Jefferson Postdoctoral Association

Anju Maharjan, PhD

President
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Anju is native to Nepal, the country of Mt. Everest and the great Himalayas. Embracing multicultural diversities, she obtained her bachelor's degree in Yoga and Naturopathy from Karnataka, India and later pursued her Master's and PhD degrees from Daegu Catholic University, Republic of Korea. Majoring in immunology and toxicology research, she obtained her PhD in 2024 and moved to Philadelphia where she is currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Rahman Lab, Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Currently, her studies are focused on exploring the TLR7 mediated B cell immune responses in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using autoimmune mice models and various research methods.

She is a dog lover and enjoys exploring different cuisines, cooking, and being around nature.

If you could go on vacation, where would you go and what would you do?
Traveling with my partner and our tiny new explorer to European and Asian with a mission to indulge in food, culture, and nature would be my choice of vacation destinations. I want to soak in the art and architecture of the cities and villages, whilst making memories, looking at auroras, and beautiful mountains.

Zinah Bairmani, MD

Senior Vice President
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I'm from Baghdad, Iraq, an Arab country in the heart of the Middle East, rich in culture and history. As a Mesopotamian, I come from a region known as the cradle of civilization, which has always inspired my passion for science and medicine. I earned my medical degree from Ain Shams University in Egypt, a place full of vibrant culture that made my education even more meaningful. After graduation, I moved to the U.S. and joined Dr. Adam Snook's lab, where I work on cancer immunotherapy. My focus is on CART cell therapy, especially developing strategies to make it universal and effective against solid tumors.

Who is someone you admire, and why?
Someone I admire is anyone who genuinely feels for others, someone kind-hearted who helps without even being asked. I admire people who go beyond expectations, not for attention, but because they truly care. That kind of selfless compassion and quiet strength is rare, and I deeply respect those who live with that kind of empathy every day.

Pradeep Bhartiya, PhD

Vice President, Communications
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Pradeep is from Mumbai, India, and is currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Medical Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University. He completed his PhD in 2022 at Kwangwoon University in Seoul, South Korea, and continued to pursue a research career in the US as a postdoc. His lab has developed unique breast cancer cells with PIK3CA mutations using CRISPR technology. His current research is mainly focused on understanding the HER2-PI3K signaling involved in HER2+ breast cancers using cellular and mouse models.

If you could go on vacation, where would you go and what would you do?
I would love to travel to Mexico, Brazil, and European Nordic countries. I like to travel alone and enjoy peaceful moments engrossed in different landscapes and cultures.

Ranakul Islam, PhD, MS

Vice President, Career Development
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Ranakul Islam grew up in the small town of Laksam in Cumilla, Bangladesh, a South Asian country. He completed his undergraduate studies in Zoology at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and earned a Master of Science in Biology from Texas Tech University. He went on to complete his PhD in Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. He is a cancer biologist focusing on how metabolic and epigenetic dysregulation drives cancer aggressiveness and therapy resistance, particularly in sarcomas and environmentally induced lung cancers. His current work aims to enhance T cell function and improve adoptive T cell therapy in different types of cancers. He brings expertise in cancer metabolism, toxicology, and molecular therapeutics, and is deeply committed to mentorship and scientific training.

Who is someone you admire, and why?
I have always admired my mother who, despite never finishing high school, continuously encouraged and supported me throughout my education. Her sacrifices and unwavering dedication made it possible for me to complete my PhD. I am who I am today because of her.

Mandeep Kaur, PhD

Vice President, Nominations and Elections
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Mandeep Kaur is originally from Fazilka, known for its cultural heritage and historical significance, in Punjab, the northern part of India. She completed her master's degree in Human Genetics from Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, Punjab, and earned her PhD in 2021 from the Department of Anatomy at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. Her doctoral research focused on investigating the role of Reelin signaling in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. In July 2022, she joined the lab of Dr. Amit K. Srivastava at the Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research as a postdoctoral fellow. Her current research focuses on exploring the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders and traumatic injuries.

If you had a full day without responsibilities (no work, no school, no commitments), how would you choose to spend the day?
I would spend it doing the things I love with the people I care about. I would enjoy cooking, trying new recipes, spending quality time with my family, taking a peaceful walk at the waterfront, and simply relaxing without worrying about schedules or deadlines. Having the freedom to focus on what brings me joy and to create meaningful moments with my family would be both refreshing and fulfilling.

Akansha Sharma, PhD

Vice President, Social Affairs
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Originally from Delhi, India - a city known for its cultural richness and scientific spirit - Akansha Sharma developed a strong passion for biomedical research. She earned her PhD in Biochemistry from CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, where she focused on allergen characterization and immunotherapy using mouse models. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow at Thomas Jefferson University, studying enterovirus pathogenesis and antiviral innate immune responses. She is passionate about translating science into real-world therapies and aspires to contribute to vaccine or therapeutic development in the biotech or pharmaceutical sector. Outside the lab, she enjoys dancing, photography, yoga, and cooking.

If you had a full day without responsibilities (no work, school, no commitments), how would you choose to spend the day?
If I had a full day without responsibilities, I'd spend it focusing on myself - recharging mentally and emotionally. I'd use the time for deep thinking, self-analysis, and working on personal growth. I'd love to rewire my thought process, practice yoga or meditation, and just enjoy some peaceful moments for clarity and balance.

Nathalia Tancler, PhD

Secretary
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Nathalia is from Botucatu, São Paulo state, Brazil - a university town known for the Faculty of Medicine at UNESP. She earned her Master's and PhD in Medical Biotechnology at the same institution. In 2022, she immigrated to the US and joined Jefferson as a research assistant in Dr. Felix Kim's lab. Today she works as a postdoctoral fellow in the same lab, where her research focuses on the pharmacological modulation of Sigma1 as a strategy to inhibit prostate tumor growth and disrupt the adaptive resistance mechanisms that emerge in response to standard-of-care targeted therapies.

Outside the lab, Nathalia enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and their Shih Tzu, exploring everything Philadelphia has to offer - from sports, parks, museums, and great food to the nearby beaches.

If you had a full day without responsibilities (no work, school, no commitments), how would you choose to spend the day?
I'd start slow with a good breakfast and Brazilian coffee, then take my dog for a walk in one of Philly's parks. I'd love to spend the afternoon exploring the city with my husband and son - maybe a museum we haven't visited yet or just wandering somewhere new. If it's the right season, a trip to the beach would be perfect. And I'd definitely end the day with great food and watching a 76ers or Eagles game.

Amir Yarahmadi, PhD, MSc

Treasurer
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Amir is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. He earned his PhD in Clinical Biochemistry from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran, after which he moved to the US to join the Goldfinger lab, where he leads translational research to enhance stored platelet viability and function. His work integrates basic and clinical sciences, with a focus on diabetes, oxidative stress, and translational laboratory medicine.

What is your favorite activity to do in Philly, and why?
Exploring parks and riverside trails - I'm a nature enthusiast, and time outdoors helps me recharge, reflect, and stay inspired.