TEAM MEMBERS
Amanda Le
Neuroscience and Business Administration • Senior
Amanda grew up in Dallas, Texas, and developed an early interest in neuroscience and translational medicine. Her previous research experience has focused on investigating MECP2 mutations in the auditory cortex, exploring the use of surgical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a therapeutic intervention for neurodevelopmental disorders, and establishing novel therapeutics to treat fusion-driven oncogenic cancers caused by EWSR1 fusions. Beyond the lab, she is passionate about music of all genres, a love that allows her to travel to experience live performances around the world.
Namyuktha Prakash
Biomedical Engineering • Junior
Namyuktha is originally from India and moved to Dallas in 2015 after living in Dubai, which she has called home ever since. She is currently pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering with a minor in computer science. Her research interests are in bioinformatics and healthcare technology. Beyond academics, she enjoys drawing, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family. On campus, she serves as a mentor in the Freshman Mentor Program and is actively exploring AI and machine learning concepts to expand her skillset.
Maria Shaikh
Biochemistry • Senior
Maria was raised in Iowa and made her way to Dallas, Texas for undergrad to pursue her lifelong obsession with any and all scientific disciplines relevant to human medicine. Her current research interests include genetic engineering and virology, and she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biotech. She is also pursuing an Asian Studies minor with a focus on early Chinese history and literary Sinitic, and outside the lab, she runs UT Dallas’ independent student newspaper, The Retrograde.
Aaliyah Sherfuddin
Healthcare Studies • Senior
Aaliyah is a Dallas native with a strong interest in microbiology and its applications to human health. Her research experience includes mapping the pathology of UTI-causing bacteria, and she is drawn to projects focused on women’s physical and mental health. Aaliyah is actively pursuing a career in medicine, driven by a commitment to combine scientific precision with compassionate patient care. She is curious about exploring clinical intersections with innovative research and public health policy. Outside the lab, she enjoys playing soccer with friends, baking her family’s favorite banana bread, and discovering new coffee shops around the DFW area.
Selina Wang
Biochemistry • Junior
Selina grew up in Dallas, Texas, where she has lived with her family for almost all of her life. While Selina is still exploring all the different paths in her field, she knows she wants to dedicate her time doing something that helps other people in the future. Her research interests currently revolve around genetic engineering and immunotherapy in cancer. Outside of research, Selina is both a passionate foodie and an avid traveler, and she loves combining her two passions by trying new foods in different places.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS
Xintong Dong, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences
Dr. Dong’s lab uses mouse genetic models to study antimicrobial peptide functions in host-microbe crosstalk and neuroimmunity. She loves Miyazaki movies, video games, Rachmaninoff and cats.
P. C. Dave P. Dingal, Ph.D.
Department of Bioengineering
As a chemical engineer-turned-biologist, Dr. Dingal became fascinated by the complexity of biological processes. He explored several facets of molecular and cell biology during his Ph.D. and postdoctoral fellowships and got hooked on how a cell might sense its microenvironment and the variety of ways it can respond. His inner engineer wants to take control of that cell biological response, and the struggle is real. Outside the lab, he enjoys rock climbing, singing, and sailing.