Lab Members

Leomar Y. Ballester, M.D., Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Board-Certified Neuropathologist
Board-Certified Molecular Genetic Pathologist

I am board certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Genetic Pathology. As a neuropathologist, I am interested in the biology, diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors. As a molecular pathologist, I am interested in developing and implementing clinical molecular diagnostic assays. My research interests involve the combination of histology and genomics to study the pathogenesis of brain tumors, identify clinically useful biomarkers and translate genomic discoveries into clinical assays.

View a list of publications

Maryam Pirhoushiaran, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow

I am a postdoctoral research fellow in the Ballester Lab in Translational Molecular Pathology at UT MD Anderson. I began my fellowship in May 2024, and my primary research focus is on identifying diagnostic and prognostic genetic biomarkers in adult-type diffuse glioma through translational research. Specifically, my work centers on liquid biopsy of cerebrospinal fluid, employing methodologies such as miRNA sequencing, NanoString, proteomics, EPIC methylation array, next-generation sequencing (NGS), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), cfTNA extraction and RT-qPCR. I place a strong value on teamwork and meaningful communication as essential for addressing scientific challenges.

Outside the lab, I enjoy swimming, dancing, exploring new restaurants, traveling, visiting museums, spending time in nature and at the beach, cooking and fashion.

Mythily Kalra
Undergraduate Researcher

I am an undergraduate student at Rice University pursuing a B.S. in computer science and a B.A. in cognitive science. I am interested in applying computational methods and machine learning to medicine. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring the Houston food scene, playing pickleball and listening to live music.

Sophia Nguyen
Undergraduate Researcher

I’m a pre-medical undergraduate student at Rice University pursuing a B.S. in biosciences on the cell biology and genetics track. I hope to become an oncologist one day, so I’m very fascinated with every aspect of cancer research. Specifically, though, my primary focus in the Ballester-Esquenazi Lab is the development of non-invasive early detection methods for brain tumors through the identification of biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid. I’ve also discovered an interest in the connection between the gut microbiome and tumor progression. Outside of the work in the lab and academic studies, I love to spend time outdoors with my friends, bake and take naps with my cat. I’m also a huge fan of Houston’s culinary offerings, and trying new restaurants is one of my favorite activities.

Kriti Pandellapalli
Undergraduate Researcher

I am an undergraduate student at Rice University pursuing a B.S in neuroscience with a concentration in cellular and molecular neuroscience and a minor in Spanish. After graduation, I hope to attend medical school and become a physician. My research in the Ballester-Esquenazi Lab includes investigating biomarkers in glioblastoma, studying cfDNA and miRNA and performing next-generation sequencing to detect mutations. Outside of the lab, I am an EMT with Rice EMS and enjoy performing with my dance team, Rice Bhangra. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family, yoga and taking walks!

Nehal Patel
Undergraduate Researcher

I am an undergraduate student at Rice University, pursuing a B.S. in biosciences with a concentration in cell biology and genetics and a minor in neuroscience. I am on the pre-medical track, and my career aspirations include becoming a physician. My current research interests include investigating CSF biomarkers, primarily cfDNA and miRNA, to develop a liquid biopsy assay for glioma detection, prevention and monitoring. Outside of the lab, I am heavily involved in Rice EMS and other organizations such as Rice Fun with Chemistry and Camp Kesem. In my free time, I enjoy exploring cafes, reading and baking.

Isabel Wang
Undergraduate Researcher

I am a student at Rice University (class of 2026) studying health sciences and data science on the pre-med track. My passion for medicine stems from personal experiences watching loved ones battle cancer, inspiring me to pursue bioinformatics research in neuro-oncology at UT MD Anderson. In my free time, I enjoy staying active through figure skating, running and yoga.

Joy Wang
Undergraduate Researcher

I am an undergraduate student at Rice University, pursuing a B.S. in computer science and a B.A. in computational and applied mathematics. I am deeply interested in the employment of computational techniques to find ways to detect and treat cancer patients non-invasively, having previously worked on projects involving epigenetic biomarkers for colorectal cancer detection. Beyond my interest in computational biology, I enjoy reading, watching shows, trying new foods at cafes and restaurants, exploring museums and chatting with my friends.