Principal Investigator
Jai Rudra
he/him
Dr. Jai Rudra’s current research interests include harnessing of molecular and structural chirality in biomaterials and understanding the influence of chirality on immune cell behavior for applications in vaccine development and regenerative immunology.
Postdoctoral Researcher Associate
Anirban Das
he/him
I received my Ph.D. in Chemistry from IISER Bhopal, India with the Ph.D. Best Thesis Award in 2022. In this lab, I am interested in working with self-aggregating peptides in the context of fibrillation, similar to as observed in neurodegenerative diseases, and those that can form Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation droplets. Outside my passion for research, I am interested in cooking, exploring different cuisines and travelling to different places of the world.
Research Engineering Technician
Ushasi Pramanik
she/her
I completed Ph. D. from IISER Bhopal and joined this lab. I am working with coacervates and fibril forming peptides. I love solving droplets’ mystery!! Apart from science, I also breathe in dance. I am a trained Indian classical dancer. My favourite pastime is also watching thriller movies, and sleeping when I have no work!!
PhD Students
Elise Brown
she/her
I’m a second year BME PhD student here in the Rudra lab at WashU. I graduated from ASU with my BS in BME in 2023, where I completed my Honors Thesis under Dr. Jessica Weaver on the immunomodulatory properties of trophoblasts. Prior, I studied T cell migration in the aged lymph node using two-photon microscopy under Dr. Jessica Lancaster at the Mayo Clinic. My research interests lie in improving vaccine adjuvants using peptide nanofibers. Outside of lab, I enjoy weightlifting, reading, and hiking.
Zoe Elisa Clapacs
she/her
Zoe is a 6th year PhD student in the Rudra Laboratory focusing on targeted delivery of liposomal nanoparticles to plasmacytoid dendritic cells and the applications of this technology toward flaviviral vaccines. Outside of the laboratory she teaches incarcerated students through Washington University’s Prison Education Project and conducts independent research in the scholarship of education with a focus on natural science higher education in prison. Beyond her scohlarly pursuits, she is involved in local anti-carceral and LGBT+ advocacy and community organizing in St. Louis. In her free time Zoe likes to garden, cook, and attend local music concerts.
Darcy Harris
she/her
Darcy is a doctoral candidate in the lab. She works jointly with the Jackrel lab and is in the Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology program. Darcy is from Pottstown, Pennsylvania and graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 2020 with a BA in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. After college, she worked for two years as a post-baccalaureate fellow at NIAID. Outside of the lab, Darcy enjoys baking, reading, and chilling with her cat.
Michelle Oti-Bronya
she/her
Co-mentored with the Berkland Lab
Michelle Oti-Bronya holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Ghana. Her undergraduate research investigated the therapeutic potential of local materials for neglected tropical diseases, while her master’s research focused on material for dialysis membrane applications. As a co-mentored student between the Berkland and Rudra labs, her research delves into the immunomodulatory potential of proteins and peptides for cancer immunotherapeutic. In her free time, Michelle enjoys watching documentaries, and taking walks.
Claire Zhang
she/her
Claire graduated from Caltech (2024) with a BS in Bioengineering and a Neurobiology minor. Her previous research includes working in Dr. Elliot Meyerowitz’s lab for plant development research and Dr. Barbara Wold’s lab for Alzheimer’s Disease research. She loves basketball, going on walks, plant care, and making art!
Masters Students
Nathan Liu
he/him
Nathan is a senior undergraduate and master’s student in BME at WashU. He joined Rudra lab in the beginning of sophomore year and is currently working on his master’s thesis on the topic of nanosilicate as a drug delivery system with Dr. Rudra as his mentor.
Undergraduate Researchers
Jonathan Fascetti
he/him
Jonathan is studying biomedical engineering planning to graduate in May 2025. He has been in the Rudra lab since the summer of 2022 and has been involved with the KFE chirality projects. In his free time, he enjoys cooking and long distance running.
Mark Gibson
he/him
Mark is a senior undergraduate student majoring in biomedical engineering and minoring in materials science and engineering. He joined the Rudra lab in the Summer of 2024.
Lauren Kaplita
she/her
I am a junior undergraduate student studying biomedical engineering at WashU. I am from Seattle and enjoy figure skating and skiing in my free time! I have been working at the Rudra Lab since freshman year and my work has mainly been on analyzing the structure and interactions of KFE8 and KFE12 peptides.
Alex Kemp
he/him
I am currently a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Finance. I have been in the lab since May 2024. I am interested in focusing on biomaterials and therapeutics and want to go to industry after graduation.
Rachel Kim
she/her
Rachel is a senior undergraduate student studying Chemistry and Anthropology: Global Health and Environment on the premed track at WashU. She is from Houston, TX and has been a part of the Rudra lab since 2022. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, and baking.
Lab Alumni
Paresh Shrimali (Postdoctoral scholar)
Conor O’Neill, Ph.D.
Huihao Wang (Masters)
Thomas Varghese (Lab Technician)
Darren Kim (Lab Technician)
Issac Ventura (Visiting Undergraduate)
Kadin Kristjansson (Visting Undergraduate)
Nakaja Weaver (MOLSAMP Undergraduate)
Amanda Winkler (Undergraduate)
Cameron Bleem (Undergraduate)