Lab Members
Miguel Chiurillo, M.D., Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Chiurillo is a molecular parasitologist with extensive experience studying the genomic organization and cellular signaling of trypanosomatids. During his years as a PhD student, postdoctoral researcher, and early independent investigator, he made significant contributions to the understanding of the structural organization of telomere DNA in Trypanosoma and Leishmania species. Subsequently, he also worked on the development of novel strategies and tools for genetic manipulation and genome editing of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, which were particularly useful in several important discoveries regarding calcium and cAMP signaling in this parasite. In 2021, Dr. Chiurillo joined the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati, where he currently leads a research program focused on the study of protein kinases and cytokinesis-related genes in the human pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi.
Noelia Lander, Ph.D.
Affiliate member
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Cincinnati
318 College Dr
422QD Rieveschl Hall
Cincinnati, OH 45221
Phone: (513) 556-9798
Email: landernm@ucmail.ud.edu
Juliana Nunes Roson, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
I am a postdoctoral fellow in the Chiurillo Lab at the University of Cincinnati. I obtained my Bachelor in Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes in Sao Paulo - Brazil and a Master in Science and PhD degree in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology at the Federal University of Sao Paulo - Brazil. I have worked with chromatin-associated proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and I have experience working on NGS data analyses and molecular biology techniques. Currently, I'm involved in two projects studying essential protein kinases and cytokinesis-related proteins in T. cruzi. In my free time, I love playing with my cat, exploring new places, watching movies, listening to music, and reading.
Graduate students
Jayamini Subhasinghe
I am a PhD student in the Chiurillo Lab at the University of Cincinnati. I earned my B.Sc. (Honors) in Biomedical Science from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, where I majored in Molecular Parasitology. During my undergraduate studies, I investigated Theileria parasites, contributing findings that advanced knowledge about these parasites in the global parasitology community. My research interests center on applying molecular approaches to reveal the biology of infectious parasites and develop innovative strategies to fight parasitic diseases. Currently, I am exploring T. cruzi-specific protein kinases, which could shed light on promising new treatments for Chagas disease. Outside the lab, I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and relaxing with good music.
Slesha Panthee
I am a Ph.D. student in the Chiurillo Lab at the University of Cincinnati. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biotechnology at Kathmandu University, Nepal. My current research focuses on the NEK family kinases in Trypanosoma cruzi, with the goal of understanding their role in signaling pathways and potential implications for new treatments. Outside the lab, I enjoy exploring new places, staying active, and cooking
Undergraduate students
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Cadence Crocker
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Branden Basco