Center for Computational Molecular Biology (CCMB)
Andrew Wang (CCMB)
Andrew Wang is a first-year PhD student in Computational Biology at Brown University. His research interests center on designing machine learning systems for problems in biomedicine and healthcare. As life and health science datasets become increasingly large and complex, Andrew is particularly motivated by the challenge of developing interpretable and scientifically sound computational methods that can advance basic research and inform applied therapies and intervention strategies for human disease. Currently, he is exploring different labs as a rotation student. Originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Andrew is excited about experiencing all that Brown and Providence have to offer during his doctoral studies. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, learning foreign languages, and playing music.
Karina Bellavia (CCMB)
Karina Bellavia is a first-year PhD student in Computational Biology at Brown University. Her research focuses on applying population genomics to better understand the evolution and transmission of vector-borne diseases, particularly malaria. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology, with minors in Mathematics and Public Health, from St. Lawrence University, where she studied the ecology and phenology of robber flies. She then completed her master’s in Biostatistics at Harvard University, working in Dr. Dyann Wirth’s malaria lab, where she found an exciting intersection between her interests in entomology, quantitative methods, and global health. At Brown, Karina is eager to deepen her work in infectious disease genomics, expand her skills as a computational biologist, and grow as both a scientist and educator. She looks forward to engaging with the CCMB community and building lasting collaborations across disciplines.Outside of research, Karina enjoys running, hiking, biking, skiing, practicing yoga, reading, trying new foods, listening to crime podcasts, and sharing animal fun facts.
Seowon Chang (CCMB)
Seowon Chang is an incoming PhD student in Computational Biology at Brown University. His research focuses on developing machine learning methods for single-cell and spatial omics, with the goal of uncovering new biological insights at the cellular level and translating computational approaches into advances in medicine. This fall, he will be rotating with Professor Singh. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Seowon is excited to learn about the wide range of research at CCMB and to explore Providence. In his free time, he enjoys reading, cooking, playing video games, and hiking.
Zan Koenig (CCMB)
Zan Koenig is excited to begin their PhD studies at Brown University in the Center for Computational Molecular Biology. They hold a bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and bring six years of experience as an Associate Computational Biologist in Alicia Martin’s lab at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. At the Broad, Zan led and contributed to projects in statistical and population genetics, developing computational resources and analytical tools—including software for genomic data processing and large-scale population-level analysis—with an emphasis on diverse ancestral populations. For their graduate studies, Zan is particularly interested in exploring genetic inheritance, cultural transmission, and complex trait modeling. They are eager to be part of Brown’s collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, working closely with faculty and peers while gaining new perspectives.Outside of academics, Zan enjoys hiking with their dog, rowing, reading, and knitting.
Center for Technological Responsibility, Re-imagination, and Redesign (CNTR)
Ahana Bhattacharya (CNTR)
Advisor: Suresh Venkatasubramanian
Ahana Bhattacharya is excited to begin her PhD studies in Computer Science at Brown University. She graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics from the University at Buffalo, where she conducted research in Computational Social Science with Kenny Joseph and was affiliated with the cUBe Lab. After graduation, she worked as a software engineer in New York City before committing to doctoral studies at Brown. Her research interests lie broadly in algorithmic fairness, tech governance, and the intersection of computer science with the social sciences. At Brown, she looks forward to engaging with the university’s interdisciplinary programs and collaborating with faculty across departments.Outside of research, Ahana enjoys visiting local cafes and trying new drinks (she’s almost always seen with a beverage in hand). She also loves sitcoms and comedy-dramas, her current favorite is Veep, and her all-time favorite is Fleabag.
Alyssa Lanter (CNTR)
Advisor: Diana Freed
Alyssa Lanter is a first-year PhD student in Computer Science at Brown University. She graduated from UMass Amherst with a B.S. in Computer Science and a certificate in Criminology and the Criminal Justice System. During her undergraduate years, she worked as a Digital Forensics intern with the Cybersecurity Institute and the Massachusetts Attorney General Office’s Digital Evidence Lab. Over the past year, Alyssa has served as a Predoctoral Researcher, examining areas such as domestic violence and AI, aging-in-place technologies, and youth digital safety. Her broader research interests also extend to sociology and technology law. At Brown, Alyssa looks forward to meeting new people, expanding her research capabilities, and continuing to explore the intersections of technology, policy, and social good.Outside of research, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, painting and drawing (acrylics, gouache, and charcoal), and relaxing with friends.
Maya De Los Santos (CNTR)
Advisors: Diana Freed and Harini Suresh
Maya De Los Santos is a first-year PhD student in Computer Science at Brown University. She is dedicated to collaborating with marginalized communities to co-design socio-technical tools that empower individuals to have agency over their personal data and promote well-being. Maya earned her B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Northeastern University’s Honors Program, where she developed a strong technical foundation while cultivating her passion for research on privacy and equity. In 2021, she was awarded an NSF grant to participate in Carnegie Mellon University’s REUSE program, publishing a first-author paper on TikTok users’ awareness of the platform’s privacy policy. She later worked in Dr. Saiph Savage’s Civic AI Lab as an AJC Merit Research Scholar, publishing five papers on human-centered AI systems that promote fair work opportunities and protect crowdworkers’ privacy worldwide. At Brown, Maya looks forward to designing meaningful interventions that empower marginalized communities to prioritize their privacy, while building lasting collaborations across the university and the greater Providence area. She is grateful to be supported by the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) and the Mae Williamson Simmons Fellowship. Outside of research, Maya enjoys reading, crafting, attending concerts and theater, and tackling puzzles of all kinds, especially escape rooms.
Personal Website, LinkedIn, Google Scholar
Michelle L. Ding (CNTR)
Advisors: Suresh Venkatasubramanian and Harini Suresh
Michelle L. Ding is a first-year PhD student in Computer Science at Brown University. Her research interests span AI governance, socio-technical computing, and participatory design. At Brown, she founded the Socially Responsible Computing Handbook in the Computer Science Department and the Center for Technological Responsibility, a project supported by Google Research and the Public Interest Technology University Network. Before beginning her PhD, Michelle worked on responsible AI projects at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Washington, D.C., and has over a decade of experience in advocacy and research with organizations focused on sexual violence prevention, reproductive justice, and education equity. Originally from Shanghai and Vancouver, Michelle is excited to connect with new people at Brown while furthering her work in responsible computing. Outside of research, she enjoys cooking, playing table tennis, singing, and drawing.
Praveen Nair (CNTR)
Advisor: Suresh Venkatasubramanian
Praveen Nair is a first-year PhD student in Computer Science at Brown University. His research focuses on developing algorithmic decision-making systems that are fair and responsible, drawing on methods from across the sociotechnical spectrum. Before coming to Brown, Praveen worked as a research associate with Professor Amit Goldenberg at Harvard Business School. He previously earned a bachelor’s degree in Data Science and a master’s degree in Computer Science from UC San Diego, where he was advised by Professor David Danks. At Brown, Praveen is excited to be part of the interdisciplinary CNTR environment and to contribute new approaches to ensuring responsible AI systems.Outside of research, he enjoys watching movies and sports, reading, and playing the guitar.