People

Joseph is a sophomore studying Biochemistry on the premed track. In the lab, he is working to help develop a polyvalent HIV vaccine and to sequence the antibodies of HIV post treatment controllers. During his free time, he enjoys drinking tea, calligraphy, and losing in mahjong and go. He also has a great passion for the field of medicine and reading research articles, and plans to pursue a MD or MD-PHD program.

Patricia Botros is a senior majoring in Biology with a minor in Studio Art. She has contributed to a variety of experiments, including research on COVID-19 and studies focusing on HIV. In the lab, Patricia is responsible for maintaining mammalian cell lines and is experienced in creating pseudoviruses, performing ELISAs, and conducting flow cytometry. Outside of the lab, she is an active member of Boston College Emergency Medical Services and the South Asian Student Association. After graduation, Patricia plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as an OB/GYN. 

Gabriel Carpenter is a Freshman studying Neuroscience and History. Inside the Lab Gabriel can be found performing cell culturing, Maxi and Mini preps, and running many Gels. Outside the lab Gabriel is a member of the Latin dance team, Fuego del Corazon, and can often be found in the gym or playing guitar. After Graduating, Gabriel plans on attending medical school. 

Timothy Cloonan is a senior at Boston College majoring in Biology and Philosophy. He is involved in research on a polyvalent HIV vaccine and serves as president of the Retro Gaming Club. Outside the lab, Timothy volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and is active in various campus organizations. After graduation, he plans to pursue medical school.

Matthew is a senior majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Biology. He is also the co-president of BC’s South East Asian Student association. In the lab, you can find Matthew performing a multitude of tasks like DNA/RNA all-prep, western blotting, ELISA, and Cell culturing. Outside of the lab, you can find him studying in the library or going to the gym to play volleyball. He plans to attend pharmacy school and pursue a career in clinical pharmacy.

Ian is a Junior studying Biochemistry, on the Pre-Health track. In the lab, he spends time performing cell culture, primer design, and immuno blotting. He also helps out with chemical inventory, organization, and website maintenance. Outside of lab work, Ian skis, works on cars, and is a voice actor. He plans to attend medical school and eventually enter a career as a surgeon.

Colin is a junior majoring in Biology on the pre-med track. Out of the lab, he enjoys hiking outdoors, is a trip leader for the Outdoor Adventures group on campus, and is part of the Gateway Scholars program. Colin is also a resident assistant for freshmen on the upper campus. In the lab, Colin can be found working on a polyvariant HIV mRNA vaccine, DNA/RNA prep from pooled PBMCs, and plasma viral RNA purification. After graduation, he plans on attending medical school and wants to pursue a career in emergency medicine.

Anya is a sophomore studying neuroscience. Outside of the lab, she volunteers at a local elementary school through BC Eagles, where she enjoys playing with kindergarteners. Her scientific interests include immunology and infectious disease research, and after college, she hopes to attend medical school. Anya has been a part of Professor Fofana’s lab since her freshman year and is excited to continue contributing to this team!

Zeyneb is a senior studying Neuroscience and minoring in Marketing. She is on the executive board of the Public Health Club, Muslim Student Association, and Turkish Student Association. She is also a Success Coach mentor for middle school and high school students. In the lab, you can find Zeyneb working on DNA/RNA Extractions, Western Blots, DNA Digests, Gel Electrophoresis, Cell Culture, and more. Outside of the lab, Zeyneb enjoys going to the gym, walking around the Reservoir, enjoying nature, and spending time with family, friends, and her eight cats. She plans on attending medical school and pursuing a career as a Pediatrician.

Dhiman Shahid is a senior research assistant in the Fofana Lab and a neuroscience major on the PreMed track. He works on cloning plasmids as well as reviewing literature in the lab. He is Co-Editor in Chief of the Medical Humanities Journal of Boston College and the Event Coordinator of the Student Martial Arts Club. Dhiman volunteers at Newton Wellesley and aspires to work as a doctor in a public hospital.