Merryn Fraser

Merryn Fraser

Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Merryn will be using genetic approaches to explore and discover human proteins which are important during malaria infection.

Allan Muhwezi profile photo

Allan Muhwezi

Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Allan works towards defining the molecular and evolutionary steps towards the adaptation of P. falciparum from primate to human red blood cells, within the human population

Basil Thommen

Basil Thommen

Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases

In the Duraisingh lab, Basil will investigate signaling pathways that regulate parasite egress.

Sheena Dass

Sheena Dass

Postdoctoral Fellow

Sheena‘s scientific background is firmly rooted in parasite molecular biology and biochemistry. Most of her lab time is spent trying to understand the complex mechanism underlying tropism and invasion pathways employed by Plasmodium vivax and its primate sibling P. cynomolgi. Outside of work, Sheena likes checking off destinations from her travel bucket list, experiencing varied cultures and cuisines.

Usheer Kanjee

Usheer Kanjee

Research Associate
Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Usheer is interested in understanding the interactions between parasites and host red blood cells that are involved in the process of invasion and is currently working to identify host receptors of P. vivax using host genetic and proteomic approaches. When not in the lab, Usheer enjoys spending as much time outdoors, running, hiking and occasionally even gardening.

Cyrianne Keutcha

Cyrianne Keutcha

Graduate Student
Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Cyrianne is a graduate student enrolled in the BPH program. She is currently studying the molecular mechanisms underlying Plasmodium invasion of erythrocytes.

Manish Kumar

Manish Kumar

Postdoctoral Fellow
Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Manish is trying to understand the epigenetic regulation of the malaria parasite. When not studying or working in the lab, Manish likes to hike, run along the Charles river, play volleyball and watch movies.

Mahmoud Mikdar

Mahmoud Mikdar

Postdoctoral Fellow

Mahmoud’s background is in hematology and transfusion medicine. Using forward and reverse genetics tools, rare blood group phenotypes and naturally occurring polymorphisms, he currently focuses on elucidating interactions between different red blood cell receptors for Plasmodium invasion and identifying novel host-parasite interactions. Besides his love for medical sciences, Mahmoud is also passionate about architecture and interior design. He enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Aditya Paul

Research Scientist
FXB 203

Aditya studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms that guide malaria parasites from an infected host cell to a new cell for re-infection and proliferation. When not thinking about malaria biology (and also sometimes when doing so), he enjoy penning tunes inspired by his dog.

Jacob Tennessen

Jacob Tennessen

Research Scientist
Ronin Institute

Jacob is a research associate in the Duraisingh and Neafsey labs. His background is in computational evolutionary genetics across numerous species including snails, strawberries, frogs, and humans. At HSPH he is joining the malaria research community, examining genomics of hosts and parasites. In his spare time Jacob likes to bike, play the piano, and share his love of science on the internet.