Debolina D. Biswas, PhD

                   Education

  • 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.


Lea El Haddad, MD

Education

  • College: Bachelor in Molecular Biology at Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon

  • Medical school: Université Saint Joseph, Campus des Sciences Medicales – Beirut, Lebanon

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 focuses on characterizing the alveolar cell pathology in a Pompe disease mouse model, before, during, and after induced lung injury. Dr. El Haddad’s long-term goal is to become a Pediatric Physician-Scientist, seeking new knowledge about health and delivery of patient care through research. Outside the lab, she is an energetic explorer, a food blogger, and a cook enthusiast. 


Maran Hernandez Rodriguez, MD

Education

  • College: Bachelor in molecular biology at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus

  • Medical school: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St Kitts

  • Master: Public Health at Walden University

  • Residency: Pediatrics at Puerto Rico Women and Children’s Hospital

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 Hernandez Rodriguez’s long-term goal is to become a Pediatrician Pulmonary Physician-Scientist focused on neuromuscular disorders. Outside the lab, She is a nature/beach lover, a gardener, and a photographer.