AMB Lab
The Applied Molecular Biology (AMB) Lab is the flagship graduate laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Founded in 1981, the AMB Graduate Program is a one-year, intensive, and accelerated master’s program in the biological sciences that provides students with rigorous, skill-based training in molecular biology alongside independent research projects conducted in collaboration with departmental faculty. The program is designed to competitively prepare students for careers in the biotechnology industry as well as for PhD programs, medical school, and related pathways. Each cohort enrolls a maximum of 12 students, selected through a competitive process, with a strong emphasis on hands-on scientific learning and communication. For more information click here.
Current AMB Lab members
Ankit Patel
My name is Ankit, and I graduated from UMBC with a B.A. in Biological Sciences and a B.S. in Biochemistry. I joined the AMB program to gain lab experience and deepen my knowledge of molecular biology before pursuing a PhD. In my free time, I like playing video games, hanging out with my friends, and learning more about science. My research interests are cancer biology, biochemistry, and immunology.
Clifton Cunningham
Hello! My name is Clifton, and I’m a 2024 graduate of UMBC with a bachelor's in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology as well as a bachelor's in Philosophy on the pre-med track. My main research interest is epigenetic regulation. In my free time I really enjoy writing and game design.
Elise Overton
Hi, my name is Elise. I graduated from William & Mary in 2025 with a B.S. in Biology, and intend to pursue a PhD and a career in biomedical research. I’m interested in mechanisms of organogenesis, especially as they apply to the development of alternative organ transplant technologies. Outside of the lab, I like reading, drawing, and hiking - anything that can be accompanied by a hot mug of tea!
Geneva Mon
My name is Geneva and I graduated from UMBC with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. I joined the AMB lab to expand my research experience and to gain a better understanding of molecular biology. I like to play video games in my free time.
Kathryn Chrzanowski
I’m Kathryn, and I graduated from UMBC in 2026 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minor in Anthropology. I’m hoping to pursue a PhD program after I graduate; my research interests are in genetics, ecology and neuroscience. In my free time, I write short fiction, cross-stitch and play video games.
Kimia Kardani Yazd
I'm Kimia. I graduated from UMBC in 2026 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minor in Emergency and Disaster Health Services. I joined the AMB program to expand my molecular research experience and build a stronger foundation in genetic and molecular biology before pursuing a Ph.D. Outside of research, I love solving Sudoku and working with numbers helps me decompress.
Romina Daraei Baf
Hi! My name is Romina and I graduated from UMBC with a B.S. in Biological Sciences in May 2026. I joined the AMB lab to get a more comprehensive understanding of molecular biology and different laboratory techniques. In my free time, I like to play video games and hang out with friends.
Russell Hong
My name is Russell. I graduated from UMBC in 2026 with a bachelors in Biological Sciences and a minor in history. I joined the AMB program to gain laboratory experience and learn more about molecular biology. After the AMB program I hope to work in the industry or pursue a PhD in the future.
Sofia Heller
My name is Sophia Heller. I graduated UMBC in 2023 with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I joined the AMB program to expand my understanding of molecular biology, to gain laboratory experience, and to expand my research interests. Besides research, I enjoy reading, arts and crafts, and watching movies.
Past members
Cole Cheng
Courtney De Leon
Hannah Wallace
Joash Thomas
Nicky Wroten
Rachel Manning
Interested in joining the AMB lab?
Interested students feel free to reach out to AMB Director, Dr. Chugh. We are always on the look out for talented and passionate students who are looking to enhance their scientific research and communication skills in pursuit of their careers.