People

Post-Doctoral Researcher 
September 2021 - current

ABOUT 
Sree is a postdoc in the Pacak Lab. Originally from India, she earned a PhD. in Molecular Science and Nanotechnology with a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology from Louisiana Tech University in 2021. 

RESEARCH 
Sree investigates the effects of AAV‑TAFAZZIN in Barth syndrome (BTHS) patient‑derived iPSC cardiomyocytes. This research also includes the development of 3D engineered contractile heart and skeletal muscle models using human patient‑derived iPSC cardiomyocytes and myoblasts to advance gene‑ and drug‑based therapeutic strategies. Another major focus is the development and optimization of methods to reprogram blood‑derived cells into integration‑free iPSCs in companion animals, enabling improved cell models for studying and treating genetic disorders.

Research Technician
March 2025 - current

ABOUT 
Hanyang Luo is a research technician in the Pacak lab. He received his Bachelor's in Molecular Biology from the University of California, San Diego and his Master's in Biotechnology from Carnegie Mellon University. His past experiences span across mRNA vaccines development to epigenetic regulation by gut microbiota. His interests primarily lie in gene therapy development using AAV viral vector delivery platform. His long-term goal is to understand and find a solution to dysferlinopathy.

RESEARCH 
Hanyang's current project focuses on optimization of AAV therapeutic designs targeting XPG deficiency (Xeroderma Pigmentosum - Cockayne Syndrome Complex). He utilizes mice models with XPG gene knockout to evaluate efficacy and toxicity of various AAV delivery formula designs. The primary goal is to identify the proper delivery strategy that boosts mice survival without causing serious side effects.

Undergraduate Student Researcher
November 2023 - current

ABOUT 
Venessa is a sophomore at the University of Minnesota majoring in Microbiology.

MIND Scholar Researcher
September 2025 - current

ABOUT 
Christina is a first year MINDS scholar who graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana in Spring 2025, earning a bachelor of science degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Education. Her interest in neuroscience stemmed from personal experiences with witnessing the effects of Alzheimer's Disease and dementia, which inspires her research ambitions of understanding more about neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and hopefully contributing to the development of targeted disease-modifying therapies. Throughout her time in undergrad, she developed a love of mentorship and outreach through engagement in various extracurricular activities involving teaching young students about science and getting them excited about what a career in science has to offer. She is looking forward to continuing outreach initiatives and inspiring others during her time in the MINDS program.