LAB MEMBERS
Our collaborative and productive group benefits from the diverse backgrounds, professional experiences, and research focuses of each individual.
UTPAL PAL, PH.D.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Pal has led this lab since 2006, when he first brought his tick-borne disease studies to the University of Maryland. Since then, he has secured numerous grants in support of his research, published in high-impact and peer-reviewed journals, and mentored dozens of students and junior scientists, among other professional accomplishments in the field of vector-borne diseases. Dr. Pal enjoys reading, traveling, and listening to music.
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CHRYSOULA KITSOU, PH.D.
Assistant Research Professor
Drawing on her background in biotechnology and genetics, Dr. Kitsou entered our lab in 2018. She leads several projects aimed towards the development of therapeutic or preventive strategies. Dr. Kitsou likes to read, dance, and travel.
VIPIN RANA, PH.D.
Assistant Research Professor
Dr. Rana obtained his Ph.D. degree from the University of Delhi in India. He joined the Pal lab in September 2018 and is currently working as Assistant Research Professor. His project involves discovering the mechanisms of cross-species signaling between the Ixodes scapularis tick and its mammal host. Dr. Rana also focuses on understanding the tick innate immune responses regulated by JAK/STAT pathway. He enjoys listening to music, traveling, and exploring new places.
KATHRYN NASSAR, B.S.
Research Coordinator
After graduating from UMD with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Kathryn worked with wildlife and led a conservation program. Now, she is fortunate to have worked with the Pal lab since 2019, where she handles administrative duties and oversees the day-to-day activities of the lab. Kathryn loves animals, is a fan of baseball and ice hockey, and enjoys traveling.
MIN ZHANG, PH.D.
Faculty Specialist
Dr. Zhang received his Ph.D. degree from Fudan University. He has more than 10 years of research experience in the field of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis and malaria. He entered our group in January 2019. Dr. Zhang's current research interest focuses on tick immunity.
MISTI CARTWRIGHT, PH.D.
Postdoctoral Associate
Dr. Cartwright obtained her Ph.D. degree from the University of Maryland. Baltimore County. She joined the lab in January 2026 and is currently working as a Postdoctoral Associate. Outside of the lab she enjoys spending time with her dog, reading or being outdoors.
BIBEK BHATTACHAN, BVSC
Graduate Student, Ph.D-track
Bibek joined the Pal lab as a Ph.D. student in 2021. Previously, his academic and professional life focused on veterinary and animal sciences. Bibek now supports our mission by helping to investigate the pathogenesis of Lyme disease. In addition to research, he likes to travel and explore new places.
RACHEL LIPMAN, B.S.
Graduate Student, Ph.D-track
Rachel earned her B.S. in Microbiology from UCLA in 2019. As a Los Angeles, California native, she is thankful to have survived her first real winter season here, and is excited to continue her education at UMD in the Biological Sciences Molecular and Cellular Biology (BISI) program. Outside of lab, you may find her exploring nature, visiting museums, and spending time with family and friends.
SIMONE PARN, M.S.
Graduate Student, Ph.D-track
Simone holds a Master's degree in Cancer Biology, Prevention, and Control from the University of the District of Columbia and Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center partnership. She also has a passion for bioinformatics and previously investigated COVID-19 escape variants for peptide-based vaccine design. Hailing from Estonia, she is a former NCAA level tennis player. She enjoys exploring new cuisines, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
SHALKA LANKA ACHARIGE, B.SC
Faculty Assistant
Shalka is a Medical Laboratory Science graduate from Sri Lanka. His passion for research drove him to study leptospirosis in SL, as well as leptospirosis, malaria and Lyme disease at Yale University. He joined the Pal Lab in 2023 as a Faculty Assistant, where his experiments will focus on the development of novel diagnostic studies against Lyme disease. Shalka derives joy from his hobbies of singing and creating pencil sketches.
SARAH VAUGHN, B.S.
Research Assistant
Sarah graduated from UMD in 2024 with a degree in biology. As a research assistant in the Pal lab, she will contribute to projects on the treatment and prevention of Lyme disease. She enjoys watching movies and hanging out with her cat Pepper.