Meet the Team
-
Mohammad, originally from Ma’an Jordan, completed his undergraduate and master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Jordan. He then worked for a CRO for 9 years, where he built his skills in developing novel liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methods. In 2014 he decided to pursue his PhD in clinical & bioanalytical chemistry and joined Nima Sharifi lab at the Cleveland Clinic. After graduation, he led the analytical side of the Dr. Sharifi's group. During the years Mohammad investigated the metabolic changes in patients with prostate cancer. In 2023, he moved to the Desai Sethi Urological Institute at the University of Miami as a research assistant professor. Dr. Alyamani will continue his studies that focus on new strategies in the management of prostate cancer by identifying biomarkers of response or resistance through studying alterations in metabolic pathways due to treatment by utilizing metabolomics approaches.
Mohammad Alyamani, Ph.D.
-
Ziqi completed his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Chinese Academy of Science in 2012 where he discovered several histone demethylases and began investigating their role in prostate cancer. Post-graduation, he joined Dr. Sharifi’s team as a postdoctoral researcher investigating the synthesis and inactivation of androgens. In 2023, Ziqi moved with the team to the Desai Sethi Urological Institute at the University of Miami as a Research Assistant Professor. His primary interest lies in studying the regulatory mechanisms of the androgen synthesis system.
Ziqi Zhu, Ph.D.
-
With over two decades dedicated to advancing the field of mass spectrometry, Yoon-Mi has had the privilege of focusing on the analysis of small molecules in various diseases. She specializes in developing and validating LC/MS/MS methods tailored for the detection of various small molecules in diverse clinical research endeavors. Since joining the Sharifi Group in 2015, Yoon-Mi has been collaborating closely with her colleagues, both within the Sharifi Group and external collaborators to provide analytical support to detect various small molecules, especially steroids.
Also, taking on the responsibility of procuring new analytical instruments, overseeing maintenance, providing training, and coordinating room setups are facets of Yoon-Mi's role that she approaches with humility and a genuine passion for contributing to the success of the team. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a dedicated group.
Yoon-Mi Chung, M.S.
-
Born and raised in Iran, Nikou started his scientific journey at the age of 19 focusing on the study of human genetic disorders. His passion for basic science led him to the (Ted) Edward Elliston Farmer lab at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) in Switzerland, where he investigated the role of Ca2+ transporters on wound-induce electrical signaling in Arabidopsis and earned his Ph.D. in 2021. Throughout his doctoral studies, he discovered the pivotal roles of two plasma membrane Ca2+ pumps on cells excitably in response to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Driven by his curiosity and passion to amalgamate basic and translational sciences, Nikou Joined the Sharifi team at Cleveland Clinic in 2022 as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing steroid metabolites regulation in castrated-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In 2023, Nikou was affiliated with the Desai Sethi Urological Institute at the University of Miami (UM) as an assistant scientist. This new role provides him with a unique opportunity to concentrate on the molecular regulatory mechanisms within steroidogenesis pathways.
Nikou Fotouhi, Ph.D.
-
Ritika completed her Ph.D. in molecular and cancer biology from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, India. In 2020, she joined Nima Sharifi's group as a postdoctoral fellow at Cleveland Clinic. In 2023, she moved with the group to the Desai Sethi Urological Institute at the University of Miami as an assistant scientist. Her primary interest lies with understanding the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in hormone driven cancers.
Ritika Tiwari, Ph.D.
-
Salisa, originally from the Netherlands, completed her M.Sc. in Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University & Research in 2019 and earned her Ph.D. from the Institute of Neuropathology at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), Germany, in 2026. Her doctoral research focused on investigating the role of EZH2 in the regulation of chronic hypoxia and the function of SOCS3 in modulating HIF signaling under normoxic conditions in cancer cells, as well as their impact on cancer progression. Currently, she is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Sharifi Lab at the University of Miami. Salisa is interested in cancer metabolism, nutrition, and the role of diet in cancer development and treatment response. Outside the lab, she enjoys trying new foods, traveling, staying active, and spending time by the pool or at the beach.
Salisa Kruijning, Ph.D.
-
Robert, a Miami, FL. native, received his Master of Science degree from the University of Florida in Microbiology and Cell Science with a focus in medical microbiology and biochemistry. In his time at the University of Miami's Cancer Modeling Shared Resource, he developed his skills in generating in-vivo models of cancer to investigate novel treatment therapies in a pre-clinical setting. In addition to generating these models, he developed his skills in histopathology to offer a variety of services to members of the university. In 2023, he joined Dr. Sharifi's lab at the Desai Sethi Urological Institute within the University of Miami as a Senior Research Associate to investigate the mechanisms associated with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.
Robert Alexander Diaz, M.S.
-
Lucia, originally from Buenos Aires (Argentina), completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Development with a minor in Global Health from Cornell University. During her college career, she has been involved in multiple research and community development projects. In 2022, she spent the summer in Moshi, Tanzania, where she conducted research to support local medical school’s efforts to address increased morbidity and health disparities of underserved populations. Soon after graduation, she joined Dr. Sharifi’s team as a project coordinator to support the expansion of the department’s scientific program and take the lead in organizing and facilitating meetings for the group, and other members of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Desai Sethi Urology Institute. In her free time, Lucia enjoys playing beach volleyball with friends.
Lucia Pannunzio
pannunziolucia@miami.edu
-
Francielle, originally from São Paulo (Brazil), a biologist, completed her M.S. in Science (Cell, Tissue, and Developmental Biology) in 2018. During her Ph.D. in General and Applied Biology, she focused on understanding the adiponectin effects on prostate cancer. Francielle joined Sharifi's lab in December of 2023 and will be contributing to the research as a new postdoc!
Francielle Mosele, Ph.D.
-
Seyyed Masoud Bitaraf is an international medical graduate who completed his medical doctorate degree at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. He has experience in basic and clinical urologic research. He is currently a postdoctoral associate in the Sharifi Lab, with research interests focused on genitourinary malignancies and minimally invasive diagnostic approaches. Outside the lab, he enjoys water sports, paragliding, and television series.
Masoud Bitaraf, M.D.
-
Sunita, originally from Jharkhand, India, completed her Ph.D. in Deciphering The Role Of P32 In Melanoma Tumor Progression And Metastasis. Sunita has extensive experience in Cancer Biology. Sunita joined Sharifi’s Lab in January of 2024 as a new Postdoctoral Associate. Sunita is a nature lover who likes travelling, listening to music, and gardening.
Sunita Sinha, Ph.D.
-
Olivia completed her Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology with a Chemistry minor at the University of Miami, receiving the Magna Cum Laude distinction. She is currently developing a research project for her PhD thesis in Cancer Biology. She is interested in the underlying biochemistry dictating aberrant steroidogenesis in cancer cells, drug development, and the many interactions that occur in the tumor microenvironment. She hopes that her work will have a translational impact for patients.
Olivia Tonini
-
Francesca DiMisa, originally from Boca Raton, Florida, earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Chemistry and American Sign Language from the University of Miami. She has experience in clinical research, patient care, and phlebotomy through roles in academic medicine and healthcare settings. Francesca currently works as a Clinical Research Coordinator within the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, supporting translational and clinical research in prostate cancer. Her academic interests include neuroscience, oncology, and women’s health. In her free time, she enjoys watching Formula One, spending time outdoors with her dogs, and connecting with friends and family.
Francesca DiMisa
-
Dr. Emad Gad, originally from Egypt, is a University of Miami Scientist. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in organic chemistry from Egypt's Suez Canal University, Faculty of Science. He worked as an Assistant Professor of organic chemistry at Egypt's Suez Canal University's Faculty of Science. He obtained a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Zurich University, Switzerland, as part of a joint scholarship under the supervision of Prof. John Robinson. Dr. Gad's research interests are in the synthesis and evaluation of novel organic compounds with applications in medicine and materials science.
Emad Gad, Ph.D.
emadgad@miami.edu
-
Kristina, originally from Shanghai, China, completed her Master of Science in Chemical Engineering at Columbia University in 2024. Kristina has experience in mass spectrometry testing and analysis on small molecules and biomolecules. Currently, Kristina does metabolomics on patient samples with prostate cancer. She devotes to develop novel LC-MS methods and expand her mass spec expertise. Kristina is interested in playing the piano, tennis, and skiing.
Jinyuan ‘Kristina’ Shi, M.S.
kristinashi@miami.edu
Dave Rowland, Ph.D.
dcr156@med.miami.edu
-
Jonathan Cedeno Lugo, originally from Miami, FL, completed his PhD in Chemistry at Florida International University in 2025. Jonathan has experience in spectroscopy, computational chemistry, and molecular dynamics. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Sharifi Lab. Jonathan is interested in the structure function relationship of heme proteins and computational modeling of proteins.
Jonathan Cedeno Lugo, Ph.D.
jxc3703@med.miami.edu
-
A dedicated Sr. Research Laboratory Technician with over eight years of experience in veterinary support and laboratory animal science. Currently serving at the University of Miami’s Desai Sethi Urology Institute, I specialize in the oversight of rodent models, complex surgical procedures, and colony management. My expertise includes advanced techniques such as intravenous and intraperitoneal administrations, genotyping, and assisting in the development of IACUC protocols. Bilingual in English and Spanish, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare (AAALAC/USDA) while collaborating with research teams to drive breakthroughs in oncology.
Horacio Gonzalez Lopez
Brad Nelson
-
Brad Nelson, originally from San Diego, California, earned his B.S. in Pharmacological Chemistry with a minor in Biology from the University of California, San Diego. After graduating in 2022, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry, where he gained experience in the formulation, process development, and analytical characterization of small-molecule drug candidates. Brad is currently a Research Associate in the Sharifi Lab, where he applies analytical chemistry techniques to investigate steroid metabolism and its role in prostate cancer. His research interests lie at the intersection of chemistry and biology, particularly in understanding how chemical signaling regulates cellular function, metabolism, and disease. Outside the lab, Brad enjoys strength training, exploring the outdoors, and traveling.