Team Members

Usheer is interested in understanding the interactions between parasites and host red blood cells that are involved in the process of invasion and is currently working to identify host receptors of P. vivax using host genetic and proteomic approaches. When not in the lab, Usheer enjoys spending as much time outdoors, running, hiking and occasionally even gardening.

Aditya studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms that guide malaria parasites from an infected host cell to a new cell for re-infection and proliferation. When not thinking about malaria biology (and also sometimes when doing so), he enjoy penning tunes inspired by his dog.

Jacob is a research associate in the Duraisingh and Neafsey labs. His background is in computational evolutionary genetics across numerous species including snails, strawberries, frogs, and humans. At HSPH he is joining the malaria research community, examining genomics of hosts and parasites. In his spare time Jacob likes to bike, play the piano, and share his love of science on the internet.

Natasha is a physician scientist with a focus on sickle-cell disease.

Cora is a Visiting Postdoctoral Research Associate from Vamsi Mootha’s laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is currently working with the Duraisingh lab on the collaborative HHMI Emerging Pathogens Initiative project. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing and exploring new trails with her dog (Pebbles).

Niel is a research assistant currently working across several projects in the Duraisingh lab. In the lab, Niel generates genetically modified parasite lines across three different organisms in the Apicompelxa family with a special interest in gametocyte conversion. Outside the lab, Niel enjoys hiking, writing videogame reviews, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends and family!

Keare is currently working on polymorphisms associated with the multidrug resistance protein 1 (pvmdr1) to understand its mechanism of resistance. During her spare time, she enjoys cooking and traveling to new places. 

Dr. Shalini Aggarwal completed her first postdoc at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel (2022–2024), developing the GeneCaRNA knowledgebase, part of the GeneCards Suite. She specializes in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, metabolomics, data mining, multi-omics analysis, and infectious disease diagnostics. Currently, she is a postdoctoral fellow at Boston College, UMass Boston, and HSPH, studying the cell cycle in apicomplexans. In her free time, she enjoys audiobooks, exploring new cuisines, and sketching.

Sheena‘s scientific background is firmly rooted in parasite molecular biology and biochemistry. Most of her lab time is spent trying to understand the complex mechanism underlying tropism and invasion pathways employed by Plasmodium vivax and its primate sibling P. cynomolgi. Outside of work, Sheena likes checking off destinations from her travel bucket list, experiencing varied cultures and cuisines.

Dimitri recently graduated from the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His research explored the molecular details of hemoglobin digestion by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, using custom software and methods to analyze complex natural proteolytic events.
Outside of work, Dimitri is an amateur wildlife photographer who enjoys traveling, hiking and bouldering. Indoors, he can often be found playing board games with family and friends or engaging in philosophical discussions.

Merryn is using genetic approaches to explore and discover human proteins that are important during malaria infection.

I am working on a project titled “Comparative Systems Biology of Apicomplexan Cell Division,” using cell biology and single-cell RNA sequencing to understand the changes in cell division and nuclear architecture in Plasmodium falciparum parasites.

My research focuses on understanding mitochondrial function during Plasmodium blood-stage infection. Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family.

Mahmoud’s background is in hematology and transfusion medicine. Using forward and reverse genetics tools, rare blood group phenotypes and naturally occurring polymorphisms, he currently focuses on elucidating interactions between different red blood cell receptors for Plasmodium invasion and identifying novel host-parasite interactions. Besides his love for medical sciences, Mahmoud is also passionate about architecture and interior design. He enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Allan works towards defining the molecular and evolutionary steps towards the adaptation of P. falciparum from primate to human red blood cells, within the human population.

Martin’s research focuses on understanding the invasion of P. falciparum parasites into red blood cells and genetic polymorphisms on both the human and parasite side interact in shaping this process.

Basil is investigating signaling pathways that regulate parasite egress.

Frank is a graduate student in the Biological Sciences in Public Health PhD program and a candidate in the Therapeutics Graduate program at HMS. He is interested in exploring Plasmodium epigenetic factors as targets for antimalarial drugs. Outside the lab, Frank is passionate about leadership, mentorship, and community engagements. He also loves playing soccer, spending time with his family, and cooking Ghanaian meals.

Samrawit is working on identifying host receptors for Plasmodium vivax invasion

Rafael is a PhD student visitor. His project characterizes proteins related to the basic biology of the Plasmodium spp. Outside the lab, Rafael enjoys traveling, exploring different places, and practicing yoga and aerials.