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Meet The Team

Principal Investigator

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Elizabeth (Lizzy) Draganova, Ph.D.

Role: Principal Investigator/Assistant Professor

Research interests: antivirals, capsid assembly, light scattering 

When I'm not in lab: My two children keep me entertained (moms can science, too!)

Alternate reality career: Nancy Drew

Pronouns: she/hers

Postdoctoral Researcher

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Tayebeh Latifi, Ph.D.

Role: Postdoctoral Researcher

Research interests: Herpesviruses and rotaviruses 

When I'm not in lab: I enjoy painting and watching movies.

Alternate reality career: Artist (painting)!

Pronouns: she/hers

Research Specialists

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Kino Maravillas

Role: Lead Research Specialist

Research interests: Cell biology, molecular pharmacology, DNA/RNA biology, protein engineering, and nuclear egress

When I'm not in lab: Discovering new restaurants, films, music, and places to be. I also enjoy driving through mountain roads and enjoying the views and hikes that come with it.

Alternate reality career: Astronaut Psychologist

Pronouns: he/him

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Rachel Hill 

Role: Research Specialist I

Research interests: Genetics, enzyme inhibition

When I'm not in lab: I like to do puzzles, try new restaurants, listen to true crime podcasts, and brake for squirrels. I also enjoy playing Animal Crossing and Minecraft.

Alternate reality career: True Crime Podcaster or Veterinarian

Pronouns: she/hers

Students

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Amal Panjwani

Role: Undergraduate Researcher

Research interests: herpesvirus nuclear egress, light scattering

When I'm not in lab: I like to read, watch real estate TV shows on Netflix, study, try different restaurants around Atlanta, spend time with my family, and travel.

Alternate reality career: Astronaut or accountant

Pronouns: she/hers

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Ayla Khan

Role: Undergraduate Researcher

Research interests: Viral replication, genetics, neuroscience

When I'm not in lab: I love discovering new music, reading thrillers, spending time with my family, and exploring Atlanta with friends!

Alternate reality career: Lawyer or therapist

Pronouns: she/hers

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Jalen Harris

Role: Undergraduate Researcher

Research interests: This is my first research experience so I am still figuring out what interests me, but in general I have always been fascinated by viruses, diseases, and vaccines!

When I'm not in lab: I enjoy fitness/weight-lifting, singing (I am currently in AHANA A Cappella), music, and social media.

Alternate reality career: Influencer/Youtuber

Pronouns: He/him

Interested in joining us?

The Draganova Lab is a part of the BCDB and MMG Graduate Programs at Emory

Send an email to elizabeth.draganova@emory.edu

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