Shanmughapriya "Priya" Santhanam, PhD

Priya earned her PhD from Bharathidasan University in India, supported by a grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as a pre-doctoral student. Her doctoral research focused on the molecular and genetic mechanisms associated with pelvic cancers, particularly ovarian and cervical carcinoma. During her investigation into cancer metabolism, she cultivated a significant interest in the essential roles of mitochondria. This interest prompted her to advance her career in the laboratory of Dr. Muniswamy at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University after completing her doctoral studies. With funding from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) via a K99/R00 grant, she pursued postdoctoral training aimed at elucidating the physiology of mitochondrial calcium signaling and energy homeostasis across various health and disease states. As a postdoctoral researcher, Priya was the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Young Bioenergeticist Award from the Biophysical Society and the Research Excellence Award from the American Heart Association.

In March 2019, she joined the Heart and Vascular Institute of the Penn State College of Medicine (PSCOM) as a tenure-track Assistant Professor. At Penn State, her laboratory focused on defining the comprehensive role of mitochondrial ion homeostasis-associated signaling pathways to elucidate the pathophysiological phenotypes associated with a diverse array of diseases. As an independent junior faculty member, she garnered multiple accolades, including the Mitochondrial Research Affinity Group (MitoRag) Competition Award, the Department of Medicine Innovation Pilot Award, and the Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP) Project Support Award. Her research at Penn State was further supported by the NIH R00 grant, the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust, the Penn State College of Medicine Bridge grant, and the American Heart Association Career Development Award.

In January 2025, she began her role as an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan-Virtua SOM), where she also holds a secondary appointment in the Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences (Rowan-Virtua TBES). At Rowan-Virtua SOM, her laboratory has secured funding from an R01 grant from the NHLBI to investigate how the oxidation of the mitochondrial magnesium channel Mrs2 influences MCU-mediated mitochondrial calcium uptake, ultimately leading to cardiac dysfunction. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her son Paggie, as well as engaging in music and culinary arts.

Marianne Assogba

Marianne is a PhD student in the Molecular and Cell Biology program. Originally from Benin in West Africa, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Outside the lab, she enjoys going to the gym, taking long walks on nice days, and spending time with friends and family. 

Jeremy Mehta

Jeremy is an osteopathic medical student at Rowan-Virtua SOM. Originally from southern New Jersey, Jeremy completed both schooling and undergraduate studies in the area. He graduated from Stockton University, where he worked in an organometallic chemistry lab for two-and-a-half years during his undergraduate education. Across many fields of medicine, cardiology piqued his interest during his first year of medical school. He is particularly intrigued by how molecular changes contribute to the pathophysiology of cardiac cells and certain pathologies. Outside of medicine, he is passionate about lifting weights, cars, basketball, and video games.

Haris Waseem

Haris is a rising second-year medical student pursuing a career in cardiology. Originally from Staten Island and now residing in Northern New Jersey, he earned his BS in Biology from NJIT. His research interests focus on cardiovascular disease and molecular mechanisms, and he is particularly interested in developing proficiency in wet lab techniques and cell culture. Beyond his academic and research pursuits, Haris enjoys baking, anime, and the music of Kendrick Lamar.