Principal Investigator
Jack Virostko, Ph.D., MSCI
Jack Virostko is an Associate Professor of Diagnostic Medicine in the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. He also holds courtesy appointments in the LiveStrong Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, and The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences.
Dr. Virostko is a biomedical engineer and imaging scientist. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University. Following completion of his doctorate, Dr. Virostko completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science and a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation from the Vanderbilt University Medical School.
Dr. Virostko mentors junior investigators across the translational spectrum, spanning engineering and computer science through medical students. He also serves as Director of Research for the Diagnostic Radiology Residency and Associate Chair of Research for the Diagnostic Medicine department.
Research Coordinators
Ingrid Harris
Ingrid graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2020 with a B.S. in Human Biology and completed an MPH in Epidemiology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 2023. She is passionate about public health and is particularly interested in the ways that data can be applied to address infectious and chronic diseases as well as health disparities. She is an Austin native and enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling in her spare time.
Research Assistants
Katherine Huang
Katherine graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2023 with a B.S.A. in Neuroscience and a Bridging Disciplines Program certificate in Patients, Practitioners, and Cultures of Health. With a love for creativity and working with her hands, she finds joy in perfecting her skills, whether it’s suturing, sketching, or serving a floater in a volleyball game. She is passionate about advocating for individuals facing complex health challenges, particularly in reproductive justice. Driven by a desire to challenge traditional boundaries and inspire change through research and advocacy, she believes that while perfection may not always be unattainable, it serves as an asymptote to ceaselessly strive toward in the pursuit of progress.
Student Researchers
Tony Zhu
Tony is a first year pre-med student majoring in biochemistry at the University of Texas at Austin. His interests include exploring how medical imaging can be improved through data science, as well as making diagnostic care and patient literacy resources more accessible. With Dr. Virostko, Tony is currently working to analyze diffusion MRI images of the pancreas in patients with type 1 diabetes. In his free time he enjoys rock climbing at the Austin Bouldering Project and is always searching for new places to eat around Austin!
Veda Chinapuvvula
Veda Chinapuvvula is a sophomore majoring in Computer Science on the pre-med track at the University of Texas at Austin. She is interested in exploring the intersection of technology and healthcare, specifically in the way that AI/ML can advance patient care and diagnoses. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, cafe hopping, and reading!
Umair Rehman
Umair is a second year undergraduate biology student at UT Austin. His passion is to learn about human anatomy which drives him to participate in research related to the human body. Umair is analyzing the shape of the pancreas and quantifying morphological changes that accompany the development of disease. In the future, Umair hopes to go to medical school and become a doctor to fulfill his passion. Outside the academic realm, Umair enjoys watching soccer and playing esports video games.
Josephine Do
Josephine Do is a sophomore majoring in Finance and on the pre-med track at The University of Texas at Austin. She is passionate about combining her background in statistical analyses with a fervent dedication to advancing healthcare in innovative ways. In the future, she plans to go to medical school. Outside of school, Josephine enjoys watching movies and hiking to waterfalls!
Shreya Suratran
Shreya Suratran is a sophomore at UT Austin, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She’s passionate about leveraging AI/ML technologies to make meaningful impacts on people’s lives. In her free time, she loves solving crosswords, exploring local coffee shops, and exploring nature.
Joel Fastman
Joel is a a junior majoring in psychology in the Liberal Arts Honors program on the pre-med track at the University of Texas at Austin. He is passionate about understanding and improving care for people with chronic illnesses, especially through research on type 1 diabetes. Outside of the lab, he enjoys lifting weights, spending time outdoors, and discovering new music.
Max Allen
Max is a second-year SDS student minoring in Business. He is interested in using statistical analysis and data science for research in the healthcare sector and for the better of society. He loves reading fantasy books, watching movies, and getting better at volleyball.
Chinonye Mgboji
Chinonye is a third-year Informatics & Behavioral and Social Data Science double major pursuing a certificate in Elements of Computing. She is passionate about the intersection between data science and psychology, with an interest in leveraging human-centered data science to address cognitive and behavioral problems. Outside of academics, she likes reading, going to concerts, and finding new spots in Austin!
Shubhranshu Mishra
Shubhranshu is a junior Neuroscience major at UT Austin, with minors in Sociology and Statistics and Data Science. He is interested in using ML techniques in imaging to guide clinical decision-making. Beyond academics, he is a dedicated Dallas Mavericks fan, an avid guitar player, and enjoys discovering new restaurants with friends.
William Lee
William is a first-year student at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in computational biology and minoring in statistics and data science. He is interested in machine learning applications for medical imaging and improving diagnostic accuracy. Outside of academia, he enjoys playing piano, swimming, and weightlifting.
Emmersyn Abrahams
Emmersyn is a sophomore pre-med student majoring in Biology with a Business minor at UT Austin. She is interested in combining computational biology with diagnostic medicine to develop innovative tools that improve patient care. Outside of academics, Emmersyn likes to read, bake, and explore Austin!
Avelyn Garlish
Avelyn is a third year SLHS and Psychology student who is excited to be working with Dr. Virostko in the MAMA study! She is fascinated by fetal development and how it affects behavior, communication, and motor planning. Avelyn is the VP of Longhorn Best Buddies, a member of Longhorn Singers, and works at the Capitol School of Austin!
Meredith Kenoff
Meredith is a third-year neuroscience student at the University of Texas at Austin. She is passionate about combining scientific knowledge with meaningful patient interactions and is especially interested in how clinical research can improve patient care. Meredith is involved in the Maternal Abdominal Morphology Assessment (MAMA) study, where she is excited to contribute as a research assistant and phlebotomist. Beyond academics, Meredith is an avid dog lover who enjoys traveling, exploring Austin, and spending time with her friends and family.
Sarah Xu
Sarah is a third year Human Biology major with a certificate in Computational Engineering and Science and Pre-Health Professions at The University of Texas at Austin. She passionate about understanding and improving maternal and pediatric health care for people with chronic illnesses. Outside of the lab, her hobbies include reading, singing karaoke, and dancing.
Kushaan Sharma
Kushaan is a biomedical engineering major on the pre-med track at The University of Texas at Austin. With research spanning AI/ML for digital pathology, genetics, and MRI analysis, Kushaan is passionate about using computation to advance patient care. He plans to attend medical school and, outside of academics, enjoys hiking and spending time with friends.
Eleazar (Eli) Gonzalez-Adame
Eleazar (Eli) is a fourth-year Biochemistry major and Rhetoric & Writing minor from McAllen, Texas. He’s interested in medical and applied biomedical research, particularly in areas like diabetes, which has had a significant impact on both his hometown and his family. Eli hopes to contribute to research that bridges lab work and real-world health outcomes. Outside of academics, he’s always on the lookout for the best tacos in Austin.
Riya Jadeja
Riya is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Healthcare Reform and Innovation and Studio Art. She is passionate about integrating healthcare and the arts to better understand and communicate the complexities of the human brain. Beyond the lab, Riya works as a Medical Assistant, where she supports patient care in a clinical setting, and volunteers at Dell Children’s Medical Center.