Team
A collaborative group of biophysicists, engineers, and biologists.
Principal Investigator
Sathish Ramakrishnan, PhD
Assistant Professor of Pathology · Nanobiology Institute, Yale School of Medicine
Dr. Ramakrishnan completed his postdoctoral training with Dr. James E. Rothman, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, where he investigated the molecular mechanisms of SNARE-mediated membrane fusion.
His laboratory bridges biophysics, nanotechnology, and cellular aging to uncover the molecular logic of secretion and membrane trafficking. The team develops single-molecule and nanotechnological tools to decode how fusion proteins and extracellular vesicles regulate cellular communication, particularly between neurons and peripheral organs. By exploring how vesicle dynamics contribute to neurodegeneration, diabetes, and other age-related disorders, Dr. Ramakrishnan’s group aims to reverse aspects of cellular aging. Through collaborative research and a deep commitment to mentorship, he strives to shape the future of cellular biology, neurodegeneration research, and precision medicine.
Current Members
Hyunhyuk Tae, PhD
Postdoc
Hyun received a PhD in Material Science from NTU, Singapore. He is an expert in developing lipid membrane technologies and drug delivery systems.
Zhenya Pichurin
Postgraduate Associate
Zhenya received a B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University. She is an expert in animal handling and extracellular vesicle (EV) research. Outside the lab, she enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with her cat.
Member 3
Postgraduate Associate
We are waiting for our important team member!
Alumni
| Name | Role | Next Institution / Company |
|---|---|---|
| Sikha Thoduvayil, PhD | Postdoc | Texas Tech University |
| Jonathan Weerakkody, PhD | Postdoc | Yale University |
| David Ariza, PhD | Postdoc | Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí |
| Xj Xu | PhD Student | Yale University |
| Tiffany Tseng | PhD Student | Yale University |
| Mackenzie Topper | Undergraduate | Boston University |
| Amelia Williams | Undergraduate | American University |
| Julia Joseph | Undergraduate | Baylor University |
| Sarvaga Saluja | Undergraduate | PhD Student @ UVA |
| Aarush Batra | High School | Edison Academy |
| Advaith Nair | High School | Purdue University |
| Polina Grushina | High School | University of Vermont |
| Akilah Goldson | High School | PhD Student @ University of New Hampshire |