People
Nadya Dimitrova, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of MCDB and Genetics
Sc.B. Biochemistry, Brown University
Ph.D. Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University
Originally from Bulgaria, Nadya graduated with an Sc.B. in Biochemistry from Brown University and received a Ph.D. from Rockefeller University. As a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Tyler Jacks at MIT, she pioneered the development of genetic mouse models to study long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer biology. Nadya is the recipient of the HHMI Predoctoral Fellowship, the Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award, the Damon Runyon Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, the 2016 Lung Cancer Research Foundation Scientific Merit Award, the 2017 Pew-Stewart Award for Cancer Research, the NIH Merit Award, and the 2020 Lion Heart Award.
Nadya enjoys working at the bench and interacting closely with all members of the lab. Her work is driven by deep curiosity about the biological functions and diverse mechanisms of lncRNAs and aims to develop innovative approaches that would help uncover their mysteries. Her ultimate goal is to help elucidate the contribution of lncRNAs to normal homeostasis and in complex disease states, such as cancer. Outside of the lab, Nadya loves to spend time with her family. Her favorite activities are running, kickboxing, and yoga.
Lab Manager
Justin Glynn, MBA
Postdoctoral Researchers
Leah Plasek Hedge, Ph.D.
Ph.D. candidate in Molecular Virology, Case Western Reserve University
Leah completed her Ph.D. at Case Western Reserve University, where she studied HIV-induced changes to the protein-coding and lncRNA transcriptome of T cells. In the Dimitrova lab, Leah investigates the roles and mechanisms of cancer-associated lncRNAs. Leah enjoys cooking, going to concerts, and seeing art exhibits.
Graduate Students
Liz Li
B.A. Biochemistry, Wellesley College
Liz is interested in uncovering how lncRNAs control key cellular processes in cancer through epigenetic reprogramming. Outside of the lab, she loves gardening.
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Rahul Gupta
B.A. Biological Sciences and Classical Studies, University of Chicago
As an undergraduate, Rahul studied diverse species of non-coding RNAs and helped develop tools and models to better understand their functions. In the Dimitrova lab, Rahul seeks to uncover the mechanisms of how lncRNAs control the flow of genetic information to shape cellular functions and the resulting therapeutic implications. Outside of the lab, he is an editor for the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, and enjoys reading, learning about paleontology, playing the clarinet, building complex LEGO sets, and spending time with family and friends.
Postgraduate Research Assistants
Karliane Delgado Soto
American Cancer Society DIRC Postbac Fellow
Undergraduate Students
Pol Berger Romeu, B.S./M.S. candidate, class of 2026
Pol is developing novel technologies to investigate lncRNAs and aims to investigate drivers of cancer progression. Outside of the lab, Pol is a board member of the Yale Entrepreneurial Society and enjoys playing soccer with friends.
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