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OUR TEAM
Driven by Curiosity. United by Impact.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Ksenia Matlawska, Ph.D.
Lab Powerhouse. Cat-wrangler. Occasional globe-trotter. Amateur gardener.
Ksenia was born and raised in Poland, where her lifelong passion for science began. She earned both her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biology with honors from the University of Lodz, focusing on cytogenetics and cancer cell biology. Her scientific path has taken her across countries and continents, from a Marie Curie Fellowship in Ireland to postdoctoral training in leukemia research at the University of New Mexico, where she landed her first faculty position, fell in love with T-ALL research, and maybe even with grant deadlines too. Now a tenured Associate Professor at UAB and Co-Leader of the Experimental Therapeutics Program at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, she leads a research team investigating how T-ALL cells spread throughout the body and find secret hideouts, and how to catch them in the act with effective therapies. Ksenia believes in science that matters, mentoring that empowers, and coffee that is strong enough to get you through reviewer comments. A self-proclaimed master of chaos, she somehow manages to juggle everything and make it look effortless. Warning: her energy is contagious. When she is not writing grants or cheering on her research team, she can be found gardening (with mixed results), exploring cuisines from around the world, plotting her next travel escape, or being supervised by her two beloved feline overlords, Frank and Hank.
SENIOR SCIENTISTS
Nitesh Sharma, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist. Leukemia Whisperer. Mouse Wizard. Indian Cuisine Chef.
Nitesh joined the Matlawska Lab in 2015 and has since become the go-to expert for everything from in vivo leukemia modeling to somehow finding that one antibody no one else can. Nitesh earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy at S.G.S.P.S. Institute of Pharmacy in Akola, India, followed by an M.Sc. in Pharmacology at the University of Hertfordshire (UK). Trained in Italy, he earned his Ph.D. in Experimental Hematology at the University of Milano-Bicocca, where he investigated the molecular mechanisms associated with chronic myelogenous leukemia progression before crossing borders and time zones to become one of the lab’s most reliable pillars. Nitesh is currently investigating the molecular and inflammatory mechanisms driving leukemia progression and CNS infiltration in T-ALL. He is best known for multitasking like a pro - juggling mice, running stellar Western blots, performing smooth lentiviral transductions, and troubleshooting experiments like a magician. If an experiment needs to get done before tomorrow, Nitesh will do it - probably twice - all while streaming a cricket match. Nitesh tackles everything with serious focus and a good vibe that keeps the lab in good spirits. When he is not analyzing data or fine-tuning protocols, you will most likely find him cooking up a healthy Indian meal (you would fight for a plate), playing cricket, going for a run, or meditating to stay centered.
Wojciech Ornatowski, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist. Accidental lab manager. Occasionally bewildered, mostly caffeinated.
Wojtek joined the Matlawska Lab to work on “a few experiments” and has since found himself knee-deep in complex leukemia projects and highly questionable pipette tips left behind by others. Polish at heart, he earned his Ph.D. in molecular biology from Kansas State University and his Master’s degree from Auburn University, eventually making his way back to Alabama at UAB. Before joining the Matlawska Lab, Wojtek carried out research at the University of New Mexico and the University of Arizona, where he refined his expertise in imaging, metabolomics, and cellular biology. Today, he is focused on understanding the spatial resolution of CNS-involved T-ALL. With a brain full of autophagy trivia, Wojtek is famous for his dry humor, unshakable calm, and perfectly timed jokes that lighten the mood. His broad interest in history, culture, and geopolitics occasionally halts both his and the lab’s pipetting mid-stream. When he is not analyzing research data, Wojtek can be found diplomatically managing lab chaos. When he is not in the lab, Wojtek enjoys hitting the gym, watching Nordic and Korean movies, and savoring a quiet, well-earned moment of peace.
POST DOCTORIAL RESEARCHERS
Silpita Paul, Ph.D.
Postdoc. Naturally loud, officially enthusiastic. Food lover. Always chasing the next adventure.
Silpita Paul is a postdoc in the Matlawska Lab - and hands down the loudest person in the lab. Originally from India, she earned her Ph.D. at the University of Calcutta in 2019 before completing her first postdoc at the Bose Institute. Her research journey has taken her from cancer biology to developmental biology and back again, and she is currently focused on leukemia microenvironment and exploring drug synergies to support upcoming clinical trials in adult T-ALL, all while keeping the entire lab entertained with her boundless energy.
When she is not making herself heard at the bench, Silpita can usually be found daydreaming about food, planning her next trip, or geeking out over anime. She loves reading and writing fiction, dreams of visiting all seven wonders of the world, and has a particular soft spot for Japan — its culture, language, and (of course) its food. More than anything, Silpita enjoys sharing her passions with friends and is always up for a new adventure.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Brunno Macedo
Ph.D. Student. Researcher under construction. Serial hypothesis generator. Curious at heart.
Brunno Macedo is a Ph.D. student in the Matlawska Lab and the newest brave soul to dive into the world of T-ALL and “why did these plate inserts disappear again?” mysteries. Originally from Brazil, Brunno earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at the Federal University of Pernambuco and his Master’s in Internal Medicine at the University of São Paulo, where he studied inflammasome activation and autophagy in acute myeloid leukemia. Passionate about science and translational research, Brunno thrives on projects that bridge fundamental biology with clinical relevance. Right now, he is exploring how T-ALL cells infiltrate the CNS and how the meninges switch from innocent bystanders to active accomplices in leukemic infiltration. Driven by insatiable curiosity, and an unstoppable stream of questions that keeps everyone on their toes (and we love it!!!), Brunno is happiest when dissecting new data or brainstorming new hypotheses, always ready to dive deeper into the unknown. He is also known for keeping immaculate notes and staying remarkably calm when experiments do not go as planned (probably shock!). Brunno might just be the only person in the lab who can use R without crying (a lot!). When he is not in the lab wrestling with another experiment, you will probably find him on a long walk, relaxing in the park, playing video games, watching movies or cheering for his hometown soccer team (no other team interests him!). At home, he is happily outnumbered by his two lovely “lady” pet rats, Mango and Guava - named after his favorite fruits.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Lalitha Appana
Undergrad. Energy Ball. Resident Tech Tinkerer. Future Doc with a Need for Speed!
Lalitha Appana is an undergraduate researcher in the Matlawska Lab and the creative force behind this very website you are browsing (yes, this one!). An enthusiastic and upbeat student from Atlanta, Lalitha is pursuing a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in STEM K-12 teaching. An International Baccalaureate diploma holder with her sights set on becoming a physician, she brings her positive energy and can-do attitude to everything she takes on. From exploring novel combination therapies for T-ALL treatment and assisting with leukemia experiments, to occasionally reminding everyone how technology actually works, Lalitha fearlessly keeps things going. In the lab, she loves learning by doing and is known for her endless curiosity, optimism, and willingness to dive into new techniques and ideas. When she is not in the lab or balancing classes and web design responsibilities (and other activities we cannot keep up with), Lalitha enjoys quilling, playing racquet sports and board games, and making the most of spontaneous adventures - whether it is a quick scooter ride, a drive to nowhere, or a walk off the beaten path. A self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, she dreams of hang gliding (no surprise there), skydiving (definitely saw that coming), and visiting every national park - and more.
MEET FRANK & HANK: THE LAB MASCOTS #1
Emotional Support Staff. Manuscript Review Board. Full-time Loafers.
Frank and Hank are the unofficial (but undeniably important) members of the Matlawska Lab. These two feline forces of nature keep Dr. Matlawska energized and mostly on schedule. Whether they are “reviewing” manuscripts from a cozy windowsill perch, offering moral support during last-minute grant tweaks, or walking across the keyboard to remind everyone who really runs the show, Frank and Hank make sure the lab stays productive (or at least entertained). Their very serious responsibilities include supervising Zoom meetings, enforcing mandatory snack breaks, and monitoring stress levels with perfectly timed slow blinks.
MEET MANGO & GUAVA: THE LAB MASCOTS #2
Rat Ladies. Professional Snack Testers. Wrestling Champions.
Mango and Guava, UAB retirees, were adopted by Brunno and instantly became proud members of the Lab Mascot Club. Guava is the bold and endlessly curious one - always the first to kick off the wrestling matches (and usually winning them too). Mango, ever the cautious observer, cannot resist jumping in when things get too exciting. After every playful adventure, they are happiest snuggled up together in their warm little home, keeping Brunno entertained and just relaxed enough to wrestle with the next experiment.
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