Lab Alumni

Wei obtained his PhD degree from Shandong University in China. He joined the Khanna Lab in November 2013. Dr. Zhangs's project involved discovering the mechanisms of action of RPGR and CEP290 in retinal degeneration, and designing appropriate therapeutic strategies. Wei's hobbies are photography and sports.       

Jack is an undergraduate pursuing an associate degree in Life Science. He joined the Khanna Lab in March 2018. He assists with a variety of projects in the lab, and primarily investigates phosphoinositide metabolism.  He enjoys hiking, reading, and making people laugh.

Ruhi has obtained her Ph.D. from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar in collaboration with LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India. She joined the Khanna lab in January 2018. Her project involves work on understanding the RNA biology involved in Retinitis Pigmentosa by using mice models. Her hobbies are dancing, reading and writing.

Satyavani Ravipati has obtained her PhD degree from Institute of Molecular Medicine and Max-Planck-Research-Group on Stem Cell Aging at University of Ulm in Germany. She joined the Khanna lab in March 2019. Dr. Ravipati’s research project focuses on delineating the roles of RPGR isoforms in disease pathogenesis of Retinitis Pigmentosa and to develop new therapeutic strategies. She enjoys listening to music, dancing, traveling and exploring new places.

Nikita received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Vermont. She joined the Khanna lab in August 2019 as a lab technician and assists in various ongoing projects in the lab. Nikita’s hobbies include traveling, watching movies, and reading.

Obtained his PhD from The University Of Bern. He assists with multiple projects in the lab and primarily investigates the regulation of ciliary protein trafficking and understanding the precise role of RPGR isoforms in photoreceptor. His collaborative work deals with gene therapy for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced retinal degeneration. He enjoys photography and music.

Obtained her PhD degree in Child Neurology from Japan. She joined Khanna Lab on Dec 1, 2011. Her project involves assessing the mechanisms of retinal degeneration due to mutations in RPGR and RP2, using multiple animal models. Her hobbies are travelling and reading.

Currently works: Scientist of Cell Banking Process Development at Shire

Obtained his Masters degree from University of Hyderabad and completed his PhD from L.V Prasad eye institute, India. Dr. Nageswara’s research in the Khanna lab focuses on understanding the mechanism of modulation of ciliary assembly and the pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa due to dysfunction of selected ciliary proteins. He enjoys playing cricket and listening to music.

Currently works: Senior Scientist at Sanofi

A Research Associate I in Khanna Lab. She obtained her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Delhi University, India. She performs basic lab duties and helps with the ongoing projects in the lab. Manisha’s hobbies are cooking, singing and watching movies.

Currently works: In the Ambulatory Care Unit at UMass Medical School