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Meet The Team
Sonali Chaturvedi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Virology
sonalic@ucr.edu
In January 2024, Dr. Chaturvedi inaugurated her laboratory at the University of California, Riverside, following her tenure as a Research Investigator at the Gladstone Institute of Virology, The J. David Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco, since June 2021, where she designed escape-resistant therapies (Chaturvedi* et al. Cell 2021; Chaturvedi* et al. Cell 2022, Chaturvedi et al. PNAS 2022 *= co-corresponding author) and identified the latency switch in Cytomegalovirus (Chaturvedi et al. PNAS 2020), a leading cause of congenital defect and transplant failure. Her academic journey is distinguished by postdoctoral research at the J. David Gladstone Institutes and a Ph.D. in Virology from the University of California, Riverside, where she explored the molecular mechanisms of RNA virus packaging, defective interfering RNAs, and their interactions with corresponding RNA viruses and hosts. Dr. Sonali's got her formative training of M.S. and B.S. in Microbiology at Sardar Patel University, India. Her foray into virology was inspired by a personal childhood incident involving her brother's battle with Hepatitis C virus. Outside the laboratory, Dr. Chaturvedi finds solace and inspiration in traveling, hiking with her golden retriever dog, engaging in artistic endeavors, and playing cello.
Yash Chaudhary, Ph.D.
CIRM Postdoctoral Fellow
Yash is a CIRM Transcend postdoctoral fellow in the Chaturvedi Lab. Yash graduated from the University of Delhi, South Campus, India, with a BS and MS in Microbiology. The intricate relationships between viruses and host cells have always captivated him. Driven by this deep interest, he pursued a doctorate in microbiology with a focus on virology. There, he studied how host and viral proteins interact to interfere with immune-regulatory and cellular processes. Prior to joining UC Riverside, he was a Research Associate-I at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in New Delhi, India, where he used classical virological and molecular biology techniques to study the interactions between the virus and its host. Yash is focused on advancing our understanding of virus-host interactions and using stem cell models to study viral pathophysiology. He is dedicated to building scientific collaborations, expanding his expertise, and progressing toward a career as an independent investigator in infection biology, virology, and regenerative medicine. Outside of science, he enjoys creative art as a form of self-care and is passionate about food and travel.
Monoswi Chakraborty
Graduate Student, Genetics Genomics and Bioinformatics Program
Monoswi is in the Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics (GGB) program at UC Riverside. Prior to starting his PhD, he obtained an MS (dual specialization) from the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, India. For his master's thesis, Monoswi leveraged high-throughput bioinformatics and genetic engineering methods to discover compact, high-fidelity CRISPR/Cas13 proteins and adapted them for RNA editing in malaria parasite, Plasmodium. During his undergraduate studies, he won the prestigious Indian Academy of Sciences INSA fellowship to work at the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, and that is where his rendezvous with synthetic biology first began. Later, he was also a visiting researcher at the Epigenetics Lab in National Center for Biological Sciences where he studied plant viruses & immunity. With a deep passion for multidisciplinary research—spanning Machine Learning (ML), CRISPR/Cas, multi-omics, computational, and mathematical modeling—his research in the Chaturvedi Lab focuses on understanding the design principles of viruses through systems and synthetic biology approaches. Looking ahead, Monoswi aspires to be an independent investigator. Beyond research, he is trained in Indian classical/contemporary music and avidly enthusiastic about art, literature, and world travel.
Esmeralda Rivera
Rotation Student, Microbiology Program
Esmeralda is in her first year in the Microbiology graduate program, and is pursuing a thesis-based Master's degree. Esmeralda recently received her Bachelor's degree in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Riverside. During her time at UCR as a MARC scholar, Esmeralda spent a summer conducting research in Dr. Oliver Fregoso's virology lab at UCLA. Here, she assisted in the characterization of HTLV Tax-induced DNA damage, and her experience was monumental towards shaping her research interests. Now, Esmeralda is passionate about studying and unraveling the mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions as well as scientific communication.
Outside of the lab, Esmeralda loves to spend time with her friends and family, hitting up the gym, trying a new coffee shop, or spending time with her two cats.
Lars Luscher
Rotation Student, CMDB
Lars Luscher is a first-year student in the CMDB graduate program rotating in Dr. Sonali Chaturvedi’s lab. Lars recently graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a Bachelor's degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Hailing from the small mountain town of Nederland, CO, he has always been fascinated by the natural world. After participating in Dr. Soyeon Park’s lab at CU where he assisted in exploring the biogenesis of the proteasome, he decided to pursue graduate studies at the University of California, Riverside. Inspired in part by his personal experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lars became determined to join the field of virology.
He is passionate about academic research and seeks to combine his love of molecular, cellular, and systems biology.Outside of the lab, Lars can usually be found spending time outdoors practicing one of his many hobbies like skiing, fly fishing, or hiking. His favorite laboratory technique is western blotting, and his favorite amino acid is arginine.
Ngoc Bao Nguyen
Research Associate
Ngoc Bao is a Biology student at UCR. She immigrated to the U.S. when she was three years old and was raised by her mother and a nurturing community. Surrounded by strong female role models, including her family doctor, Ngoc Bao discovered her passion for medicine. Inspired by the kindness and dedication of healthcare professionals, she eagerly began volunteering at local clinics and hospitals, fueling her aspiration to become a primary physician and make a meaningful contribution to her community. Firmly believing in the power of knowledge to combat diseases, Ngoc Bao is deeply committed to research as a means of understanding various illnesses. She envisions herself not only gaining a deeper understanding of the subject but also sharing this knowledge to help others. In her free time, Ngoc Bao loves to explore Southern California, go to music festivals and concerts, and spend her days at the beach with her friends and family. After a long day, she looks forward to cuddling up in bed with a good book and her cat, David Bowtie.
Simon Andal
Research Associate
Simon is a third-year undergraduate majoring in biochemistry at UCR. He plans to apply to medical school to pursue a career in pediatrics and/or in infectious diseases. He joined the lab because he is motivated by the impacts that COVID-19 and other viruses has had on his community with a large population of immunocompromised individuals. In Chaturvedi Lab, Simon is understanding how viruses maximize fitness in unpredictable environment.
Besides his aspirations in medicine, he is an advocate for education, as he enjoys teaching, working as an organic and general chemistry Supplemental Instructor for UCR’s Academic Resource Center. He also serves as a Science Ambassador in UCR College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, hoping to inspire young, low-income kids to pursue an education in science. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and chess.
Ruthie Shenoy
Research Associate
Ruthie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from UCR. Growing up in a family where science was often the topics of discussion at the dinner table, her fascination with science began early on. Her father, a Microbiologist and her mother, a Biochemist, by training, encouraged her to pursue a career in the sciences. As the eldest sibling to younger brothers, Ruthie naturally took on a nurturing role, fueling her dream of pursuing a career in the medical sciences. Ruthie has always been committed to participating in community service. Past volunteer experiences have allowed Ruthie to explore various aspects of giving back to our communities through visits to hospitals, clinics, senior homes, and collaboration with medical professionals.
Ruthie's desire to work in Dr. Chaturvedi's lab stems from its dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that is committed to advancing knowledge in virology. This aligns perfectly with Ruthie's goals of contributing to meaningful scientific research while working in an empowering setting. Outside of work, Ruthie enjoys relaxing at the beach, traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with family, friends, and her cat Drako.
Hana Shaik
Research Associate
Hana Shaik earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Applied Statistics from UCR. Her passion for research began in elementary school when she built a saltwater circuit to generate electricity, igniting a lifelong commitment to purposeful research. In high school, she joined a team at UCI School of Medicine to study electroacupuncture's effects on hypertension, and in college, she collaborated with the South Asian American Health Initiative (SAAHI) to address public health challenges, focusing on cerebral palsy within South Asian communities.
Now working in Chaturvedi lab, Hana employs machine learning, computational methods, and mathematical modeling to understand design principles of viruses. Her interest in systems biology, which integrates biology and quantitative modeling, drives her to uncover deeper insights into viral behavior and bridge the gap between fundamental science and solutions that benefit communities.
Outside her professional pursuits, Hana enjoys running scenic beach trails, hiking, exploring tide pools, and spending time with her family, friends, and her cat, Zuko.
Areg Mehrabian
Research Associate
Areg Mehrabian is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Riverside, majoring in Biology. He plans to apply to medical school and is particularly passionate about human health and medicine. In Chaturvedi lab, Areg explores the fascinating world of virology, studying the effects of viruses on organisms and investigating innovative strategies to defend against them. His work contributes to advancing scientific understanding of design principled of viruses and use them as in the field. Outside the lab, Areg enjoys spending time with friends, playing soccer, and watching movies.
Dr. Caramel
Chief Paw-sitivity Officer & Lead Lab Retriever
Dr. Caramel or "Caramel" as he’s waggingly known, is the top dog when it comes to keeping spirits high at the Chaturvedi Lab. As a pup of great paws-pertise, he’s dedicated to ensuring the team stays paws-itively motivated, reducing stress with his fur-tunate presence and tail-wagging enthusiasm. Caramel earned his BS (Barking Science) at Fetchington University, where he excelled in courses like Advanced Tail Wagging and Canine Communication. He then pursued his MS (Master of Snuggles) at Pawsford Institute, focusing on stress reduction and team morale through strategic napping and cuddles. Finally, Dr. Caramel achieved his prestigious PhD (Doctorate in Pure Happiness Delivery) from the University of Woofbridge, where his groundbreaking thesis, "The Role of Play in Human Emotional Support," earned top honors. His academic background, combined with real-world experience in the lab, makes him the top dog in fostering a paws-itive work environment.With a nose for good vibes and a talent for fur-st rate cuddles. Whether he's barking up a storm of encouragement or offering a much-needed belly rub break, he has a paw-some ability to fetch smiles during even the ruffest research days.When he’s not busy paw-trolling the lab, Caramel enjoys long walks, chasing tennis balls, and conducting extensive belly rub research. His contributions may not be data-driven, but his impact on the team’s well-being is paws-itively immeasurable.
Lab Alumni
Isabela Mocino
CIRM STRIDE Fellow
Jonathan Methippara
CIRM STRIDE Fellow
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