Principal Investigator

​Dr. Vivek Gupta, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
St. John's University
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Post Doctoral Scholar

Dr Naveen Rajana, PhD
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Doctor of Philosophy: National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) - Hyderabad,  India, 2024. 
Master of Pharmacy: Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, India, 2018 
Bachelor Pharmacy: Jawaharlal Nehru Technology University, Kakinada, India 2015
Research Interests:
  • Fabrication and evaluation of Hybrid, lipid, polymeric, and inorganic nanocarriers for the management of cancers
  • Conjugation and Nanotechnology
  • In-vitro cell culture studies
  • Nanocarriers morphological studies using electron microscopy
  • Design of experiments
  • Drugs repurposing
  • In-vivo pharmacokinetic, biodistribution, and toxicological studies
Publications:
  • Rajana N, Chary PS, Bhavana V, Deshmukh R, Dukka K, Sharma A, Mehra NK. Targeted delivery and apoptosis induction of CDK-4/6 inhibitor loaded folic acid decorated lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles in breast cancer cells. International Journal ofPharmaceutics. 2024;651:123787. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123787.
  • Rajana N, Pooja YS, Bhavana V, Chary PS, Dukka K, Deshmukh R, Mehra NK. Design of experiment‐oriented development and validation of novel bioanalytical reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography method of palbociclib in rat plasma and tissues, and its application in pharmacokinetic studies. Biomedical Chromatography. 2024;38(4):e5815. DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5815
  • Rajana N, Chary PS, Pooja YS, Bhavana V, Singh H, Guru SK, Singh SB, Mehra NK. Quality by design approach-basedfabrication and evaluation of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system for improved delivery of venetoclax. Drug Delivery and Translational Research. 2024;14(5):1277-300. DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01462-0.

Visiting Scholar

 Dr. Anas Alhafi, MD PhD
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Doctor of Medicine: American University of Beirut, 2022
Bachelor of Biology: American University of Beirut, 2018
Research interests: 
  • In-vitro primary human and murine cell culture studies 
  • In-vivo tumor models 
  • Experimental design
  • Assays optimization and validation 
  • Efficacy and toxicity studies in primary systems 
  • Novel routes and formulations of cancer immunotherapy 
  • CNS malignancies

Graduate Students

Mural Quadros, MPharm
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Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences: SVKM’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai University, India (2020)
Bachelors in Pharmacy: MET Institute of Pharmacy, Mumbai University, India (2018)
​Research Interests:
  • Nanotechnology
  • Formulation and characterization of lipid, polymeric and inorganic drug delivery systems
  • In-vitro cell culture assays and techniques
  • Drug repurposing​
  • Design of experiments
  • Cancer metastasis
  • In-vivo pharmacokinetic studies
  • High pressure homogenizer
Meghana Mokashi, MS
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Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences: University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, USA (Dec 2021)
Bachelors in Pharmacy: ​ All India Shivaji Memorial Society’s College of Pharmacy, India (May 2018)
Research interests:
  • HME and 3D printing
  • Preformulation and product development
  • Biotechnology Drug Delivery System
  • Development of novel drug delivery system
  • Pulmonary Drug Delivery
Zia Uddin Masum, MPharm
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Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Dhaka (2018)
Bachelors in Pharmacy: ​ Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka (May 2016)
Research interests:
  • Pre-Formulation and Formulation Development
  • Drug Product Development
  • Pulmonary Drug Development.
  • Liposomal Drug Delivery
  • Target Drug Delivery Systems
  • Nano Emulsion
  • In-Vitro Cell Culture Assays and Techniques
Sravani Ravula, MPharm
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Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad, India (2014)
Bachelors in Pharmacy: ​Kakatiya University, India (May 2008)
Research interests:
  • Pre-Formulation and Formulation Development 
  • Drug Product Development 
  • Pulmonary Drug Development. 
  • Liposomal Drug Delivery 
  • Target Drug Delivery Systems 
  • Nano Emulsion 
  • Development of novel drug delivery system 
  • Biotechnology Drug Delivery System 
  • In-Vitro Cell Culture Assays and Techniques ​
Sanjana Durve, MS
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Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences: University of Mississippi, USA (August 2020)
​Bachelors in Pharmacy: ​University of Mumbai, India (May 2017)
Research interests:
  • Formulation Development (Nanotechnology: Nano emulsion, NLC's , Liposomes, Nano-particles ) for Inhalation and Oral routes.
  • Optimization studies (DOE)
  • In- vitro cell culture studies targeting various cancers 
  • Formulation development using HME and 3 D printing
Suman Choudhary, BPharm
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Bachelor of Pharmacy, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India (June 2022)
Research interests:
  • ​​Formulation, development, and characterization of liposomal drug delivery, nano-emulsion, lipid/polymeric nanoparticles.
  • Pulmonary drug delivery.
  • Design of experiments.
  • In vitro cell culture assay and techniques.
  • Drug repurposing.
  • High pressure homogenizer
Reshma Sarkar, MS
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Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences: University of Mississippi, USA (August 2020)
​Bachelors in Pharmacy: ​Galgotias University, India (May 2017)
Research interests:
  • ​​Formulation, development, and characterization of liposomal drug delivery, nano-emulsion, lipid/polymeric nanoparticles.
  • Opthalmic, oral and pulmonary drug delivery
  • Pre-clinical development
  • In vitro cell culture assay and techniques
  • Drug repurposing

Undergraduate Students

Alanna Pettinato
Program: B.S. in Biology, Minor in Chemistry, St. John’s University
Mentored by: Dr. Naveen Rajana
I am an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Through my involvement in the Gupta Lab, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how scientific research contributes to optimizing formulations for enhanced efficacy and patient care. I look forward to developing a well-rounded skill set that combines hands-on laboratory techniques with a deeper understanding of pharmaceutical formulation and delivery systems. Additionally, I am excited to strengthen my abilities in critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific communication, while contributing to a collaborative research environment. ​
Jade Ilali
Program: B.S. in Biomedical Sciences, St. John’s University
Mentored by: Sravani Ravula
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Sciences at St. John’s University. I am thankful to be part of Dr. Gupta’s lab where I am currently working on a project focused on optimizing drug formulations and analyzing their release profiles. I aim to gain practical experience in pharmaceutical research and a deeper understanding of how formulation parameters influence drug performance. This opportunity will allow me to learn from my peers and mentors, while strengthening my technical skills, refining my data analysis, and enhancing my problem-solving abilities.
Molly McGlame 
Program: B.S. in Biology, St John's University 
Mentored by: Dr. Naveen Rajana 
I am an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I intend to learn more about how scientific research helps to optimize formulations for improved efficacy through my participation in Dr. Gupta’s Lab. I’m excited to build a skill set that incorporates practical Labatory methods with a thorough comprehension of drug formulation and delivery methods. I'm eager to contribute to a research environment while honing my skills in data analysis, scientific communication and critical thinking.  ​
Zeina Hagar
Program: School of Pharmacy, Bpharm (PharmD), Newgiza University 
Mentored by: Suman Choudhary 
​I am an undergraduate student, majoring in pharmacy at Newgiza University located in Egypt, with great interest in pharmaceutical research and drug delivery systems targeting cancer. My current research focuses on nanotechnology-based pharmaceutics, especially the development and optimization of liposomal formulations. Throughout my work, I aim to deepen my understanding of how advanced drug delivery technologies can improve therapeutic outcomes, enhance bioavailability, and minimize side effects. I am grateful to be part of Dr. Gupta’s lab and look forward to gain experience and knowledge.
Victor Xu
Program: Pharm.D. , St. John's University
Mentored by: Zia Masum
I am currently a Pharm.D. student at St. John’s University with a strong interest in pharmaceutical research and innovation. Through Gupta Lab, I hope to gain hands-on experience in the research process of designing, developing, and characterizing novel drug formulations. This opportunity will allow me to strengthen my understanding of formulation science and the steps involved in bringing new therapies from existing drugs. In the future, I plan to pursue a law degree and specialize in patent law, where I can combine my pharmaceutical background with legal expertise to protect and advance scientific innovation.

High School Students

Xizhen Wu
School: Bronx Science High School
Mentored by: Suman Choudhary  
​​​My name is Xizhen and I am a rising Junior at Bronx Science High School with an interest in pursuing medicine. I am thankful to be receiving mentorship and the opportunity to experiment with other experts in Dr. Gupta’s lab.
​Jadon Maroto
School: Oceanside High School
​Mentored by: Dr. Naveen Rajana
​I am a sophomore student at Oceanside High School currently enrolled in a college research program. This program provided the opportunity for me to explore my interests and gain an insight in the environment of a college lab. While working in the Gupta lab, I hope to gain a better understanding of drug formulations and develop ways to improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs.
Jonathan Chens
​School: Bronx High School of Science
​Mentored by: Reshma Sarkar
I am a high school senior at ​Bronx High School. My research interests are nanotechnology, drug repurposing, liposomal drug delivery and cancer treatment
Ethan Chan
School: Bronx High School of Science
Mentored by: Sanjana Durve
My name is Ethan Chan, and I am a junior at Bronx High School of Science. I currently work in Dr. Gupta’s lab, where I am researching the use of microemulsions to repurpose a drug for brain cancer treatment. In my free time, I enjoy listening to Katseye, posting pictures of food, gaming, sleeping, and spending time with my friends. My favorite TV show is Monk, and my favorite movie is Drifting Home. I have a twin brother and an older sister who is currently in optometry school. One day, I hope to attend dental school and become a dentist.

Alumni

Dr Rinki Verma, Ph.D.
Visiting Research Scholar: 2024

Mimansa Goyal, Ph.D.
Doctoral Student: 2020-2024

Dnyandev Gadhave, Ph.D.
Post Doctoral Research Scholar: 2022-2024

Mukti Vats, Ph.D.
Post Doctoral Research Scholar: 2023

Gautam Chauhan, Ph.D.
Doctoral Student: 2018-2023
Current Position: Scientist at Cipla

Xuechun (Lucy) Wang, Ph.D.
Doctoral student: 2017-2023
Current Position: Scientist, Bristol Myers Squibb

Carol Yousry, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Scholar
​Current Position: Assistant professor at Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University

Nishant Kulkarni, Ph.D.
Doctoral student: 2018 - 2021
Current Position: Scientist Regeneron, NY, USA

Dr. Nikesh Gupta
​Postdoctoral Research Scholar 
Current Position: Postdoctoral Research Scholar, University of Iowa College of Pharamcy

Snehal K. Shukla, Ph.D.
Doctorate student: 2016 - 2021
Current Position: Senior scientist, Pfizer, Connecticut, USA.
Vineela Parvathaneni, Ph.D.
Doctorate student: 2016 - 2021
Current Position: Technical Advisor, Thermo Fisher Scientific, North Carolina, USA.

​Rasha Elbatanomy, Ph.D.
Visiting Postdoctoral Scholar

Abdul Althaf Shaik, MS
Graduate student: 2016 - 2018
Current Position: Ph.D. Student, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, TX, USA

Md Rakib Uddin, MS
Graduate student: 2016 - 2018
Current Position: Science Tutor, ​Huntington Learning Center, Oradell, NJ, USA

Nishant S. Kulkarni, MS
Graduate Student: 2016 - 2018
​Current Position: Scientist Regeneron, NY, USA

Student Training

Name

Jack VanDeusen​
Julia Salatti
Xizhen
Avery Wang
Kevin Chen
Darien Moses
Lyndsay Mogland
Gauravi Tulysan
Alison Tacderas
Javeria Amir
Daya Biju
Javeria Amir
Prama Roy
Peter D. Tran
Riya Vinoy
Cristina Artis
Josephine Chen
Jack Shao
Ran Hur
Haden Kim
Amanda Chan
Veronica Nguyen
Rofadden Lazare
Shemanta Akanda
Angela Bernasconi
Yasameen Saleem

Years Active

Summer 2024
Summer 2024
Summer 2024
Summer 2024
Summer 2024
2022-2024
2022-2024
2020- 2021
2021
2021-2022
2020
2019-2020
2019-2020
2019
2019
2019
2020
2018-2020
2017-2019
2018-2019
2018-2019
2018
2018

Affiliation

Binghamton University (Biochemistry Major)
Cornell University ( Biological engineering Senior)
Bronx High school (High school Junior) 
Winston Churchill High School (High school Sophomore)
Winston Churchill High School (High school Sophomore)
​St. John’s University (Biomedical Sciences)
​St. John’s University (Biomedical Sciences​)
​St. John’s University (3rd Year, PharmD)
​St. John’s University (2nd Year, Pharmacy.)
​St. John’s University (2nd Year, Biomed. Sci.)
St. John’s University (2nd Year, PharmD)
St. John’s University (2nd Year, PharmD)
St. John's University (2nd year, Biology)
Townsend Harris High School (Senior year)
Townsend Harris High School (Junior year)
St. John’s University (5th Year, PharmD)
St. John’s University (3rd Year, PharmD)
St. John's University (Graduated in May 2020)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Residency)
St. John’s University (3rd Year, Biology)
​St. John’s University (5th Year, PharmD)
​Long Island University
St. John’s University (5th Year, PharmD)