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Thomas Clarke, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR and ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston UniversityThomas is originally from London, England, and studied medical science at the University of Exeter with a twelve-month research internship at Harvard Medical School before starting his Ph.D. at the University of Birmingham. He undertook his postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Thomas joined the faculty at Boston University School of Medicine as an Assistant Professor in January 2024, funded by a National Institutes of Health K99/R00 career development award.
Outside the lab, you can find Tom traveling to new destinations, trying new restaurants and watching football (go Pats) and soccer (actual football). He lives in Winthrop, Massachusetts, with his husband and two cats. -

Christopher Cummings
PH.D. STUDENT
Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS), Boston University
Chris is originally from Seattle, Washington, but moved to sunny California to study biochemistry at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, for his bachelor's degree. There, he researched bacterial biosynthetic enzymes responsible for anticancer small molecule production. Chris is now a Ph.D. student in the Program in Biomedical Sciences at Boston University. He is excited to utilize his knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry to explore the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair and the dysregulation of these mechanisms in disease.Outside of the lab, Chris enjoys trying new coffee shops, watching TV (he loves Abbott Elementary), staying active, and listening to too much pop music.
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Adriana Chiaramida
PH.D. STUDENT
Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS), Boston University
Adriana is currently a Ph.D. student in the Program of Biomedical Sciences at Boston University. Originally from the Boston area, she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She went on to work at Dana Farber Cancer Institute for 3 years where she studied the mechanisms of an autoinflammatory disease known as VEXAS syndrome. During her Ph.D., Adriana is interested in continuing to study the mechanisms that underly human disorders and disease.In her free time, Adriana enjoys reading, cooking, and (of course) eating the food she cooks.
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Sydney Hiatt
MASTER’S STUDENT
M.S. Medical Sciences
Sydney is originally from Ankeny, Iowa and completed her bachelor’s degree in biology at Creighton University in Omaha, NE. As an undergraduate student, she was involved in conservation biology research. She is currently pursuing a Master of Medical Sciences degree at Boston University. Sydney is excited to study the fundamental mechanisms of DNA repair and how this research can contribute to improved care and patient outcomes. Her prior clinical experience has further reinforced the importance of connecting research with compassionate, patient-centered care.In her free time, Sydney enjoys needlepointing, trying new coffee shops around Boston, and cheering on the Dallas Stars and 49ers.
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Kiara Karat
MASTER’S STUDENT
M.S. Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University
Kiara is a master’s student in the Pathology Laboratory Sciences program at Boston University. She received her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida. She is interested in exploring the mechanisms of DNA damage and genome instability and understanding how these processes contribute to human disease.Outside of the lab, she enjoys listening to music, discovering new places and foods, and spending time with her cats.
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Isabelle Joy
MEDICAL STUDENT
Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine
Isabelle is an M.D. student at Boston University where she also earned her master’s in Medical Science and bachelor’s in Molecular Biology. Isabelle is passionate about investigating the molecular basis of cancer with the hopes of improving diagnoses and treatment options for her future patients. Her previous work includes stem cell leukemia research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and an exploration of the molecular basis of current endometriosis treatment options, and her current research in the Clarke lab will integrate these two fields as she aims to identify the role of key proteins in endometrial cancer development.
In her free time Isabelle enjoys reading, crocheting, and watching birds with her husband and cat. -

Hasher Mir
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT
B.S. Human Physiology Program, Boston University
Hasher is an undergraduate student at Boston University majoring in Human Physiology. Hasher is passionate about exploring a wide range of research and how it can be applied from bench to bedside to improve patient care. Hasher’s past research experience includes work in cancer biology and biomechanics. Hasher is a two-time recipient of the Boston University Undergraduate Research Opportunity (UROP) Fellowship.
Outside of academics, Hasher enjoys playing basketball and lifting weights. -
Gianna Nalumansi
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT
B.S. Biology, Boston University
Gianna is an undergraduate student at Boston University. She is majoring in Biology (Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics Specialization). Her academic interests include molecular genetics, cellular biology, and cancer biology. Gianna is passionate about exploring a wide range of research and how it can be applied to improving patient care. Specifically, she's interested in molecular and translational research related to cancer and human disease, and hopes to contribute to the development of future therapeutic strategies. Gianna is a recipient of the Boston University Undergraduate Research Opportunity (UROP) Fellowship.
Outside of academics, Gianna enjoys going to the gym, reading, exploring Boston, and watching TV series and movies! -

Mae Nest
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT
B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boston University
Mae is an undergraduate student at Boston University majoring in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. She is interested in exploring the molecular pathways that contribute to disease. Her other research experience includes using cell and mouse models to study how environmental pollutants contribute to cardiovascular disease development. At the Clarke Lab, Mae is excited to gain hands-on experience studying DNA damage repair pathways and deepen her understanding of the mechanisms that underlie human disorders.
Outside of academics, Mae enjoys triathlons, baking, listening to music, and reading. -
ALUMNI
Zeeba Kamaliyan, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Associate, Boston University.
Current Position: Research Associate, Boston University.
Samuel Camilli, B.S. M.S.
M.S. Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University.
Current Position: Medical Student, UMass School of Medicine.
Briana Le, B.S.
B.S. Liberal Arts and Medical Education Program, Boston University.
Current Position: Medical Student, Boston University.Isaiah Yung Kwang Han
B.S. Life Sciences, National University of Singapore (NUS).
Boston University and NUS Student Exchange Program.
Current Position: Undergraduate, National University of Singapore.
Abigail Diaz
High School Senior.
Current Position: Undergraduate, Colby College.