Lab members
Abraham (Bram) Teunissen, PhD
Role: Principal Investigator
Dr. Teunissen received his M.Sc. degree in Molecular Engineering from the Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands. He completed his Ph.D. at the same University, in the group of Dr. E.W. Meijer. His graduate research involved developing biomimetic supramolecular systems and synthetic chemical reaction networks. From 2017 to 2019, Dr. Teunissen was a postdoctoral fellow in the Mulder lab at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Here, he developed nanotherapeutics for modulating the innate immune system and employed these to treat cardiovascular disease and cancer. His lab currently focuses on developing and employing tools for modulating and monitoring trained immunity in vivo, with a emphasis on organ transplantation. Dr. Teunissen is also the founding director of the radiochemistry facility at Mount Sinai’s Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute.
Giulia Davighi, PhD
Role: Postdoctoral Fellow
Hello, I am Giulia. I obtained a Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 2023 from the University of Firenze. My Ph.D. research in the group of Prof. Andrea Gotiaimed at synthesizing mono- and multivalent stimuli-responsive nitrogenated glycomimetics as pharmacological chaperones for treating Gaucher disease. My Ph.D. was also focused on synthesizing carbonic anhydrase inhibitors containing sugar or iminosugar moieties. Now, I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Teunissen lab, where my project focuses on synthesizing small molecule PET probes. I also develop nanotherapeutics to study and prevent organ transplant rejection.
Bidisha Dutta, PhD
Role: Postdoctoral Fellow
Hello, I’m Bidisha. I completed my Ph.D. in 2024 at the University of Maryland, College Park. During my Ph.D., I investigated the role of the mechanosensitive ion channel TRPV4 in regulating fibroinflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. My work in basic immunology research during my Ph.D. sparked my interest in joining a more translational research group that integrates foundational science with clinical applications. This made the Teunissen Lab an excellent fit for me, because of the extensive involvement of the lab in designing and developing nanotherapeutics for diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions. I will be working as a postdoctoral researcher in the lab to study how trained immunity develops and manifests in the context of organ transplantation. I am excited to deepen my knowledge and skills through collaboration as well as through leveraging the resources available in the lab.
Krystyna Demkiw, PhD
Role: Postdoctoral Fellow
Hi, I’m Krystyna! I received my Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 2023 from New York University. My graduate research was primarily focused on investigating the role of halogen atoms in directing the stereochemical outcomes of nucleophilic substitution reactions of acetals. I am delighted to continue my learning in the Teunissen lab by expanding my knowledge in radiochemisty and nanotherapeutics. As a postdoc, I am working on the radiosynthesis and radiolabeling of PET probes for the detection and treatment of various cancers. Additionally, I am synthesizing different prodrugs for the development of new nanotherapeutics. It is exciting to be a part of such an interdisciplinary group, and I look forward to learn and grow by developing novel therapeutics and exploring their applications!.
William Wang
Role: Senior Associate Researcher
Greetings, I am William! The wide applications of innate immune system modulation in treating a variety of diseases drew my interest, and I first came to the Teunissen lab in 2021. I obtained my bachelors in biochemistry from King’s College London, and have experience with in vitro studies elucidating the role of ABI3BP and Meox2 in the senescence of mouse embryonic fibroblast. Here, I am involved through the process of developing novel nanotherapeutics to the testing of said nanotherapeutics in in vivo studies. I am excited to both participate in interesting research pushing forward the field of nanomedicine, as well as learning and consolidating various technical skills.
Sheikh Jobayar
Role: Volunteer
Hi everyone, I’m Sheikh! I graduated from Barnard College in May 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. At Barnard, I worked in the Rojas Lab for two years, focusing on two projects. The first focused on stereoselective, fully intramolecular synthesis of 1,2,3-all-cis-2-amino sugars. The second focused on the synthesis of SMIFH2 (small-molecule inhibitor of the FH2 domain) and its analogs and kinetic studies on their E/Z isomerization. I am excited to join the Teunissen Lab, where I can merge my passion for organic synthesis with my interest in advancing medical research. In my current role, I am focusing on the synthesis of small-molecule PET probes and assisting in the development of nanotherapeutics aimed at prolonging allograft survival.
Martin Umali
Role: Lab Manager
My name is Martin and I am the lab manager for the nanomedicine lab. I graduated with a Bachelors in Biochemistry at Stony Brook University, where my previous lab studied potential therapies for multiple sclerosis. Apart from managing the lab, I am also involved with in vivo research, where I help test novel nanotherapeutics. Being a part of this lab has made me more appreciative of the wonders of Nanomedicine and I look forward to learning more!
Lola Wheeler
Role: Lab Manager
Hi, I am Lola, the Lab Manager of the Teunissen lab. I am originally from the UK and moved to the US to pursue my undergraduate studies, graduating from Princeton University in 2023 with a degree in bioengineering and mechanical engineering. I am excited to work in a life sciences-focused field again and apply my technical expertise wherever possible. In my spare time, I enjoy participating in and reading about sports, particularly running and cycling.