Meet Our Team
Principal Investigator
Pavan Atluri, MD
Professor Of Surgery
pavan.atluri@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
215-662-2956
Dr. Atluri is Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support and Heart Transplant and Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Cardiac Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. He has a large practice focused on heart failure and minimally invasive therapy for valvular heart disease. He has written extensively on heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, and mitral valve disease. His basic science focus dovetails his clinical focus.
Post-Docs
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Read More about Amit Iyengar, MD MSAmit Iyengar, MD MS
PGY5 Integrated Cardiac Surgery Resident
Amit Iyengar, MD MS
PGY5 Integrated Cardiac Surgery Resident
Amit is a PGY5 Resident in the Integrated Cardiac Surgery Program and is a graduate of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. His interests include extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and heart transplantation. He plans to pursue a career in academic surgery.
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Read More about Takahiro Tashima, MDTakahiro Tashima, MD
Visiting Researcher
Takahiro Tashima, MD
Visiting Researcher
Takahiro is a resident of cardiovascular surgery from Japan and is a member of Oita University Hospital.
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Read More about Devon Kelley, MD, MSDevon Kelley, MD, MS
PGY2 General Surgery Resident
Devon Kelley, MD, MS
PGY2 General Surgery Resident
Devon is a PGY2 General Surgery Resident and is a graduate of George Washington University School of Medicine.
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Read More about Takeshi Wada, MDTakeshi Wada, MD
Visiting Researcher
Takeshi Wada, MD
Visiting Researcher
Takeshi is a resident of cardiovascular surgery from Japan and is a member of Oita University Hospital. His interests include minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) and aortic surgery. In his free time, he likes to listen to and play classical music, and also enjoys traveling and reading.
Lab Staff
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Read More about Jessica Dominic, MSJessica Dominic, MS
Lab Manager
Jessica Dominic, MS
Lab Manager
Jessica is the lab manager and a current research specialist in the lab. She received her Bachelor's in Bioengineering at Temple University and her Master's in Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to working in the lab, she worked at a pharmaceutical company in Exton, PA. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading and playing with her puppy.
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Read More about Joyce Ho, MS, BAJoyce Ho, MS, BA
Measey Scholar
Joyce Ho, MS, BA
Measey Scholar
Joyce is a Measey Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania with a dual Bachelor's degree in Biology and Political Science in addition to a Master's of Science in Biology. She aspires to go to medical school and pursue a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon. Outside of the lab, she is the founder of a human rights organization.
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Read More about Andrew BelecAndrew Belec
Research Specialist
Andrew Belec
Research Specialist
Andrew Belec graduated from Earlham College with a Bachelors degree in Biochemistry. He plans to attend medical school in the fall. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, trying out new recipes in his air fryer and keeping everyone up to date on Gen Z slang.
Graduate Students
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Read More about Preston So, MSPreston So, MS
Student Researcher
Preston So, MS
Student Researcher
Preston is a third-year medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine. He graduated from THE Ohio State University with a bachelors degree in Biochemistry, and from Georgetown University with a masters degree in Physiology. He is interested in pursuing a career in Cardiothoracic Surgery, with particular interest in heart transplantation. In his spare time, Preston enjoys golfing (but not well), exercising, stand-up comedy, and spending time with friends and family.
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Read More about David RekhtmanDavid Rekhtman
Clinical Student Researcher
David Rekhtman
Clinical Student Researcher
David is a second-year medical student at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maryland with dual degrees in biochemistry and biology. He is particularly interested in mechanical circulatory support devices and heart transplantation. In his free time, David enjoys running on the Schuylkill River Trail and biking into the Philadelphia suburbs.
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Read More about Cindy SongCindy Song
Clinical Student Researcher
Cindy Song
Clinical Student Researcher
Cindy is a second-year medical student at the Perelman School of Medicine. She graduated from Rutgers University in 2021 with a degree in molecular biology & biochemistry. At Penn, she serves as a general surgery lead personal patient navigator for the Center for Surgical Health and a graphic designer for apenndx, PSOM’s medical humanities magazine. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and sunrise walks.
Undergraduate Students
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Read More about Mapalo MulweMapalo Mulwe
Undergraduate Researcher
Mapalo Mulwe
Undergraduate Researcher
Mapalo is an undergraduate student currently pursuing a degree in Biology and Economics. He is passionate about using science to serve humanity and particularly about using research methodologies to drive innovative solutions to global challenges. He aspires to be a medical doctor specializing in cardiothoracic surgery.
Past Members
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Read More about Noah Weingarten, MDNoah Weingarten, MD
PGY4 General Surgery Resident
Noah Weingarten, MD
PGY4 General Surgery Resident
Noah is a PGY4 General Surgery Resident and aspiring cardiac surgeon-scientist. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. His professional interests include heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support devices, and the development of novel heart failure therapies.
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Read More about Rachel WilsonRachel Wilson
Research Specialist
Rachel Wilson
Research Specialist
Rachel graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelors degree in Biology. She plans to attend NYU Gross Long Island School of Medicine to pursue a career in surgery.
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Read More about Grace ChabbottGrace Chabbott
Graduate Student Researcher
Grace Chabbott
Graduate Student Researcher
Grace is a first-year Bioengineering Master’s student at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, focusing specifically on Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials. She graduated from Boston University in 2023 with a Bachelors in Biomedical Engineering, where she worked on various projects aiming to combat degeneration in both the brain and the eyes. She is now interested in exploring stem cell therapy applications for the heart. For fun, Grace likes to travel, draw, and spend time with her friends and family.
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Read More about Humza AsifHumza Asif
Summer PURM Student
Humza Asif
Summer PURM Student
Humza is a current undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. He is pursuing a double major in Chemistry and Economics and also, a Masters of Science in Chemistry. In addition, he aspires to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
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Read More about Chaitanya ("Chad") KarimanasseriChaitanya ("Chad") Karimanasseri
Chaitanya ("Chad") Karimanasseri
Chaitanya ("Chad") is an undergraduate at Penn studying Bioengineering and focused on pursuing academic medicine and cardiac surgery. In addition, he is on the board of the Penn Pre-Medical Association, volunteers at multiple worship outreach centers in Philadelphia, and is a peer leader/mentor to other students in various capacities. In his spare time, Chad loves to read and hike with friends.
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Read More about Triloshan ThillaikumaranTriloshan Thillaikumaran
Summer PURM Student
Triloshan Thillaikumaran
Summer PURM Student
Triloshan is a current undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. He is pursuing a major in Biochemistry. In addition, he plays trumpet in the Penn Wind Ensemble and volunteers at the university hospital. He is interested in pursuing a career in surgery.
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Read More about Danika Meldrum, MSDanika Meldrum, MS
Research Specialist
Danika Meldrum, MS
Research Specialist
Danika graduated with a B.S. and M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Drexel University in 2020. While at Drexel, she competed on the Varsity Swim and Crew teams. Her clinical interests include cardiology and surgery. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and going on bike rides.
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Read More about Melissa SeiberlichMelissa Seiberlich
Student Researcher
Melissa Seiberlich
Student Researcher
Missy is a fourth-year veterinary student at PennVet. She earned a BS in biochemistry at the University of Minnesota, where she also conducted preclinical research that evaluated novel cardiac devices and surgical techniques. She aims to specialize in lab animal medicine or surgery, while conducting alongside translational research. Outside of the lab, she enjoys crossword puzzles and spending time with her cat Mulligan.
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Read More about Sara Guevara-Plunkett, BSSara Guevara-Plunkett, BS
Research Specialist
Sara Guevara-Plunkett, BS
Research Specialist
Sara graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Global Disease Biology. While the Knights Landing (KL) Student-Run Clinic Chair, she was awarded the 2020-2021 Gold UCD Community Service Award for creating the “Resource Table.” The Resource Table provides free weekly resources to the residents of the KL food desert and remains ongoing through UC Davis Medical Center. Ultimately, her passion is to practice rural medicine in underserved communities while targeting social determinants of health. In her free time, she enjoys going to local parks with her guinea pig, “Piglet,” and making soap, which she distributes to individuals in need within her community.
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Read More about D. Alan Herbst, MD MSD. Alan Herbst, MD MS
PGY6 General Surgery Resident
D. Alan Herbst, MD MS
PGY6 General Surgery Resident
Alan is a CY6 General Surgery Resident and a University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine graduate. He is an aspiring cardiac surgeon. Outside the lab and hospital, he enjoys flying the skies with his new pilot's license and walking around Philly with his puppy "Ekho."
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Read More about Shahe TchillingirianShahe Tchillingirian
Student Researcher
Shahe Tchillingirian
Student Researcher
Shahe is a second-year medical student at Drexel College of Medicine and is aspiring to become a Cardiovascular surgeon. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Long Beach State University. Among medicine, Shahe is also passionate about giving back to the community. During his time at Long Beach State, Shahe started a non-profit, UPSS Education Foundation, aimed at providing mentorship and tutoring services to underprivileged students.
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Read More about Peter Altshuler, MDPeter Altshuler, MD
Peter Altshuler, MD
Peter is in the General Surgery Program at Thomas Jefferson University and is a graduate of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College. His interests include cardiac surgery and heart failure. He plans to pursue a career in academic cardiac surgery.
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Read More about Jason Han, MDJason Han, MD
Jason Han, MD
Jason is in the Integrated Cardiac Surgery Program. He received his bachelors degree in Neuroscience at Columbia University and is a graduate of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a writer for the healthcare section of the Philadelphia Inquirer, a writing fellow for Doximity Op (m)-ed, and is interested in heart failure, and clinical ethics. He plans to pursue a career in academic cardiac surgery.
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Read More about Mark R. Helmers, MDMark R. Helmers, MD
Mark R. Helmers, MD
Mark is in the Integrated Cardiac Surgery Program and is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. His interests include valvular disease and heart failure. He plans to pursue a career in academic cardiac surgery.
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Read More about Michael Ibrahim, MD PhDMichael Ibrahim, MD PhD
Michael Ibrahim, MD PhD
Michael is in the Integrated Cardiac Surgery Program. He is a graduate of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge and Imperial College London. He has held honorary research fellowships at The Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Heart Hospital.
Dr. Ibrahim completed his PhD under the mentorship of Sir Magdi Yacoub FRS OM. His research focus is on short and long-term advanced therapies for heart failure. In particular, Dr. Ibrahim’s research aims to identify novel therapeutic mechanisms by which mechanical unloading induces reversal of heart failure, alone or in conjunction with novel, disruptive therapies. He also has a research interest in aortic root surgery, including The Ross Operation. He aspires to a career in academic cardiac surgery.
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Read More about Alexis SchiazzaAlexis Schiazza
Alexis Schiazza
Alexis graduated from Georgetown University '19 and majored in Human Science magna cum laude. She is interested in pursuing a career in neonatal surgery.
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Read More about Saitej GuttikondaSaitej Guttikonda
Saitej Guttikonda
Tej graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and is interested in pursuing a career in cardiology.
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Read More about Robin HuRobin Hu
Robin Hu
Robin graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a double major in Biophysics and Communications in the College. She is interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
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Read More about Hetal LadHetal Lad
Hetal Lad
Hetal graduated from Drexel University in Biological Sciences with Honors distinction. Outside of research, she is an advocate for homeless healthcare by starting www.ch2i.org, volunteers as an EMT, and dances competitively. She is interested in pursuing a career in medicine and surgery.
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Jakub Jarmula (2019-2020)
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Jakub Jarmula (2019-2020)
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
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Samuel Kim (2018-2020)
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
Samuel Kim (2018-2020)
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
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Zoe Tran (2018-2020)
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Zoe Tran (2018-2020)
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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Drew Goldberg, MD MS (2018-2020)
University of Pennsylvania General Surgery Resident
Drew Goldberg, MD MS (2018-2020)
University of Pennsylvania General Surgery Resident
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Ann C. Gaffey, MD MS (2018-2019)
University of Pennsylvania Vascular Surgery Fellow
Ann C. Gaffey, MD MS (2018-2019)
University of Pennsylvania Vascular Surgery Fellow
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Jianliang Zhou, MD (2018-2019)
Cardiac Surgeon
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Elizabeth Li (2017-2019)
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Elizabeth Li (2017-2019)
Eastern Virginia Medical School
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Anjali Patel (2019)
Sidney Kimmel Medical College
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Prescott Binder (2018)
Hope College
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Jonathan Gordon (2017-2018)
Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Jonathan Gordon (2017-2018)
Sidney Kimmel Medical College
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Jennifer Chung, MD (2016-2018)
University of Pennsylvania Cardiac Surgery Fellow
Jennifer Chung, MD (2016-2018)
University of Pennsylvania Cardiac Surgery Fellow
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Maria Florencia Arisi (2016-2018)
Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Maria Florencia Arisi (2016-2018)
Sidney Kimmel Medical College
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Samir Zaman (2016-2018)
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Samir Zaman (2016-2018)
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
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Carol Chen, MD (2015-2017)
Stanford University Cardiac Surgery Fellow
Carol Chen, MD (2015-2017)
Stanford University Cardiac Surgery Fellow
