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"None of us is as smart as all of us." -Ken Blanchard
The Team
Ripla Arora
Associate Professor
My interests lie in understanding cellular and developmental mechanisms that underlie tissue morphogenesis and organ formation. My training is in biochemistry and developmental genetics. In order to better understand maternal-fetal interactions I developed a technique for imaging and analyzing organization of the uterine structure in 3D. Using this methodology we have observed dynamic changes in the structure of the mouse uterine lumen and glandular architecture as the window of receptivity approaches. In my laboratory we combine the strengths of classic developmental biology methods, mouse genetics, organ culture, 3D imaging, computational image analysis and gene expression analysis, to establish how hormones influence the uterine luminal and glandular epithelium to modulate receptivity and implantation. Other than science I am passionate about dancing and yoga.
Katrina Granger
Research Technologist
I am a graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology and a B.F.A. in Dance. Scientific research has always been fascinating to me because of how much knowledge and information can be gleaned by delving rigorously into the most fundamental mechanisms of life. I believe that finding answers to biological questions is an art, as it involves using basic principles to make a new discovery or develop a creative solution. Additionally, the intersection of medicine and engineering provides unique methods for combating the medical concerns of the future. In the Arora lab, my research focuses on how uterine gland structure and function affects the embryo at various stages of implantation. Through my research and further studies, I aim to contribute to scientific insights that will improve lives. Outside the lab, I enjoy dancing, creating art, and spending time with family and friends.
Noura Massri
Graduate Student (Cell and Molecular Biology, BMS)
I completed my undergraduate degree at Michigan State University with a major in Food Science and a minor in Pharmacology and Toxicology. Currently, I am a graduate student in the Cell and Molecular Biology Program as part of the BioMolecular Sciences graduate program. My undergraduate and work experiences have inspired me to pursue an advanced degree to study the adverse effects of chemicals on biological processes. I am interested in identifying the molecular mechanisms by which chemicals drive the pathophysiology of major chronic diseases, with the aim to develop therapeutic strategies to protect and improve public health. In the Arora lab, I study the mechanism of uterine vascular remodeling during embryo development and the impact of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on vessel development. Outside of lab, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
Kaylie Chiles
DO-Phd student
I am a third-year DO-PhD student at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I graduated from Michigan State University with Bachelor’s degrees in Physiology and Genomics & Molecular Genetics and a minor in Spanish, then earned my Master’s degree in Microbiology from MSU. I am interested in female reproductive physiology and plan to specialize in Obstetrics & Gynecology. As a physician, I hope to conduct clinical research to investigate complicated or high-risk pregnancies, with a particular focus on maternal causes of infertility. In the Arora lab, I am evaluating the role of progesterone in shaping the three-dimensional structure of the uterus during implantation. Outside of the lab, I enjoy dancing ballet, mountain biking, and playing with my two cats.
Madeline Dawson
Research Technician
I completed my undergraduate degree from the Lyman Briggs College majoring in Genomics and Molecular Genetics with a minor in Bioethics. I have been fascinated and passionate about the genetics’ field since learning about it in high school and I find research to be a great way to further understand my field of interest and its current applications. In the Arora Lab, I am currently studying the nature of uterine horn contractions and how they change during different stages of pregnancy. In the future, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Genetic Counseling. In my free time I enjoy staying active with activities such as running, swimming, and Zumba.
Lisa Zou
Graduate Student (Biomedical Engineering)
I am currently a first year PhD student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering. I completed my undergraduate degree at Michigan State University with a major in Biosystems Engeering with a Biomedical concentration and a minor in Computer Science. My undergraduate coursework and research have inspired me to pursue an advanced degree in Biomedical Engineering. I am interested in the advancement of the application engineering principles and designs in medicine to develop methods to improve healthcare. In the Arora lab, I am interested in understanding uterine epithelial-stromal cell organization and cross-talk. I am developing methods for modeling the uterine environment within 3D scaffolding micro-environments. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing with my cat and reading.
Aishwarya Bhurke
Graduate Student (Genetics and Genome Sciences, BMS)
I am a PhD student in the Genetics and Genome Sciences Program. I completed my B.Sc. in Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule Pune University, India, and M.Sc. in Biomedical Genetics with specialization in Genetic Counseling from Vellore Institute of Technology, India. Before coming to MSU, I worked as a research assistant in the Clinical Research Laboratory at ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, India, where I studied the pregnancy outcomes in endometriosis patients and its correlation with autoimmune markers. As I progressed in women’s health research, I realized how medical practice can largely benefit from understanding of the underlying basic biology. This inspired me to pursue an advanced degree to study the biological interactions between the embryo and uterus during pregnancy. In Arora lab, I am interested in studying the structural and functional role of uterine glands in embryo survival, development, and implantation. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, making illustration art and watching Netflix.
Harini Raghukumar
Graduate Student (Genetics and Genome Sciences, BMS)
I am a Ph.D. student enrolled in the Genetics and Genome Sciences Program. My educational background includes B.Tech in Biotechnology from St. Joseph's College of Engineering in India and M.Sc in Human Genetics from Sri Ramachandra Medical College, India. Before joining MSU, I worked as a Genome Analyst at MedGenome Labs, India, where I gained expertise in analyzing Next Generation Sequencing data from patient samples. In my role at MedGenome Labs, I utilized disease databases and computer prediction tools to identify Single Nucleotide Variations (SNVs) and Copy Number Variations (CNVs) in the genome. My work primarily focused on patient samples related to fetal medicine, neonatology, and reproductive biology. This experience allowed me to collaborate with geneticists and deepen my understanding of genetics in a clinical context. Currently, I am a member of the Arora Lab, where my research focuses on understanding how gene expression changes in the uterine luminal epithelium, smooth muscle and stroma modulate uterine 3D structure in normal and hyper-stimulated pregnancies. Apart from my academic pursuits, I enjoy traveling, going to gym, listening to music, and spending quality time with my family and friends.
May Shen
Research Technician
I graduated from Lyman Briggs College with a Bachelor's degree in Genomics and Molecular Genetics. I am interested in research because it allows us to answer questions through testable hands-on experiments. I am intrigued by how changes in parts of an organism's DNA can alter the development of the organism as a whole, and how in research we use this information to better understand the human body. My goal is to enter medical school and become a physician. In my free time, I enjoy reading, drawing, and taking walks with my family.
Laasya Koduri
Undergraduate student
I am currently a junior in Lyman Briggs College pursuing a major in Human Biology as well as Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Bioethics. I aspire to go to medical school after my undergraduate studies and become a physician. I am fascinated by women’s health and research because research has the astounding ability to answer the unanswered. This is one of the many reasons I enjoy research, as it is an outlook into understanding intricate ideologies and solving complexities unknown in the human body. I am interested to look into how uterine gland structure and function affects the survival and development of the embryo. On campus, I am involved in MSU Pre-Street Medicine, Perfect Pair, and Haven House. I also love dedicating my time to volunteering, and I am a volunteer for the Sparrow Hospital and the Mother Teresa House. In my free time, I love to play golf, watch Netflix, and bake.
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Olivia Slewa
Undergraduate student
I am a senior in Lyman Briggs College majoring in physiology and minoring in Arabic. I am also a part of OMSP and the Honors college. After my undergraduate studies, I hope to go to medical school as I aspire to be an OB-GYN as I am extremely passionate about women’s health and advocating for women in medicine and am also interested in working in research related to women’s health and reproductive illnesses and diseases as well. At MSU, I am a volunteer with SACI as a Crisis Advocate and am also a board member for Iraqi American Union and American Medical Student Association. I love fashion, art, and reading!
Jarrett Lloyd
Undergraduate student
I am a senior at the University of Maryland Baltimore County majoring in biological sciences on the pre-med track. I am also a Meyerhoff scholar at UMBC. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue higher education to be able to get into medical school to become a physician scientist. I am extremely invested in cell biology. To this end I am using image segmentation to quantify cell-specific gene expression in the Arora Lab. At UMBC I am also member of the Starz-Gaiano lab, which does research on cell motility and uses Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. In my free time I enjoy working out, cooking, hanging out with friends, and watching movies and shows.
Shivani Anandhasenthil
Undergraduate student
I am a junior in Lyman Briggs College and majoring in Human Biology and minoring in Health Promotion. After my undergraduate studies I will pursue a career as a physician. I am eager to learn about women’s health research and to explore opportunities to help improve their health and safety in all aspects of their lives. On campus, I am a part of Pre-SOMA, UBI, and volunteer at Sparrow Hospital. I am also a part of the OMSP program and the Honors College. My hobbies include dancing and exploring new places!
Chloe Sayre
Undergraduate student
I am a sophomore in Lyman Briggs majoring in Human Biology and minoring in Bioethics on the pre-med track. I plan to pursue a career as an OBGYN with the goal of helping women in the realm of reproductive health and raising awareness to the inequalities women face in the healthcare system. I am interested in women’s reproductive health due to the lack of attention that is brought to the specialty, leaving many of the processes waiting to be discovered. At MSU, I am apart of Pre-Street Medicine and Women in Stem, and enjoy volunteering at the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing in my free time. When I’m not busy with school work, I love to watch movies, spend time with my friends, and read!
Abid Khan
High School student
I am currently a senior at Salem High School, and I am planning on majoring in Human Biology during my undergraduate studies. I am also the co-founder of Plymouth–Canton Welfare Project, a nonprofit aimed at providing support to the less fortunate in Plymouth and Canton. After my undergraduate studies I plan on pursuing medicine and becoming a doctor. Throughout my high school experience, I found personal value in serving others making it my dream to become a doctor. In addition to having a passion for biology, through my experiences in Arora Lab I have come to value and respect the science behind female reproduction. In the Arora lab, I mainly work with Imaris in order to locate embryos in a uterine horn. In my free time I enjoy reading, playing basketball, and volunteering.
Rohit Mahesh
High School student
I am a sophomore at Salem High School. My research interests lie at the intersection of machine learning and computational biology, particularly in the field of genomic medicine. I really enjoy being part of Dr. Arora’s lab as it provides an amazing opportunity to learn about the role of uterine horn contractions in embryo movement. It also gives me a chance to experience how professional research truly operates. In my free time, I enjoy watching star wars movies and playing the violin
Lab Alumni
Lindsey Royer
Current position: Research Assistant, Nechiporuk Lab, Oregon Health State University
Anna Coronel
Current position: Prenatal Genetic Counselor
Jayani Balaji
Current position: Veterinary Student, Michigan State University
Diana Flores
Current position: Research Assistant, University of Michigan
Savannah Wright
Current position: Graduate Student, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Sameed Khan
Current position: Medical Student, Case Western Reserve University
Manoj Madhavan
Current position: Research Scientist, Fount Bio, Cambridge, MA
Annual Society for Developmental Biology Meeting - Chicago
July 2023
Girl Math and Science Day May 2023
Grandparents University - June 2023
Tenure celebration
July 2023
Arora Lab first student Manoj Madhavan graduation - (May 2023)
Thesis Defense - (April 2023)
Holiday Party (December 2022)
Pictionary (October 2022)
We love Sushi!!! (December 2022)
RDSP Annual Day 2022
Poured Paint Workshop April 2022
Lab Meeting 2021
Lab photo 2021
Quarantine Diaries 2020
Chilli Chicken
Graduating Seniors 2020
Game night 2020
Kebabs
Never miss lab meeting!! June 2019
Girl Math and Science Day, March 2019
MSU SciComm, April 2019
Lab Photo 2019
Paint Night July 2018
Christmas Party Game Night 2018
April 2018
Learning Baboon Endometrial Anatomy with Prof. Asgi Fasleabas
Christmas lunch 2017
IQ holiday party 2017
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