Team

Mengistu Lemecha, Shukare, Ph.D.

Dr. Mengistu L. Shukare is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Hampton University, with MSc in Biochemistry from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science from Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan.

He has over five years of research experience in metabolic diseases and cancer as a Staff Scientist at the City of Hope National Cancer Center in California. His research focuses on interorgan communication, mitochondrial dynamics, microbiome-immune signaling and metabolic reprogramming in cancer progression, aiming to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor adaptation and therapy resistance.

In his spare time, he enjoys adventurous travel and deep connections with nature, seeking inspiration from the outdoors as much as from the laboratory.

Divine Asamoah, Undergraduate Researcher

I joined the Shukare lab at Hampton University as an undergraduate researcher in the spring semester of the 2024/2025 academic year. I am currently pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry, and my interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer motivated me to join the Shukare Lab.

Before joining the lab, I had no prior research experience. Through my work here, I have gained hands-on training in experimental design, data collection, and analysis while contributing to ongoing projects in cancer biology.

I am particularly interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind cancer drug resistance and the changes in the tumor microenvironment that reduce treatment effectiveness. I hope to apply my research skills toward my long-term goal of pursuing graduate studies. Outside the lab, I enjoy listening to music and playing soccer.

Madison Brown-Blackshear, Undergraduate Researcher

I joined the Shukare Lab at Hampton University in Spring 2024 as an undergraduate researcher. I am currently pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a pre-medical concentration. My academic interests and prior experiences — including coursework in biology and chemistry, as well as volunteer work at a local hospital and shadowing physicians — motivated me to become part of the Shukare Lab.

Before joining the lab, I built a strong foundation through lab-based coursework and campus involvement. I was actively involved in campus pre-health organizations and served on the Student Recruitment Team. Through my work here, I have been able to gain hands-on training in experimental design, data collection, and analysis while contributing to ongoing projects in cancer biology, metabolism, and disease mechanisms.

I am particularly interested in mitochondrial therapeutics in various cancers, and I hope to apply my research skills toward my long-term goal of pursuing medical school. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, going to the gym or hot pilates, and crocheting.

Trinity Sessoms, Undergraduate Researcher

I joined the Shukare Lab at Hampton University in Fall 2025 as an undergraduate researcher and am currently pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry on the pre-medical track. My passion for understanding biochemical processes and my prior wet lab experience motivated me to become part of the Shukare Lab.

Before joining, I conducted microbiological research at Hampton University focused on biofilm eradication and bacteriophage isolation. I also completed summer research at the University of Virginia in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, where I studied DNA replication and repair pathways in the context of osteosarcoma cells. These experiences have provided me with hands-on training in experimental design, data collection, and analysis, and have allowed me to contribute to ongoing projects in microbiology, cancer, and DNA repair.

My research interests include neuroscience and neurological diseases, as well as breast cancer immunotherapy and preventative measures. I aspire to apply my research skills toward my long-term goal of pursuing medical school, a Master of Public Health, and potentially a doctoral degree. Outside of the lab, I enjoy volunteering, cooking, and practicing my faith.

Lillani Robinson, Undergraduate Researcher

I joined Shukare Lab at Hampton University in fall 2025 as an undergraduate researcher. I am a third-year B.S. student in Marine and Environmental Science, with interests in marine conservation and the physiological and molecular adaptations of marine organisms to environmental stressors.

Before this, I conducted research at the University of South Florida through a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) internship, where I collected and analyzed samples from Tampa Bay to assess long-term trends in chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature, developing skills in Excel, MATLAB, and field data collection.

In the Shukare Lab, I plan to hands-on training in experimental design, data analysis, and molecular and cellular techniques, contributing to cancer biology projects using zebrafish. I am especially interested in how environmental stressors affect organism health and disease development, drawing parallels between cancer resilience and coral recovery. These experiences will support my goal of pursuing a Ph.D. and advancing coral reef restoration through molecular and conservation-based approaches.

Outside of academics, I enjoy surfing, swimming, exploring coastal ecosystems, and coaching youth rock climbing to foster confidence and diversity in the outdoors.

My name is McKenzie Browning, a 3rd year Marine and Environmental Science Major from Ypsilanti, Michigan. I joined the Shukare Lab at Hampton University in fall of 2025 as an undergraduate researcher. My academic course work involves marine biology, atmospheric sciences, chemistry, and sustainable living. In high school I was apart of a four-year biomedical program that gave me early laboratory experience and sparked my interest in research motivated me to become part of the Shukare Lab.

Before joining the lab, I completed academic projects focused on species richness, water quality, and the effects of environmental pollution on ecosystems. This is my first opportunity to gain direct, hands-on experience in experimental design, data collection, and analysis, while contributing to ongoing research in cancer biology, metabolism, and disease mechanisms.

My interest include marine medicinal plants which I am excited to change cancer cells. Outside of the lab I enjoy listening to music, writing poetry, fashion, and watching horror movies.

Mckenzie Browning, Undergraduate Researcher

Nadiya Harris, Undergraduate Research

I am a third-year undergraduate student at Hampton University, where I am pursuing a B.S. in Biology (Pre-Med Track) with a minor in Psychology. I aspire to become a physician-scientist specializing in gastroenterology. My interest in digestive disease research stems from personal experiences navigating gastrointestinal health issues and a strong desire to reduce colon cancer disparities in the African American community.

Through the Shukare Lab, I hope to deepen my understanding of cell signaling, inflammation, and colon cancer biology, and contribute to research that explores how molecular pathways impact treatment resistance and disease progression. I am especially interested in long-term research projects that can lay the groundwork for future translational work in underrepresented populations.

Outside of academics and research, I am involved in leadership and service roles across campus, including peer health education and advocacy. I also enjoy journaling, creative crafting, and exploring the intersection of science, art, and community wellness.

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