Lab Members
Principal Investigator
Board-Certified Neuropathologist
Board-Certified Molecular Genetic Pathologist
I am board certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Genetic Pathology. As a neuropathologist, I am interested in the biology, diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors. As a molecular pathologist, I am interested in developing and implementing clinical molecular diagnostic assays. My research interests involve the combination of histology and genomics to study the pathogenesis of brain tumors, identify clinically useful biomarkers and translate genomic discoveries into clinical assays.
Puneetha Goli
I am an undergraduate at Rice University, pursuing a B.A. in Neuroscience and minors in Biochemistry & Cell Biology and Poverty, Justice, and Human Capabilities on the pre-med track. I am interested in investigating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers to develop liquid assays for the early diagnosis of tumors.
At Rice, I¡¯m very involved in health advocacy, as the Student Association Wellbeing Committee Chair as well as a Baker Institute Child Health Policy Intern, and my career aspirations include becoming a physician. Outside of classes and lab, I love to spend time with family and friends, discover new books and explore the Houston food scene.
Email: psg2@rice.edu
Arvind V. Ramesh
Student
I am a pre-medical undergraduate student at Rice University on track for a B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. After joining the Ballester-Esquenazi lab in September 2019, I have developed a passion for translational neuro-oncology research. My current research interests include the role of ion channels in glioma pathophysiology and the detection and sequencing of microRNA (miRNA) and metabolite signatures in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of glioma patients, the latter being the subject of my senior thesis.
Outside of lab, I am a head academic mentor at my residential college at Rice, Hanszen College. I also enjoy playing tennis with friends and exploring Houston restaurants. I aspire to one day become a physician-scientist.