Lab members

Principal Investigator

Dr. Rahul Bhowmick, PhD, Assistant Professor

I received my PhD in virology from the University of Calcutta, India, in 2015. Following that, I pursued postdoctoral training in Ian Hickson’s lab at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and later in David Cortez’s lab at the Vanderbilt University. During my postdoctoral training, my focus was on understanding the molecular basis of genome instability in cancer. In July 2024, I joined the faculty of the Department of Biochemistry as an Assistant Professor.

Research Technician

Josie Gannon

Hi! My name is Josie Gannon, and I am from Woodbury, TN. I did my undergraduate at Freed-Hardeman University, during which I obtained a B.A. in English and a B.S. in biology. I was involved in microbial genetics research as part of my undergraduate work. I joined Bhowmick lab in July 2024 and am interested in exploring the dynamic relation between transcription and replication.

Graduate Students

Ruthie Mulvaney (T32 Trainee, NIEHS Toxicology Training Program)

Hello, my name is Ruthie Mulvaney and I’m from Gallup, NM. I graduated from New Mexico Tech in 2024 with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences. During my undergraduate studies, I worked as a part time researcher for Dr. Praveen Patidar for 2.5 years, where I investigated the roles of various proteins in the preventing and resolving R-loops (DNA:RNA triple hybrid structures). I joined the IGP in 2024 and became a member of the Bhowmick lab in April 2025. My current research focuses on understanding how cells maintain genome stability. Outside of the lab you’ll usually find me reading a book, practicing an instrument, or exploring different parts of Nashville!

Emily Peak (T32 Trainee, NIEHS Toxicology Training Program)

Hi! My name is Emily and I’m from Aiken, SC. I graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. in both Biochemistry and Genetics. My undergraduate research mainly focused on the homologous recombination DNA repair pathway and characterizing BRCA2, one of the essential proteins involved in it. I joined QCB in 2025 and became a new member of the Bhowmick lab in April 2026, where I will focus on understanding the DNA repair mechanisms in cancer cell.

Rebecca Moffat (T32 Trainee, CBMS Training Program)

Co-mentor: Dr. David Cortez

Hey!! My name is Rebecca Moffat, and I am from Las Vegas, NV. I graduated from Southern Utah University in 2022 with a B.S. in Biology, where I focused on conservation biology research involving bioremediation ecological niche modeling and soil microbe isolates to help prevent carcinogens from impacting local ecosystems and water quality. Before moving to Nashville in August 2025, I spent two and a half years as a Postbaccalaureate Fellow at the NCI outside of DC, transitioning into research on inflammatory signaling in breast cancer. Currently, my research focuses on genome instability in cancer. Outside of the lab, I enjoy community outreach and sharing my love for STEM education. You can also find me visiting vintage stores, running with friends, or hunting for good coffee!

Undergraduate student

Maftunakhon Saidkhodjayeva

Hi! My name is Maftunakhon Saidkhodjayeva, and I am from Murfreesboro, TN. I am a junior majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a strong interest in oncology, particularly the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression.

Bhowmick Lab