Jess Sheu-Gruttadauria, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Hanna Gray Fellow of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Jess received her B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Rochester followed by her Ph.D. in Structural Biology at Scripps Research under the mentorship of Ian MacRae, where she focused on elucidating the structural architecture and molecular mechanisms of complexes involved in microRNA mediated gene regulation. She went on to pursue postdoctoral training with Ron Vale and Stephen Floor at the University of California San Francisco and Janelia Research Campus, where her research focused on understanding how the emergent biophysical features of the nucleolus relate to its molecular role in ribosome biogenesis, through the development of novel live-imaging tools for systematically identifying factors that regulate biomolecular condensate dynamics. Jess is passionate about pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery, but also of how we build supportive and accessible scientific communities.

Outside of the lab, Jess can be found spending time with family, painting, volunteering in the community, and seeking out the best preparation of the humble potato (controversial opinion: it’s french fries).

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Jesslyn Park, Ph.D.

Postdoc

Jesslyn studied chemistry at Winthrop University and biochemistry/molecular biology at the University of California, San Francisco, where she investigated the impact of RNA-interacting proteins on mRNA translation and cellular fitness. Building upon prior research involvements in protein biochemistry, tunable synthetic biology, and connecting genetic interactions to cellular pathology, she is excited to further explore the nuances of dynamic, higher-order protein assemblies that sequester biomolecules and their roles in facilitating fundamental processes. As the first in her family to attend college, Jesslyn is also motivated by the importance of outreach and supporting others in science and higher education.

In her free time, she is often coveting the next ice cream spot to try, attempting to empirically interpret the behaviorisms of her cats, and working on finally committing to real hobbies.

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Sushmit Ghosh, Ph.D.

Postdoc

Sushmit received his Master’s degree in Genetics from the University of Delhi, followed by a Ph.D. in Biology from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, where he trained under Dr. Lolitika Mandal. His doctoral research explored how nutrients from food are sensed by blood cells to regulate the degradation of microRNAs and mRNAs through autophagy. Sushmit is fascinated by the emergent behaviors of molecules that drive cellular decisions, and enjoys building experimental tools to visualize and dissect these processes at high resolution.

Outside the lab, Sushmit is a passionate explorer of food and culture. Hailing from a lineage of enthusiastic eaters, he feels right at home in New York City, where he is on a mission to explore cuisines and cultures from around the world that come together on a single street.

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Sophia Guitar

Research Technician

Sophia graduated from Lafayette College in 2025 as a neuroscience major and WGSS minor. She conducted a senior honors thesis researching the role of transcription factor klf17 in zebrafish lateral line development. This project focused on cell development as well as klf17’s role in the gene regulatory network of the zebrafish migratory primordia. She is passionate about connecting with her research and understanding what drives development.

Outside of the lab she tends to be reading, running, doing yoga, or spending time with friends!

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Riley Ogrean

Graduate Student (Weill Cornell BCMB)

Riley graduated from Ohio State University in 2023 with a major in Molecular Genetics and a minor in Spanish. As an undergraduate, she completed an honors research thesis focused on the post-transcriptional regulation of Notch signaling genes. Her project specifically investigated the role of the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) in the cyclical expression of the central Notch gene Hes7 and its impact on translational efficiency. She is broadly interested in transcriptional regulation, particularly within the enigmatic nucleolus.

Outside of the lab, Riley enjoys rock climbing, thrifting, and attending as many concerts as her budget allows.

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Eva Volckova

Graduate Student (Weill Cornell BCMB)

Eva graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 2022 with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. After graduating, Eva was a research technician in the Willers lab at Massachusetts General Hospital investigating the differences between x-ray and proton drug-induced radiosensitivity in lung cancer spheroids. Eva is interested in RNA-protein interactions and how they contribute to nucleolar function.

Outside of lab, Eva can be found fencing, trying out new crafts, and struggling to identify birds in Central Park.

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Ljubomir (Ljuba) Grcic

Visiting Master’s Student (University of Belgrade)

Ljuba graduated from University of Belgrade Faculty of Biology in 2025 with a major in Molecular Biology and Physiology. During his undergraduate studies, he focused on understanding the various aspects of cellular and molecular peculiarities. During this time his most important project focused on understanding the folding properties of PARP proteins. He is motivated to dive deeper into understanding of the biomolecular condensates and how they impact the formation and biogenesis of ribosomes, with a particular focus on the nucleolar interface.

In his free time Ljuba enjoy meeting with friends, cooking and strolling around town.

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Diana Buchman

Administrative Assistant

Diana received a BS from the University of Michigan with a triple major in Anthropology, Zoology and Art History. Working with Dr. Diana Reiss at the New York Aquarium, she received her Master’s from Hunter College in Psychology with an emphasis on the evolution of cognition and communication. She has been working at MSK since 2016.

Diana spends her time outside of work trying to find ways to help her community. She runs the NYC branch of Rational Animal, which is dedicated to making enrichment items for shelter animals. She is also makes quilts and winter wear items that are donated to low income families in NYC.

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You?

We are hiring! If you are excited by question-driven science and human-driven scientific community, please visit our open positions page.

Our team