Lab PI
Aneesha Dasgupta (she/her)
Preferred name : Aneesha
PhD (2019) : University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022) : Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Postdoctoral Fellowship (2025) : Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
adasgup2@charlotte.edu
I was born and raised in New Delhi, India, and came to the US in 2014 for my PhD at UNMC. During my graduate training in a pancreatic cancer lab, my journey of studying cancer cachexia started. After my PhD, I joined Dr. Jason Doles’ lab to gain more expertise in muscle biology. In my independent position, I aim to converge my knowledge of graduate and postdoctoral training. My lab will study the crosstalk of tumor and peripheral organs such as muscle.
However, my interests are not limited to the above mentioned projects. I have dynamic collaborations with some wonderful scientists and clinicians and am always open to discussing and working on unanswered questions.
I love reading books, solving jigsaw puzzles, playing with my dogs and increasing my plant collection!
If I had a superpower, it would be to understand the language of all animals!
Graduate Student
Doaha Awad (she/her)
Preferred name : Doaha
Biology: Molecular, Cellular & Dev Biology (M.S.)
Biomedical Science (Graduate Certificate)
Biology (B.S.)
My research journey began with a fascination for nanoparticles and their therapeutic potential in cancer. As an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Krill Afonin’s lab at UNC Charlotte, I worked on the synthesis of nucleic acid nanoparticles. I then expanded into applied nanomedicine research with Dr. Farzana Ferdous and Dr. Juan Vivero-Escoto, where I studied nanoparticle-based therapies and chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
During my PhD, I wanted to dive deeper into the biological mechanisms underlying cancer and translate discoveries toward patient impact, which led me to join Dr. Dasgupta’s lab. My current research focuses on cancer biology, translational medicine, and clinical research, with the goal of making a lasting impact at the interface of basic science and clinical application by helping move discoveries from the bench to the bedside.
Outside the lab, I love experimenting in the kitchen and creating new dishes and desserts. I’m a big family person and enjoy spending time with loved ones, as well as traveling and exploring new places (and foods!).
My superpower would be Teleportation, I’d love to explore different places, cultures, and foods around the world!
Research Technician
Keya Zenia Chauhan (she/her)
Preferred name : Keya
Bachelor of Science in Applied Biological Sciences at Arizona State University (2024)
kchauha4@charlotte.edu
As I begin my research career, I am eager to continue expanding my understanding of molecular and cellular biology, with a particular interest in cell signaling and oncogenic pathways. I aspire to identify novel therapeutic targets that can lead to more effective treatment approaches and improved patient outcomes. My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in molecular and cellular biology and continue advancing in my research journey.
In my free time, I love to cook/bake and greatly enjoy experimenting with new flavors. My recent obsession has been creating cakes based on perfume notes! I also love to keep my house green with a collection of plants, as it is my favorite color. I love to be outside in nature and can’t wait to explore all that this beautiful state has to offer!
I absolutely adore animals in every shape and form and have four pets of my own: a goldendoodle named Beau, two guinea pigs named Benito and Franklin, and a frog named Harold!
If I could have any superpower, it would definitely have to be time travel. It would totally fulfill my Magic Tree house dreams!!
Undergraduate Researchers
Kaustubh Tiwari (he/him)
Preferred name : KT/Kaustubh
Education: Undergraduate Student
ktiwari4@charlotte.edu
I’m currently interested in cancer research as it’s very exciting to be a part of a journey which eventually leads to improving the lives of many people around the world. My career goals are med school as I am currently a premed student.
I love spending time with my friends. We usually go for walks in the city at night enjoying the amazing street life. I’ve also recently taken up the outdoors, such as hiking.
Pet(s): None . But I have a bunch of plants!
If I were to have a superpower it’d have to be teleportation. I’m always intrigued by the variety of places available for me to visit, it is so fun to just zap and go there instantly! Unfortunately with great power comes great responsibility as I would probably become very lazy and not want to walk anywhere…
Kiandokht Shirani (she/her)
Preferred name: Kiana
Education: B.S. in Biology (in progress), UNC Charlotte
kshiran1@charlotte.edu
I am currently exploring two paths, pursuing Physician Assistant (PA) school or continuing in research toward a PhD. I’m especially interested in cancer biology, cellular processes, and understanding how molecular changes drive disease. I hope to have a career that allows me to make a meaningful impact on patient health and scientific discovery.
Outside the lab, I love playing classical guitar, cooking , making knotted bracelets, and spending time walking in nature.
Pet: I have a lovely corgi who keeps me happy
If I could have any superpower, I would choose to have an instant healing superpower.