Lab Members

Palaniraja Thandapani, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor, Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy

Abdul Khalique, Ph.D.
Research Scientist

I am a research scientist with over a decade of experience in molecular biology and RNA regulation. I have a strong background in both yeast and mammalian systems and in a broad range of techniques including PAR-CLIP, next-generation tRNA-Seq, quantitative northern blotting and polysome profiling to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant tRNA processing and modification. Currently, my research focuses on the regulation of tRNA biosynthesis in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing outdoor sports, particularly badminton and table tennis, as a way to stay active and unwind.

Yu Zhou, Ph.D.
Senior Data Scientist

I am a senior data scientist with a strong background in both bioinformatics and molecular biology. Leading the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing, CRISPR screens, Riboseq and other multi-omic datasets, my role is to integrate and interpret complex datasets to uncover mechanistic insights and identify potential biomarkers that may inform therapeutic response. In my spare time, I love to swim and go on road trips.

Pinal Koladiya, M.S.
Senior Research Assistant

I have a strong interest in translational cancer biology and functional genomics. My research focuses on understanding how tRNA expression and epitranscriptomic regulation influence gene expression and contribute to leukemic transformation, with a particular focus on T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). By integrating molecular and cell biology approaches with CRISPR-based functional studies and in vivo mouse models, I aim to uncover the mechanisms that distinguish normal from malignant hematopoiesis and identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. I am passionate about understanding how RNA regulation shapes cancer biology and translating these insights into new strategies for targeting hematologic malignancies. Outside the lab, I enjoy doing yoga, swimming and playing sand volleyball.

Priyanshu Srivastava, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow

I am a postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in translational cancer biology and RNA regulation. My research focuses on understanding how oncogenic signaling rewires tRNA biogenesis and translation in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). By integrating ribosome profiling, polysome analysis, CRISPR-based functional genomics and small molecule inhibition of tRNA synthetases, I aim to uncover therapeutic vulnerabilities in leukemia with minimal toxicity to normal cells. My scientific background includes a Ph.D. in life sciences from ICGEB, New Delhi, where I studied miRNA-mediated regulation of host translation during viral infection. I am passionate about decoding translational control mechanisms in cancer and developing RNA-centric therapeutic strategies. Outside the lab, I enjoy swimming, I love chatting with new people and I am a big beach enthusiast.

John Sanchez
Ph.D. Student
Co-mentored with Dr. Deepa Sampath

My research interests lie in drug discovery, with a particular focus on understanding mechanisms of therapeutic resistance and identifying cancer vulnerabilities that can be targeted. My current work aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of NAMPT inhibitors in relapsed/refractory T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and identifying synthetic lethal partners to NAMPT inhibitors.

Monisha Yerram
Ph.D. Student
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

I am a student in Genetics and Epigenetics, and I've been in the Thandapani lab since 2026. My research focuses on CRISPR screening and other functional genomics approaches to determine the lineage-specific transcriptional regulators that govern tRNA expression in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). By connecting different regulatory circuits, I hope to establish a causal relationship between altered tRNA abundance and the transcriptional programs fueling T-ALL development. I obtained my bachelor's degree in biochemistry and genetics at Texas A&M University in 2024. When I am not in the lab, I enjoy watching crime procedurals, working out at the rec center or exploring new restaurants in the Houston area.

Valerio Ciaurro, Ph.D.
Was a postdoctoral fellow in the lab specializing in leukemia and stem cell biology, with a strong background in molecular biology and a passion for translational cancer research

Currently: Field Application Scientist, Maxcyte