The Principal Investigator
Brian M. Zeglis, Ph.D.
Brian received his B.S. in Chemistry summa cum laude from Yale University in 2004 (Thesis Advisor: Robert H. Crabtree) and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 2009 (Thesis Advisor: Jacqueline K. Barton). After spending 5 years as a post-doctoral fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Advisor: Jason S. Lewis), he started his own lab at Hunter College in January 2015, became a tenured associate professor in September 2019, and was promoted to full professor in August 2022.
When he’s not writing grants and papers or teaching, Brian likes spending time with his wife (Emily), sons (Elliott, Calvin, & Wesley), and dog (Wembley) at their cabin in the Catskills.
The Graduate Students
Gina Dehlavi
Gina earned her BS in Biotechnology in 2021 and is currently pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Since Fall 2023, she has been conducting research in the Zeglis Lab.
Outside the lab, Gina enjoys dancing, cooking, and hanging out with friends.
Kiarra Furey
Kiarra graduated from SUNY University at Buffalo in 2024 with a MS in Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology from the Graduate Center at the City University of New York. She has been conducting research in the Zeglis Lab since Spring of 2025.
When not in lab, Kiarra likes to read, sing, cook, and continue her quest to find the best coffee shop in the city.
Camilla Grimaldi
Camilla graduated from Hofstra University in 2022 with a BS in Biochemistry and a minor in Mathematics. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Biochemistry from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. She has been conducting research in the Zeglis Lab since Spring 2023.
When not in the lab, Camilla likes to play tennis, root for the Mets, and spend time with her family, friends, and dog.
Mayuresh Mane
Mayuresh M. Mane holds a clinical medicine degree from India. Before joining the PhD Program in Biology at the City University of New York, he has had extensive research experience while working at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He has been an integral part of the research team at the Zeglis Lab since Fall 2023.
Beyond his scientific endeavors, Mayuresh also explores his creative side through sketching, writing, reading, and exploring the diverse culture that New York City has on offer.
Cassidy Mays
Cassidy graduated from University of Wisconsin in 2022 with a BS in Biochemistry. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Biology from the Graduate Center at the City University of New York. She has been conducting research in the Zeglis lab since the Spring of 2026.
When not in lab, Cassidy likes to play with her cats and watch any kind of reality tv.
Shane McGlone
Shane graduated from Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College in 2026 with a BA in Biochemistry. He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Chemistry from the Graduate Centre at the City University of New York. He has been conducting research in the Zeglis Lab since Spring 2023.
When not in lab, Shane likes to play guitar, try new recipes, and walk his dog with his partner.
Zach Samuels
Zach graduated from Stony Brook University in 2017 with a B.S. in chemistry. After working as a research technician at Memorial Sloan Kettering, he is now pursuing his doctoral degree in chemistry at the CUNY Graduate Center. Zach has been conducting research in the Zeglis Lab since the Spring of 2023.
When not in lab, Zach likes to read, try new food, and hang out with friends.
Evan Stoddard
Evan graduated from Appalachian State University in 2023 with a BS in Biology. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Biology from the Graduate Center at the City University of New York. He has been conducting research in the Zeglis Lab since Fall 2024.
When not in lab, Evan likes to read, sew, and hang out in his neighborhood park.
Julie Taradachuk
Julianna graduated from Stony Brook University in 2024 with a BS in Chemistry. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Chemistry at the Graduate Center at the City University of New York. She has been conducting research in the Zeglis Lab since Spring 2026.
When not in lab, Julianna enjoys playing video games, trying new restaurants, and exploring New York City.
The Undergraduate Students
Millie Nathanson
Emilia Strugala
Emilia is a freshman part of the Macaulay Honors Program at Hunter College majoring in Biochemistry.
When not in the lab, Emilia enjoys embroidering, playing video games, and listening to music.