The Buonomo Lab
Meet the Team!
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Postdoctoral Fellow - Open
We’re looking for a talented postdoctoral fellow who knows molecular biology like the back of their hand. Email Dr. Buonomo if you are interested in joining!
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Aisosa Omere - PhD Candidate
Aisosa Omere (She/her/hers) is currently a graduate student pursuing a PhD in Chemistry here at the University of Texas at Arlington. She previously attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and graduated in 2022 with a B.S. in Chemistry with concentrations in Biochemistry and molecular biology. In her free time, she likes to read comic books and spend time with her friends and family.
Awards:
2024 Graduate Dean’s Research Assistantship
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Desiree Czapski - PhD Candidate
Originally raised in Ohio, Desiree (she/her/hers) began her journey with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Youngstown State University. After graduation, she spent over eight years in the semiconductor industry, specializing in analytical instrumentation and techniques as an R&D chemist. Her true passion for organic chemistry inspired her to return to academia and pursue a PhD. Now, as a non-traditional graduate student, she brings a wealth of industry experience to her research. Outside the lab, she enjoys spending time with her two kids and exploring their interests. As they say, “Don’t lose your dinosaur.”
Awards:
2024 iEngage Fellowship (with Ashton Drake)
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Tareque Mukut - Graduate Student
Md Tareque Hasan Mukut (he/his/him) graduated in Pharmaceutical Science from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. He has experience working in the R&D sector and previous research experience in the phytochemical analysis of plant extracts, in-vivo, in-vitro tests, ADME/T, and PASS prediction studies. His immense interest in medicinal chemistry led him to join the University of Texas at Arlington. In 2023 he joined the Buonomo Lab as a Ph.D. student focusing primarily on small molecule and material synthesis.
Awards:
2024 iEngage Fellowship (wtth Andrew Mier)
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Calvin Heyl - Graduate Student
Calvin Heyl (he/his/him) is a graduate student pursuing a PhD in Chemistry. He is primarily focused on the development of the protein sequencing platform. He previously attended Arizona State University, graduating in 2021 with a B.S. in biochemistry.
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Sarah Le - Undergraduate
Sarah Le (she/her/hers) is an undergraduate here at the University of Texas at Arlington majoring in Biological Chemistry with a minor in Medical Humanities. Sarah previously attended Birdville High School and graduated in 2021. In the future, she plans to pursue a degree in medicine and hopefully complete her residency in her hometown of Arlington. Currently, Sarah is spending her time as an ER scribe and a tutor at UTA’s chemistry clinic. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching k-dramas, playing the piano, and reading. Sarah truly values her family and friendships and strives to put in her best efforts with any task at hand.
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Zahin Reshad - Undergraduate
Zahin Y Reshad (he/him/his) is a Biochemistry major at UTA. Zahin grew up in Bangladesh, a small yet densely populated country in Asia. He later moved to the US for his undergraduate degree. Zahin grew up learning classical Hindustani music and later picked up the guitar and the bass. During his free time, Zahin will probably shoot videos, edit them, or make fake Vogue magazine covers with weird pictures of his friends. That, or he’ll play Fifa.
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Jenny Hoang - Undergraduate
Jenny Hoang (she/her/hers) is undergraduate at the University of Texas at Arlington majoring in Biological Chemistry with minors in Philosophy and Biology. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in medicine. In her free time, you can catch Jenny in the kitchen pretending she’s on Kitchen Nightmares, hiking through national parks, or in the city chasing the sound of live music.
Awards:
2024 UT System LSAMP Scholar
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Meg Mulkey - Undergraduate
Meg Mulkey (they/them/theirs) is a graduating undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Arlington studying biology and mathematics. Their research consists of bioorthogonal reactions to identify/quantify fluorescent probes placed on trehalose glycolipids and lipopolysaccharide, and development of staining methods using fluorescent benzoboraxole reagents. Other than the laboratory projects, they like to cook, read, and spend time with friends and family.
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Ashton Drake - Undergraduate
Ashton (he/him/his) is an undergraduate majoring in Chemistry, and plans to peruse a PhD in Organic Chemistry. Ashton was born in New Mexico and moved to Texas at a young age. In his free time, Ashton watches Formula 1, plays video games, reads, and takes care of his cat.
Awards:
2024 UTA UROP Fellowship
2024 UTA Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry Outstanding Undergraduate Research
2024 iEnage Fellowship (with Deiree Czapski)
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Andrew Mier - Undergraduate
Andrew Mier (he/him/his) is an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Arlington pursuing a BS in Biochemistry. Andrew is a huge nerd with a big imagination with some of his favorite hobbies being playing Magic the Gathering and being a Dungeon master for his D&D campaign. After years of uncertainty for his career, the joys and challenges of being in a research lab has guided him to a new future:; aspiring to achieve a PhD in analytical chemistry as well as helping others find what they love.
Awards:
2024 iEngage Fellowship (with Tareque Mukut)
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Audrey Wong - Undergraduate
Audrey Wong (she/her/hers) is an undergraduate research assistant majoring in General Biology at the University of Texas at Arlington. Audrey graduated from Harvest Christian Academy in 2020. She plans on pursuing a master’s degree in Biomedical Science before pursuing a medical degree. In her free time, she loves gardening, deep-cleaning, spending time with family, and playing the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.
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Natalie Cox - Undergraduate
Natalie Cox (she, her, hers) is an honors undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Arlington. Natalie is pursuing a bachelor’s of science in biochemistry and plans on attending medical school after completing her undergraduate degree. In her free time, she enjoys to spend time with her family, paint, run, and play the guitar.
Awards:
2023 Robert F. Francis Award for Outstanding Sophomore (UTA Chemistry & Biochemistry)
2024 R.L. Hoyle Award for Oustanding Junior (UTA Chemistry & Biochemistry)
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Jenna Schroeder - Undergraduate
Jenna Schroeder (she/her/hers) is an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Arlington, majoring in Biology with a minor in Biochemistry. She is active on campus as the President of the Lavender Alliance and Representative of the Intercultural Student Programming Board. Jenna graduated from Liberty Hill High School in 2022. In her free time, she enjoys creating digital art pieces, playing online games with friends, and listening to punk rock.
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Minerva Simonson - Undergraduate
Minerva is an undergraduate in the lab. More coming soon!
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Sai Thatraju - Undergraduate
Sai is an undergraduate in the lab. More coming soon!
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Poppy - Lab Mascot
She’s a real Maverick
Graduate Students (PhD)
Coming Soon!
Alumni
Graduate Students (Masters)
Cole Chambers - Chemistry (2022 - 2023)
Undergraduate Students
Travis Stanford - Chemistry (2022 - 2023)
Bryan Farjado - Biology (2022 - 2023)
Shanjez Regi - Civil Engineering (2022 - 2023)
Ally Buck - Chemistry (2022 - 2023)
Aadil Yacoub - Chemistry (2022 - 2023)
Elan Mathew - Chemistry (2022 - 2023)
John Jackson - Chemistry (2023)
Luca Babineaux - Biology (2023 - 2024) - LSAMP Scholar 2023