Majmundar Lab Contact Us!

Amar J. Majmundar MD PhD | Principal Investigator | 2020-present

Dr. Majmundar began his medical and graduate training in the Combined Degree and Medical Scientist Training Programs at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (2004-2013). There, he earned a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology in the laboratory of M. Celeste Simon PhD. Using multiple conditional mouse models and muscle progenitor culture models, he discovered that the oxygen sensing factor Hif1α specifically regulates adult skeletal muscle regeneration, but not embryonic muscle development, by inhibiting WNT signaling.

He, subsequently, completed pediatrics training in the Boston Combined Pediatrics Residency program at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) and Boston Medical Center followed by pediatric nephrology fellowship training at Boston Children’s Hospital. He conducted post-doctoral fellowship research with Dr. Friedhelm Hildebrandt. Using exome sequencing, he discovered novel genetic causes of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome/focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (SRNS/FSGS) in human NOS1AP and TRIM8 variants. He investigated the pathogenesis of these human mutations by using podocyte cell culture and generating a novel murine knockout model of nephrotic syndrome. He further explored the Mendelian genetic landscape of pediatric and adult nephrolithiasis using gene panel and exome sequencing techniques. In the process, he determined that dominant OXGR1 variants are a potentially novel cause of nephrolithiasis. 

After completing his training, Dr. Majmundar initiated an independent basic/translational research laboratory focused on identifying novel genetic causes of human kidney disease and delineating the mechanisms of these diseases via genomics, cell systems, and mouse models. In parallel, he has co-initiated a kidney genetics clinic at BCH. 
BCH Research Profile  BCH Kidney Genetics Clinic

Vineeta Sharma, PhD | Post-doctoral fellow | 2021-present

Vineeta completed her PhD degree from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India in Stem Cells and Molecular Biology. During PhD, her research centered on scaffold based cardiac tissue regeneration in rat myocardial infarction (MI) model. Currently I am working as post-doctoral research fellow at the Boston Children's Hospital. While working as post-doctoral fellow I will explore the underlying mechanisms of monogenic forms of steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome/focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (SRNS/FSGS). I will be focusing on generating Trim8 knockout mouse model for better understanding of disease mechanisms and utilize various cell based, molecular biology and genomic based experiments to further validate the outcomes. Outside work, Vineeta Loves cooking and painting.

Abigail Smith MD PhD | Post-doctoral fellow | 2026-present

Abby is a fellow in pediatric nephrology at Boston Children’s Hospital. She completed her MD/PhD training at UMass Chan School of Medicine and her pediatric residency training at Boston Children’s Combined Residency Program. She earned her PhD in Dr. Greg Pazour’s lab, studying the molecular mechanisms of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). She is currently researching the role of PTPN14, a protein tyrosine phosphatase, in podocyte injury, specifically in the context of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

Hyunyun Kim, PhD | Post-doctoral fellow | 2026-present

Hyunyun Kim is originally from South Korea and received his Ph.D. from the Université de Montréal in Québec, Canada. During his doctoral studies, his research focused on cell death and autophagy in the renal peritubular capillaries following ischemia-reperfusion injury.

After completing his Ph.D., Hyunyun joined Dr. Majmundar’s laboratory as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. His current research focuses on the role of TXNIP in podocyte dysfunction in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), with the goal of advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic strategies.

Outside the laboratory, Hyunyun enjoys spending time with his cats, Camille and Marco. He also loves traveling and exploring new destinations and attractions.

Sanmayi Reddy, BS | Masters Thesis Student | 2025–

Sana graduated from Brandeis University in 2024 with a double major in Health: Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP) and Psychology. During her time at Brandeis, she led the Partners In Health Engage chapter and volunteered with the Medical Reserve Corps, fostering her passion for community health and global health equity.

She began genomics research in nephrology in the Majmundar laboratory as while at Brandeis and continued her research interests during her Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MAMS) at Boston University. She specifically has explored the genetics of pediatric kidney stone formation in the Majmundar Lab. She is staying on in the Majmundar laboratory as a research assistant while she applies to medical school. 

Outside the lab, Sana enjoys engaging in different art activities, cooking and baking, and exploring new places with her family and friends.

Aryan Patra, BS | Master’s Thesis Student | 2026 – Present

Aryan Patra is from the Bay Area, California, and graduated from Purdue University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

After completing his degree, Aryan enrolled in Boston University’s Master’s in Medical Sciences program (MAMS). In his second year, Aryan joined the Majmundar laboratory as he applies to medical school. His current work revolves around development and optimization of acute kidney injury models in mice, as well as studying the role of PTPN14.

In his free time, Aryan enjoys model building, making snow angels, and exploring Boston with friends.

Jack Schnack, BS | Master’s Thesis Student | 2026 – Present

Jack graduated from Boston University in 2025 with a major in Human Physiology. Throughout his time as an undergraduate, he researched at Boston University's Neuromotor Recovery Lab, where he studied motor recovery in individuals recovering from stroke. Jack was also an intern at Boston Children's Hospital in the Pediatric Anesthesia Clinical and Research Internship (PACaRI) gaining very valuable clinical insight. Jack is continuing his education as a Master of Medical Sciences (MAMS) student at Boston University, currently doing his thesis in the Majmundar lab at Boston Children’s Hospital. He will be focusing on the role of TXNIP in podocytes.

Outside of the lab, Jack enjoys playing ice hockey, golf, and exploring Boston with friends and family. 

Former Lab Members

Lorrin Liang, BS MS | 2021-2022 | Master’s Thesis Student 
  • Next Step after Lab: Medical Student at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Class of 2026.

  • Her previous work includes contributions as a thesis student in the Majmundar Lab at Boston Children's Hospital, clinical research coordinator at the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation, and caregiver at Allied Health Services. Regarding community involvement, she currently volunteers as a mentor with The Valedictorian Project for young adults interested in pursuing a career in the medical field and has served as Director of Events for the nonprofit United Against Inequities in Disease. She also has previously been awarded a merit scholarship for her graduate studies with Boston University and amusingly voted by her peers with the superlative, "Most Likely to Be Voted Doctor Of The Year in an In-Flight Magazine." In her free time, she enjoys hiking, basketball, baking, and trying new food. She attributes her first years in Boston to be so fun and exciting thanks to her time with the Majmundar Lab and is thrilled to be able to regard her colleagues as family.


Gabrielle Wilson | 2022 | Undergraduate Student
  • Next Step after Lab: Undergraduate at Wentworth Institute of Technology

  • Gabby helped with investigations into NOS1AP interaction partners as part of her co-opt program. 


Alexander Rubin, BS, MS | Master’s Thesis Student | 2022-2023
  • Alex successfully completed his master's thesis on Trim8 research. 
  • Next Step after Lab: Medical Student at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Class of 2027.

David Ball, BS | Research Assistant | 2020-2023
  • David was amazingly productive during his time in the lab. He identified a novel interactor of a kidney disease gene, which is part of a first author manuscript in preparation. He also presented posters at the 2021 and 2022 American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week Conferences and was selected for the competitive Kidney STARS program at Kidney Week 2022. 
  • Next Step after Lab: He is transitioning to a neural stem cell laboratory to explore his interest in stem cell research before applying for PhD programs in the biomedical sciences. 

Sunwoo Hong, BS, MS | Master’s Thesis Student | 2023-2024
  • Sunwoo successfully completed his master's thesis. 
  • Next Step after Lab: Medical Student at A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Victoria Gauntner, BA | Research Assistant | 2022-2024
  • Victoria was extremely productive in her two years and instrumental in several projects on NOS1AP-associated podocytopathy. 
  • Next Step after Lab: Master's program in Genomics/Genetics at Oxford Brookes University in the UK.

Arathi Ranga, BS, MS | Master’s Thesis Student | 2024-2025
  • Arathi successfully completed her master's thesis. 
  • Next Step after Lab: Applying for medical school. 

Guanghao Yu, BA, MS | Masters Thesis Student | 2024-2025
  • Guanghao successfully completed his master's thesis. 
  • Next Step after Lab: Medical Student at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Class of 2029.

Oluwafunmbi Ojo, BS, BA | Masters Thesis Student | 2025–2026
  • Funmbi successfully completed her master's thesis. 
  • Next Step after Lab: Applying for medical school. 

Elman Leung, BS | Masters Thesis Student | 2025-2026
  • Elman successfully completed his master's thesis. 
  • Next Step after Lab: Applying for medical school. 

Ria James | Undergraduate Research Student | 2025-2026
  • Ria spent multiple summers in the laboratory while completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Conneticut.
  • Next Step after Lab: Completing her undergraduate studies and applying to medical school.

Orlaith Lasell | Undergraduate Research Student | 2026
  • Orlaith was a terrific student research in the Harvard Summer Research Program in Kidney Medicine.
  • Next Step after Lab: Completing her undergraduate studies at Harvard University and applying to medical school.

Andrea Lau, BS | Research Assistant | 2024-2026
  • Andrea was fantastic in her two years and instrumental in investigating the role of PTPN14 in podocytes. 
  • Next Step after Lab: Master's Program of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium