Principal Investigator


   Dr. Santimukul Santra
   ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
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Research Associates


   Zachary Shaw
   RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
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  • Research Associate
  • PROJECT: “Bio-based polymers”.
  • M. S. Degree: Polymer Chemistry at Pittsburg State University,Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • B. S. Degree: Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry at Pittsburg State University,Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • Bio..
    My name is Zachary Shaw. I just recently obtained my B.S. Degree in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry at Pittsburg State University. Currently I am pursuing an M.S. Degree in Polymer Chemistry also at PSU. As I completed my undergraduate chemistry courses, my interest narrowed to the subject of biochemistry where I specifically became interested in drug research and targeted drug delivery systems. My first experience in research was at the undergraduate level working with Dr. James McAfee and Dr. Irene Zegar. We worked on a project targeting the kinase domain of the HER2 receptor in HER2+ breast cancer. I learned how to screen molecule data banks using high throughput methods to efficiently find possible ligands that bind to the desired receptor. As I begin my M.S. Degree in Polymer Chemistry, I hope to continue this research under Dr. Santra at his laboratory. Beyond the classroom, I enjoy tinkering, 3D printing, hunting, fishing, and working on my ’82 Z28 Camaro. I also enjoy going to the gym and taking long walks with my girlfriend.

   Gayathri Sadanala
   LAB WEB DEVELOPER
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  • Lab Web Developer
  • Current Position: Assistant Professor, Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Missouri.
  • Ph. D. Candidate: Information Science & Learning Technologies at University of Missouri, Missouri.
  • M. Tech Degree: Electronics Engineering Technology at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas.
  • B. Tech Degree: Computer Science and Engineering at Acharya Nagarjuna University, Andhra Pradesh, India.


Graduate Students


   Thai Butcher
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Associate
  • PROJECT: "Synthesis of bio-based polymers".
  • B. S. Degree: Polymer Chemistry at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • M. S. Degree: Polymer Chemistry at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • Bio..
    My name’s Thai Butcher. I was born and raised in the Joplin, MO area. I am currently a sophomore attending Pittsburg State University to get my B.S. in Chemistry with an emphasis on becoming an American Chemical Society certified chemist. I am still deciding on exactly what I want to do with my degree, but I have become very interested in Polymer Chemistry. In my free time I love playing video games, hiking, and just being around my friends and family! I’m very excited to become a part of Dr. Santra’s research team!

   Neelima Koti
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Associate
  • PROJECT: "Nanosensor technology for infectious diseases".
  • B. S. Degree: Pharmacy at Andhra University, Vizag, India
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry with emphasis in Biochemistry at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • Bio..
    Hello!! My name is Neelima Koti and I am from Hyderabad, India.I completed my bachelors in Pharmacy at Andhra University Vizag, India.I also completed my Masters in Pharmaceutical Technology (process chemistry) from National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, India.Now I came to Pittsburg state University to do Master in chemistry with emphasis in Biochemistry. I am very much excited to work under Dr. Santra on nanomedicine for targeted treatment of Parkinson’s Disease which is unfamiliar research to me. I am so fascinated to learn all the techniques and instrumentation involved in various projects.

   Eniola Arogunyo
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Associate
  • PROJECT: "LFA technology for bacterial detection".
  • B. S. Degree: Pure and Applied Chemistry at University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • Bio..
    My name is Eniola Arogunyo. I was born and raised in Nigeria. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria where I studied Pure and Applied Chemistry. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Chemistry at Pittsburg State University and I will be working with Dr. Santra. The quality of research by the lab got me fascinated, especially the research on polymer as a potential treatment for cancer and also research on infectious diseases. I am confident that working in this lab will be a step into doing amazing things in science and research. During my leisure time, I love to play badminton and also graphic design.

   Kajal Singh
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Associate
  • PROJECT: "Drug delivery system for cancer therapy".
  • B. S. Degree: Chemistry Honors at Maharaja Sayaji Rao University, Gujarat, India
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • Bio..
    Hello! My name is Sahithi Kondaveeti. I am from Hyderabad, India. I have completed my Bachelors in the stream of Pharmacy at Bojjam Narasimhulu Pharmacy College for Women affiliated to JNTUH, Hyderabad, India. I am pursuing my Masters in Polymer Chemistry at Pittsburg State University. As Dr. Santra's research areas are focused on cancer therapy and targeted drug delivery, I believe working under him will ultimately allow me to build a strong career in the research.

   Sahithi Kondaveeti
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Associate
  • PROJECT: "Nanosensors for pathogen detections using LFA technolog".
  • B. S. Degree: Pharmacy at Bojjam Narasimhulu Pharmacy College for Women, JNTUH, Hyderabad, India
  • M. S. Degree: Polymer Chemistry at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • Bio..
    Hello! My name is Sahithi Kondaveeti. I am from Hyderabad, India. I have completed my Bachelors in the stream of Pharmacy at Bojjam Narasimhulu Pharmacy College for Women affiliated to JNTUH, Hyderabad, India. I am pursuing my Masters in Polymer Chemistry at Pittsburg State University. As Dr. Santra's research areas are focused on cancer therapy and targeted drug delivery, I believe working under him will ultimately allow me to build a strong career in the research.

   Uday Mukeshbhai Panchal
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Associate
  • PROJECT: "Dendritic polymer synthesis and their biomedical applications".
  • B. S. Degree: Organic chemistry at Pune University, Pune, India.
  • M. S. Degree: Chemistry at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS.
  • Bio..
    Hello! Myself Uday Panchal, I Pursued my master's in organic chemistry from India. When I heard about Dr. Santra's research to cure cancer using polymers in nanotechnology, I got interested and presently working in his lab for the development of nanomedicines for cancer therapy.

   Jainishkumar Hasmukhbhai Patel
   M. S. STUDENT
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  • Graduate Research Associate
  • PROJECT: " Polymeric nanomedicines for cancer therapy".
  • B. S. Degree: Chemistry at L.H science college, Mansa, India.
  • M. S. Degree: Polymer at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • Bio..
    My full name is Jainishkumar Hasmukhbhai Patel. I completed my bachelor's in chemistry from L.H science college, Mansa, India. Currently, I am pursuing my masters in polymer chemistry at Pittsburg state university. It's been great opportunity for me to perform research and learn nanotechnology and polymer synthesis under Dr. Santra.


Undergraduate Students


   Paul Worsley
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Synthesizing new drug delivery systems for cancer therapy".
  • B. S. Degree: Biology and History majors at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • Bio..
    My name is Paul Worsley, and I am double majoring in Biology (premed) and History. I have gone to school in Pittsburg since kindergarten so choosing Pitt State was easy. Some of my hobbies include video games, tennis, writing, and watching Premier League football. I'm also involved with the Pitt State Honors College and my church, where I volunteer every Wednesday. I look forward to learning a lot from Dr. Santra along with all the other students here. Currently, I'm working on synthesizing new drug delivery systems for cancer therapy.

   Caine Duran
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy".
  • B. S. Degree: Chemistry with an emphasis on biochemistry at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • Bio..
    My name is Caine Duran and I am currently a junior pursuing a degree in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry. I was born and grew up in Iola, KS. I spend most of my time outdoors hiking, fishing, or hunting, but when I'm stuck inside, I enjoy playing music and reading. After I complete my undergraduate degree, I plan on pursuing a doctorate in medicine. I've been very interested in the work being done by Dr. Santra since I first learned about it and am excited to be a part of it.

   Caleb Worsley
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Synthesis of targeted drug delivery systems".
  • B. S. Degree: Cellular and Molecular Biology at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • Bio..
    My name is Caleb Worsley, I am majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology. In my free time I enjoy listening to podcasts, playing tennis and volunteering with my church. I look forward to learning from Dr. Santra and all the other students and graduate students in the lab. At the moment I am working on the synthesis of targeted drug delivery systems.

   Adam Worsley
   B. S. STUDENT
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  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • PROJECT: "Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy".
  • B. S. Degree: Chemistry at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KANSAS
  • Bio..
    Hi my name is Adam Worsley. I'm a freshman at PSU studying chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry. I'm involved with the honors college, and for fun I like to play video games with my friends. I've worked in research labs at Pitt State over the past two summers, and I'm glad to be able to continue this experience. I'm excited to learn from Dr. Santra and the other students that I'll be working alongside.


2022 Summer Interns


   Tristan Jones
    HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
Not available

  • Summer Intern
  • PROJECT: “Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Pathogens Using Novel Magnetic Relaxation Nanosensors.”        
  • Junior: Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg, KANSAS.


   Rohan Bajpai
   HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
Not available

  • Summer Intern
  • PROJECT: “Development of new nanotechnologies for treatment of cancers.”        
  • Junior: Moorestown high school, Moorestown, NJ.


   Daniel Riachi
   HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
Not available

  • Summer Intern
  • PROJECT: “Development of new materials for biomedical applications.”        
  • High School: Senior year at Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg, KANSAS