Our Team
Kosuke Funato, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Kosuke received his PhD from the University of Tokyo, Japan. After postdoctoral training at Viviane Tabar Lab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York), he joined UGA as an Assistant Professor to continue pursuing his research on malignant brain tumors. He is a father, runner, and ceramic artist.
Muniza Shaikh, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Associate
Muniza earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine from the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), ICCBS, University of Karachi, Pakistan, with part of her doctoral research conducted at the University of Hamburg, Germany. Her work has focused on protein-ligand interactions, NMR-based enzyme kinetics, and the discovery of small molecule inhibitors targeting glycation and sialylation pathways. Her research focuses on transcriptional regulation, protein-ligand interactions, and small molecule drug discovery. Before joining the Funato Lab, she held positions as a research officer at the PCMD, ICCBS, University of Karachi and as a visiting research scientist at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology (CAS), China. There, she developed high-throughput ChIP-Seq and ChIPmentation protocols to map transcription factor binding sites in Corynebacterium glutamicum. Her technical expertise spans molecular biology, biochemical and cellular assays, CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, and computational modelling. She brings extensive experience in molecular biology, biochemical assays, and genome-wide mapping of regulatory elements. Muniza aims to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying glioblastoma development. She is excited to support the lab’s mission to apply cutting-edge technologies in decoding oncogenic regulatory networks that drive tumor progression in pediatric glioblastomas. Muniza is a proud mother who enjoys cooking, exploring global cuisines, and watching science fiction and action-packed movies.
Hitomi N. Royston
Ph.D. Candidate
Hitomi is originally from Japan. She lived in San Diego, CA, for the past 20 years and graduated from the University of California, San Diego, as a neuroscience major & chemistry minor. Her focus is on the subtype-specific tumorigenesis of pediatric glioblastoma.She is very excited to learn the cutting-edge techniques in stem cell research at Funato's lab, along with her colleagues and fellow scientists.
Adriana Fernandez Garcia
Graduate Student
Adriana is a PhD student from Spain with a strong interest in translational cancer research. Her research focuses on the development of biomarker-based diagnostic strategies for pediatric high-grade gliomas, one of the most aggressive types of brain tumors. She completed her master’s degree in Cancer and Clinical Oncology from Barts Cancer Institute in London. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Autumn Brooke Hampton
Laboratory Technician
Autumn is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia, double majoring in Biomedical Physiology and Sociology. She was characterized as a CURO Honors Scholar, Woodruff Scholar, LSAMP Research Scholar, and a Crane Scholar at UGA! She has leadership and service experience in the campus organizations that she was involved in. She served as the President of the University Union Student Programming Board, an Operations Coordinator for Kesem UGA, and a Co-Founder & Director of Events for the Biomedical Physiology Society. She is on the pre-medicine track, and she aspires to be an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OBGYN), specializing in oncology! She plans to attend medical school after obtaining her Masters degree in Therapeutics Discovery.
In terms of her role in the Funato Lab, she has been active in the lab since November 2021 as an undergraduate researcher. With the assistance of the Center for Undergraduate Opportunities, she was able to engage in early research at UGA, assisting studies on the identification of the origin of pediatric glioblastomas using human embryonic stem cells. It was exciting for her to present her work-in-progress research projects (poster & oral) to people who might be unfamiliar with it over the past four years. She is now serving as the lab technician during her growth years.
Autumn loves to bake rather than cooking. Her favorite song is currently "Hug Me" by Pharrell Williams and Trey Parker. She also loves to go thrift shopping for vintage lamps!
Poorvi Iyer
Undergraduate Researcher
Poorvi Iyer is a sophomore pursuing a double major in Biochemistry and Economics at the University of Georgia's Honors College with aspirations to attend medical school and specialize in pediatric oncology. Through her leadership with organizations such as The Backpack Project of Athens, the Arch Policy Institute, and the Athens Wellness Clinic, she is dedicated to improving healthcare access for underserved communities in the Athens Regional Area.
Her passion for oncological research began during her time at the Emory Winship Cancer Institute, where she studied the antitumor and immunogenic effects of natural compounds on squamous cell carcinoma. Since joining the Funato Laboratory in June of 2024, she is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying pediatric glioblastoma, aiming to make meaningful contributions to the field of oncology throughout her collegiate career. Currently, as a medical assistant at the University Cancer and Blood Center, she gains firsthand insights into the clinical implications of cancer research.
In her free time, Poorvi enjoys playing tennis, travelling, and is currently training for her first half marathon!
Grace Zimmerman
Undergraduate Researcher
Grace is a senior at the University of Georgia Honors College pursuing a double major in Biology and Psychology. Following her graduation in 2026, she will attend the Medical College of Georgia and plans to specialize in a pediatric field. Through her leadership in her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity, and her work as a medical assistant in primary care and orthopedics, Grace is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, and collaborative care as a future physician.
Grace joined the Funato lab in August 2024, where she has worked under the mentorship of graduate student Jayden Jackson. Her passion for pediatric glioblastoma research began when a close family friend was diagnosed at a young age. Witnessing the limited treatment options available motivated her to pursue both medicine and research in this field. Throughout her time in the lab, she has been fascinated with understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying pediatric glioblastoma and how this research can contribute to improved patient outcomes.
Outside of research, Grace enjoys playing the guitar, attending live music events, reading, and spending time outside with friends and family.
Pablo Ashi
Undergraduate Researcher
Pablo Ashi is a sophomore and Foundation Fellow pursuing a major in Regenerative Bioscience and a Master of Public Health at the University of Georgia. He has aspirations to attend medical school and specialize in pediatric oncology. Through his leadership in organizations such as the Arch Policy Institute, The Backpack Project of Athens, and Casa de Amistad, he is passionate about creating equitable systems of care through the intersection of medicine, research, and public health.
Pablo started in the Funato Lab in January 2025 and has since been captivated by the molecular mechanisms of pediatric brain tumors. He is excited to continue pursuing research during his time at UGA, hoping to contribute meaningfully to the field of oncology for years to come. Assisting in the lab has taught him how to think critically about complex biological systems, troubleshoot experiments with care and patience, and collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team—essential skills that will serve him well in his future career.
In his free time, Pablo loves a good movie like “La La Land” or “Inception,” and listening to music by artists like Beyonce, SZA, and Bad Bunny!
Daniel Fujamade
Undergraduate Researcher
Daniel Fujamade is a second-year undergraduate at UGA pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He joined the Funato Lab in late spring 2025, where he works under the mentorship of graduate student Jayden Jackson. Drawn to the lab’s focus on pediatric brain tumors, he is interested in understanding the mechanisms and pathways underlying neurological conditions and how these insights can be applied to patient care and future research. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Daniel plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in neurology, with an emphasis on clinical diagnosis and the application of research to patient care. Outside of research, he enjoys playing piano, ballroom dancing, and long-distance running.
Elissa Oliver
Undergraduate Researcher
Elissa Grace Oliver is from Gainesville Georgia and a senior at the University of Georgia pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Her commitment to medicine has been shaped most significantly through her work in the emergency department as a scribe and volunteer, where she supports physicians and collaborates with multidisciplinary care teams in fast-paced and often resource-limited settings. She is the founder of a competitive food drive in the North Georgia Mountains. She was also apart of a surgical mentorship where she spent a semester alongside general surgery residents and attendings and participated in their simulations, didactics, rounds, and observed surgeries. These experiences have strengthened her interest in rural medicine and her long-term goal of improving access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare in underserved communities.
In addition to her clinical work, Elissa developed a strong academic interest in neuroscience through research at Northeast Georgia Medical Center focused on the relationship between the gut microbiome and neurological disorders. This along with her fascination in proteins lead her to join Funato’s lab. All of these experience have deepened her curiosity about the interconnected nature of biological systems and their influence on patient outcomes.
Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time fishing, hiking, being on the lake, and connecting with friends — activities that keep her grounded and closely connected to the communities she hopes to serve as a future physician.
Sanjana Kallamadi
Undergraduate Researcher
My name is Sanjana Kallamadi, and I am a sophomore at UGA. I am majoring in biology with a concentration in neuroscience and am minoring in applied biotechnology and computer science. I am currently on the pre-med track and hope to specialize in oncology in the future. I love to read, listen to music, and draw in my free time.
McKenna Jones
Undergraduate Researcher
McKenna is a sophomore pursuing a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Georgia Honors College. She joined the Funato lab in August 2025 and has learned about the different aims of the lab, essential procedures used in the lab, and what day-to-day research looks like. She intends to pursue a doctorate in Pharmaceutical Drug Development and work in the pharmaceutical industry. She is also a recruitment coordinator for the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority and works to expand her sisterhood through different recruitment events and workshops. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her cat, going on hikes, and watching movies.
Andrew Jimerson
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a Regenerative Biosciences major and undergraduate researcher at the University of Georgia. My work in the Funato Lab focuses on glioblastoma research. Having previously explored antimicrobial resistance through iGEM, I am passionate about developing the technical skills and biological insights needed to improve patient outcomes in a clinical setting.
Grayson Rosenblad
Undergraduate Researcher
Grayson Rosenblad is a first-year Foundation Fellow and Stamps Scholar in the Morehead Honors College pursuing a double major in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Economics, as well as a minor in American Sign Language. He aspires to attend medical school and specialize in pediatric neurosurgery. His work as a Support Aid as well as his extensive involvement in organizations such as the Arch Policy Institute, Athens Prison Tutorial, University Judiciary, and the Thomas Lay Afterschool Program is driven by a passion for empowering individuals through both health and non-health related education and support to live independent, fulfilling lifestyles.
Since joining the Funato Lab in January 2026, Grayson has learned so much about the genesis and characteristics of pediatric glioblastoma, and he cannot wait to continue this education throughout his undergraduate career as a member of the Funato Lab. This summer, he will pursue a research internship under Dr. Jen Sucre at the Biodevelopmental Origins of Lung Disease Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is excited to collaborate with professionally and socially diverse teams, analyze deeply involved biochemical systems, and most importantly, practice resilience, hoping to bring these honed skills back to UGA as he continues contributing to the Funato Lab as a second-year.
In his free time, Grayson loves to eat at Snelling Dining Hall (and any restaurant ever), play Mahjong, and watch any show produced by Shonda Rhimes. His favorite is Scandal!
Jahnavi Avdhani
Undergraduate Researcher
Jahnavi Avdhani is a second-year student at the University of Georgia Honors College pursuing a major in Cell Biology. She plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician with specialization in pediatric oncology.
Her interest in cancer research stems from a desire to better understand the molecular biology behind glioblastoma and to utilize this knowledge as an oncologist. Since joining the Funato Lab in January 2026, she has been gaining experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA quantification while contributing to ongoing research projects.
Outside of the lab, Jahnavi is actively involved in mentoring students as a math tutor and chemistry learning assistant while also volunteering at Piedmont, where she aids with clinical workflow and visitor support. In her free time, Jahnavi loves playing pickleball and travelling!
Soren Mais
Medical Student Researcher
I am originally from Jamaica, but I grew up in Stone Mountain Georgia. I studied Cell biology and Speech Pathology at UGA (Class of ’23). I worked at UGA's Owen’s Behavioral Health institute for 5 years doing research on substance use treatment. I am currently a medical student at AU/UGA Medical Partnership, hoping to match into oncology in the future.
Alums
Dhruv Bhagat
2023-2024 Lab Technician
Current Position: Medical student, Augusta University-UGA Medical Partnership
I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I am interested in pursuing a career in medical science and am excited to learn about the cellular mechanisms of pediatric glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
Evonne Pinto
2022-2024 Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position: Medical student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
