NANDAN GOKHALE, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor, CCHMC Division of Immunobiology
Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati Department of Pediatrics
nandan.gokhale@cchmc.org

Nandan is from Pune, India and received his B.S. from the Ohio State University. He received his Ph.D. in 2019 from Duke University where he studied how RNA modifications regulate RNA virus infection with Dr. Stacy Horner funded by an American Heart Association Fellowship. His postdoctoral work, funded by a Helen Hay Whitney Fellowship, was with Dr. Ram Savan at the University of Washington where he studied how RNA interactions regulate innate immune signaling.

Outside the lab, Nandan enjoys supporting Arsenal FC, reading history, savoring bad puns (also inside the lab), and spending time with his wife Danielle and dog Rafiki.

JANHAVI SAHASRABUDHE, M.Sc.
Research Associate III
janhavi.sahasrabudhe@cchmc.org

Janhavi is from Cincinnati, Ohio and received her B.S. in Neuroscience from the Ohio State University in 2022. She received her M.Sc. in 2024 from Université Paris Cité, where she studied the molecular genetics of circadian rhythms in Drosophila melanogaster. In the Gokhale Lab, Janhavi’s goal is to gain relevant research experience in virology and immunology to eventually pursue doctoral studies in her combined research areas of interest.

Outside of the lab, Janhavi enjoys participating in the performing arts, visiting museums, learning languages, and supporting Tottenham Hotspurs (BOOO! - Nandan’s note on the last point).

BRANDON MICHALIDES, M.S.
Ph.D. Student, Immunology Graduate Program
brandon.michalides@cchmc.org

Brandon is from Flood City, Pennsylvania and is a first-generation college student. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. His passion for immunology was sparked during his time as a research technician in the lab of Dr. Rachel Gottschalk at the University of Pittsburgh, where he investigated tissue-specific macrophage signaling and molecular determinants of monocyte and macrophage inflammatory function. A Ph.D. student in the Immunology Graduate Program at CCHMC/UC since 2024, he is excited to understand how RNA-modulated MAVS-interacting proteins regulate antiviral signaling.

Outside the lab, Brandon enjoys supporting the Pittsburgh Penguins, attending concerts, investigating true crime cases, playing board games, telling dad jokes, and doing impersonations.

SAMARTH KUMAR, M.Sc.
Ph.D. Student, Immunology Graduate Program
samarth.kumar@cchmc.org

Samarth is from Dehradun, India and earned his M.Sc. from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 2024, where he worked with Dr. Raghavan Varadarajan on the design and characterization of monomeric and nanoparticle-displayed influenza hemagglutinin head proteins. He joined the CCHMC/UC Immunology Graduate Program in 2024. His work focuses on the biochemical basis of MAVS signaling and regulation using cutting-edge molecular and cellular approaches to better understand innate immune responses.

When he's not in the lab, Samarth is likely fine-tuning a new recipe, exploring a hiking trail, or diving for a shot on the pickleball court with equal parts of enthusiasm and competitiveness.


JOIN US!
We are VERY excited to have research technicians, graduate students, and postdocs join our team.
Please email Nandan for more information.