Team

Susantha K. Ganegamage received his bachelor's degree in Biological Science (Hons.) from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, and a master's degree in Applied Organic Chemistry from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Susantha has worked as Research Scientist from 2013 to 2016 at Industrial Technology Institute, Sri Lanka, the leading government research institute in Sri Lanka governed under the Ministry of Technology and Research. In 2016, he joined the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT) to pursue Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry. Susantha has been working on his Ph.D. in the group of Prof. Michael D. Heagy, the former Chair of the NMT, and currently working as school head of the School of Chemistry and Materials Science of the RIT. Susantha's research focuses on designing, synthesizing, and developing novel naphthalimide-based dual fluorescence probes for G-quadruplex visualization and biological applications.

Dr. Ahmed Elbatrawy received his MSc degree in Medicinal Chemistry from Cairo University - Egypt in 2016. He moved to the University of Science and Technology - South Korea to complete his PhD in August 2021. His research interest involves the design and synthesis of small molecule fluorescent probes to monitor essential biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. In September 2022, he joined Fortin Drug Discovery lab as a Postdoctoral Research Associate to prepare and develop amyloid aggregation inhibitors and fluorescent probes. He was a recipient of Academic Excellence Award from KIST school in 2021.

Taiwo is a biochemist who is passionate about the field of drug discovery. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Adekunle Ajasin University in Nigeria in 2016 and later completed his Master of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Lagos in 2022. During his master's program, Taiwo was involved in multiple research projects that were focused on the development of novel therapeutic treatments for diseases like cancer.

Currently, Taiwo is pursuing his PhD in the Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Science Program (PULSe), where he aims to further his knowledge and expertise in drug discovery. In the Spring of 2023, he joined the Fortin Lab, a research group that specializes in the discovery of small molecules as potential therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, Taiwo is actively involved in screening and investigating small molecules that could potentially be used as therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease.

Aside from his academic pursuits, Taiwo is also an avid soccer player and has a keen interest in playing drums.

Anabela is an undergraduate student majoring in Pharmaceutical Sciences and minoring in Biology and Chemistry. She adores animals, especially felines and horses. She is preparing small molecules in Dr. Fortin's lab. In the future, she plans to pursue a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and hopefully will get involved in pharmaceutical development for animals. In her free time, she likes to crochet, garden, and travel.

Natalie is a sophomore in pharmaceutical sciences on a pre-Doctor of Pharmacy path. Outside of school, she is an Honors Ambassador, and a member of the women's club rugby team, Honor Serves, and the pre-pharmacy club.

Opus (nickname "des puces") is a male Siamese and loves playing fetch (yes, he brings it back!). Abyssinian, Siamese, and Oriental cats are more prone to AA amyloidosis. Opus is the official mascot of the Fortin Drug Discovery Lab!