People
Principal Investigator
Charles J. Dimitroff, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Professor (Tenured), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Charles Dimitroff is a global leader in the study of sugars, known as glycobiology, and is highly motivated to translate glycobiological findings to help cure diseases and improve the overall health of humans. His research focuses on understanding how sugars, or “glycans,” regulate immune and cancer cell functions with the goal of developing new approaches to boost the immune system to fight diseases and to treat cancer progression. As a principal investigator for more than 26 years, his efforts have helped identify the nature and impact of glycans on inflammation and cancer while operating one of the most reputable translational glycobiology programs in the U.S.
The Dimitroff Lab is located on FIU’s main campus.
Staff
Carlos Pavan, Ph.D.
Research Specialist II
Carlos Pavan applies his expertise in mass spectrometry, protein chemistry, and analytical techniques to support drug discovery and glycobiology research. He is a Research Specialist II at the Translational Glycobiology Institute in the lab. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Science and Biochemistry in 2019, focusing on mass spectrometry studies of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
Before joining FIU Medicine, Pavan served as Technical Manager at the National Laboratory for Research and Service in Peptides and Proteins and Mass Spectrometry (LANAIS PROEM). He is skilled in mass spectrometry, HPLC, and protein sequencing by Edman degradation. In addition to his research, Pavan taught pharmacology to undergraduate and graduate students for nearly 20 years, mentoring the next generation of scientists.
Brandon Fernandez
Research Technician
Brandon Fernandez is a senior at Florida International University majoring in biology education. After graduating, he plans to pursue a doctoral program to further his career in research and teaching.
Post-doctoral Associates
Lee Seng Lau
Post-doctoral Associate
Lee Seng Lau currently develops novel glycobiological methods to improve CAR-T cell therapy. She is a FIU Medicine graduate, earning her Ph.D. in Biomedical Science.
Students
M.D. Students
Maria Suarez
Research Assistant
Maria Suarez studies the regulatory role of cell surface glycosylation on anti-tumor CAR-T cells.
Ph.D. Students
Joseph Souchak
Research Assistant
Joseph Souchak’s research focuses on uncovering novel glycobiological mechanisms of melanoma metastasis and developing glycan-probing-surveillance (GPS) strategies for melanoma treatment.
He is a Research Assistant and Ph.D. student. He joined the lab in May 2020, bringing a background in biotechnology and a commitment to translational cancer research.
Rajib Kumar Shil
Research Assistant
Rajib Kumar Shil investigates the role of galectin-9 in multiple myeloma, contributing to translational research aimed at understanding and targeting this cancer. He is a Presidential Fellow and Ph.D. student in Biomedical Science at FIU Medicine.
Shil earned his Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, and brings strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques to his work in the lab.
Undergraduate Students
Aiza Berdalinova
Research Assistant
Aiza Berdalinova studies cell surface glycans on leukemia cells and explores their potential as targets for cancer immunotherapy. Berdalinova plans to pursue combined M.D. and Ph.D. degrees, integrating her interests in medicine and scientific research.
Ismaray Govea
Research Assistant
Ismaray Govea conducts cancer research, building on her experience studying silica nanoparticles (SiNP) for targeted drug delivery. She is a senior at FIU, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Natural and Applied Sciences, with minors in Chemistry and Business.
On the MD-PhD track, Govea is focused on translating research discoveries into medical practice and aims to influence health care policy while directly improving patient outcomes.
Olivia Jose
Research Assistant
Olivia Jose studies a class of human lectins, known as galectins, and their potential therapeutic applications in multiple myeloma.
She is an FIU freshman in the 7-year BS/MD Accelerated Pathway Program, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences through the FIU Honors College and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education. Jose plans to earn her MD at the FIU Medicine by 2031.
Lulu Perez
Research Assistant
Lulu Perez works on a drug discovery project aimed at identifying new and improved inhibitors of galectin-dependent immunosuppression. She is a pre-medical senior at FIU majoring in behavioral neuroscience on the ARCH track with the FIU Honors College. Perez aspires to attend medical school and specialize in neuro-oncological surgery, with the goal of developing treatments for glioblastomas.
Past Members
Beatriz Andarcio
Research Technician
Raquel Battifora
Research Assistant
Angela Bernasconi
Research Technician I
Monalisa Bruno
Research Assistant
Alexis Carmona
Research Assistant
Jordan Carroll
Research Assistant
Asmi Chakraborty, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Associate
Frances Clemente
Research Specialist I
Alexandra Firek
Research Assistant (Medical Student)
Emily Flores
Research Assistant
Basilio Garcia
Research Assistant
Zia Imtiaz, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Associate
Nicole Izhakoff
Research Assistant (Medical Student)
Norhan Mohammed, M.D., Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Associate
Ashley Muñoz
Research Assistant
Liettel Ortega
Research Specialist
Patience Paul
2020 Ph.D. Lab Rotation
Mariana Perez
Research Assistant (Medical Student)
Gabriella Santos
Research Assistant
Caleb Staudinger
Lab Manager
Kelanny Triana
Research Assistant