Meet ouR lab members

principal investigator

Dr. immo a. hansen

Ph.D.: University of Wuerzburg

Post-doctoral work: University of California, Riverside, University of Konstanz

The overarching focus of my lab is on finding new ways to control vector-borne diseases. We study the molecular physiology of disease vectors to find novel ways to control them.

immoh@nmsu.edu

(575) 646-7719

laboratory manager

laboratory manager

TBD

TBD

graduate students

  • ANJALI KARKI

    anjali13@nmsu.edu

    I am a PhD student working on Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes. My research interests are in molecular biology, human health, and diseases. My research work entails formulating a blood-free diet to rear Anopheles mosquitoes, a vector of malaria, and studying sensory and molecular cues regulating oviposition-site selection in Aedes mosquitoes. I am interested in using molecular biology and mosquito behavior studies to develop novel strategies to control the spread of these deadly insects.

  • TATHAGATA DEBNATH

    tathadbn@nmsu.edu

    I am a Ph.D. student in the Computer Science Department at NMSU, specializing in Computational Biology. My research focuses on developing innovative statistical techniques for analyzing various types of biological data. Currently, I am working on a statistical method to identify alternative splicing in gene expression data. Additionally, I am interested in analyzing different omics data, including transcriptomics, proteomics/phospho-proteomics, metabolomics, and single-cell data, to uncover intriguing biological signals. Outside of my research, I enjoy hiking, camping, and traveling.

  • GABRIEL BORG

    borgabe@nmsu.edu

    I am a graduating student pursuing my master's in biology here at NMSU. My current project involves optimizing the sterile insect technique by finding ways to increase the competitiveness of irradiated mosquitoes thus improving our ability to control the population of these disease-carrying vectors. I am interested in acquiring various molecular lab techniques and have a strong passion for learning.

  • Izabelle Burch

    I am a Masters student working with Aedes mosquitoes. My background is in genetics and nutrition research. I am studying the Insulin Receptor Substrate in Aedes and different diets of mosquitoes.

uNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHERS

  • Samantha Stearns

    My name is Sami and I am pursuing a biology degree here at NMSU. I am an undergraduate research assistant in the Hansen MVP lab and my future goal is to become a neuroscientist specializing in neurodegenerative disease. In my free time, I love to draw and paint!

  • Kayden Robey

    I am pursuing dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Microbiology, with minors in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Pre-Health. In the lab, I work on molecular and microbiological techniques to support ongoing projects, including experimental setup, data collection, and analysis under Dr. Hansen and our Lab Manager, Hailey. My future goal is to attend a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) program and work in clinical anesthesiology. Outside of academics, I enjoy running with my family and hiking with my friends.

  • Alyssa Parra

    I’m Alyssa! I’m a Las Cruces High School student working on “different diets” project where we study how diets affect mosquito reproduction. I like to play soccer and piano. In my future I wish to pursue a career in biology and continue researching!

Laboratory Technicians

  • LEAH Herrera

    hleah@nmsu.edu

    Hello! My name is Leah Herrera and I’m a geology major! My role here at lab is a lab technician. I’m in charge of our mosquito culture and making sure the graduate students have everything they need for their research. My future goals for myself is to be a geo-technician and to work in the oil industry. A fun fact about myself is that I collect all kinds of rocks  and have over 20 rare minerals! 

  • CAMILA SUAYDE

    Pursuing B.S. in Biology with a premed track. Lab Technician. Future goal to be a pediatric cardiologists.

FORMER LAB MEMBERS

  • DR. MATTHEW PINCH

  • NATHAN MARTINEZ

  • MARIALUISA TEIXEIRA

  • Dr. YASHODA KANDEL

  • Dr. SOUMI MITRA

  • VICTORIA CARPENTER

  • HANNAH DRUMM

  • SARAH AGUIRRE

  • MARGARITA WELLS

  • ALYSON BANEGAS

  • FLORENCE SCHODERBEK

  • DR. DAVID P. PRINCE

  • DR. LISA L. DRAKE

  • DR. ANTHONY CLEMMONS

  • LAVESH BATHIA

  • ADITI KULKARNI

  • DR. HITOSHI TSUJIMOTO

  • JUSTIN DEARING

  • ALORA GARIBAY

  • DEBORAH SOUZA

  • EMILY MOORE

  • REBECCA MELENDEZ

  • ALEX MOON

  • HAE-NA CHUNG

  • JULIA VULCAN

  • KRISTINA GONZALES

  • LAUREN MERCER

  • JOEL CORDOVA

  • XAVIER JIMENEZ

  • THEODORE MUKA

  • STACY RODRIGUEZ

  • JOHN BILIOT

  • Carolyn

  • Ilse tolentino

  • Maria Chacon

  • Harley Bendzus

  • Dela Esmaeili

  • Mahesh

  • Keyla Salas

  • Paula Marcia

  • Amanda Nicole R.

  • Dr. Hailey A. Luker

  • Dr. April D. Lopez

  • Gwendolyn "Ginnie" Pickett

  • Janae Shaklee