Meet The Team
Principal Investigator
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
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
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
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
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
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
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