Principal Investigator


   Dr. Santimukul Santra
   PROFESSOR
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Research Associates


   Neelima Koti
   RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
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  • Research Associate
  • PROJECT: “Bio-based polymers”.
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry at Pittsburg State University,Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • B. S. Degree: Pharmacy at Andhra University, Vizag, India
  • Bio..
    Hello!! My name is Neelima Koti and I am from Hyderabad, India.I completed my bachelors in Pharmacy at Andhra University Vizag, India.I also completed my Masters in Pharmaceutical Technology (process chemistry) from National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, India.Now I came to Pittsburg state University to do Master in chemistry with emphasis in Biochemistry. I am very much excited to work under Dr. Santra on nanomedicine for targeted treatment of Parkinson’s Disease which is unfamiliar research to me. I am so fascinated to learn all the techniques and instrumentation involved in various projects.

Graduate Students


   Shayd Gothard
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Associate
  • PROJECT: "Nanosensors for pathogen detections using LFA technolog".
  • B. S. Degree: Comprehensive Chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    Hello! I am Shayd Gothard and I am from Bolivar, MO. I have been here at MSU for my undergraduate degree and am now pursuing a Master of Chemistry. My focus for research has been mostly towards organic synthesis of polymeric substances. I am excited to continue my master's program with Dr. Santra's lab and look forward to learning more about organic synthesis. It is in my interest to continue on to a PhD in Chemistry with more focus on organic synthesis, organometallic synthesis, polymer chemistry, etc.

   Sahithi Kondaveeti
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Associate
  • PROJECT: "Nanosensors for pathogen detections using LFA technolog".
  • B. S. Degree: Pharmacy at Bojjam Narasimhulu Pharmacy College for Women, JNTUH, Hyderabad, India
  • M. S. Degree: Polymer Chemistry at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • Bio..
    Hello! My name is Sahithi Kondaveeti. I am from Hyderabad, India. I have completed my Bachelors in the stream of Pharmacy at Bojjam Narasimhulu Pharmacy College for Women affiliated to JNTUH, Hyderabad, India. I am pursuing my Masters in Polymer Chemistry at Pittsburg State University. As Dr. Santra's research areas are focused on cancer therapy and targeted drug delivery, I believe working under him will ultimately allow me to build a strong career in the research.

   Uday Mukeshbhai Panchal
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Associate
  • PROJECT: "Dendritic polymer synthesis and their biomedical applications".
  • B. S. Degree: Organic chemistry at Pune University, Pune, India.
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS.
  • Bio..
    Hello! Myself Uday Panchal, I Pursued my master's in organic chemistry from India. When I heard about Dr. Santra's research to cure cancer using polymers in nanotechnology, I got interested and presently working in his lab for the development of nanomedicines for cancer therapy.


Undergraduate Students


   Paris Yates
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Novel polymeric materials for biomedical applications”.
  • B. S. Degree: Biology/Microbiology-Biotechnology at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    Hi! My name is Paris Yates, and I am a transfer Junior at Missouri State University. My major is Biology/Microbiology-Biotechnology, declared as a pre-medical student, with a plan to become a physician. I enjoy being a part of organizations such as Pre-medical Society, Women in STEM, etc. I currently work at Mercy Hospital in the neurotrauma PCU, but in my free time, I like to hike, read, volunteer, and take walks with my dog, Maggie. One fun fact about me is that I will be volunteering at the Humane Society here in Springfield, MO, this semester. In the past, I have focused on neurological research regarding the developing brain, but I am excited to start fixating on nanomedicine in Dr. Santra’s lab! I am thankful for this opportunity!


   Elizabeth Bowie
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Nanomedicine and cancer therapy”.
  • B. S. Degree: Biomedical Sciences at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    My name is Elizabeth Bowie, and I am a freshman at Missouri State. I am studying biomedical sciences with an emphasis on anatomy and physiology, and I am minoring in Spanish language. I hope to graduate with honors and get my MD. In my free time, I ride horses, read books, and bake obscene amounts of bread. I am very excited to be involved in research with Dr. Santra, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!


   Clayton Frazier
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Synthesis of novel synthetic hyperbranched polymers for the purpose of targeted drug delivery to cancer cells.”.
  • Post-baccalaureate coursework: Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • B. S. Degree: Emergency Management, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas.
  • M. S. Degree: Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas.
  • Bio..
    "Hello! I am a non-traditional student changing careers to become a physician, and I will begin medical school in Fall 2024. My previous education and work experiences are in disaster and risk management. I am excited to join and contribute to Dr. Santra's lab, and to glean a deeper understanding of academic research. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife and friends, staying active, volunteering at church, and playing with my cats."


   Megan Liermann
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Activatable nanoprobes for cancer imaging”.
  • B. S. Degree: Biomedical Sciences at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    Hello, my name is Megan Liermann! I am in my first year of majoring in Biomedical Sciences at Missouri State University and am on a pre-med track with aspirations of becoming an oncologist. Beyond my schooling, I love to spend my time hiking, reading, and being outside as much as possible! I am excited and thankful for future opportunities to learn in Dr. Santra’s research lab!


   Egor Glushkov
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Assessment of Molecular Interactions for the Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Viral Infections Using Magnetic Nanosensors”.
  • B. S. Degree: Chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    Hi! My name is Egor and I'm an exchange student from Moscow State University in Russia, currently studying Organic Chemistry at Missouri State. I plan to pursue a PhD in the field and later work in chemistry-related research. Working in Dr. Santi's group is a great opportunity for me to get some valuable experience of performing research overseas and to meet other students dedicated to their craft!


   Taemin Park
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “One-step synthesis of biodegradable polymers”.
  • B. S. Degree: Bachelor of Nursing at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    Hi! My name is Taemin Park. I am from Busan, South Korea. I have completed my bachelor’s in nursing at Missouri State University. I am currently working for Coxhealth in Medical ICU as a Nurse and studying as a premed with cellular molecular biology degree to apply to medical school. I am a president of student organization name, KASU (Korean American Students United) and nurse volunteer in free clinic name MSU care in campus! In my free time, I train Jiu-jitsu and lift weight. I am so excited to join Dr. Santi’s research team and I cannot wait to grow and learn!


   Caden Smith
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Magnetic Nanosensors for Neuorodegenerative Disorders and Infectious Diseases”.
  • B. S. Degree: Biomedical Sciences at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    Hi, my name is Caden Smith and I’m a senior at Missouri State studying Biomedical Sciences. I have applied to and am hoping to start Medical school in the fall of ‘24, with dreams of ultimately becoming an orthopaedic surgeon. In my free time I like to hang out with my beautiful wife and friends, lift weights, and play soccer. I am very excited to be given this opportunity, and I look forward to working with Dr. Santimukal and other students in lab!


   Asher Gross
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: “Assay development for food borne pathogen detection”.
  • B. S. Degree: Cellular and molecular biology with a minor in chemistry at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    Hi, my name is Asher Gross. I am currently a sophomore at Missouri State University pursuing a BS degree in cellular and molecular biology with a minor in chemistry. After college I hope to attend medical school. In my free time I love hiking, going to the gym, snowboarding, volunteering and spending time with my family. I am beyond excited and thankful for the opportunity to perform biomedical research under Dr. Santra,


   Tayler Dewey
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Synthesis of dendritic polymers and drug delivery systems".
  • B. S. Degree: Cell and Molecular Biology at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    Hi, my name is Tayler Dewey, I am studying Cell and Molecular Biology at Missouri State University in hopes to one day be a Physican Assistant. I am currently involved in the Pre-PA Society and volunteer at the Discovery Center to teach children about Embryology. In my free time I love to play with my dog and stay active! I am very excited to be involved in this research lab and cannot wait to work more with Dr. Santimukul.

   Emily Martin
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Dendritic polymer supported catalysts".
  • B. S. Degree: Cell and Molecular Biology at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    Hi, my name is Emily Martin. I’m a senior at Missouri state University studying cellular molecular biology (PrePA). With hopes of being a surgical orthopedic PA. I’m involved in the pre-PA society, participate in volunteer events around campus, and outside of this lab I’m currently conducting research on more accessible ways for wheelchair bound individuals to be able to do everyday activities. In my free time I like to hang with friends/family, spending time outdoors, and playing sports like volleyball, etc. I am very excited to be given this opportunity, and I look forward to working with Dr. Santimukal and other students in lab!

   Carson Schneider
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Nanosensor development for infectious disease detection".
  • B. S. Degree: Chemistry with an minor in biomedical sciences at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    Hi! My name is Carson Schneider. I am currently a sophomore at Missouri State University pursuing a degree in chemistry with a minor in biomedical sciences. After college, I am hoping to attend medical school. In my free time, I love golfing, spending time with family and friends, volunteering, and going to the gym. I am excited about this opportunity to learn from Dr. Santimukul and other students in the lab.

   Trishna Timalsena
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Magnetic nanosensor for pathogen binding and fusion interactions".
  • B. S. Degree: Cellular and Molecular Biology at at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    Hi! I am Trishna Timalsena. I am a chemistry major student with a BMS minor at MSU. I am involved with the Honors College and I am also serving as a vice-president for the MSU student affiliates of ACS. My previous research experiences have helped me realize that I love doing research. In Dr Santra’s lab, I’ll have a chance to do research in the field of nanomedicine and learn a lot. I am very excited to be a part of it.

   Janina Abrudan
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Nanomedicine for targeted cancer therapy".
  • B. S. Degree: Psychology and Chemistry at at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri.
  • Bio..
    My name is Janina Abrudan, and I am majoring in Biology/Microbiology & Tech (pre-med); I am double minoring in Psychology and Chemistry at Missouri State University. I grew up in Southwest Missouri, and Missouri State University felt like home with many potential opportunities to advance my education. With my spare time, I enjoy reading, music, cooking, hiking, weightlifting as well as spending time with my family and friends. I am looking forward to be a part of Dr. Santra's research team and learn about personalized nanomedicines.


2022 Summer Interns