Lab Members

Dr. Priyamvada Acharya is Professor in the Department of Surgery in the Duke University Medical Center and the Director of the Division of Structural Biology at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI). Dr. Acharya is the Director of the Duke Center for HIV Structural Biology (DCHSB), an NIH-funded Center that focuses on the HIV-1 envelope (Env), providing new insights into dynamics of HIV-1 entry and fusion with the host membrane, the Env-initiated immune activation of B cell receptors, and the role of anti-Env antibodies in blocking viral rebound. Dr. Acharya earned her PhD in Biochemistry at the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad, India. Before joining the faculty of Duke University in July 2018, Dr. Acharya worked at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics in Frankfurt, Germany, the Max Planck Institute of Terrestrial Microbiology at Marburg, Germany, Vaccine Research Center at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, USA and the New York Structural Biology Center, New York City, USA.

Katarzyna Janowska joined the lab in 2018. She holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Maria Curie-Sklodowska in Poland. Before joining the lab, Katarzyna worked at the University of Arkansas, focusing on protein X-ray crystallography and enzymology. Katarzyna is the head of the Protein Production Team, leads the team that operates and manages the Tundra cryo-TEM in the lab, and as the lab manager, she oversees the daily operations of the laboratory, ensuring it runs efficiently, safely, and productively.

Outside of lab, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing games, traveling, and taking an excessive number of photos.

Jared is a biophysicist and structural biologist who joined the Acharya lab in the fall of 2021. In 2015, Jared received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Toledo. There, he researched structure-based drug design of enzymes related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infectivity. Jared then joined the lab of Mamuka Kvaratskhelia at the University of Colorado in 2015, researching small molecule inhibitors of HIV integrase and capsid proteins. In 2019, Jared became the director of the Biophysics core facility at the University of Colorado. In the Acharya lab, Jared performs biophysical and structural characterization of various proteins related to different viruses and cancers.

Bhishem earned his Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in microbiology from Panjab University, Chandigarh. After completing his Master's, he pursued a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, Punjab, and graduated in August 2020. His doctoral research focused on biophysical studies of bacterial DNA-binding proteins and their mechanistic role in stabilizing bacterial biofilms. In January 2022, he joined the Duke Human Vaccine Institute under the mentorship of Prof. Priyamvada Acharya. Motivated by a strong interest in the structural biology of the HIV-1 Env and single-particle cryo-EM, he is currently studying the HIV-1 entry pathway and designing immunogens that target the fusion peptide site of vulnerability.

Outside the lab, Bhishem enjoys going on long rides and spending time with family and friends.

Yanshun Liu joined the Acharya Lab in June 2022. With experiences in both academia and industry, his expertise includes protein expression and purification from mammalian cells, insect cells, E. coli, and native organisms, X-ray crystallography, cell-based assay development, high throughput screening, cell-based assay development, protein characterization using various biophysical/biochemical techniques, automation of processes, insecticidal protein discovery and transgenic crops development. Yanshun obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from UCLA, studying the mechanism of protein domain swapping and amyloid fiber formation related to neurodegenerative diseases. His current research in the Acharya Lab includes structural studies of antigens and antibodies using both x-ray crystallography and cryo-EM, the mechanism of domain swapping, and assay development.

Murali is a peptide chemist and structural biologist who joined the team in the summer of 2023. He was born and raised in the southern part of India. He completed his Master's in Biochemistry and received his PhD in Biological Sciences from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, India, in 2019, where he used transmembrane peptides as models to understand the conformational preferences of a pore-forming protein called Holin. After his Ph.D., he moved to the University of Nevada Reno for his first postdoc, where he applied his peptide synthesis skills to develop peptide macrocycles to control pneumococcal pathogenicity. At Duke, he is dedicated to bridging the gap between therapeutic design and structural insights in HIV Env research.

Outside the lab, Murali enjoys creating string art, a hands-on hobby he picked up during the pandemic. He also enjoys hiking and camping with family and friends.

Moumita Dutta, Ph.D., is an experienced cryo-electron microscopist and structural biologist who joined the team in 2023. With a background in chemistry and biochemistry, she earned her Ph.D. in biophysics from Jadavpur University, India. During her postdoctoral training, she focused on the conformational dynamics of the HIV-1 envelope and other retroviruses, as well as in situ Env-antibody complexes using cryo-ET. Following her postdoctoral work, she briefly served as a senior cryo-EM staff scientist in the United Kingdom before returning to India as an ICMR Scientist. In India, she received two intramural and two extramural grants to support her independent research on structural and phage biology; she mentored two students who successfully graduated from her lab before moving to the United States to conduct high-resolution cryo-EM research on viruses at Duke University in the Acharya Lab.

Outside of work, she enjoys listening to music, cooking, and knitting.

Rasangi Pathirage, Ph.D., is a structural biologist and biochemist who joined the team in March 2024. She earned her undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka, where she conducted research in Dr. Dilrukshi Wijeratne's lab, focusing on characterizing heavy metal tolerance genes in bacteria isolated from industrial effluent. Rasangi received her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in 2023. During her doctoral studies in Dr. Don Ronning's lab, she worked on multiple projects characterizing enzymes, including CitA and TreS, involved in the metabolic switch between active and dormant phases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. She also contributed to research on targeting the 9-1-1 complex—a DNA damage repair clamp—for cancer therapy by studying its interaction with RHNO1. At Duke University in Dr. Priyamvada Acharya's lab, Rasangi is using cryo-EM alongside biophysical techniques to investigate the structural dynamics of endemic coronavirus spike proteins and their interactions with host molecules. Alongside her focus on Coronaviruses, Rasangi is also working on cryo-EM of vaccine elicited antibodies targeting the HIV-1 envelope (Env) protein.

Outside the lab, Rasangi enjoys listening to music, painting, and creating artwork. She is also an avid music enthusiast with a large collection of music albums.

Ujjwal joined the Acharya Lab as a Postdoc in March 2023. He earned his Ph.D. in Structural Immunology under the mentorship of Dr. Dinakar Salunke at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi. During his doctoral studies, he focused on elucidating the crystallographic structures of antibodies and their antigenic targets to advance therapeutic and vaccine design. In the Acharya Lab, his research centers on investigating the binding mechanisms and resistance profiles of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against viral pathogens through cryo-EM structural analysis. His work aims to uncover molecular insights into viral immune evasion, informing strategies for next-generation antiviral therapies.

Outside the lab, he enjoys playing video games and volleyball, balancing scientific rigor with recreational activities that foster teamwork and strategic thinking.

Arpita earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from the National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal, India, and her Master’s from Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. She completed her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, Punjab, in August 2023. Her doctoral research focused on engineering thermostable polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-degrading enzymes to enhance their catalytic efficiency through structure-guided rational mutagenesis and developing synergistically acting enzymatic systems. In October 2023, she began a one-year postdoctoral project centered on utilizing enzymes as sustainable tools for synthesizing pharmaceutically relevant compounds such as pipecolic acid and its derivatives. This work involved the rational engineering of halogenases. Arpita joined Dr. Acharya’s group in March 2025 as a postdoctoral associate, where she is currently working on methods for targeting glycans on pathogen surfaces that will inspire the development of broad spectrum therapeutics.

Outside the lab, Arpita enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, practicing yoga, and being with her family and friends.

Xiao joined the Acharya lab in 2021. She received her Master's in Chemical Engineering from the University at Buffalo, where she focused on engineering an antibody-binding circular peptide as a therapeutic tool targeting liver fibrosis. After graduation, she joined a biotech company, working on DNA cloning projects. She then joined the Surgical Oncology department at Roger Williams Medical Center, where she conducted cancer research. Xiao's research in the Acharya lab spans multiple viruses, including HIV-1, Coronaviruses and Henipaviruses. Xiao has a keen interest in research process development and has been instrumental in the optimization and development of key protocols in the lab.

In her free time, Xiao enjoys puzzles and roller skating. If you're looking for a new restaurant in the Raleigh-Durham area, you should ask Xiao—she's an excellent guide to the local dining scene.

Originally from South Korea, Chan Soo majored in physics at Purdue University with a focus on X-ray imaging. He is passionate about exploring proteins as molecular machines, with a particular interest in their structural dynamics and functional roles.

Chan Soo enjoys singing and playing the piano, and he is also deeply interested in health, focusing on nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being. He is always looking to incorporate a balance between physical activity and mental focus. In the future, he may return to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) or explore gymnastics to further enhance his fitness regimen.

Radha joined the lab in Spring 2023. She earned her Ph.D. in Applied Entomology from Tottori University in Japan, where she studied the nesting behavior of wild bees and their potential as pollinators in greenhouse agriculture. Before that, she completed her M.Sc. in entomology at Shimane University, focusing on wild bee ecology in southwest Japan.

Outside the lab, Radha enjoys gardening, photographing flowers, and sharing her favorite blooms on social media. She has a special love for Japanese-style teas—green tea, houji tea, oolong tea, mugi tea, and more.

Salam joined the lab in 2021. She earned her bachelor’s degree in General Biology from the University of Jordan. Salam supports a range of ongoing projects through hands-on experimental work and lab coordination.

Outside the lab, Salam enjoys photography and has a great eye for capturing beautiful moments—she actually took most of the photos featured on our website. She also loves learning new languages, baking, and traveling. Her creativity and curiosity shine through both in her work and in her personal interests.

Victor received his B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He joined the team in 2024, driven by his interest in infectious diseases research. Victor aspires to pursue an MD/PhD degree to become a physician-scientist, aiming to improve healthcare systems for those in need and help people with disabilities access proper care.

Outside of work, Victor enjoys playing football (soccer) or watching football games. He loves meeting new people; you should talk to him—he’s a good lad.

Aaron is a Biochemistry Ph.D. candidate who joined the lab in 2021. Before beginning his Ph.D. program in the Duke Biochemistry department, he studied Molecular Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and worked as a biopharmaceutical lab analyst at the GMP testing facility for PPD. Aaron’s research focuses on Henipaviruses, a group of pathogens that includes the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, which have pandemic potential.

Ruth is a Ph.D. candidate in Biochemistry who joined the lab in 2023. She earned her B.S. in Biochemistry from NC State University in May 2020, where she conducted research in a microbiology lab studying the genetics of Clostridioides difficile. After graduating, she began her career in structural biology as a postbaccalaureate fellow at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, contributing to the biochemical characterization of Treacle—a nucleolar protein involved in the DNA damage response. Ruth’s thesis research centers on using structural biology and biochemical approaches to investigate coronavirus spike proteins and the HIV-1 Envelope, focusing on how mutations and antibody binding shape their conformational landscapes.

In her free time, Ruth enjoys outdoor activities like running and hiking. She also likes playing games (board games) and working on puzzles.

Ellie is a graduate student in the Department of Biochemistry who joined the lab in 2023. Originally from China, Ellie was born and raised there until high school before continuing her studies in biochemistry at McGill University in Canada. Her research focuses on the structural basis of the HIV-1 Env coreceptor site targeted by neutralizing antibodies.

Outside the lab, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and the local food scene. She is proudly a big fan of McDonald’s and Crocs. Additionally, Ellie has an impressive collection of T-shirts, most of which are limited-edition.

Ki is a graduate student in the Biochemistry Department who joined the lab in 2024. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Ki came to the U.S. in 2011 to study abroad. He received his B.S. in Biology from Boston College, where he conducted SIV research in the Fofana Lab. Before beginning his Ph.D. program, he worked as a research technician in the Eck Lab/Structural Biology Core at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute under the mentorship of Dr. Sirano Dhe-Paganon and Dr. Hyuk-soo Seo. His research focuses on Arenavirus glycoprotein structural variations that drive differences in virus entry and immune evasion. Ki was one of the recipients of the 2024 Duke School of Medicine International Dean's Scholarship.

He enjoys learning languages (though he hasn’t opened Duolingo in quite a while). He proudly claims to know how to say “thank you” in Japanese, French, Chinese, and Cambodian.

Kejun (Coco) Liu is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Biochemistry who joined the lab in 2025. Her research interests lie at the intersection of molecular biology, structural biochemistry, and neurodegenerative disease. She earned her M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where she conducted research in Dr. Scott Bailey’s lab on the structural and biochemical mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas systems using cryo-EM. She also worked in Neurology lab at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, exploring iPSC-based models to investigate neuroimmune interactions in Alzheimer’s disease. Coco holds a B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The College of Wooster, where she received multiple honors including the Leman Simpson Copland Award for Independent Study and Research. Her undergraduate research ranged from inhibitor design against bacterial glycosyltransferases to investigating the synergistic effects of traditional Chinese herbal compounds.

She is passionate to bring diverse experiences in structural biology, stem cell research, and clinical research, along with active involvement in scientific leadership and outreach. Beyond the research at RP2, she has served as a crisis counselor and has two cats named Miko and Rina.

Junlin is a visiting scholar in the Acharya Lab from Drs. Robert and Janet Siliciano’s laboratory at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he is a Ph.D. candidate in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program. His dissertation research focuses on characterizing monoclonal autologous neutralizing antibodies in people with HIV. Before his Ph.D. training, he obtained his Master of Science (Sc.M.) degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and B.S. degree in Biotechnologies from Jiangnan University.

Junlin loves cultivating succulents and tillandsia in his spare time.

Emma is a visiting scholar in the Acharya laboratory from Dr. Amit Sharma's lab at North Carolina State University, where she is a Ph.D. student in the Comparative Biomedical Sciences program. Her research project focuses on Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus and improving macaque CD4 usage of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. She is from the Indianapolis area and recently graduated in 2024 with a B.S. in Microbiology from The Ohio State University.

In her free time, she loves to read, cook, and spend time with friends and family.

Ariha is an undergraduate student at Duke University, double majoring in Biology and Economics with a minor in Global Health. She is passionate about ensuring that everyone has equal access to the healthcare they need and hopes to pursue a career focused on breaking down barriers to care. Her research in the Acharya Lab has ranged from assembling nanodiscs for the HIV-1 Envelope, to refining crystal structures of a Fab in the presence of bicelles, and more recently, leveraging mass photometry to analyze viral glycoprotein–antibody interactions.

In her free time, Ariha enjoys doing word games, playing pickleball/tennis, and spending time with family and friends.

Alok is a current undergraduate student at Duke University, where he is double majoring in Chemistry and Computer Science with a concentration in AI/Machine Learning. His work focuses on developing and refining an IgM-based antibody, exploring its potential applications in immunotherapy. He is interested in the clinical applications of computational chemistry in drug design and optimization and aspires to pursue an MD/PhD program upon graduation.

In his free time, he enjoys playing water polo, chess, saxophone, and going to the gym.