Current lab members
Leon Grayfer, PhD
Leon received his BSc, specializing in immunology and infection, from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He went on to conduct his PhD research at the University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, during which time he studied the roles of cytokines in the regulation of fish macrophage antimicrobial responses against Mycobacterium marinum. Leon's doctoral work was awarded the Governor General's Gold Medal of Canada. Leon conducted his postdoctoral research at the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA as a National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada Postdoctoral Fellow (2011-2013) and as a Life Sciences Research Fellow of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2013-2015). During his time at U of R, he espoused the Xenopus laevis frog model towards the study of amphibian macrophage biology. Leon is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, where he and his research team are investigating many different faces of amphibian immune development and functionality.
Leon received his BSc, specializing in immunology and infection, from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He went on to conduct his PhD research at the University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, during which time he studied the roles of cytokines in the regulation of fish macrophage antimicrobial responses against Mycobacterium marinum. Leon's doctoral work was awarded the Governor General's Gold Medal of Canada. Leon conducted his postdoctoral research at the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA as a National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada Postdoctoral Fellow (2011-2013) and as a Life Sciences Research Fellow of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2013-2015). During his time at U of R, he espoused the Xenopus laevis frog model towards the study of amphibian macrophage biology. Leon is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, where he and his research team are investigating many different faces of amphibian immune development and functionality.
Namarta Kalia, PhD
Namarta received her MSc in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, from Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), India. While pursuing her masters, she received an award of Junior Research Fellowship form the Government of India, University Grants Commission, New Delhi to pursue her doctoral study. She did her PhD in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, GNDU. Her doctoral research was focussed on understanding the genetic basis of innate immunity that determines differential susceptibility of women towards recurrent vulvovaginal infections. Her area of expertise includes Innate Immunity, Genetics & Genomics, Infectious Diseases, Bioinformatics and Bio-statistics. After spending years of research in her native country, Dr. Kalia will be travelling to the US to join Grayfer lab to pursue her post-doctoral research. Here, she will be investigating multiple faces of amphibian immunity in health and disease. On the top of research, Dr. Kalia is athlete, motivational speaker and a nature loving person. Exploring new places, learning different culture and ethics is her interests. She believes of doing anything she set her mind to, if given enough coffee.
Namarta received her MSc in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, from Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), India. While pursuing her masters, she received an award of Junior Research Fellowship form the Government of India, University Grants Commission, New Delhi to pursue her doctoral study. She did her PhD in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, GNDU. Her doctoral research was focussed on understanding the genetic basis of innate immunity that determines differential susceptibility of women towards recurrent vulvovaginal infections. Her area of expertise includes Innate Immunity, Genetics & Genomics, Infectious Diseases, Bioinformatics and Bio-statistics. After spending years of research in her native country, Dr. Kalia will be travelling to the US to join Grayfer lab to pursue her post-doctoral research. Here, she will be investigating multiple faces of amphibian immunity in health and disease. On the top of research, Dr. Kalia is athlete, motivational speaker and a nature loving person. Exploring new places, learning different culture and ethics is her interests. She believes of doing anything she set her mind to, if given enough coffee.
Kelsey Hauser, PhD student
Kelsey obtained her bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College in neuroscience and psychology. After a year working at an investment consulting firm, she joined the Grayer group in 2019. Her research interests involve exploring the granulopoietic strategies in Xenopus and the roles of these cells across diverse facets of amphibian physiology.
Outside of the lab, you’ll often find her running, fly-fishing, or taking advantage of the District’s museums.
Kelsey obtained her bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College in neuroscience and psychology. After a year working at an investment consulting firm, she joined the Grayer group in 2019. Her research interests involve exploring the granulopoietic strategies in Xenopus and the roles of these cells across diverse facets of amphibian physiology.
Outside of the lab, you’ll often find her running, fly-fishing, or taking advantage of the District’s museums.
Riad Hossainey, PhD student
After completing a MSc in Parasitology from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Riad started his research career at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. Before joining the Grayfer lab, Riad also accrued considerable experience researching malaria and anti-malarial drugs. Riad is investigating the functional development of amphibian macrophage subsets (CSF-1 and IL-34) and their roles in various pathogenic infections, using Xneopus laevis frog model. He claims the micropipette is his favorite lab instrument and he enjoy pipetting a lot! Apart from research activities, he loves listening to heavy metal music and hanging out with friends. Apparently, he also enjoys collecting prescription glasses, especially in the lab...
After completing a MSc in Parasitology from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Riad started his research career at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. Before joining the Grayfer lab, Riad also accrued considerable experience researching malaria and anti-malarial drugs. Riad is investigating the functional development of amphibian macrophage subsets (CSF-1 and IL-34) and their roles in various pathogenic infections, using Xneopus laevis frog model. He claims the micropipette is his favorite lab instrument and he enjoy pipetting a lot! Apart from research activities, he loves listening to heavy metal music and hanging out with friends. Apparently, he also enjoys collecting prescription glasses, especially in the lab...
Tyler Moore, MSc student
Tyler received his bachelor’s degree in Biology from George Mason University in 2015. From there, Tyler started his masters program as a part of the Grayfer lab. His research is focused on antiviral immunity and how macrophages interact with the Frog Virus 3 Ranavirus.
Outside of the lab, Tyler likes to spend his time watching sports, as his playing days are now in the past, playing video games and hanging out with friends.
Tyler received his bachelor’s degree in Biology from George Mason University in 2015. From there, Tyler started his masters program as a part of the Grayfer lab. His research is focused on antiviral immunity and how macrophages interact with the Frog Virus 3 Ranavirus.
Outside of the lab, Tyler likes to spend his time watching sports, as his playing days are now in the past, playing video games and hanging out with friends.
Zarafsha Uzzaman
Zarafsha is a rising junior at the George Washington University. She joined the Grayfer lab in the Fall of 2018. During her time in the lab, she has researched the differences in pathogen recognition capacities between adult and tadpole macrophages.
In her free time, Zarafsha enjoys singing, playing the piano, and visiting different coffee shops in D.C. She is also a member of the GW troubadours, an acapella group, and is apart of the Humanity First Student Organization at GWU.
Zarafsha is a rising junior at the George Washington University. She joined the Grayfer lab in the Fall of 2018. During her time in the lab, she has researched the differences in pathogen recognition capacities between adult and tadpole macrophages.
In her free time, Zarafsha enjoys singing, playing the piano, and visiting different coffee shops in D.C. She is also a member of the GW troubadours, an acapella group, and is apart of the Humanity First Student Organization at GWU.
America Lugo
America is a Puerto Rican native and will graduate in the Class of 2021 with a BSc in Biology with a minor in Public Health. She began pursuing her love of biology at GWU as a Learning Assistant for an introductory biology course, creating mnemonics for freshman to remember. The following summer, she interned at the Universidad de Puerto Rico-Recinto de Ciencias Médicas where she analyzed the factors leading to thyroid
reoperation. Her work was recently published in The American Surgeon Journal. America began working in the Grayfer lab in the Spring of 2019 and as part of the Harlan Research Program the following summer.
In her time in the lab, America has learned and perfected various techniques through her research of amphibian antiviral (Type I and Type III) interferons responses.
America is a Puerto Rican native and will graduate in the Class of 2021 with a BSc in Biology with a minor in Public Health. She began pursuing her love of biology at GWU as a Learning Assistant for an introductory biology course, creating mnemonics for freshman to remember. The following summer, she interned at the Universidad de Puerto Rico-Recinto de Ciencias Médicas where she analyzed the factors leading to thyroid
reoperation. Her work was recently published in The American Surgeon Journal. America began working in the Grayfer lab in the Spring of 2019 and as part of the Harlan Research Program the following summer.
In her time in the lab, America has learned and perfected various techniques through her research of amphibian antiviral (Type I and Type III) interferons responses.
Julia Singer
Julia is entering her junior year of undergraduate studies at the George Washington University. She has joined the Grayfer lab in the summer of 2018 and has focusing her research in our lab on defining the roles of amphibian interferon cytokines during the tadpole and adult frog immune responses to the Frog Virus 3 ranavirus. Aside from her research and scholarly studies at GWU, Julia is learning to play the guitar and enjoys outdoor activities, whether it is a beach, a mountain, a city, or a landmark. She is also a Chapter Officer of Sigma Alpha Lambda and participates in Club Frisbee and Club Gymnastics.
Julia is entering her junior year of undergraduate studies at the George Washington University. She has joined the Grayfer lab in the summer of 2018 and has focusing her research in our lab on defining the roles of amphibian interferon cytokines during the tadpole and adult frog immune responses to the Frog Virus 3 ranavirus. Aside from her research and scholarly studies at GWU, Julia is learning to play the guitar and enjoys outdoor activities, whether it is a beach, a mountain, a city, or a landmark. She is also a Chapter Officer of Sigma Alpha Lambda and participates in Club Frisbee and Club Gymnastics.
Phillip Reeves
Phillip conducted research in the Grayfer lab from the summer of 2018 through the summer of 2019, while studying at Thomas Jefferson High School, and plans to return for the summer of 2020, while on break from the University of Virginia. During his time in the lab he researched the role of chemokines in frog hematopoiesis, particularly in relation to macrophage development. Outside of the lab, Phillip designs and builds his own reptile and amphibian enclosures to house his impressive collection of cold-blooded vertebrate pets. He also enjoys getting outdoors by hiking and biking. In the fall, Phillip will be working in Dr. Saurabh Kulkarni's lab at the University of Virginia, investigating the causes of cilia-related developmental abnormalities in frogs.
Phillip conducted research in the Grayfer lab from the summer of 2018 through the summer of 2019, while studying at Thomas Jefferson High School, and plans to return for the summer of 2020, while on break from the University of Virginia. During his time in the lab he researched the role of chemokines in frog hematopoiesis, particularly in relation to macrophage development. Outside of the lab, Phillip designs and builds his own reptile and amphibian enclosures to house his impressive collection of cold-blooded vertebrate pets. He also enjoys getting outdoors by hiking and biking. In the fall, Phillip will be working in Dr. Saurabh Kulkarni's lab at the University of Virginia, investigating the causes of cilia-related developmental abnormalities in frogs.
Past (long-distance) lab members
Amulya Yaparla, PhD!!!
Upon finishing her college education in South India, Amulya moved to the United States for her post secondary studies. She received her MSc degree in Microbiology from Georgetown University, where she developed an inclination towards research and which led her to pursue a PhD program here at George Washington University. Amulya studied frog innate immune responses against various pathogens that are known to be contributing towards their declines. Her main research focus was on macrophage biology, specifically in understanding how these cells orchestrate antimicrobial immune responses in frogs, using Xenopus laevis as a model.
Amulya defended her dissertation in May of 2020 and her PhD thesis work on the Functional Differentiation of Amphibian (Xenopus leavis) Macrophages was recognized by the Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundation with the prestigious Chorafas Prize.
Amulya has since began her postdoctoral studies at the National Institute of Health, where she is studying the pathogenesis of viral-associated tumors caused by human herpesviruses. Outside of the lab (if she's ever seen not doing research), Amulya enjoys experimenting in the kitchen as well, trying out different recipes. All of us in the Grayfer lab can attest to her incredible cooking skills!
Amulya has yet to complete one of her doctoral requirements, namely singing Will Smith's 'Miami' in its entirety. Looks like you'll have to come back, Amulya!
Upon finishing her college education in South India, Amulya moved to the United States for her post secondary studies. She received her MSc degree in Microbiology from Georgetown University, where she developed an inclination towards research and which led her to pursue a PhD program here at George Washington University. Amulya studied frog innate immune responses against various pathogens that are known to be contributing towards their declines. Her main research focus was on macrophage biology, specifically in understanding how these cells orchestrate antimicrobial immune responses in frogs, using Xenopus laevis as a model.
Amulya defended her dissertation in May of 2020 and her PhD thesis work on the Functional Differentiation of Amphibian (Xenopus leavis) Macrophages was recognized by the Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundation with the prestigious Chorafas Prize.
Amulya has since began her postdoctoral studies at the National Institute of Health, where she is studying the pathogenesis of viral-associated tumors caused by human herpesviruses. Outside of the lab (if she's ever seen not doing research), Amulya enjoys experimenting in the kitchen as well, trying out different recipes. All of us in the Grayfer lab can attest to her incredible cooking skills!
Amulya has yet to complete one of her doctoral requirements, namely singing Will Smith's 'Miami' in its entirety. Looks like you'll have to come back, Amulya!
Daphne Koubourli, PhD student
Daphne has been a member of the Grayfer lab since 2016 and has published two first author manuscripts. She was particularly interested in defining the roles of granulocyte lineage cells in the frog health and disease. When not in the lab or in class, Daphne loves to rowing on the Potomac river, exploring used bookstores and reading. She is also actively involved in an online collaborative digitization projects, which involves thousands of volunteers across the globe to digitize texts, preserving everything from novels to car repair manuals to old scientific journals. Daphne has successfully completed her BSc and will be embarking on a new journey, studying biomedical sciences with a focus on immunology as a PhD candidate at UC San Diego
Best of luck Daphne!!!
Daphne has been a member of the Grayfer lab since 2016 and has published two first author manuscripts. She was particularly interested in defining the roles of granulocyte lineage cells in the frog health and disease. When not in the lab or in class, Daphne loves to rowing on the Potomac river, exploring used bookstores and reading. She is also actively involved in an online collaborative digitization projects, which involves thousands of volunteers across the globe to digitize texts, preserving everything from novels to car repair manuals to old scientific journals. Daphne has successfully completed her BSc and will be embarking on a new journey, studying biomedical sciences with a focus on immunology as a PhD candidate at UC San Diego
Best of luck Daphne!!!
Milan Popovic, PhD
Dr. Popovic received his MSc in Molecular Biology and Physiology, at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Physiology, Belgrade, Serbia. He went on to receive his doctorate at the Department of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. His first postdoctoral tenure was within Reproductive Immunology Group at the Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité, Medical University of Berlin, Germany. After spending two years of research in his native country of Serbia, at the Department for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute “Vinča” in Belgrade, he traveled to the US to study kidney immunology at Center for Clinical and Translational Research, the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH. Subsequently, he investigated the immune interactions between T effector cells and antigen presenting cells at the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY. Dr. Popovic was an integral member of the Grayfer lab from 2017 to 2019, during which time he studied amphibian granulocyte and macrophage responses to viral and mycobacterial pathogens. Dr. Popovic is now conducting research at IsoPlexis.
Dr. Popovic received his MSc in Molecular Biology and Physiology, at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Physiology, Belgrade, Serbia. He went on to receive his doctorate at the Department of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. His first postdoctoral tenure was within Reproductive Immunology Group at the Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité, Medical University of Berlin, Germany. After spending two years of research in his native country of Serbia, at the Department for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute “Vinča” in Belgrade, he traveled to the US to study kidney immunology at Center for Clinical and Translational Research, the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH. Subsequently, he investigated the immune interactions between T effector cells and antigen presenting cells at the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY. Dr. Popovic was an integral member of the Grayfer lab from 2017 to 2019, during which time he studied amphibian granulocyte and macrophage responses to viral and mycobacterial pathogens. Dr. Popovic is now conducting research at IsoPlexis.
Emily S. Wendel, MPH student
While working towards her BSc at the George Washington University, Emily conducted undergraduate research in our lab. During her tenure with us, Emily discovered that tadpole and adult frogs mount distinct antiviral interferon cytokine responses within different tissues of Frog Virus 3 infection. Emily also demonstrated that tadpoles and adult frogs rely on distinct interferon cytokines during responses to distinct pathogenic challenges. Emily's work has culminated in two first author publications and represents a substantial contribution to our field. Emily knows all of the lyrics to, and can sing 'Ice, Ice Baby' at a moment's notice! Emily spent a considerable amount of time with the Peace Corps in Botswana, working with the local communities on projects related to bettering their education and public health. She will begin her Masters in Public Health in Global Epidemiology at the University of Michigan in the Fall of 2020.
Best of luck Emily!!!
While working towards her BSc at the George Washington University, Emily conducted undergraduate research in our lab. During her tenure with us, Emily discovered that tadpole and adult frogs mount distinct antiviral interferon cytokine responses within different tissues of Frog Virus 3 infection. Emily also demonstrated that tadpoles and adult frogs rely on distinct interferon cytokines during responses to distinct pathogenic challenges. Emily's work has culminated in two first author publications and represents a substantial contribution to our field. Emily knows all of the lyrics to, and can sing 'Ice, Ice Baby' at a moment's notice! Emily spent a considerable amount of time with the Peace Corps in Botswana, working with the local communities on projects related to bettering their education and public health. She will begin her Masters in Public Health in Global Epidemiology at the University of Michigan in the Fall of 2020.
Best of luck Emily!!!
Grace Chong
Grace worked in the Grayfer Lab during the summer of 2019 through January of 2020 as a part of the mentorship program from Thomas Jefferson High School. She hopes to be able to return during her breaks from college. Her research focused on the Frog Virus 3 infection strategy of macrophage and frog kidney cells. Outside of the lab, she enjoys swimming, working out, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. Grace recently graduated from high school and is planning on attending Brown University in the fall.
Best of luck Grace!!!
Grace worked in the Grayfer Lab during the summer of 2019 through January of 2020 as a part of the mentorship program from Thomas Jefferson High School. She hopes to be able to return during her breaks from college. Her research focused on the Frog Virus 3 infection strategy of macrophage and frog kidney cells. Outside of the lab, she enjoys swimming, working out, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. Grace recently graduated from high school and is planning on attending Brown University in the fall.
Best of luck Grace!!!
Aashish Batheja
Aashish conducted research in the Grayfer Lab during the summers of 2016, 2017, and 2019. During his time in our lab, Aashish mastered molecular techniques such as RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, conventional and quantitative gene expression analyses. Aashish then made significant contributions to defining the differences in the pathogen recognition capacities of distinct frog macrophage populations. Outside of research, Aashish is a Program Director for after-school programs in Charlottesville. He also enjoys outdoor activities and playing basketball. Aashish will be starting his third year at the University of Virginia in the fall of 2020.
Aashish conducted research in the Grayfer Lab during the summers of 2016, 2017, and 2019. During his time in our lab, Aashish mastered molecular techniques such as RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, conventional and quantitative gene expression analyses. Aashish then made significant contributions to defining the differences in the pathogen recognition capacities of distinct frog macrophage populations. Outside of research, Aashish is a Program Director for after-school programs in Charlottesville. He also enjoys outdoor activities and playing basketball. Aashish will be starting his third year at the University of Virginia in the fall of 2020.
Hannah Docter-Loeb
Hannah conducted research in our lab in 2016-2017 as part of the School Without Walls high school internship program. After mastering an array of molecular techniques, Hannah focused her research in our lab on studying the expression of distinct pathogen pattern recognition receptors by different frog macrophage subsets and the capacities of these immune cell subsets to detect different pathogen associated molecular patterns. Hannah presented her research and the GWU Research Days as well at the DC STEM Fair, where she received 1st place for her poster presentation! Hannah's findings are part of a manuscript, which can be found here (https://read.qxmd.com/read/31029710/the-amphibian-xenopus-laevis-colony-stimulating-factor-1-and-interleukin-34-derived-macrophages-possess-disparate-pathogen-recognition-capacities). Hannah is currently a rising junior at Wesleyan University, where she is double majoring in Biology and Psychology with an Education Studies Minor.
Hannah conducted research in our lab in 2016-2017 as part of the School Without Walls high school internship program. After mastering an array of molecular techniques, Hannah focused her research in our lab on studying the expression of distinct pathogen pattern recognition receptors by different frog macrophage subsets and the capacities of these immune cell subsets to detect different pathogen associated molecular patterns. Hannah presented her research and the GWU Research Days as well at the DC STEM Fair, where she received 1st place for her poster presentation! Hannah's findings are part of a manuscript, which can be found here (https://read.qxmd.com/read/31029710/the-amphibian-xenopus-laevis-colony-stimulating-factor-1-and-interleukin-34-derived-macrophages-possess-disparate-pathogen-recognition-capacities). Hannah is currently a rising junior at Wesleyan University, where she is double majoring in Biology and Psychology with an Education Studies Minor.
Mattie L. S. Melnyk
Mattie conducted research in our lab as part of the School Without Walls high school internship program in the fall of 2017 and the spring of 2018. While with us, Mattie learned how to isolate RNA from cells and tissues, how to generate cDNA libraries and how to perform conventional and quantitative analyses of immune and viral gene expression and how to quantify viruses in tissue samples. After mastering these molecular approaches, Mattie helped examine the gene expression of macrophage pathogen patter recognition receptors and the consequences of frog macrophage stimulation with different pathogenic components on their proinflammatory and antiviral responses. Mattie also helped to define the gene expression of pathogen recognition receptors in various tadpole and adult frog tissue sites of FV3 entry. Mattie's contributions are represented in a manuscript that has been accepted for publication and an additional article, which is in final stages of preparation. In the fall of 2020 Mattie will continue her undergraduate studies in her Sophomore year at UCLA where she is studying Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics.
Mattie conducted research in our lab as part of the School Without Walls high school internship program in the fall of 2017 and the spring of 2018. While with us, Mattie learned how to isolate RNA from cells and tissues, how to generate cDNA libraries and how to perform conventional and quantitative analyses of immune and viral gene expression and how to quantify viruses in tissue samples. After mastering these molecular approaches, Mattie helped examine the gene expression of macrophage pathogen patter recognition receptors and the consequences of frog macrophage stimulation with different pathogenic components on their proinflammatory and antiviral responses. Mattie also helped to define the gene expression of pathogen recognition receptors in various tadpole and adult frog tissue sites of FV3 entry. Mattie's contributions are represented in a manuscript that has been accepted for publication and an additional article, which is in final stages of preparation. In the fall of 2020 Mattie will continue her undergraduate studies in her Sophomore year at UCLA where she is studying Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics.
Andreja Radević
Andreja joined the Grayfer research team in the summer of 2018 and during this time studied the transcriptional and functional differences between different frog macrophage subsets. In addition to his research and scholarly studies, Andreja has also been actively involved in a number of medical health-related volunteer activities. He also sports an impressive (some might say extensive!) collection of baseball hats.
Andreja joined the Grayfer research team in the summer of 2018 and during this time studied the transcriptional and functional differences between different frog macrophage subsets. In addition to his research and scholarly studies, Andreja has also been actively involved in a number of medical health-related volunteer activities. He also sports an impressive (some might say extensive!) collection of baseball hats.
