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Our Team

Dhara D. Shah, PhD

Assistant Professor

School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences

The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics

School of Life Sciences Interdisciplinary Graduate Faculty

Arizona State University

Email: dhara.shah1@asu.edu

I enjoy working with enzymes that catalyze interesting chemical reactions. Enzymes come in many different forms, shapes and with unique chemical transformation abilities. The fundamental understanding of the basic nature of enzyme catalyzed reaction can open up many possibilities. At our lab, we take two approaches to study enzymes. One is in the context of an enzyme as a stand-alone entity, which includes understanding the substrate specificity, product specificity, cofactor specificity, kinetics and reaction mechanism. The other approach is to understand enzyme in the context of a metabolic pathway and as a metabolite signal modulator (MSM). Our lab is trying to understand metabolic modulations as signals for microbial communication, host-microbe communication and tumor progression. We are also exploring different ways of achieving metabolic modulation either by inhibiting or activating enzyme catalyzed reactions. Such metabolic modulations can be used as tools for engineering beneficial microbiome and combating different types of tumors. 

At ASU, I teach Modern concepts in Biochemistry (BCH 371 and BCH 372). These courses cover the fundamental aspects of Biochemistry and some recent developments in the field of Biochemistry.

Current Members

Clint Pauling

Undergraduate Researcher & NCUIRE* Fellow

*NCUIRE - New College Undergraduate Inquiry & Research Experiences

I’m an undergraduate currently studying pursuing a double major in Biochemistry as well as Pharmacology. I love looking at how enzymes function and their underlying chemistry, and I wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Enzymology in the future. While I’m often busy with my studies and lab work in my free time, I enjoy working out and fishing. 

Lauryn Langford

Undergraduate Researcher

I am an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Shah's lab and have previously researched in Dr. Sandrin's lab at the West campus. I am a senior at ASU and pre-medical student majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. I took Dr. Shah for biochemistry and loved how enthusiastic she was about her research. I learned I have a passion for working in the lab and hope to continue to do research in the future. 

Madison Lanes

SOLS Microbiology Master's Student

I graduated from ASU in the spring of 2021 with my degree in Biology, along with a certificate in Biomedical Research. I have discovered a passion for research regarding the inner workings of human health, specifically enzymology and immunology. I started my Master's studies as a graduate student in Shah Lab in the fall of 2022. As my time is mainly consumed with schoolwork, when I have free time I enjoy engaging in more creative activities or exercising. Fluid art is one of my favorite artistic hobbies. I also enjoy attending yoga classes, hiking, and sand volleyball.

Pavani Dadi

SOLS Microbiology PhD Student

I am a first-year PhD student in Dr. Shah’s lab. I’ve been working with a few of the human gut microbial enzymes and observing their role in modulating the concentration of small molecules and their effect on host physiology. I enjoy cooking, exploring new places, and painting and drawing in my free time.

Preeti Kakade

Undergraduate Researcher

Preeti Kakade is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in pharmacology and toxicology. Preeti is interested in research, specifically in cancer biology and microbiology. After graduating, she hopes to pursue medicine and attend medical school in the fall of 2024. In her free time, Preeti loves reading, painting, astrophotography, and listening to music.

Rylee Close

SOLS Microbiology PhD Student

Hi, my name is Rylee Close and I am a Microbiology PhD student here at ASU. I obtained my bachelor's degree from Montana State University in Biochemistry with a minor in Statistics. My research focuses on microbial enzymes involved in sulfur metabolism. In my free time, you can find me playing with my cats, or reading a book in the sun.

Past Members

Summer 2022

Hasti Asrari
(Fall 2021 - Summer 2021) 
- undergraduate researcher & NCUIRE* fellow

*NCUIRE - New College Undergraduate Inquiry & Research Experiences

Fall 2021

 

Fall 2020

Jason Jacoby - undergraduate researcher

Spring 2020

Issa Jimenez (Fall 2019 - Spring 2020) - undergraduate researcher

Sahand Vakilzadeh - undergraduate researcher

Fall 2019

Nicole Grigaitis - undergraduate researcher

Demian Herrera - undergraduate researcher

Issa Jimenez - undergraduate researcher

Jennifer Kidd - undergraduate researcher

Susan Caroline Bailey - undergraduate researcher

Amber Toy
(Spring 2021 - Fall 2021) 
- undergraduate researcher & honors thesis student 

Taha Al Ezzi
(Spring 2021 - Fall 2021) - undergraduate researcher 

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