PhD Students
George Samaan
Research: My research focuses on the design and synthesis of nucleoside analogues used against highly resistant bacteria. I am also developing fluorescent nucleosides to study biological systems and molecules. In addition, I am working on the development of a novel synthetic reaction to construct C-nucleosides.
Background: from Cairo, Egypt, 10 min from the Pyramids
Interests: soccer, reading, music, cooking
Ani Shalamberidze
Research: My research is focused on the design and synthesis of fluorescent nucleoside analogues, characterization, photophysical studies and incorporation of these molecules into RNA.
Background: From Tbilisi, Georgia. BS in Chemistry from SDSU Georgia, 2019.
Interests: I love travelling and watching crime documentaries.
MS Students
Dana Rosansky
Research: I study the relationship between spectroscopic features and structural dynamics in fluorescent nucleosides. This includes synthetic optimization and several spectroscopic methods including time-resolve fluorescence and fluorescence anisotropy studies. My research enables the use of these nucleosides as probes to study changes in structure, conformation, and dynamics of nucleic acids relevant to function, such as the dynamics of various forms of DNA damage.
Background: BA in Biochemistry. Originally from Pasadena, CA.
Interests: My interests include going to the beach and exploring San Diego.
Sritin Ghosh
Research: I am currently working on the design and synthesis of fluorescent nucleoside analogues. I am interested in finding new novel pathways of synthesis that would either cut down the reaction steps or increase the yield. I am also looking for ways to make new analogues that will have interesting properties warranting their use in biological studies.
Background: From Kolkata, India. BS in Chemistry from Calcutta University, MS in Chemistry from NIT Rourkela.
Interests: To unwind I listen to music, read books, and game.
Michelle Nguyen
Research: I am studying the design and synthesis of fluorescent nucleoside analogues, their characterization and their future applications in biological systems and biomolecules.
Background: B.S. in Biochemistry from CSU Channel Islands; originally from San Diego.
Interests: On my spare time you can catch me trying new food places, gardening (horticulture) and reading.
Undergraduate Students
Julian Cizmic
Research: My research is focused on the development of new derivatives of the ABN fluorescent nucleobase analogue. We hypothesize that these new designs may improve upon the brightness, photostability, and/or responsiveness of the parent ABN analogue to enable new types of biophysical studies.
Background: BS in cellular and molecular biology from San Diego State University; from Hillcrest, San Diego
Interests: When I’m not in the lab or spending time with friends, I enjoy brewing kombucha, making zines, and studying typography.
Esteban Mora
Research: I am currently working on solvent and reagent optimization of fluorescent nucleoside analog 8-diethylamino-tC, a reporter probe that can be used to study DNA and RNA structure and dynamics.
Background: Obtaining B.S. in Biochemistry from SDSU. San Diego native.
Interests: My interests include weightlifting, knitting, longboarding.
Christina Rivera
Research: I am studying the synthesis and photophysical properties of new fluorescent nucleoside analogues, specifically ABN.
Background: Currently majoring in Chemistry with emphasis in Biochemistry. Originally from San Diego.
Interests: camping, dancing, cooking, running
Purse Lab Graduate Alumni
Adjunct Instructor in Chemistry at Lincoln University, PA
Adjunct Instructor in Chemistry at Red Rocks Community College, CO
Assistant Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University of Benghazi, Libya
