Our Research Team
Principal Investigator
After receiving my Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, I joined an imaging and cardiovascular biology lab at the Ohio State University's Heart and Lung Research Institute (DHLRI) as a postdoctoral fellow. At first, I was puzzled by single-use labware: during my PhD work, thorough handwashing of used labware was a grueling ritual and, occasionally, a ‘reward’ for successful synthesis. Starting with the discovery of disposable plastic flasks that biologists routinely used, I learned many intricacies of medical research. Fast forward 10 years, in November 2016, I joined the faculty at Case Western Reserve University with the goal to elucidate mechanisms of cardiovascular disease through nanotechnology and chemistry.
Current Members
Research Associate
Sumita Dutta, M.S. Ph.D.
Sumita earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Gauhati University, Assam, India, followed by a master's degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from Tezpur University, Assam, India. She completed her Ph.D. at Tezpur University in 2019, with doctoral research focused on the mechanistic characterization of therapeutically active snake venom proteins and peptides for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. She then joined Cleveland Clinic as a postdoctoral fellow, where she studied the role of meta-organismal metabolites and host-microbe interactions in cardiometabolic diseases, with a particular focus on heart failure and meta-inflammation. Through her research, she has gained extensive experience in in vivo analysis, mass spectrometry, and a wide array of biochemistry and molecular biology techniques. Currently, Sumita's research centers on developing experimental treatment strategies to epigenetically modulate outcomes in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
PhD Candidate, G2 MSTP
Danielle Streever-Stanczak, M.Eng.
I’m originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up with a passion for both the arts and sciences. Before pursuing engineering, I trained and performed with Ballet Chicago for a year after high school. I then attended Cornell University, where I earned my undergraduate degree and Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering. During my time there, I conducted research in the Yang Lab within the Chemical Engineering Department, focusing on nanoparticle synthesis for drug delivery systems. I am currently in my G2 year as an MD/PhD student in Case Western Reserve University’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) and joined the Maiseyeu Lab in 2024. I am currently investigating a polymer nanoparticle library to analyze the epigenetic effects on immunoregulation. Outside the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, playing the violin, and spending time with my husband and chaotic shepherd mix.
PhD Student, G3
Afsana Mim Khandaker, MBBS, M.S.
I grew up in Bangladesh, where I earned my MBBS in Medical Science. My early experience working on clinical trials focused on immunity and malnutrition inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in Nutrition at the University of Nevada, Reno, followed by research at Colorado State University. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Pharmacology at Case Western Reserve University in the Maiseyeu Lab, where I investigate how engineered polymeric nanoparticles modulate B-cell function and immune signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus. My work aims to support the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases. Outside the lab, I enjoy exploring new places, getting lost in a good book, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
PhD Student, G2
Emily Craig, B.S.
Emily is a PhD student in Pharmacology at Case Western Reserve University, where her research centers on improving biodistribution of cellular therapies through polymeric nanoparticles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with a concentration in metabolism from Case Western Reserve University. Prior to her doctoral work, she completed an internship at Lubrizol as a toxicology intern in the Product Safety and Compliance division.
PhD Student, G2
Nathalia Gaytan, B.S.
Nathalia is a PhD student in the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. As an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Aaron Hernday’s laboratory at the University of California, Merced, she investigated the epigenetic programs underlying cell state-specific transitions in Candida albicans. Now in the Maiseyeu laboratory at CWRU, her research focuses on developing a mammalian gene circuit technology for epigenetic regulation and the selective silencing of pathogenic genes. Outside of the lab, Nathalia enjoys crocheting plushies of all kinds and hiking on sunny days.
Undergraduate Researcher, Sophomore
Shravani Gote
Shravani is a second year undergraduate studying biochemistry at CWRU with plans to pursue a career in medicine. She is currently working with her graduate student Dani Streever, and is focusing on screening a nanoparticle library for epigenetic changes.
Undergraduate Researcher, Freshman
Amy Xia
Amy Xia is an undergraduate student from Colorado studying Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University. She is interested in biomedical research and drug delivery systems. Outside of academics, Amy enjoys swimming and baking.
Highschool Researcher, Junior
Ava Kamensky
Ava is a high school student at Hathaway Brown from Cleveland, Ohio. During her 3.5 years in the Maiseyeu lab she has been working on how to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier with lab-engineered lipid nanoparticles. She plans to major in biomedical engineering or neuroscience with a minor in Spanish and continue on to medical school during her college years.