TEAM
Check out our group photos here.
Brandon J. DeKosky
Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, MIT Phillip T. and Susan M. Ragon Career Development Chair Core Member, The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
MIT Department of Chemical Engineering
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research
Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
B.S., Chemical Engineering, The University of Kansas
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
Postdoc, Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH Main Campus, Bethesda, MD
I really enjoy the environment for immunology and biotech research here at Ragon, MIT, and Cambridge, there are so many incredibly talented people to work with and learn from! Outside of the lab I enjoy swimming, soccer, playing jazz piano, and exploring live music around Cambridge and Boston.
Evan Bhagat
Research Technician
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.S., Chemical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University
I am interested in antibody discovery/engineering, biotechnology, and immunology related research. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking and exploring Boston.
Yun-Ti Chen
Postdoctoral Fellow
MIT Department of Chemical Engineering
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
Ph.D., Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
I specialize in computational biology, developing new methods for translational research and drug discovery. With extensive experience in structural drug design and interpretable machine learning models, I focus on optimizing antibodies based on computational methods in the DeKosky lab. Outside the lab, I volunteer at charity foundations.
Jihwan Chun
Postdoctoral Fellow
MIT Department of Chemical Engineering
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.S., Biological Sciences, KAIST, South Korea, 2014
Ph.D., Food Science and Biotechnology, SNU, South Korea, 2020
I am working on antibody engineering by integrating molecular approaches and yeast display technique to generate and screen highly potent antibodies to eradicate malaria. I have a strong background in microbiology, especially bacteriophages and pathogenic bacteria. Outside the lab, I love to hang out with my wife and friends, try new recipes, indulge in craft beers/wines/coffees, and go swimming.
Francisco Figueiras
Research Technician
The Ragon Institute of MIT, MGH, Harvard
B.A., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boston University
Following my graduation, I have enjoyed having the opportunity to explore the intersection of bioengineering and immunology through antibody engineering and discovery projects. These projects will support my growth as I plan to start applying for PhD programs to start in Fall 2026. Outside of lab I enjoy biking, board games, and exploring the cuisine around Boston.
Blythe Irwin
Ph.D. Candidate
MIT Department of Biological Engineering
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.S., Bioengineering, University of Washington
Ph.D., Biological Engineering, MIT, 2022-present
I am excited to advance the field of immunotherapeutics through T cell receptor repertoire characterization. My research involves optimizing methods for TCR screening, with a focus on TCRs against cancer antigens. In my free time, I enjoy running, lifting, sailing, and writing.
Shuyan (Shawn) Jin
Ph.D. Candidate
MIT Department of Chemical Engineering
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.S., Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT)
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, MIT, 2021-present
I am a current graduate student at MIT with interests in antibody discovery and protein engineering. Fun fact – I am often the late night genie that fills the stock for fellow researchers for their daytime experiments.
Shelbe Johnson
Ph.D. Candidate
MIT Department of Chemical Engineering
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.S., Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, MIT, 2022-present
I am passionate about developing and using new technologies to improve human health across the globe. Outside of the lab, I enjoy working out, watching reality TV shows, and spending time with my family and friends!
Kate Juergens
Ph.D. Student
Harvard Division of Medical Sciences
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.S., Biochemistry, University of Washington
Ph.D., Virology, Harvard University, 2023-present
I am passionate about advancing the field of virology by developing new technologies to gain insight into viral-host immune interactions at scale. In my free time I love cycling. My less important hobbies include cooking, photography, hiking, climbing, and running!
Gene Lee
Ph.D. Candidate
MIT Department of Chemical Engineering
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.S., Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, and Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, MIT, 2022-present
I’m interested in antibody and T-cell receptor discovery with applications in cancer treatments, both in the computational and experimental space. I love hiking, crafting (currently on a crocheting bender), working out, and occasionally playing video games.
Sunwoo Lee
Ph.D. Candidate
MIT Department of Chemical Engineering
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.S., Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, South Korea
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, MIT, 2022-present
I am currently a Ph.D. student at MIT majoring in Chemical Engineering. My research centers on antibody repertoire sequencing from single cells and yeast display for investigating the diversity and functionality of antibodies. My ultimate goal is to create therapeutic antibodies and contribute to advancements in healthcare through my research. Outside the lab, I enjoy swimming, playing badminton, and skiing.
Valeria Marquez-Pellegrin
Ph.D. Student
MIT Department of Biological Engineering
Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.S., Bioengineering, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia (UTEC)
Ph.D., Biological Engineering, MIT, 2023-present
My research focuses on T-cell receptor screening and developing a phage vaccine for targeted immunotherapy. Outside the lab, I enjoy watching TV, playing video games, and following soccer.
Anurag Ramsuman Mishra
Postdoctoral Fellow, Mazumdar-Shaw International Oncology Fellow
MIT Department of Chemical Engineering
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.S.-M.S., Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, India
Ph.D., Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indore, India
I received my PhD in Virology and Viral immunology from IIT Indore, India. Science my Ph.D. I am very interested in working with cutting edge high throughput technologies for therapeutic interventions. The Dekosky immune engineering lab provides the prefect opportunity and environment to work on cutting age technological tool for translational biology and study immune response. Currently, my research focuses on the high throughput TCR discovery against the cancer. Outside of lab, I like to cook new dishes for my family and friends. I also like to roam around Cambridge exploring Boston.
Robert Novak
Ph.D. Student
Harvard Department of Immunology
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.A., Physics, Biophysics, and Biochemistry, University of Pennsylvania
M.S., Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania
MPhil, Physics, University of Cambridge
I am interested in applying computational methods to study antigen-immunoreceptor interactions at repertoire-scale. Outside of the lab I like to hike, play soccer, play guitar, and read (especially short stories!).
Julian Rojo Gallegos
Ph.D. Student
Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology
The Ragon Institute of MIT, MGH, Harvard
B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of New Mexico
Ph.D., Medical Engineering and Medical Physics, MIT, 2023-present
I am interested in research at the interface of immuno-oncology and engineering. I am currently working on screening technologies to discover cancer immunotherapies. In my free time, I enjoy working out, watching shows, reading, and spending time with friends.
Sarah Sobol
Ph.D. Student
MIT Department of Biological Engineering
The Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard
B.S., Chemical Engineering and Biological Sciences, Northwestern University
Ph.D., Biological Engineering, MIT, 2023-present
I am interested in developing and applying technologies to improve the functional capabilities of antibodies to address challenges in human health. Outside of lab, I enjoy singing, playing piano, and spending time with family and friends (especially seeing their pets).
Estin Van Alstine
Research Technician
The Ragon Institute of MIT, MGH, Harvard
B.S., Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
I’m currently interested in the ways different facets of human immunity collaborate for an effective immune response to disease. Outside of the lab, I am actively involved in theater tech and enjoy reading and spending time with my cat.
Gaurav Awasthi
Ph.D. Student
MIT Department of Chemical Engineering
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Chemical Engineering, MIT, 2024-present
I’m interested in integrating computational and experimental tools for high-throughput antibody discovery and engineering. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, running, swimming, and sailing.
Yuseong (Nick) Oh
Ph.D. Student
Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
B.S., Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering & Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University
Ph.D., Medical Engineering and Medical Physics, Harvard-MIT, 2024-present
My research focuses on high-throughput antibody screening technologies and computational approaches for rapid drug discovery. I aim to develop and implement new experimental and machine learning approaches for improved drug discovery. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, exploring new restaurants and cafés, and spending time outdoors skiing fresh powder or playing golf.
Eli Duggan, BS
Undergraduate Researcher
Bioengineering
University of New Hampshire
Viridiana Montessoro, MD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Doctor of Medicine
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Nhi Nguyen, BA
Research Technician
Biology
Boston University
Donovan Vincent, BS
Undergraduate Researcher
Chemical Engineering
Manhattan College
Magdalena A. Berkowska, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Immunology
Erasmus University Medical Center
Evalynn W. Ellison
Undergraduate Researcher
Chemical Engineering
UMBC
Ahmed Fahad, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Aimee Gleason, BS
Research Co-op
Chemical Engineering
Rochester Institute of Technology
Matias Gutiérrez-González, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pharmacology
University of Chile
Oscar Jimenez, BS
Undergraduate Student
Biology
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Bharat Madan, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
J Daniel Griffin, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Andrew Chung, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Sheila Lopez, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Heena Ranchod, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Wei Jin, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Thuy Duong Nguyen, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Bailey Banach, PhD
Graduate Student
Bioengineering
The University of Kansas
Rukmini Ladi, MS
Graduate Student
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Rajani Fnu, BS, MS
Research Technician
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Nicoleen Boyle, BS
Research Technician
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Jacy Wolfe, BS
Research Technician
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Amy Laflin, BS
Research Technician
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
John Zhou, BS
Research Technician
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Brunojoel Hatungimana
Undergraduate Student
Molecular Biology
The University of Kansas
Victoria Gomerdinger, BS
Undergraduate Student
Summer REU student
Yale University
Noora Batrash, BS
Undergraduate Student
Chemical Engineering
The University of Kansas
Amen Hailemariam, BS
Undergraduate Student
Biochemistry
The University of Kansas
Isaac Nevarez-Sanchez, BS
Undergraduate Students
Graduate PREP rotation
The University of Kansas
Mattison Sills, BS
Undergraduate Student
Summer REU student
Olivet Nazerine University
Christopher Lawrence, BS
Undergraduate Student
Chemical Engineering
The University of Kansas
Brooklyn Mussman, BS
Undergraduate Student
Chemical Engineering
The University of Kansas
Joseph Pennington, BS
Undergraduate Student
Electrical Engineering
The University of Kansas
Colton Lagerman, BS
Undergraduate Student
Chemical Engineering
The University of Kansas
Nguyen (Natalie) Bui, BS
Undergraduate Student
Summer REU student
Creighton University
Nathaniel Cheung
High School Student
Summer Intern
Lexington High School
Lakisha Kirnon
High School Student
Ragon Institute Summer Experience
Everett High School
Emily Loose, BS
Research Technician
Biochemistry
University of Rochester
Matheus Oliveira de Souza, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Penny Timms, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Cancer Biology
University of Bristol
Adam G. Khanboubi
Undergraduate Researcher
Medical and Molecular Biology
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy
Michael Akinyemi
Undergraduate Researcher
[INSERT HERE]
University of Central Florida
Deemah Dabbagh, PhD
IBK Postdoctoral Fellow
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
George Mason University
Camila Tenorio Franca, PhD
Research Scientist
Epidemiology
University of Melbourne & WEHI
Zixuan Liu, BS
Undergraduate Student
Biological Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Xiaoli Pan, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University of Kansas
Azady Pirhanov, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Biomedical Engineering
The University of Connecticut
Katerina Rincones, BS
Research Technician
Bioengineering
Northeastern University
Current Funding
Previous Funding
Lab Culture
Our laboratory is committed to ensuring a supportive, respectful, and caring lab culture that helps all of our team members thrive. We believe that that innovative and transformative progress is advanced by a culture of openness, respect, and support. We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that helps all individuals thrive in scientific research and the scientific enterprise, fostering a positive community where team members bring their whole selves to work and that encourages personal and professional growth.
Join Us
We are seeking new team members! Positions are available at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels. If you think you might be a good fit for the research group and would like to learn more, please e-mail your CV to Dr. DeKosky at the e-mail address below.
dekosky [at] mit [dot] edu