People
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 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.
Juliana Bronzini
PhD Candidate
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.
Riley Tess Luebbers
Graduate Student
rluebber@purdue.edu
Riley is from Missouri. She earned her bachelor's degree in Biology with a concentration in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology from Saint Louis University. Riley joined the lab in 2026. Outside of the lab, she enjoys crafts and singing with the Tippecanotes Barbershop Chorus.
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
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
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.
Yuvraj Khulbe-- Undergraduate Researcher
Basilia (Bozhi) Liu -- Ph.D.
