People

Ioannis (Yiannis) Paraskevaidis earned his bachelor's degree in Biology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Yiannis continued his academic journey by completing a master's in Biomedical Research at The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, where he actively contributed to research in epigenetic therapy for melanoma. Currently, he has joined the Verginadis Lab as a graduate student. His research focuses on utilizing radiation for pancreatic tumor therapeutics and unraveling the complex mechanisms associated with pancreatic radioresistance. Outside of the lab, Yiannis enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and exploring the world through travel.

Shria is an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania studying biochemistry on the pre-medicine track. After graduation, she hopes to attend medical school and pursue a career as a clinician and researcher. In the past she conducted research to understand the role of ORAI1 in T-Cell activation and the ability of specific flow cytometers to sort and analyze potentially cancerous extracellular vesicles. She recently joined the Verginadis lab with the goal of gaining expertise in various molecular techniques and in vivo procedures. Outside of the lab, Shria volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House and is a part of Community School Student Partnerships where she volunteers at Comegys Elementary in West Philadelphia.

Yuyu is a MD student at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. She also obtained her bachelor’s degree in microbiology and immunology at the University of British Columbia, Canada and master’s degree in biomedicine at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. She previously participated in translational cancer research focusing on neuro-immunology, tumor microenvironment and radiotherapy response in brain tumors. She recently joined the Verginadis Lab to investigate gene signatures linked to chemoradiotherapy resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Outside of the lab, she enjoys jogging, cooking and traveling!

Kristianna Kolker is a research specialist who recently graduated from Drexel University in 2024, majoring in biology with minors in neuroscience and psychology. She has previously engaged in translational pediatric cancer research, focusing on EZH2 inhibition and its effects on modulation of ALK in neuroblastoma. She recently joined the Verginadis Lab, where she contributes to ongoing research in radiation biology and cancer therapeutics, specifically investigating the mechanisms behind radiation-induced toxicity and resistance. Outside the lab, Kristianna enjoys playing competitive indoor and beach volleyball, spending time with friends, and indulging in her love for food.

Samantha is an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania on the pre-medical track at the College of Arts and Sciences. After graduation, she plans to earn an MD and pursue both clinical and research endeavors. Prior to joining the Verginadis Lab, Samantha interned at a lab at the Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine. Her work focused on the impact of genetic modification and aging on the progression of kidney disease, as well as the endothelial cell role in cardioprotection after exposure to chemotherapy. Outside of the lab, Samantha enjoys reading, volunteer tutoring, and spending time with friends and family.