Our team
Meet our Team
Dr. Lee Makowski
Principal Investigator
Dr. Makowski holds a B.S. in Physics from Brown University and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from MIT. His academic path spans structural biology, biophysics, and imaging, with faculty roles at Columbia University, Boston University, and Florida State University. He has served in leadership and research positions at the National Science Foundation and Argonne National Laboratory. Since 2010, he has been a professor at Northeastern University. Dr. Makowski has authored over 100 publications, with a research focus on biophysical data analysis, particularly using X-ray and neutron scattering and imaging techniques.
Dr. Weifeng Shang
Senior Research Scientist
Dr. Weifeng Shang is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Bioengineering at Northeastern University. With a Ph.D. in Physics, his interdisciplinary expertise bridges molecular biology, medical imaging, and computational analysis. Dr. Shang’s research focuses on applying advanced imaging techniques—such as X-ray scattering and microdiffraction—to investigate the structural underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. He plays a pivotal role in the Makowski Lab, contributing to the development of innovative methodologies for analyzing complex biophysical data.
Dr. Prakash Nepal
Research Scientist
Dr. Prakash Nepal holds an MSc in Physics from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, and a PhD in Physics from the University of Wisconsin. He completed postdoctoral research at both the University of Wisconsin and Louisiana State University before joining Northeastern University in December 2020. Currently a Research Scientist in the Makowski Lab, Dr. Nepal’s work spans X-ray scattering, X-ray imaging, and biophysics. He has authored multiple publications across a diverse range of research areas.
Dr. Abdullah Al Bashit
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dr. Abdullah Al Bashit is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Bioengineering at Northeastern University. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and specializes in applying advanced imaging and computational techniques to study neurodegenerative diseases. His research focuses on using X-ray scattering and imaging methods to investigate the structural properties of amyloid fibrils associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Al Bashit has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and collaborates closely with researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Mr. Hangu Nam
Ph.D. Student
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Ms. Durga Gomathi Arumuganainar
Programming Assistant
Durga Gomathi Arumuganainar earned her B.Tech in Biotechnology from Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, in May 2024. She is currently pursuing an M.S. in Bioinformatics at Northeastern University, Boston, with an expected graduation in May 2027. Since January 2025, she has served as a Programming Assistant in Professor Lee Makowski’s lab, where she focuses on next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis and image analysis.
Mr. Wendao Li
Research Assistant
I am currently transitioning from undergraduate to graduate studies with a focus in Bioengineering. My academic interests center around neurological diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s and related brain disorders. I am currently exploring how machine learning can be applied to disease research, aiming to integrate computational tools with biomedical science to uncover new insights into complex pathologies.