Team

Andrew Santiago-Frangos (PI)

My long-term research goal is to uncover how cells sense and respond to stressors, and to repurpose these insights for novel biotech and medical applications. I’m currently interested in understanding how bacteria and archaea respond to the stress of phage infection. In particular, I’m curious about how DNA mobilization (e.g., integration, transposition) is regulated in different domains of life, and how host nucleotide messengers sound the alarm of viral infections.

I spent my formative years growing up in New York, Mexico, Florida, Spain, Puerto Rico, and Cyprus. I love to experience new cultures through travel and cooking. I’m an explorer at heart, motivated by an intense desire to understand how the world works and to share those new insights with others. Alongside these pursuits, I am fully committed to training the next generation of scientists.

Andrew’s CV; Andrew’s Google Scholar

Yuri Silva

My primary research interest lies in bacterial physiology, particularly in how bacteria respond to external stressors. I am fascinated by the mechanisms employed by microorganisms to overcome challenges and thrive in their environments. My academic background includes structural biology, biochemistry, bacterial genetics and bioinformatics, and I do my best to integrate these experiences into my research projects.

I grew up in the Amazon region of Brazil and just recently moved to the United States. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends to play online games (League of Legends, TeamFight Tactics) and boardgames, as well as going for walks and hikes. I am also a big anime nerd and tattoo enthusiast. Oh, and I absolutely love black coffee (No, Briana, this is not a redflag!!).

Reyaz (Ray) Gonzalez

I’m passionate about understanding enzymes at a fundamental level and using this knowledge to advance biotechnology and medicine. My current focus is on how adaptive immunity works in archaea and bacteria, particularly the differences in how their CRISPR integration complexes form. My journey began after college when I worked at Sanofi in the bioformulations department. This role gave me a firsthand look at the drug discovery process and sparked my interest in target discovery and validation. During my graduate studies, I honed my skills in X-ray crystallography, enzymology, and biophysics, which I now apply to my research.

I grew up in New York City and later moved to Boston for college. Being of mixed heritage in these diverse environments has greatly influenced my perspective and fueled my commitment to promoting diversity in STEM. The multicultural experiences of my upbringing and college life have enriched my love for exploring different cultures, especially through food and travel. Despite my city roots, I have a passion for the outdoors and enjoy hiking and winter sports like skiing and ice skating. In my spare time, I love playing board games and video games.

Briana Cruga (Ph.D. Candidate)

My research interests include studying how bacterial CRISPR systems make genetic “memories” of past phage infections through a biochemical and biophysical lens, and using these insights to better understand the role of human microbiota and environmental factors in health and disease. I am excited about making new discoveries of CRISPR systems with basic science tools that can guide the development of health technologies and therapeutics, such as those that repurpose CRISPR-Cas machinery to engineer microbes within the microbiome or combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

I am passionate about making STEM research careers more accessible to neurodiverse and disabled scientists, and I am personally interested in using various tools and models to communicate my work, and to further highlight how exciting science is! My current long-term goals include pursuing a career in science policy/diplomacy and leading my own lab at a research agency. I grew up in Detroit and Northern Michigan, and I love expanding my fascination for nature by exploring new hiking trails and travel destinations. I am a Wordle and music enthusiast, and I also enjoy traversing farmer’s markets and coffee shops in the city, trying new recipes (DIY science at home!), and playing board games with friends.

Pranami Patel

My research in the biochemistry field consists of experience in multiple different topics that are centered around analyzing protein structure and interactions. I graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Biochemistry. At Vassar, I studied the starch utilization system of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. I focused on the purifying and crystallizing TonB, a protein involved in a larger complex that helps B. theta take up polysaccharides for degradation. Additionally, I interned at Arvinas, a biotechnology company, where I worked on solving the structures of different components of the ubiquitination system to then incorporate them into proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). Currently, my research in the Santiago-Frangos Lab focuses on the CRISPR-Cas9 system and my project is still developing. My long-term career goals are still in the making, but do consist of pursuing research and/or medicine.  

I grew up in Absecon, NJ, which is right on the Jersey Shore. My favorite pastime is enjoying the sun and waves on the beach. Some of my other hobbies include cooking, board games, and traveling!

Ariana Treat

My research interests span an array of fields including CRISPR, phage therapy, colorectal cancer (CRC) therapies, neuroscience, and psychology. I was inspired by Jennifer Doudna’s story told in The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson to pursue CRISPR research, and I hope to someday become a principal investigator for my own lab. I am excited by the potential applications of CRISPR technology, primarily to CRC treatment, and I look forward to gaining experience working in a lab. My curiosity is also spurred by a fascination with the molecular and biological mechanisms underlying life.

I grew up in the small town of Whitehall, Michigan before coming to the University of Pennsylvania and experiencing a massive shift in perspective. I had not quite anticipated the opportunities that would be made available to me, and the invaluable experiences I have had so far. Sticking to my roots, I enjoy running and reading, and I have recently developed a love for Philly cafes and digital design. I am also the proud owner of a 2004 Volkswagen Passat which took me across the country from Michigan to Florida where my home is now.

Ruth Marcus Kanter College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant Awardee – Spring 2024

Shirley Yuan

My research pursuits encompass genomics, immunology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology, with a keen fascination for CRISPR-associated immune pathways. Beyond its implications for genetic engineering, the mechanisms of CRISPR provide profound insights into fundamental biological processes. My ultimate career goal is to become a physician-scientist, merging medical practice with cutting-edge research. I aspire to pursue a Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, and regenerative medicine to drive biotechnological advancements in healthcare. Additionally, I am passionate about the health policy space, with a focus on health equity and combating global public health issues.

I’m originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and I love outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, canoeing, skating, and long walks with my dogs. I’m also a bookworm and music enthusiast, and I’m always looking for new recommendations. Finally, I’m a big foodie and I love discovering the diverse culinary scene in the city!

Ernest M. Brown, Jr. College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant Awardee – Spring 2024

Cat Nguyen

As a Biology major, I’ve seen firsthand how medical treatments can transform lives, which inspired me to help advance medical science. I am interested in researching biological pathways in model organisms to find biomedical applications for human disease, with a current focus on understanding CRISPR technology in bacterial adaptive immunity. My ultimate career goal is to become a physician, combining my passion for biology and medical research to prioritize patient care and make healthcare more accessible.

Outside of these interests, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and indulging in good food. When I am feeling particularly motivated, I like to learn languages, dance, and take leisurely walks. Otherwise, you will find me binge-watching dramas, fashion videos, and listening to music.

Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program Awardee – Spring 2024