LAB MEMBERS — Samaranch Lab

Lluis Samaranch, PhD

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR: Lluis earned a dual undergraduate degree in Biomedical Research and Biochemistry and completed his Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Navarra. Following postdoctoral training in Parkinson’s genetics at the Center for Applied Medical Research (Spain) and postdoctoral training in CNS Gene Therapy at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), he established his independent research program at the Ohio State Gene Therapy Institute, focused on developing innovative gene therapies and delivery technologies for neurological disorders. Outside the laboratory, he enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Ahmad Karkhah, M.D.

POSTDOC: Ahmad earned his M.D. from Babol University of Medical Sciences in Babol, Iran. His research focuses on neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative mechanisms, with particular interest in serotonin signaling, mitochondrial function, microglial biology, and gene therapy. He is passionate about pursuing a career as a physician-scientist. Outside the lab, he enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, as well as swimming, reading, and camping.

Shirely Acosta-Martinez, M.S.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT: Shirely earned her BS in Biomedical Science from the University of Puerto Rico, Ponce campus, and an MS in Translational Pharmacology, specializing in Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology, from The Ohio State University (College of Pharmacy). She is a Research Associate and colony manager, providing support for all projects in the lab, with a focus on animal welfare, colony maintenance, and expansion. Outside the lab, she enjoys time with her 3 children and her husband. Her hobbies include handcrafts, painting, and attending car shows with her husband.

Abigail (Abby) Nimmo, B.S.

Ph.D. STUDENT: Abby is a graduate student in the Biomedical Science Graduate Program (BSGP). She earned her B.S. in Biochemistry from High Point University, North Carolina. In the lab, she contributes to multiple projects and actively mentors undergraduate students. Her thesis focuses on harnessing the olfactory bulb connectome to develop a trophic factor therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. After graduation, she aims to pursue a career in academia, with a strong commitment to mentorship and training. Outside the lab, she enjoys crocheting and spends time with her ferret, Raz.

Colin Maguire, B.S.

Ph.D. STUDENT: Colin is a graduate student in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BSGP), co-mentored by Dr. Albert Isaacs, M.D., Ph.D. Colin obtained his bachelor's degree from Ohio Northern University in 2021 and worked at Nationwide Children's Hospital before returning to school. His doctoral project aims to study the gene therapy effects on the epigenetic landscape of Alzheimer's Disease. After graduation, he hopes to remain in academia and start his own lab to continue studying neurological diseases and gene therapy. Outside the lab, he enjoys hiking, swimming, and caring for his 2 cats.

Vikas Munjal, M.D., M.P.H

RESIDENT (PGY-2, GENERAL SURGERY): Vikas earned his B.S. in Public Health from The Ohio State University, where he also completed his M.D. and M.P.H. His research focuses on the preclinical development of gene therapies for neurological disorders, with a particular interest in new surgical delivery approaches. In addition, he contributes to ongoing clinical trials for Parkinson's disease, AADC deficiency, and Alzheimer's disease. He is dedicated to pursuing a career as a surgeon-scientist. Outside the lab, Vikas enjoys running, mountaineering, working on his Jeep, playing guitar, and spending time with his dog.

Akheil Patel

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT: Akheil is an undergraduate at The Ohio State University majoring in Neuroscience, with a minor in Financial Planning. His primary research focus is prenatal gene therapy, and he contributes to multiple other projects in the lab through his expertise in histological techniques and fluorescence microscopy. After graduation, he plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician. Outside the lab, Akheil enjoys working out, playing basketball with friends, and watching new shows with his roommates.

Sanjyot Admane

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT: Sanjyot is an upcoming senior at The Ohio State University majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Neuroscience. She is a research student in the lab, where she supports ongoing MAOA projects and develops her scientific research skills. She is interested in pursuing a future career in medicine and hopes to continue combining research with patient care. Outside of the lab, she enjoys going on walks, baking, and playing the piano.

Ishpreet Devgan

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT: Ishpreet is a student at The Ohio State University majoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics on the pre-medical track. She works as a student research assistant in the lab, where she primarily contributes to the MAOA projects. Following graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician and policymaker. Outside the lab, Ishpreet follows Formula 1 racing and enjoys exploring new restaurants.

Grace Dixon

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT: Grace is from Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a student at The Ohio State University majoring in Health Sciences with a Biology minor. She is a student research assistant in the lab, where she works on Alzheimer's projects and assists in surgical procedures and animal welfare. Outside the lab, Grace is a member of Ohio State University's varsity field hockey program. Her hobbies include reading and spending time with her teammates.

Joseph (Joey) Wagner

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT: Joey is a 4th-year zoology major on the pre-vet track at the Ohio State University. In the lab, he assists in colony management and all related to animal welfare, including surgeries and post-operative animal care. After graduation, he plans to attend veterinary school and eventually become a small-animal veterinarian. Outside the lab, he enjoys working out, golfing, watching movies, and spending time with friends.

Jiya Rai

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT: Jiya is a sophomore at The Ohio State University studying Biomedical Science with a minor in Studio Art. In the lab, she works as a research student focused on ongoing projects in virus biodistribution and AAV capsid characterization. As an aspiring physician, Jiya hopes to continue expanding her research experience and laboratory skills while eventually connecting scientific research to patient care. Outside of the lab, she enjoys painting, drawing, baking, and going on walks with family and friends.