Principal Investigator
Dr. Monika Raj
monika.raj@shu.edu
Dr. Raj grew up in Chandigarh, India and obtained her Ph.D in Organic Chemistry from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur under the direction of Prof. Vinod K. Singh. After receiving her Ph.D. in 2009, Prof. Raj was a postdoctoral fellow at University of Pennsylvania in the lab of Prof. Barry Cooperman. Prof. Raj did another postdoctoral research at New York University in the lab of Prof. Paramjit Arora. She began her appointment as Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Seton Hall University in August 2014.
Graduate Students
Hader Elashal
hader.elashal@student.shu.edu
Hader is a first year graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and is excited to be working on protein mimics and lasso peptides. She grew up in Bayonne, NJ and earned her B.S. in Biochemistry in 2014. In her spare time, she loves to read, bake, and listen to music.
Neelam Lahankar
neelam.lahankar@student.shu.edu
Originally from India, Neelam is a graduate student in Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Seton Hall University, NJ. She has done her Masters in Organic Chemistry and she is looking forward to diversify in Biochemistry.
Tiauna Howard
tiauna.howard@student.shu.edu
Tiauna is a native of Newark, NJ. She joined the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Seton Hall University in 2015. Tiauna earned a B.S. in Biochemistry in 2012 and M.S. in Chemistry in 2015. In addition to doing research, Tiauna enjoys reading, relaxing, and nature walks with her dogs.
Zilma Pereira
zilma.pereira@student.shu.edu
Zilma is a first year graduate student in Biochemistry. She is enthusiastic about working in the field of Organo-catalysis. She has previous lab experience from her community college working as a Teacher’s Aid for the Organic Chemistry labs. In her downtime she enjoys cooking, going hiking, and going on spontaneous trips.
Undergraduate Students
Joe Nalbone
joseph.nalbone@student.shu.edu
Joe was born and raised in nearby Montclair, New Jersey. Joe is a first year biochemistry student. On his days off he enjoys cooking, and visiting museums.
Lyssa Buissereth
Lyssa.Buissereth@student.shu.edu
Lyssa is an undergraduate transfer student partaking in the Biochemistry program at Seton Hall. Although not entirely certain which career path she will be pursuing after acquiring a B.S. degree, Lyssa is eager to see where research will lead. When not in the laboratory, she enjoys the job of being a dance instructor at a local dance studio.
William Sayegh
William.Sayegh@student.shu.edu
William is a sophomore, bio major going Pre-Med at Seton Hall University. Upon graduation William hopes to pursue a career in Cardiology.
Group Alumni
Andrew A William
andrew.william@student.shu.edu
Andrew William is raised in New Jersey and settled for now in the city of Bayonne. He is currently pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry. He wishes to persue a career in Pharmaceutical lab. Outside of studies, he swims for the Seton Hall men’s swim team competitively, enjoys music and plays the Alto Saxophone & guitar.
Giovana Zacatelco Juarez
giovana.zacatelcojuarez@student.shu.edu
Giovana is a first year undergraduate in the biochemistry department at Seton Hall University. She grew up at the Jersey Shore but wants to move to a warmer place. Her ultimate goal is to become a pediatric oncologist and advance cancer research for the well-being of many ill children. Besides devoting herself to her studies, she loves to stay up to date with fashion.
Colin S Kimberlin
colin.kimberlin@student.shu.edu
Colin is a first year undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in both Biochemistry and Diplomacy at Seton Hall University. Besides research, Colin enjoys exploring New York City, travelling, and public transit.
Cameran Wall
cameran.wall@student.shu.edu
Cameran is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry. He intends on obtaining his PharmD and working as a pharmacist where he was raised in Pasadena, CA. Outside of his studies, he enjoys following politics, warm weather, and is captain of the Seton Hall Men’s Rugby Club.