Research Group | Raines Lab at MIT

Raines Group

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Our laboratory is enriched by diversity. We foster an inclusive culture that values everyone. We believe that varied perspectives and shared commitment lead to creativity, innovation, and excellence. We seek #EqualityForAll. For more information, we encourage you to visit CADI and WIC, and to access diversity, equity, and inclusion resources available on the MIT campus.

Graduate Students

Forrest FitzGerald

B.A., Chemistry
Florida Atlantic University

Interests & Activities

JOLYNN GIANCOLA

B.S., Chemistry
The Ohio State University

Interests & Activities

As an Ohio native, JoLynn developed an early and lasting enthusiasm for the Buckeyes. An amateur gardener, JoLynn enjoys cultivating new plants of all varieties. She enjoys biking, hiking, and hammocking around the greater Boston area. When not outdoors, JoLynn is excited to emulate Claire Saffitz’s baking and loves the challenge of strategy board games and puzzles.

ALLISON GLYNN

B.S., Biological Engineering
Caltech

Interests & Activities

CLAIR GUTIERREZ

B.S., Chemistry
University of California, Berkeley

Interests & Activities

NICOLA KNOWLES
B.S., Chemistry
Rice University

Interests & Activities

Nicola is a Ph.D. candidate in the Harvard–MIT Department of Health Sciences and Technology. As an undergraduate, she worked in the lab of Dr. Naomi Halas on the synthesis and application of plasmonic nanoparticles. Nicola is working on developing collagen-mimetic peptides to help facilitate collagen remodeling in skin, and she is particularly interested in problems of aging. Outside of lab, she loves dancing, rhythmic gymnastics, and discovering new places in Boston.

HARRISON MCCANN

M.S., Chemical Biology
McMaster University

Interests & Activities

OSCAR MOLINA

B.S., Biochemistry
University of California, Los Angeles

Interests & Activities

As a San Diego native, Oscar enjoys being active and enjoys good food and craft beer. An avid long-distance runner, Oscar is always excited to race in half and full marathons. While not training for a race, he loves playing soccer, surfing, hiking, and finding the best tacos in Boston. When not in lab, he likes to cook, root for all UCLA sports teams, and solve the New York Times daily mini crossword puzzle.

GABE SAENZ
B.S., Chemistry
Rice University

Interests & Activities

DILYARA SHARIPOVA

B.S., Chemistry
Tufts University

Interests & Activities

Born in Uzbekistan, Dilyara spent the second decade of her life growing up in NYC. There, she developed her passion for chemical biology research and nonprofit education work. Outside of the lab, Dilyara drives initiatives at the MIT Biotechnology Group and is an avid puzzler.