Justin Alexander, BS
Researcher III, Lab Manager
Justin joined the Bhatnagar Lab as a Researcher III and lab manager in March 2022. Before joining the UAB research community, Justin graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences, focusing on exotic animal anatomy. He is interested in whole-body glucose homeostasis, focusing on insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. He maintains animal colonies and performs all metabolic phenotyping. He plans to expand his knowledge of animal metabolism regarding type 2 diabetes and obesity using mouse models. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and collecting rare plants and reptiles.
Katherine Perez, M.S.
Researcher III
Katherine is a researcher III; she joined the Bhatnagar lab in 2021 as an undergraduate researcher assistant. She obtained a dual degree in Neuroscience (BS) and Biomedical Sciences (MS) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She performs multiple cellular experiments but specializes in microscopy, IHC, and H&E staining of pancreatic beta cells and other tissues to reveal critical cellular mechanisms to understand the regulation of insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. She enjoys reading, cooking, and growing her own produce.
Mostafizur Rahman, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher
With a passion for unraveling the secrets of islet biology, Mostafizur has delved deep into diabetes research. Earning his Ph.D in Japan, he focused on decoding the transcriptional regulation of MODY3 in islet alpha and beta cells. Driven to push the boundaries of knowledge, he joined the Bhatnagar Lab to explore how insulin secretion is finely tuned across physiological states, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Using a powerful blend of in vivo mouse models, ex vivo, and in vitro approaches, Mostafizur sheds light on the intricate interplay between GLP-1/cAMP signaling and SNARE-mediated insulin granule exocytosis. His ultimate goal is to ignite the discovery of novel therapeutic targets that could revolutionize insulin secretion therapies for type 2 diabetes. He enjoys playing soccer and tennis and exploring nature.
Haifa Alsharif, M.S.
Doctoral Candidate, GGB Theme
Haifa has a master’s degree in biotechnology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has been an integral part of the lab since 2018. Her project explores the role of adhesion g-protein coupled receptor brain angiogenesis inhibitor 3 (BAI3) in regulating whole-body glucose and homeostasis using in-vivo and ex-vivo methods. Haifa aims to identify novel therapeutic targets to improve diabetes treatment. She enjoys reading and cooking her favorite meals.
Dhrithi Tummala
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Dhrithi joined the Bhatnagar lab in 2022 as an undergraduate research assistant. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and is a member of the Early Medical School Acceptance Program at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She performs H&E staining of adipose and other tissue types and is passionate about integrating her research experience with her pre-medical education. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, yoga, reading, and spending time with her family and friends!
Elizabeth Beasley
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Elizabeth is a senior majoring in Neuroscience and pursuing a Master of Biomedical Sciences at UAB. After graduation, I hope to pursue a medical career, specifically in trauma and emergency medicine. Outside of the lab and classes, I like to explore the cafe/ restaurant scene in Birmingham, take a stroll at Railroad Park, and listen to various music genres.
