Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University
Postdoctoral Scholars & Research Staff
Shalini K. Vasan, PhD
Shalini completed her PhD in Environmental Sciences at Deakin University in Australia, where her research focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant–mycorrhizal symbiosis. She specializes in molecular biology techniques. In the Raghavan Lab, Shalini works on developing therapeutic strategies for Gulf War Illness, aiming to address toxic exposure–related health challenges faced by veterans.
In her free time, Shalini enjoys playing the ukulele and singing and exploring local cafes. She is also an avid reader who enjoys psychological literature.
Dr. Astha Lamichhane, PhD
Post-doctoral Fellow, Biomedical Engineering
Astha completed her PhD in Engineering at The University of Akron. Astha's graduate work was centered on investigating mechanics of cancer drug resistance using tumor models. In the Raghavan Lab, Astha leads our collaborative projects within the Gulf Coast Consortium where we democratize access to technologies invented in the Raghavan Lab for broader use in cancer. She also unpacks the mechanobiology of cancer using our peristalsis bioreactor devices. Originally from Nepal, Astha has a sweet tooth so she loves chocolates and ice cream. In her free time, Astha loves to cook, explore new places, listen to podcasts/songs and try new foods.
Cailin Gonyea, PhD
Cailin completed her PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Delware, where she worked on creating both in vivo and computational models of the developing lung vasculature in homeostasis and disease. In the Raghavan Lab, Cailin works on engineering in vitro models of the uterus to study the impact of altered mechanics on uterine physiology. Outside of lab, Cailin enjoys trying new restaurants and breweries, reading, going to concerts, spending time outdoors, and obsessing over her puppy.
