Sharma Lab Members
Principal Investigator
Dr. Anjali Sharma
Assistant Professor Fall 2022 – Present
Room: Troy 222
Phone: (509) 335-2279
Email: Anjali.sharma@wsu.edu
Ph.D. in Materials Chemistry, McGill University
Postdoctoral Research in Dendrimer Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins Center for Nanomedicine
co-Founder: Partha Therapeutics http://partha therapeutics
Volunteer Researchers
Dr. Rishi Sharma
Volunteer Research Scientist: Aug 2022-Present
Director of Business Development, WSU College of Arts & Sciences
Email: rishi.sharma@wsu.edu
PhD in Organic Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
Postdoc: Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
co-Founder: Partha Therapeutics http://partha therapeutics
Postdoctoral Researchers
Dr. Anu Rani
Joined: May 2023
Research Interests & Goals: With a keen interest and expertise in organic synthesis, she has been contributing to innovative research projects aimed at advancing and simplifying the synthesis of dendrimers for clinical translation.
Fun fact: When not in the lab, Dr. Rani enjoys listening to music, cooking, and exploring new culinary experiences. Additionally, just as she loves learning new techniques in the lab, she enjoys learning new cooking methods from people of diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Aqib Iqbal Dar
Joined: Feb. 2024
Research Interests & Goals: Gain extensive research experience in designing and development of novel nanomaterials, as well as their applications in drug delivery and disease management. Develop the necessary skill sets and expertise to transition into an independent researcher in the field of nanomedicine. Build a strong network within the scientific community to position myself for future leadership opportunities in academia or industry.
Fun fact: As a passionate scientific researcher, I have a deep fascination with the art of photography. I particularly enjoy capturing the beauty of the natural world. When I’m not conducting research in the lab, you can often find me experimenting in the kitchen because I love the mixture of art and science that goes in cooking.
Graduate Students
Anubhav Dhull
Joined: Fall 2022
Research Interests & Goals: As a doctoral candidate in Dr. Anjali Sharma’s lab at Washington State University, my research is dedicated to advancing dendrimer-based nanotherapies for targeted drug delivery in CNS diseases and cancer. I aim to develop novel, biocompatible dendritic structures using green synthetic methods to improve drug targeting and efficacy while studying their biodistribution and pharmacokinetics to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Fun fact: I’m an enthusiastic chess player and love strategizing my next move, both on the chessboard and in my research.
Shamila Gopalakrishnan
Joined: Spring 2023
Research Interests & Goals: Focusing on the synthesis of dendrimers, dendritic polymers, and small molecules with applications in nanomedicine targeting specific biological targets. My goal is to contribute to the development of innovative and effective treatments that leverage unique properties of nanomaterials to improve human health.
Fun fact: Live in the moment and enjoy dancing, singing, and drawing. I love to travel and challenge myself with adventurous activities.
Vikrantvir Jain
Joined: Spring 2023
Research Interests & Goals: My research interests are focused on creating new methods and sustainable practices to build complex molecules efficiently. I aim to advance the field by developing innovative and sustainable methodologies for nano-pharmaceuticals, making products more effective and eco-friendy.
Fun fact: I can roast myself.
Roya Kashfi Sadabad
Joined: Fall 2023
Research Interests & Goals: My research interest is in developing nanoscale materials for drug delivery. My goal is to synthesize and modify bioactive compounds by designing molecules that target specific biological pathways, aiming to treat diseases more effectively and with fewer side effects.
Fun fact: When I started to speak, the first word I said was ‘donkey’.
Ritama Ghosh
Joined: Fall 2024
Research Interests & Goals: My research interest is based on synthesis of dendrimers and related conjugates in order to enhance the efficacy and safety of drug delivery systems and tackle unmet medical needs. Long-term goal would definitely involve contribution to better therapeutic outcomes for human health by utilizing biomaterials that would be industrially scalable and cost-effective.
Fun fact: Sleep improves my acumen, both in life and in research!
Toyin Florence Ayandokun
Joined: Fall 2025
Research interests & goals: My research interest is in the design and synthesis of dendrimers and small molecules for therapeutic applications. I am passionate about developing innovative drug delivery systems that can enhance the precision, efficacy, and safety of disease treatments. My long-term goal is to make significant contributions to the advancement of nanomedicine and molecular therapeutics, thereby bridging the gap between chemical design and clinical applications.
Fun fact: With good music and sports, my joy is revealed. From headphones to sneakers, I’m always in the field.
Ananya Biswas
Joined in: Fall 2025
Research Interests and Goals: My research interests are to design biocompatible nanocarriers for the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer treatment. I aim to minimize the side effects of conventional therapies by improving drug specificity and reducing off-target interactions, while studying biodistribution and therapeutic outcomes to advance safer and more effective treatments.
Fun fact: I can nap anywhere, anytime- chairs, trains, floor- you name it.
Undergraduate Researchers
Kenneth J. Goody
Joined: Sept. 2023
Research Interests & Goals: My main research interests are in the fields of drug targeting and psychiatric medicine. My goal after my Bachelor of Science in chemistry is to pursue a PhD. in Pharmaceuticals Science. After my schooling I wish to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Fun fact: I can play various musical instruments.
Nina Palmer
Joined: Jan 2024
Research Interests & Goals: I’m interested in joining the pharmaceutical industry to create new treatments for conditions and ailments that lack them. My goal in this lab is to learn from experienced researchers how a chemistry lab runs and the kinds of procedures that are used. I hope to be able to strengthen my understanding in organic chemistry as well.
Fun fact: I love reptiles and creating art.
Zoe Lemchen
Joined: February 2024
Research Interests & Goals: I am interested in the broader fields of medicine and organic chemistry. I am specifically interested in how different drug technologies can improve patient quality of life and reduce treatment toxicities.
Fun-fact: I like to eat ice cream when it’s cold outside so it doesn’t melt as fast.
Dallin Evans
Joined: March 2024
Research Interests & Goals: One of the coolest things about is lab is that we get to help in the ongoing battle against cancer with the long-term goal of sending the cancer drugs straight to the source via dendrimers. To top it off, I want to further the research with anti-inflammatory dendrimers to help aid with inflammation control during pre and post orthopedic surgery.
Fun fact: I can operate a combine harvester.
Joan Castaneda Gonzalez
Joined: June 2024
Research Interests & Goals: I am interested in synthetic organic chemistry and chemical biology research. I plan to pursue my PhD in Organic Chemistry and eventually lead my own research lab while mentoring the next generation of scientists.
Fun fact: I love anything horror (movies, books, shows, etc.)
Lab Alumni
Undergraduate students
Sylvia Vi Xaivong
Alex Hunter Wilmoth