Staff

Ramesh Butti- Postdoctoral Fellow

I amfrom Warangal, India. I received my Ph.D. degree from the National Centre for Cell Science in Pune, India, where my graduate work focused on the role of stromal fibroblasts in the modulation of breast cancer progression. I joined the Brugarolas lab in September 2021, where I am exploring the role of tumor microenvironment in the regulation of drug resistance and relapse in kidney cancer using patient-derived xenografts and transgenic mouse models.

Alana Christie - Biostatistical Consultant

I was born and raised here in Dallas, Texas. After I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BS in Mathematics and an MS in Biostatistics in 2011, I joined the Simmons Cancer Center Biostatistics Shared Resource and began providing statistical support on projects with Dr. Brugarolas’ lab shortly after.

Debbie Harvey - Administrative Associate

I'm from Fort Worth, Texas and graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor degree in Business. I joined the Brugarolas team in 2015. I retired from UTSW but have returned on a part-time basis. I enjoy working for such a prestigious institution and being a part of such an incredible team.

Payal Kapur - Collaborating Pathologist

I am a staff pathologist at UT Southwestern, and a professor in the department of Pathology. I received pathology training at two training programs in opposite sides of the world – Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, India, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. My research interests include characterizing and developing prognostic, predictive and diagnostic markers in adult tumors. Currently, I'm involved in multiple collaborative projects in genitourinary pathology, but investigating the biology of renal cell carcinoma has been most exciting. Dr. Brugarolas is an excellent mentor and a great collaborator and it has been fun working with him.

Arijit Mal - Postdoctoral Fellow

I am from Kolkata, India. I obtained my PhD at the Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education of Homi Bhabha National Institute in 2021, where I focused on investigating the underpinning mechanism behind radioresistance in breast cancer. After earning my PhD, I joined the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay as a postdoctoral fellow where I investigated a localized drug delivery system for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. I joined the Brugarolas Lab in November 2022, focusing on understanding therapeutic resistance and tumor aggressiveness in clear cell renal carcinoma.

Jeffrey Miyata – Histology Technician

I am a Texas native. I received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2019, where I initially interned in a neurology lab focusing on nerve regeneration. I joined the Brugarolas Lab in the summer of 2020, where I am now responsible for helping determine the morphological characteristics of patient renal tumors that have been implanted into mice.

Gopinath Prakasam - Postdoctoral Fellow

I am from Tamil Nadu, India. I obtained my Ph.D. degree in Molecular Cancer Biology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi in 2017. My doctoral dissertation was focused on cancer metabolism; specifically, I studied the deregulation of glycolytic enzymes that contributes to cancer progression. I joined the Brugarolas lab in July of 2018 to pursue cutting-edge knowledge in the basic biology and translational research of kidney cancer. My research is focused on investigating the aberrant signaling pathways that drives the subtype of renal cancer called “Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma”.

Charlotte Small - Research Technician II

Raised in Dallas, I recently graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Genetics from Texas A&M University. While there, I studied fruits, vegetables, and turfgrasses to breed more sustainable, healthier, and productive agriculture. However, my interests have always been in human research and treatment, and I joined the xenograft project team in 2022 to learn more about the research pipeline and oncology as I prepare for medical school. Outside of work, I enjoy climbing, running, and cooking, especially with friends. I am very excited to continue exploring my interests while working on ground-breaking discoveries in kidney cancer research!

Ruby Sharma - Computational Biologist II

I have acquired my master's and PhD degrees in Computer Science from New Mexico State University. My PhD research focused on determining differential gene-gene interactions across diverse biological conditions. I joined UT Southwestern Medical Center in September 2023 as a Computational Biologist under Dr. Payal Kapur and became a part of the Brugarolas Lab’s outstanding team. My work primarily focuses on analyzing and exploring the NGS data for biomarker discovery in kidney cancer.

Vanina Toffessi Tcheuyap - Research Associate

I received a M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of North Texas. My thesis work focused on the development of a von Willebrand factor zebrafish mutant using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. I joined the Brugarolas lab in summer of 2018, where I am working on the evaluation of potential molecularly targeted therapies in RCC tumorgraft models. I am happy to be back and to contribute to the innovative research of the KCP that should one day provide novel treatments and lead to better outcomes for kidney cancer patients.

Kathy Worland- Program Coordinator

After earning my BS in Public Administration from the University of Missouri, I started working in academic medicine in 1985. Originally I worked at UCLA, and then at UTSW when my family moved to Dallas. I recently completed my MA in Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management. I’ve always found the work in academic medicine dynamic, interesting, challenging, and worthwhile. Over the years, I have been privileged to support some of the best leaders and brightest minds in the field. Working in the Brugarolas lab as the Kidney Cancer Program Coordinator is a perfect challenge for me at this time. It is an honor to work with such a wonderful team and to support the continued growth and future of the program.

Haitao Xu – Resident Physician

I am a Resident Physician and Assistant Instructor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern. I was fortunate to obtain a position in the TARDIS research program that funds my research time with the KCP. I moved to Florida from China at the age of 12 and hold a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) with specialization in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I then completed my medical doctoral degree concurrently with a master’s degree in Genomic Medicine from the University of Miami. I am currently working on a project identifying prognostic factors for patient with RCC that have metastasized to the pancreas. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with a giant in the field of GU cancer in Dr. Brugarolas, and to learn different skillsets in translational research.

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