of Chicago for about a year before his current position at the RNA institute. He is currently developing DNA-based nanostructures for targeted delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics.
PhD, Biology | Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, India.
Arlin rodriguez
Research Support Specialist
arodriguez23 [at] albany.edu
Arlin is a recent alumni of UAlbany and a former undergraduate researcher in the lab. Arlin is currently a full time research associate in the lab working on all things DNA.
BS, Biological Sciences | University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.
Akul Patel
Research Support Specialist
akul.p999 [at] gmail.com
Akul is a UAlbany alumni who is currently a full time research associate in the lab working on all things DNA.
BS, Biological Sciences | University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.
Hannah talbot
PhD Student
htalbot [at] albany.edu
BS, Biochemistry | University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.
JACK geary
PhD Student
jgeary [at] albany.edu
Jack is a recent graduate of UAlbany and decided to continue on with graduate studies to pursue his interest in understanding the application of different DNA structures. On the side, he volunteers as an EMT on an ambulance.
BS, Biochemistry | University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.
LEAH Punnoose
Undergraduate Researcher
lpunnoose [at] albany.edu
Leah is a Human Biology Major and she’s interested in learning more about biological processes and structures.
Human Biology, Class of 2025 | University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.
Antoinette Mastrangelo
Undergraduate Researcher
amastrangelo [at] albany.edu
Human Biology, Class of 2025 | University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.
Gwenyth Gallagher
Undergraduate Researcher
ggallagher [at] albany.edu
Chemistry, Class of 2027 | University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.
Gwenyth is a sophomore at University at Albany majoring in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry. She’s from Westchester, New York, and has spent most of her life immersed in science-related hobbies, such as science research. In her free time, she enjoys reading and going to concerts.
Abigail Tsuji
Undergraduate Researcher
atsuji [at] albany.edu
Abigail Tsuji is an Upstate Accelerated Scholar, Honors College Human Biology major with a minor in Public Health.
Human Biology, Class of 2026 | University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.
Aleena Saleem
High School Researcher
Aleena Saleem is a sophomore at Shaker High School with a strong interest in biology and chemistry. She aspires to pursue a career in the medical field, aiming to use the study of DNA to enhance medical practices. Aleena is actively involved in various extracurricular activities, including Eureka!, Speech and Debate, where she has achieved first place several times, volunteering at the VA hospital, and participating in the Medical Club at her school. Passionate about learning and research, she is excited to contribute to and grow through the research opportunities in the lab at the University at Albany.
Alumni
Johnsi Mathivanan, Postdoctoral Associate | Current: Research Scientist, Curia Global Inc.
Ché-Doni Platt, Research Associate | Current: MD student, Howard Medical School.