Debolina Biswas, PhD
Senior Research Associate
Ph.D.: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
Postgraduate: Biotechnology, School of Biomedical Science, Ulster University, UK
Postgraduate: Biotechnology, Shivaji University, India
Bachelors: Microbiology, Shivaji University, India
Dr Biswas earned her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and master’s degree in Biotechnology from India. Later she earned another postgraduate degree (Pg. D) at Ulster University, UK. In 2018, she received a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, USA. During her doctoral training in the Kordula lab, she investigated neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation involved in animal models of multiple sclerosis. Dr. Biswas joined ElMallah lab as a Postdoctoral Associate and has been working on neuropathology that manifests in respiratory deficits. She is interested in investigating the glial cells and motor neurons at the respiratory control centers of the central nervous system that contribute to breathing insufficiency in neuromuscular disorders such as Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 7, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Lynn Basbous, MD
Research Scholar
College and Medical School: American University of Beirut
Dr. Lynn Basbous grew up and completed her medical studies in Lebanon, where she developed a strong interest in pediatrics and research in rare diseases. After graduating, she moved to the United States to join Duke University as a postdoctoral research scholar. At Duke, her work focuses on characterizing the alveolar pathology in Pompe disease, a rare neuromuscular disorder, following induced lung injury. Through this research, she aims to better understand respiratory complications in rare pediatric conditions and contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Her long-term goal is to become a pediatrician who integrates clinical care with translational research, bridging the gap between the laboratory and the bedside to improve outcomes for children with complex and underserved conditions. Outside of her professional work, Lynn enjoys baking and sharing her creations with others, finding it a creative and relaxing outlet that brings people together.
Sara El Abiad, MD
Research Scholar
Rodrigo Catalan-Hurtado, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate
Kayla Burrowes, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate
Doctoral Degree: Rehabilitation Science, University of Florida
Bachelor’s Degree: Neuroscience, University of Rochester
Dr. Kayla Burrowes earned her PhD in rehabilitation science from the University of Florida under the mentorship of Dr. Gordon Mitchell. Her doctoral research focused on the mechanisms of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH)-induced respiratory motor plasticity, an emerging therapeutic strategy to improve respiratory and non-respiratory motor function in individuals with neurologic conditions. Her work provided important insight into how aging and inflammation influence the capacity for AIH-induced plasticity, helping to inform the development of tailored therapeutic approaches for diverse patient populations.
After graduating, she joined the ElMallah lab at Duke University, where she is applying her expertise in respiratory neuroplasticity to rare pediatric neuromuscular disorders such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Her long-term goal is to contribute to the development of targeted therapies that meaningfully improve patient outcomes.
Outside the lab, Dr. Burrowes enjoys traveling, reading psychological thrillers, and experimenting with creative new recipes.
Mitch Yip
PhD Student
