Hassan is a Tenured Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery and Medicine at the University of Miami (UM), and Director of the Drug Discovery Core at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. As a translational biochemist, he studies molecular mechanisms of disease and develops technologies to enable therapeutic discovery and development. He is affiliated with the Katz Drug Discovery Center, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Frost Institute for Data Science and Computing. Hassan’s primary interest is understanding the role of kinases in the functioning and maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS) and applying this knowledge to develop neurotherapeutics. Additionally, he leads drug discovery programs in nephrology and oncology. His research is advancing multiple therapeutic candidates toward IND-enabling studies and clinical development, including a clinical candidate for spinal cord injury supported by the NIH/NINDS Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network. Hassan mentors graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduates across multiple UM programs, and serves as a grant reviewer for federal, state, and private agencies.

Bry holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Princeton University. Her graduate research training spans mechanobiology, cancer cell culture models, and assay design, with an interdisciplinary focus on novel pathways of cellular growth, including bioelectricity. During her postdoctoral work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIEHS), she investigated nucleic acid biomarkers of development and toxicity using organoid models and quantitative gene analysis techniques. Beyond the lab, she enjoys science communication and mentoring students. 

Mahesh holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Hyderabad. His research training spans structural biology, protein biochemistry, and quantitative proteomics, with a multidisciplinary focus on protein–ligand interactions, protease regulation, and immune system modulation. During his postdoctoral work at Johns Hopkins University and Mayo Clinic, he investigated kinase regulation, protease inhibition, and dendritic cell–based cancer vaccines using multi-omics approaches. At the Miami Project’s Drug Discovery Core, Mahesh manages high-content screening and early-stage drug discovery projects. Beyond the lab, he enjoys photography, exploring new technologies, and music. He is also the creator of AIvolveBio, a newsletter that highlights emerging trends at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biology

Siyuan holds an MD from China Medical University and completed his residency training in orthopedics and specialized in spine surgery at Capital Medical University Xuanwu Hospital. He also earned a PhD from Purdue University, where his research focused on therapeutic targeting of aldehyde-mediated oxidative stress in spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) using in vivo models. During his doctoral training, he also collaborated with the drug discovery and imaging cores on projects involving bone regeneration study and MRI cerebrospinal fluid imaging. Siyuan has extensive experience in surgical procedures, histology, and behavioral analyses in animal models of central nervous system (CNS) injury. His research interests focus on translational and preclinical approaches in the neurotrauma field. In the Lee and Ali labs at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, he aims to contribute to IND-enabling studies and clinical development programs focused on developing therapeutic candidates for spinal cord injury.

Rodrigo holds a B.Sc in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida. He has held positions working in a hospital like Lift Technician and Medical Scribe. During his undergraduate studies, he was an event planner for USF and had hundreds of people attend his event.  At the Ali lab, he participates in testing neurotherapeutics in cellular and animal models. He believes that being immersed in translational research will support his future goal of becoming a medical doctor and improve his ability to serve his community.

Scott holds a B.Sc. in Biomolecular Sciences from the University of Glasgow, where he worked with CRISPR, deepening his passion for cellular biology. Following graduation, he worked as a vineyard manager, gaining experience in problem-solving and leadership while developing an understanding of fermentation biology and chemistry. In the Ali Lab, his main research is using cell painting to find potential therapeutic candidates and drug targets. Scott is eager to promote scientific innovation and is pursuing a Master's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Miami with the goal of working in pharmaceutical drug discovery.

Emilly completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Miami, earning a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a degree in Neural Engineering and conducts data analysis on oncology-focused clinical research. In the Ali Lab, Emilly is responsible for supporting comprehensive assessment of injury severity and recovery trajectories over time, which will be expanded to include detailed gait analyses of specific joints and biomechanical features. Once fully implemented, this resource will serve as a scalable, open-source analytical framework for neurotherapeutic testing at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis (TMP). Emilly's research interests include drug development, neurodegenerative diseases, and data science.

Benjamin is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience along with a Bachelor of Science in Spanish. He participates in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Authentic Research Lab and the Health Professions Mentoring programs at UM. Benjamin plans to attend medical school to become a neurosurgeon. His main research interests include neurodegenerative diseases, neurogenetics, and drug development.

Nicolas is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami currently studying Biomedical Engineering. His previous involvement at the Miami Project sparked his interest in researching neuroregeneration, and the etiology and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Due to his passion for healthcare, he aims to attend medical school to become a surgeon.

Lara is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and a minor in English Literature. She is actively involved on the executive boards of various campus organizations, including the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society, and the Chemistry Club, and also serves as an orientation leader. With a passion for biomedical research, she is particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms that drive disease progression, with a focus on cancer biology and the role of cellular signaling pathways in treatment resistance and therapeutic development. 

Daniela is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience along with a minor in Computer Science. She hopes to continue her training through an MD/PhD program. Daniela intends to use her education to practice medicine as a surgeon while simultaneously conducting research. Her current interests include the integration of machine learning into the field of medicine—specifically neuroscience—and she hopes to use her background in Computer Science to advance medicine.

Camila is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami. She is majoring in Neuroscience
and minoring in Chemistry. Camila is a coxswain on the UMiami Division 1 Rowing Team. Her
goal is to go to medical school and become a Neurologist. Her main research interest is in
the regeneration of neurons relating to neurodegenerative diseases such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

Hailey is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Microbiology & Immunology. She has a passion for making positive, tangible change that can help real people. Hailey plans on pursuing a PhD program and hopes to eventually become a professor with her own lab. Her research interests include pharmaceutical development, addiction, and the impact of pathogens and injury on the nervous system.

Isabella is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Public Health. She joined the Ali Lab to gain hands-on research experience and develop her laboratory skills. Her research interests include the biological mechanisms of injury, recovery, and rehabilitation, as well as their impact on patient health and quality of life. She plans to pursue a career in dentistry and is interested in exploring the intersection of biomedical research and patient care.

Erik is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and minors in Chemistry and Mathematics. He is the treasurer of the Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-health society and is also involved with the Nu Rho Psi Neuroscience honor society and the PRISM program at UM. He plans to attend medical school and become a neurosurgeon. His main research interests lie in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord trauma, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Mia is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with minors in Chemistry and Sports Medicine. She plans to attend medical school to become a neurosurgeon and is most interested in sports related neurological injuries and their long term neurodegenerative effects. She enjoys volunteering at Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center, where she assists with adaptive pickleball, and actively serves the local Miami community.

Christian is a Miami native and holds a B.Sc. in Psychology with a specialization in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Florida. As part of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, he was introduced to the field of protein engineering and worked on optimizing the function of Oxalate Decarboxylase through directed evolution. Beyond his background in molecular biology and biochemistry, he's also deeply interested in neurobehavioral medicine, driven by his long-term goal of becoming a neurologist.

Abdiel is a Graduate Student of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As a member of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Abdiel is experienced in histology, surgery, and behavioral analyses in animal models of CNS Injury. He was previously a member of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics in the National Institute of Health studying the role of Genetics in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Addiction. He is currently studying the mechanism of action of a small molecule kinase inhibitor that is capable of treating experimental spinal cord injury.

Bassel holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the American University of Beirut. His research as a graduate student centered around screening the secondary metabolites of Lebanese soil and marine-dwelling bacteria for their antimicrobial activities. This work marked the first discovery of a bioactive molecule from Lebanese soil against the neglected tropical pathogen Leishmania tropica. In the Ali Lab, Bassel works on early-stage drug discovery projects pertaining to indications in neurology, oncology, and nephrology.

​Joseph holds a B.Sc. in Data Science with a minor in Biology from Northeastern University. Concurrent to university studies, Joseph worked as a bioinformatics analyst focusing on novel drug development of siRNA therapeutics for neurological diseases at a Boston-based biotech. He intends to pursue a MSc in Bioinformatics following his research role at the Ali lab, with goals of working in drug development in industry. His primary research interests include applying machine learning and computational techniques to drug discovery, with specific interest in CNS and neurological disease areas. 

Jennifer is a master’s student in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Miami, with career aspirations of becoming a reconstructive plastic surgeon. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science with a minor in Public Health, also from the University of Miami. Her main research interests are pharmaceutical development, therapeutics development targeting neurological diseases, and immunology.

​Rachaeel is a graduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a Masters in Biomedical Science. She completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Miami with a major in Health Science and minors in Public Health and Criminology. She was a recipient of the Foote Fellow Honors program and plans to attend medical school to become a surgeon. Rachaeel is also an avid volunteer, having dedicated time to hospitals and animal shelters. Her main research interests are neurodegenerative diseases, spinal cord injuries, and cancer biology.

Indigo has a B.Sc in Chemistry from Purdue University.  She has previous experience preparing bioassays for high-throughput DESI-MS analysis to study cell receptor binding to opioids and enzyme kinetics. Her main research interests lie in medicinal chemistry and novel therapeutics for chronic illnesses. 

Nick is a Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) student at the University of Miami. He holds a BSc in Biotechnology, and a minor in pathogenesis, from the University of Florida. In his time there, he researched the effects of peripheral artery disease and chronic kidney disease on muscle metabolism and function. A Florida native, he left for Atlanta, GA for a year to further his studies in drug discovery and development before returning to continue his education in his home state.  Nick has broad research and clinical interests, and in the Ali lab, he continues to develop his research skills in drug discovery to best prepare for a career in developing novel therapeutics.

Sierra is a master’s student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Miami with career aspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she holds a B.Sc. in Neuroscience with minors in Biology and Psychology from DePaul University. Her research interests focus on CNS injury and translating research into clinical practice to enhance patient quality of life. Sierra is currently involved in preclinical research, developing and testing novel pharmacological interventions aimed at spinal cord injury repair and recovery.

Aya holds an MSc in Biomedical Sciences with a focus on Microbiology and Immunology from the American University of Beirut. Her research centered on genome mining of soil microorganisms for the discovery of antimicrobials, with the use of advanced multi-omics. Aya has expertise in molecular biology, whole-genome sequencing, metagenomics, and bioinformatics, with a growing interest in integrating machine learning with computational biology approaches. In the Ali Lab, she focuses on drug discovery and phenotypic screening, applying techniques such as cell painting, high-content screening, automated liquid handling, and computational biology approaches.

Katarzyna is a Master of Bioengineering student specializing in Neural Engineering at the University of Miami. With a Master of Pharmacy from the Medical University of Lublin, Poland, her academic background includes graduate research focused on the discovery of anti-leukemia drugs. In the Ali Lab, Katarzyna combines her pharmaceutical and bioengineering knowledge with her passion for robotics to streamline the drug screening process. Her work aims to enhance the precision and efficiency of identifying and testing new lead candidates. Outside of the lab, Katarzyna's interests extend to space exploration, where she achieved second place in Poland’s National Cosmic Challenge and actively contributes to the Polish Astrobiological Society. She is also deeply interested in Brain-Computer Interface technologies.
 

Liza is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami with a major in Health Sciences and minors in Arabic and Political Science. Liza is president of UM's Arab Students Union as well as a Student Government Senator and aims to attend medical school to become a surgeon. Her primary research interests are spinal cord injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, nerve transfers to alleviate paralysis, and organ mimic platforms.

Rachel Njeim is a Postdoctoral Associate training in drug discovery (jointly in the Ali and Fornoni Labs). Rachel holds a PharmD degree from the Lebanese American University and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the American University of Beirut. Rachel’s graduate studies focused on elucidating the renoprotective role of mesenchymal stem cells in diabetic kidney disease, with a particular focus on NETosis. Rachel’s work has set new milestones in understanding the pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease. Throughout her extensive training, Rachel has proposed a large body of therapeutic modalities in the quest for a definitive treatment for diabetic kidney disease.

Colin is an MD/MBA student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He received his B.S. from Duke University in Biology with minors in Finance and Chemistry. At Duke, his research was in the field of Canine Cognition specializing in Object Permanence of Adult Canines in the Hare Lab. After university, Colin completed a postbac fellowship at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. His research focused on early-stage therapeutic development combing cellular assay development, high throughput screening and gene editing. He has broad research and clinical interests in novel therapeutic development, high throughput screening platforms, and precision medicine.

Mia is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami studying Neuroscience. She is a member of the Health Professions Mentoring and Minority Women in Medicine programs at UM and plans to attend medical school. Her primary research interest is discovering therapies to treat CNS injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, and other neurological disorders. 

Nina is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry alongside a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. Passionate about neurochemistry, genetics, and the central nervous system. Nina's research interests include CYP1a2 polymorphism, enzyme inhibition, and neurobehavioral medicine. She serves as the Chair for Volunteer Recruitment of Science Olympiad, Academic Chair for the Eta Chapter of Pre-Health sorority Kappa Gamma Delta, Co-Chair of campus-wide multicultural programming through the Unity Roundtable Consortium, and a Residential Assistant in first-year areas.

Stephanie is pursuing her B.Sc in Biology at the University of Miami, complemented by minors in Chemistry and Psychology. With a commitment to her passion for children's healthcare, she plans to attend medical school to be able to aid underserved communities locally and abroad. She is currently involved in the United Human Rights Foundation chapter as well as Minority Women in Medicine at UM. Her primary research interests are in drug discovery and the etiology of early developmental disorders. 

Haley is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami. She is majoring in biology with plans to attend medical school. At UM, she participates in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Authentic Research Lab program. She is interested in medical research pertaining to nephrology and oncology, including the development of medications to treat chronic diseases, such as Diabetic Kidney Disease. Some of her other interests include genetics and the role of senescent cells in aging.

Taylor is a first year Graduate Student in the University of Miami’s Program in Biomedical Science. She received her B.Sc degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology from Emory University. Taylor recently left Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, where she focused on preclinical model development and therapeutic targeting strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. Taylor’s research interest is broadly neurodegenerative disease and novel pharmaceutical intervention strategies.

Cole is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami (Neuroscience major). He participates in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Authentic Research Lab and PRISM programs at UM and plans to attend medical school to become a neurosurgeon. His main research interests lie in the central nervous system, such as developing therapeutics to treat injuries resulting from physical trauma, demyelinating diseases, and other degenerative disorders. He is also interested in the field of neuro-oncology, researching treatments for cancers that affect the nervous system.

Marina is a Graduate Student at University of Miami, Master of Biomedical Science Program. Marina Holds a BPharm Degree from The British University in Egypt and plans to get a PhD in Neuroscience. She has previous research experience in Behavioral pharmacology. Marina is interested in medical research pertaining to the Central Nervous system, Pharmacotherapy and development of pharmacological interventions to treat Spinal cord injuries and Neurodegenerative disorders.

James is an MD/PhD candidate at the University for Miami’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). He received his B.A. in Chemistry from Cornell University and thereafter worked as a Bioinformatics Analyst and Research Associate at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. His research combined wet lab benchwork and dry lab computational techniques to study cellular mechanisms of wound healing after spinal cord injury. In particular, he has experience in neuro-immune interface research, next-generation sequencing, and data analysis. He has broad clinical and research interests in neurological diseases/disorders and hopes to leverage cutting-edge computational techniques to study CNS pathophysiology and develop novel therapeutics. 

Andres is a student in UM's 5-year BSc/MSc Biomedical Engineering program. His thesis project in the Ali lab centers on developing image analysis and computational workflows for quantifying drug effects in rodent models of spinal cord injury (SCI). He has experience with biomedical research including wet lab benchwork, cell culture, and imaging. He is also learning to perform tissue clearing  (brain, spinal cord) for 3D imaging with light sheet microscopy. After completing his MSc, Andres plans on pursuing a PhD in Bioengineering. His primary interest in is tissue engineering research, with specific interest in Spinal Cord Injury.