Alumni

• Angela Roger, PhD: Dr. Roger’s research in the lab focused on the development of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy vectors for neuromuscular disorders. She previously studied the structures of AAV8 and AAV9. For the past 8 years, she has been funded by a number of sources to characterize autophagy pathology in the skeletal and smooth muscle of the Pompe disease mouse model – a critical component to address in the administration of any novel treatment. Her recent studies have expanded to understanding respiratory deficits in a number of mouse models with neuromuscular disorders – such as ALS and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – in order to best develop and evaluate novel AAV therapies. Dr. Roger has now transitioned to opening her own lab (Roger lab) in the Department of Pediatrics – Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. 
• Lea El Haddad, MD  Growing up in the city of Beirut, Dr. El Haddad graduated from Université Saint- Joseph as a medical doctor in June 2021. Her intern years involved working in different fields of medicine, and over time, she has conducted many clinical sciences research projects, mainly in the molecular and Immuno-Oncology department. Having a strong interest in research and in exploring diverse cultures, she decided to start her international experience. In September 2021, she joined the ElMallah lab as a postdoctoral associate. Her research in the lab focused on characterizing the alveolar cell pathology in a Pompe disease mouse model, before, during, and after induced lung injury. Dr. El Haddad’s is now currently completing her residency at the University of Michigan in the Pediatric Physician Scientist program.
• Doreen Mhandire, PhD
• Maran Hernandez Rodriguez, MD During her residency in pediatrics, Dr Hernandez Rodriguez was very interested on every patient with respiratory symptoms and diseases. She found her interest in pulmonary during those years and was fortunate to join the pediatric pulmonology fellowship at Duke in July 2023 after finishing her residency. Since the beginning of her fellowship, Dr. Hernandez Rodriguez has been amazed and motivated by the research conducted in ElMallah lab and had the fortune to be invited to join the lab. Her research in the lab focuses on understanding the effect of AAV gene therapy on the respiratory pathology of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Dr. Hermandez Rogriguez joined the department of Pediatric Pulmonology at Duke in August 2024 as a faculty member.
• Amr El-Mahalawi, MD

Research Technician

• Laura Strickland, MS
• Logan Pucci
• Anna Fusco