Principal Investigator

Karen has a background in medicinal chemistry and mechanistic enzymology. Her lab is interested in structure-function studies on clinically important molecular target proteins and using that information to design novel therapeutics. Her lab is always keen to incorporate new approaches and methodologies that will assist these efforts. Outside the lab, she enjoys bicycling and hiking to enjoy the beautiful Connecticut landscape and shoreline. This also includes taking her shelter rescue dog Cali on long walks.

Research Assistant

Krasimir is the lab’s resident Jack of all trades. You can count on him to fix just about anything, from the mass spec to the FPLC (and everything in between). A true thinker at heart, he's a philosophy enthusiast whose favorite saying is, "I know what I don't know." When he’s not saving the day in the lab, you’ll find him skiing, running 5Ks, or hiking through Connecticut’s beautiful hills and mountains. Basically, if you ever need help, or a hiking buddy, he’s your guy. Some say he knows everything… and we’re not entirely sure they’re wrong.

Associate Research Scientist

Originally trained as a crystallographer, Su is currently focusing on applying his protein structure knowledge in the field of small molecule therapeutic discovery. He is also interested in developing cost-effective bioassays for HTS and enzyme characterization. In his spare time, Su is a DIYer doing layman’s work on home projects.

Postdoctoral Fellow

After earning her PhD from University College London (UK), Shumeng joined the Anderson Lab in 2024, applying her experience in crystallography and biochemistry to structure-based drug discovery targeting HIV-1 and LINE-1 reverse transcriptases. Outside the lab, Shumeng enjoys discovering new restaurants, dancing, and hiking (to stay ahead of the food coma).

MD, Ph.D. Student

Maya is a 6th year MD/PhD student in the Anderson and Bosenberg labs studying Immunobiology. Her project focuses on the role of DNA methylation in regulating CD8+ T cell function in the anti-tumor immune response. Outside of lab Maya enjoys yoga, spending lots of time with her dogs, traveling, and doing pottery and printmaking!

Ph.D. Student

Klarissa is an MB&B PhD student with a passion for understanding the mechanisms by which enzyme activity is modulated by molecules in their environment. After earning her BS/MS at Brandeis University, Klarissa was eager to apply her mechanistic enzymology mindset to the lab’s longstanding interest in using structure-based drug design to develop allosteric inhibitors of HIV Reverse Transcriptase. Outside the lab, Klarissa enjoys dancing, baking and knitting.

Ph.D. Student

Lindsey is a Pharmacology Ph.D. student with a passion for designing effective drugs and vaccines to fight infectious diseases, particularly HIV-1. She focuses on uncovering structural insights to support structure-based drug design. When she’s not in the lab, you can find her diving into fantasy novels, lifting heavy weights in Olympic weightlifting training, or laughing along with the witty brilliance of Dorothy and Sophia from The Golden Girls.

Undergraduate Student

Kathy is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry. She originally joined the Anderson group in 2022 and is interested in small-molecule drug discovery. She enjoys film photography and spotting mountain goats on hikes.

Undergraduate Student

Natalie Bhak is a junior at Yale University majoring in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry with a minor in Ancient Greek. She is currently working in the Anderson Lab on a project investigating the structure and function of HIV reverse transcriptase. Outside the lab, she plays violin in the Yale Symphony Orchestra and enjoys bridging science with the humanities. Her hobbies include reading and writing poetry, stargazing, and exploring literature.

Undergraduate Student

Jake Robbins is a sophomore from Dallas, TX, double majoring in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and English. He is very interested in learning more about pharmacology, translational medicine, and immunology. Jake also writes for the Yale Daily News and edits for the Yale Undergraduate Research Journal. Jake hopes to pursue graduate studies in research and/or medicine, and plans on using his time in undergrad to learn more about the scientific research process. In his free time, Jake likes trying different coffee shops in New Haven, going on hikes, going to art events in New York, and reading.

We look forward to having you in our lab!

This is Cali—short for California, of course—so you know she’s got that, “I’ve got it all, so what are you gonna do about it?” vibe, lol. She’s a little shy at first, but once she gets to know you, good luck keeping her away!

Whinnie is a terrier mutt who loves belly rubs, squirrel chasing, gopher hunting, wrestling over her favorite sqeaky toys, and reminding her humans that they’ve been sitting on their computers for just a little too long. But nothing beats curling up on the bed after a long day of work.

Cinnamon (like the spice) is a ball of fluff with a big attitude. She enjoys doing binkies and zoomies around the room, indulging in protein pellets and the occasional slice of banana. Her favorite pastimes include chewing on the couch when no one's looking, and pretending not to hear the word “no.”

Gigi is an energetic mixed breed who loves all outdoor activities and food (of any kind!) Her lifelong love of treats has allowed her to excel in many canine activities. She is the recipient of the AKC Rally Advanced title as well as multiple scent tracking titles, and is one of few mixed breed dogs to achieve the IFH-V tracking title! Clip is a 6 year old Belgian malinois who is very passionate about his beloved ball-on-string toy. He recently completed his IGP-1 title demonstrating his many skills including competition obedience and scent tracking! 

Spotted in Glacier National Park!