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
Research Specialists
Neha Mohanty
Role: Research Specialist I
Research interests: herpesvirus nuclear egress, light scattering, antivirals
When I'm not in lab: I enjoy trying new restaurants and foods, going to the beach and the mountains, going to concerts, and spending time with my cat
Alternate reality career: Detective!
Pronouns: she/hers
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
Maria Muhammad
Role: Research Specialist I
Research interests: any research in biology, biochemistry, and chemistry.
When I'm not in lab: I like reading science fiction novels or completing jigsaw puzzles of 1,000 pieces or more.
Alternate reality career: My interest has always been in science/medicine, though in alternate reality I think I would pursue a PhD and solely focus on research instead of becoming a physician
Pronouns: she/hers
Students
Cameron Russell Graduate Student
Role: BCDB Graduate Student
Research interests: structural biology, viral replication, protein/protein interactions
When I'm not in lab: I enjoy hanging out with my cat Poppy, cooking Cajun foods, hiking nature trails, and trying new restaurants across Atlanta!
Alternate reality career: Zookeeper
Pronouns: he/his
Zachary Bressman Graduate Student
Role: BCDB Rotation Graduate Student
Research interests: Making biochemical tools for manipulating molecules, nucleic acid biochemistry, and orbs
When I'm not in lab: Video games, singing, and making amusing images/memes
Alternate reality career: Musician
Pronouns: he/him
Luke Shoemaker Graduate Student
Role: BCDB Rotation Graduate Student
Research interests: Drug design and development, viral replication
When I'm not in lab: Hiking, rock climbing, skiing, distance running, chess, and puzzles
Alternate reality career: National park ranger / hiking guide
Pronouns: he/him
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
Former Lab Members
Abigael Frederick Graduate Student
Role: BCDB Rotation Graduate Student
Research interests: Drug design and delivery
When I'm not in lab: I enjoy swimming, hiking, and eating
Alternate reality career: Chef
Pronouns: she/hers
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