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.

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.

Jayden Jackson

Graduate Student

Jayden is a PhD student originally from California. Outside the lab, Jayden enjoys watching the Lakers and spending time with his dog. His research focuses on mapping protein-protein interaction networks in pediatric brain tumors, which is critical because these tumors remain among the most devastating childhood cancers, and identifying the specific molecular complexes that drive tumor growth could reveal new therapeutic vulnerabilities where few currently exist. By uncovering how oncogenic proteins like FOXR2 interact with transcriptional and chromatin-remodeling machinery, his work aims to bridge a gap between genomic classification of these tumors and the development of targeted treatments for children who need them most.

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!

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.

Matthew Cerniglia

Undergraduate Researcher

Matthew Cerniglia is a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Regenerative Bioscience with a minor in Applied Biotechnology at the University of Georgia. Following his undergraduate degree, he aspires to pursue a graduate degree in translational oncological research. Through his leadership and involvement in Terry Student Consulting, UGA Interfraternity Council, and HOBY Georgia, he is passionate about increasing the visibility and interdisciplinary nature of research.

His passion for research stemmed from his time at Brookhaven National Lab, where he worked at the NSLS II (National Synchrotron Light Source II), studying the effects of microbial oxidation on various saltwater artifacts. Since joining the Funato lab in March 2025, Matthew has worked under the guidance of Autumn Hampton, studying potential treatment methods for High-Grade Neuroepithelial Tumors. Through his time in the lab, he has been fascinated by the unique nature of these tumors and the specialized treatment methods that target these elements.

In his free time, Matthew enjoys attending concerts, spending time at the beach, going to the gym, and reading.

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.