Team

Mengistu Lemecha, Shukare, Ph.D.

Dr. Mengistu L.emecha Shukare is an Assistant Professor of 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 (SUMS), Japan.

He has years of research experience in metabolic medicine at SUMS and cancer metabolism 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.

Zaria Jackson, Undergraduate Researcher

My name is Zaria Jackson. I'm a second year Biology Pre-Med major from Passaic, New Jersey. I joined the Shukare Lab at Hampton University in Fall 2025 as an undergraduate researcher. This would be my second experience working in a laboratory. My academic coursework includes biology and chemistry which have motivated me to join this lab. I love my sciences courses and I'm looking to gain more hands-on experience in the chemistry field.

Before joining Shukare Lab, I worked in a microbiology lab at the Passaic Water Commission Company during Summer 2025. I gained lots of hands-on experience with Polymerase Chain Reaction testing, Total Organic Carbon testing, Turbidity testing, etc. I took many water samples and ran those tests to help make sure the company was providing clean and safe drinking water to the community. This prior experience not only motivated me, but helped me develop many skills I plan to utilize when working in Shukare Lab.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy working with the organizations I'm a part of on campus, listening to music, and dancing.

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.

Jatin Tiwari, high school research intern

Jatin Tiwari is a senior high school student at Tabb High School and a research student at the Governor’s School for Science and Technology. He is currently a research intern in the Shukare Lab at Hampton University, where he is gaining hands-on experience in biomedical research.

His research focuses on investigating the anticancer properties of Virginia's Native Medicinal Plants extract on pancreatic cancer cells.

Jatin is interested in pursuing biomedical research and aims to study the molecular mechanisms of cancer for drug development.

Sneha Shah is a high school student at the Governor's School for Science and Technology and a research intern at Hampton University's Shukare Lab.

Throughout high school, she has conducted independent research in chemistry, biomedical engineering, and environmental engineering, competing at regional and state science fairs. Currently, her work focuses on investigating the anticancer properties of Aralia spinosa extract on pancreatic cancer cells.

As an aspiring pre-med student, she plans to major in biomedical engineering or public health with a concentration in neuroscience. She is drawn to the intersection of clinical care and research, and hopes to pursue a career as a physician-scientist studying the molecular mechanisms of disease; particularly in underserved populations. Through the Shukare Lab, she aims to deepen her understanding of experimental design, cell biology, and cancer research while contributing to work that addresses health disparities.

Outside of academics, she enjoys mentorship, community outreach, and exploring the connections between science and storytelling.

Sneha Shah, high school research intern

My name is Janea Marion, and I am a senior Biochemistry major from Houston, Texas, with minors in Materials Science & Engineering and Spanish at Hampton University. I joined the Shukare Lab in Fall 2025 as an undergraduate researcher to explore biochemical and molecular approaches to cancer research.

Before joining the lab, I conducted organic synthesis research at Hampton University, where I synthesized and characterized biologically relevant compounds using techniques such as TLC and NMR spectroscopy. I presented this work at the Hampton University Research Symposium. In the Shukare Lab, I perform protein characterization using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and BCA assays, and contribute to ongoing studies in cancer biology. Through these experiences, I have developed strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

My research interests include cancer biology and understanding the molecular mechanisms of disease, and I plan to pursue a PhD and a career in cancer research.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy mentoring and tutoring middle and high school students in STEM, as well as reading and traveling

Janea Marion, Undergraduate Researcher