Purdue University

Hanna Lab

Purdue Center for Cancer Research

People

Jason Hanna, Ph.D.

Jason Hanna, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences

hannaja@purdue.edu

Dr. Hanna is from Indiana and completed his undergraduate studies at Purdue University, earning a B.S. in Molecular Biology. He went on to complete his Ph.D. in Experimental Pathology at Yale University. He became a Postdoctoral Associate at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In 2019, he founded the Hanna Lab at Purdue University, his alma mater. In Dr. Hanna's free time, he enjoys snowboarding and playing soccer.
Nimod Janson

Nimod Janson

Ph.D. Candidate


jansonn@purdue.edu

Nimod is from Sri Lanka. He graduated in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Colombo University, Sri Lanka, and obtained his master's degree at Jeju National University, South Korea. Nimod joined the lab in May 2021. His current studies are focused on identifying novel therapeutic targets in angiosarcoma. Nimod enjoys playing sports, including Hockey, Cricket, and Rugby. He also loves to go on hikes, camping, and play outdoor games in his free time.

Basilia (Bozhi) Liu

Basilia (Bozhi) Liu

Ph.D. Candidate

liu3337@purdue.edu

 

Basilia is from China. She finished her bachelor’s degree in Laboratory Science at Dalian Medical University and her master’s degree in Internal Medicine at Capital University in China. After having a gap year, she was admitted by the Ph.D. Program at Purdue. She joined the lab in 2022. When not in the lab, she enjoys working out and playing tennis.
Juliana Marie Bronzini

Juliana Marie Bronzini

Graduate student

jbronzin@purdue.edu

Juliana is from the Bay Area in California. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University where she majored in Biological Sciences and minored in Data Science and Spanish. Juliana joined the lab in 2025. Outside of the lab, she enjoys doing yoga, working out, and spending time with her friends and family.
Yuvraj Khulbe

Yuvraj Khulbe

Undergrad student

ykhulbe@purdue.edu

Yuvraj is an undergraduate student from India pursuing a Biomedical Health Sciences degree with a Pre-Med concentration at Purdue University. He joined the lab in September 2024 and works under Nimod, focusing on identifying novel therapeutic targets for angiosarcoma. When not in the lab, Yuvraj enjoys playing video games and chess, as well as participating in sports, including cricket, soccer, and boxing. He also has a passion for traveling and exploring new places.
Ashlyn Paige Barber

Ashlyn Paige Barber

Undergrad student

barber70@purdue.edu

Ashlyn is an undergraduate student from Indiana studying Biomedical Health Sciences with a Pre-Med concentration at Purdue. She plans to attend medical school in the fall of 2027. Ashlyn joined the lab in August 2024. Beyond her academic pursuits, she participates in a dance company at Purdue and enjoys scrapbooking and traveling in her free time.
William Richard Budka

William Richard Budka

Undergrad student

wbudka@purdue.edu

Will is an undergraduate student from Massachusetts working towards a bachelor’s degree in Cellular Molecular and Developmental biology at Purdue University. He joined the lab in August 2025, where he works under Basilia to study the role of microRNAs in angiosarcoma development. In his free time Will likes to run, rock climb and be outside.
Mikayla Elizabeth Bell

Mikayla Elizabeth Bell

Undergrad student

bell401@purdue.edu

Mikayla is an undergraduate student from Indiana studying biology with a pre-medicine concentration at Purdue. She plans to attend medical school in the fall of 2027. Mikayla joined the lab in August 2025 and works under Juliana to study radiation-induced angiosarcoma. Outside of the lab, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends, family, and pets.

Lab Alumni

Emma Terwilliger -- Undergraduate Researcher

Hannah Maluvac -- Research Technician

Samuel Hartzler -- Undergraduate Researcher

Mae Shu -- Undergraduate Researcher

Tripti Bera -- Research Technician

Elise Abney -- Undergraduate Researcher

Jillian Stachon -- Undergraduate Researcher

Madison Yates -- Undergraduate Researcher

Lauren Gartenhaus -- Undergraduate Researcher

Annaleigh Powell Benton -- Ph.D. 

Ashlie Rose Beuter -- Undergraduate Researcher

Ant Murphy -- Ph.D.