
Kevin H. Gardner
Director, Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center / Distinguished Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry, City College of New York / Faculty, Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry, Biology, and Chemistry, The Graduate Center – CUNY
Through his training and into his own lab, Kevin integrates a mix of structural biology, biochemistry, and other approaches to investigate how protein-based switches work in cell signaling. More broadly, he’s a big proponent of interdisciplinary research, science communication – particularly in advocating for the importance of fundamental research – and bridging the academic and entrepreneurial communities. When not in the lab, Kevin is usually found on a hiking trail somewhere, underwater SCUBA diving, or exploring a new food in one of NYC’s great restaurants or his own kitchen.
KHGardner_CV-20250704

Soumendu Boral
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Soumendu is from India where he has obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Microbiology (2015) from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata and Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biotechnology (2017) from Indian Institute Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee). He has earned his Ph.D. from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) in Biochemistry and Structural Biology (2023) where he investigated the structural and dynamic basis of protein splicing mechanism mediated by Spl DnaX intein enzyme.
Presently, Soumendu is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in City University of New York (CUNY) Advanced Science Research Center, working with Prof. Kevin H. Gardner on integrative approaches of biophysical characterization of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). Outside the lab, Soumendu enjoys playing guitar, exploring new places and also loves sports such as cricket, badminton and lawn tennis.

Joseph (Joey) Closson
Graduate Student – Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry

Leah Epstein
Graduate Student – Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry

Malvin Forson
Graduate Student – Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry
Malvin is a Ghanaian native who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Ghana. His research focus is centered around protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions and their significant potential for manipulation towards therapeutic and biotech applications. Outside the lab, Malvin enjoys working out, playing video games, watching soccer matches and discovering new cultures.

Fatima Rizwan
Graduate Student – Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry
Fatima grew up in Saudi Arabia and moved to Pakistan for college. There she received her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Chemical Engineering from National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). Afterwards, she returned to Saudi Arabia to teach English language in an elementary school before moving to the US to get her Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. There she researched biofilms and optimization of cell-free protein synthesis. At the KG Lab, she is interested in discovering ligand-protein interactions with hopes of improving therapeutics down the road. In her free time, Fatima enjoys admiring different art forms – including Broadway shows and museums. She also helps rescue cats from the brutal NYC streets.

Cullen Roeder
Graduate Student – Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry

James Siclari
Graduate Student – Ph.D. Program in Biology
James received his B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Sacred Heart University. His work in the Gardner Lab centers on deorphanizing bacterial PAS-HTH proteins. In his free time James enjoys exercising, reading, and playing with his dogs.

Tarsisius Tiyani
Graduate Student – Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry

Dong (Dan) Lee
Research Associate

Julia Simon
CCNY Chemistry & Biochemistry Honors Undergraduate
Julia is a current CCNY undergraduate pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in the chemistry/biochemistry field after she graduates. She first joined the KG Lab in the summer of 2024 as part of her research program, then decided to continue her honors research here for her senior year. She works with Joey Closson on investigating the small molecule binding activities of hypoxia inducible factors. In her free time, she enjoys riding her bike, exploring nature, and pressing flowers.