Our Members
Meet our dedicated lab members driving the science we stand by
Daniel Chafamo
Daniel is a medical student at the Perelman School of Medicine. He received his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Harvard University. His research interests lie at the intersection of computational biology and medicine. He is specifically interested in utilizing single-cell genomics to better understand the tumor microenvironment and its role in disparate responses to therapy. At the Silverbush Lab, he explores the immune cell response to CAR T therapy in glioblastoma. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys reading novels, playing chess and baking desserts.
Trip Freeburg
Trip is a post-doc in the Silverbush lab establishing single cell wet lab assays and working on novel computational methods. He received his B.A. From Oberlin College and his Ph.D in the lab of Dr. David Feldser here at UPenn. Trip is interested studying the ability of cancer cells to acquire cell state plasticity, the ability of a cell to acquire new phenotypes or to become distinct cell types. Plasticity is associated with rapid tumor evolution and the ability of cancer cells to acquire metastatic competency, therapy resistance, and other dangerous phenotypes. To this end, Trip uses single-cell sequencing and other bioinformatic approaches to study cell state plasticity and how it impacts glioma heterogeneity and response to therapy. Outside of lab, he enjoys cooking, weightlifting, hiking, and any other outdoor adventures.
Gayathri Konanur
Gayathri is the Lab manager /Research Specialist C at the Silverbush Lab. She received an MS in Biotechnology from NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Prior to joining the Silverbush Lab, Gayathri worked as a Research Tech in a basic immunology research lab. She is interested in immunotherapy for gliomas, a type of brain cancer. She is particularly intrigued by the heterogeneity and plasticity of tumors at the genetic and immunological level and aims to understand its role in treatment resistance, which remains a profound challenge in cancer treatment. Gayathri works with the team in implementing various wet lab single-cell techniques and supports ongoing projects that inform treatment outcomes in glioma. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, traveling and making art.
Jackie Peng
Jackie is a PhD student in the Genomics and Computational Biology program at Penn. She also went to Penn for her undergrad and master’s, studying bioengineering and data science, respectively. She hopes to bridge her interests in experimental and computational research to make discoveries that will improve glioblastoma treatment. In the Silverbush Lab, she is working on generating and analyzing single-cell data from post-mortem samples of glioblastoma patients. Outside of lab, her hobbies include visiting restaurants and cafes, hanging out with friends, and playing board games and video games.
Megan Costa
Megan is a PhD student in the Cell and Molecular Biology program at Penn. She went to Boston University for her undergrad and master's, studying biochemistry and molecular biology and biotechnology, respectively. Following her time at BU, she embarked on a 2-year research fellowship studying extrachromosomal oncogene amplification in the lab of Dr. Roel Verhaak at The Jackson Laboratory and Yale School of Medicine in Connecticut. During her graduate training, she hopes to make the switch from wet bench molecular biology to computational analytics, harnessing data-driven techniques to help understand how diffuse gliomas evolve in response to immunotherapy. Outside of science, Megan (a Massachusetts native) is one of the only Boston sports fans in Philly, makes cold brew coffee imported from exotic countries, and runs a lot so she can try all the best restaurants in the city!
Sriya Potluri
Sriya is an MD/PhD student in the Genomics and Computational Biology program at Penn. She received her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Maryland, College Park. During her medical and graduate studies, Sriya hopes to bridge the gap between the biological sciences, mathematical modeling, and medical practice. Outside of the lab, Sriya enjoys cooking, weightlifting, and walking on the Schuylkill River Trail.
Heather Birmingham
Heather graduated from Temple University in 2019 with a BA in Theater with concentrations in Musical Theater and Acting. She supports five labs within the Cancer Biology department as an Administrative Assistant. Heather continues to act and write in her free time.