Student Research Week Officers

SRW Officers 2023-2024

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Praneetha Panthagani
Co-Director

Praneetha is a 4th year Ph.D. student in Dr. Bergeson’s lab in the department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology. Her academic journey spans continents, with degrees from Osmania University (Bachelor's in Pharmacy), SPMVV in Tirupati (Master's in Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry), and St. John's University in New York (Master's in Science, Toxicology). Praneetha's research centers on exploring non-antibiotic minocycline analog for alcohol use disorder treatment. Outside academia, she cherishes spending time traveling with her husband Abdul and their two beloved dogs (Trusty and Mowgli), finding joy in exploring new places and cultures.

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Neha Sawant
Co-Director

Neha is a 2nd year Ph.D. student in Dr. Reddy’s lab in the department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology. She received her master’s degree from Texas Tech University, Lubbock TX in Environmental Toxicology. Neha is investigating the co-morbidity of Alzheimer's disease and depression, and she is further exploring SSRIs as a potential therapeutic alternative for treating AD. In her free-time Neha enjoys traveling, making crafts, watching movies and football.

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Robert Barnes
Poster Competition

Robert is a 2nd year M.D. Ph.D. student in Dr. Guindon's lab in the department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Neuroscience from Baylor University in Waco, TX. Robert studies how the cannabinoid system modulates pain and effects cancer growth. In his free time, Robert enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife Raquel and their two Pembroke Welsh Corgis (Pumbaa & Timon). Robert also enjoys painting scale miniatures based off of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and watching each Baltimore Raven's game while anxiously fearing star quarterback Lamar Jackson's annual late season injury.

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Manikantha Dunna
Operations

Mani is a 2nd-year PhD student in Dr. Reynolds' lab at the Cancer Center. His research mainly focuses on the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) in neuroblastoma. He completed his masters in biotechnology in India and holds a Diploma in Indian Carnatic Music. In his free time, he enjoys listening to songs, volunteering, and he also serves as the secretary for the Earth Conservation Organization (ECO) Club.

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Megan Skains
Marketing

Megan is a 1st year Ph.D. student in Dr. Cuello’s lab in the department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, studying the thermodynamic and structural properties of potassium channels. She received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and then a master’s degree in biotechnology here at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. In her free time, she likes trying to cook new dishes, paint, and relax with her two cats, Marie and Freya.