Faculty
Gintas Krisciunas, PhD, MPH, MA
Research Assistant Professor
Director of the OTO-COATI Lab
gintas@bu.edu
Dr. Krisciunas’s work is broadly focused on enhancing and measuring otolaryngology related clinical outcomes through collaborative, interdisciplinary, and often multi-institutional research. His research program consists of three focus areas: 1) treatment efficacy & outcomes, 2) assessment / measurement, and 3) technological innovation. These focus areas represent a multi-pronged approach aimed at enhancing clinical care within the field of otolaryngology. During his tenure, Dr. Krisciunas has served as a PI, Co-I, or project manager on a number of NIH, PCORI, industry, and internally funded clinical research projects, and he is an active member of the BUMC IRB. Outside of work, he serves on an advisory board at Freedom House, Inc. (a historic education & social justice non-profit), enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and most importantly spending time with his family.
Gregory A. Grillone, MD
M. Stuart Strong and Charles W. Vaughan Professor and Chair,
Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
gregory.grillone@bmc.org
Dr. Grillone originally joined Boston University and Boston Medical Center as a resident in 1988. Having served the institutions as an accomplished leader, a highly skilled clinician and a mentor to many medical students, residents and fellows, Dr. Grillone is now the institutions’ Otolaryngologist-in-Chief. His areas of clinical expertise include laryngology and surgery of the upper aerodigestive tract, sleep surgery, laser surgery and head and neck cancer surgery. Dr. Grillone is the principal investigator of the lab’s studies related to early detection of head and neck cancer and margin guidance in head and neck tumor surgery using spectroscopy.
and head and neck cancer surgery.
Lauren F. Tracy, MD
Assistant Professor
lauren.tracy@bmc.org
Dr. Tracy is an otolaryngologist at Boston Medical Center, specializing in voice, breathing, and swallowing concerns. Dr. Tracy received her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. She then completed her residency at the University of North Carolina Hospitals and her fellowship in laryngeal surgery with Dr. Steven Zeitels at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Tracy has research interests in diversity and health equity within laryngology and voice care, vocal hyperfunction, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Dr. Tracy is the principal investigator of the lab’s studies related to ambulatory biofeedback for voice disorders.
School of Medicine. Her research focuses on glottic carcinoma, airway reconstructive surgery, and voice outcomes.
Staff
Lucas Berry, BS
Research Specialist II
lucas.berry@bmc.org
Lucas joined the lab as an undergraduate student in Fall 2020 while earning a BS degree in human physiology from Boston University. After graduating the following May, Lucas transitioned to a full-time role coordinating the lab’s spectroscopy studies. He eventually contributed to many of the lab’s ongoing studies in addition to training new lab staff and students. Lucas has since moved to a remote role where he supports ongoing research in the lab and department of otolaryngology. Outside of the lab, Lucas is a guitarist, record producer, and proud cat dad.
Devin Lucas, MS
Clinical Research Coordinator
devin.lucas@bmc.org
Devin joined the lab in September of 2023 to coordinate the lab’s acute respiratory failure studies at Boston Medical Center and spectroscopy study at Tufts Medical Center. Originally from Williamsburg, Virginia, Devin received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and Spanish from University of Virginia, followed by a Master of Biomedical Sciences degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. Devin plans to continue her involvement in clinical research and eventually pursue medicine. When Devin isn’t rushing between hospital rooms to coordinate the lab’s studies, she enjoys running, baking, drawing, and taking her dog on adventures.
Morgan Raskin, MS CCC-SLP
Clinical Research Coordinator
Research Speech-Language Pathologist
morgan.raskin@bmc.org
Morgan joined the lab in July 2025 while working towards a PhD at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Before completing a clinical fellowship in speech-language pathology at an acute care hospital in ICU, acute, and outpatient settings in South Florida, Morgan earned BS and MS degrees in Communication Science and Disorders from Florida State University. She is currently a clinical research coordinator and research speech-language pathologist, working on two interconnected P50 studies on vocal hyperfunction. She plans to earn her PhD and contribute to voice research in academia. Outside of research, Morgan enjoys playing French Horn, gardening, sewing, and playing pickleball!
Students & Fellows
Arpita Edke, BS
Medical Student
arpita.edke@bmc.org
Arpita joined the lab in February 2022 as a Boston University undergraduate student earning her Bachelor of Science degree in human physiology. She’s contributed to several of the lab’s projects, including as a retrospective data collector and a study coordinator for the lab’s studies related to dysphagia outcomes and assessment. After completing her undergraduate degree in May 2023, Arpita was accepted into Georgetown University School of Medicine’s Class of 2028. She plans to eventually focus on cardiac surgery and global health. Outside of research, Arpita enjoys literature, particularly John Donne and Shakespeare, as well as dancing; she’s been trained in Kathak and Bollywood. She also spends time with her many pets, including a dog, turtles, fish, and parakeets!
Mitali Sakharkar, BA
Medical Student
mitali.sakharkar@bmc.org
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine student Mitali Sakharkar joined the lab after forming the goal to be an otolaryngologist. Bringing experience working with innovative technology, Mitali was a welcome addition to the team studying spectroscopy for in-clinic monitoring of patients with abnormal laryngeal tissue. Mitali also contributes to the lab’s investigation of outcomes of patients who experience post-extubation lymphedema and dysphagia. Being a truly terrific Terrier, Mitali completed her undergraduate degree at Boston University in 2023. She’s also known as an amateur pilot, cellist, and baker of a mean iced lemon pound cake! Please feel welcome to reach out to Mitali, as she’s a big proponent of mentorship and education in the medical field, and she loves to give back.
Gabriele Spokas, BS
Graduate Student
gabriele.spokas@bmc.org
Gabriele joined the lab in June of 2023 as a research specialist. For two years, she was the lead coordinator of the lab’s spectroscopy studies in addition to helping out with studies related to acute respiratory failure. Gabriele is now pursuing an MHA at the UNC Gillings School of Public Health while continuing to contribute to research at the OTO-COATI Lab. Gabriele’s research interests include head and neck cancer outcomes and healthcare professional quality of life. Prior to joining the lab, Gabriele, a Pittsburgh native, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Science from University of Pittsburgh and gained experience as a clinical research assistant at Boston University’s Framingham Heart Study. Gabriele is very passionate about mental health as well as the the intersection between urban issues, public health, and languages. Outside of research, Gabriele loves to travel, go to concerts, attend comedy shows, and pick up new hobbies like pottery and thrifting.
Winston Liu
Undergraduate Student
winston.liu@bmc.org
Winston is a pre-medical undergraduate student studying biomedical engineering at Boston University. He joined the lab in autumn of 2023 and has leveraged his background in engineering to contribute computational methodologies to the lab’s studies on dysphagia outcomes and assessment. Winston was recently accepted into Boston University’s Modular Medical/Dental Integrated Curriculum (MMEDIC) program, granting him early acceptance to the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine’s Class of 2030.
Lalita Sabat, BS
Medical Student
lalita.sabat@bmc.org
Lalita Sabat joined the lab in July 2024 as a research fellow. Having completed her research fellowship in June 2025, Lalita continues to contribute to OTO-COATI Lab research while pursuing the study of medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Prior to joining the lab, Lalita graduated from VCU with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Her exposure to research began in high school as an intern at Diadem Biotherapeutics. There, she explored innovative drug delivery methods using exosomes, focusing on anti-inflammatory proteins for treating inflammatory diseases and AIDS. While an undergraduate student at VCU, she developed her research skills in the Department of Biology’s Walsh Lab, investigating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and motor neuron degeneration in zebrafish models. Now, Lalita is excited to conduct clinical research at Boston University and Boston Medical Center, applying her diverse scientific background to new challenges in otolaryngology.
Veronica Han, BS
Medical Student
vhan2@bu.edu
Veronica is a medical student from Miami, Florida who joined the lab in October of 2024. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Duke University in 2022. She is currently contributing to the variation in care project related to dysphagia outcomes and assessment. She plans to pursue otolaryngology as a resident after medical school. Outside of research, Veronica enjoys working with clay, singing, and fishing in her free time.
Varun Gopal, BS
Medical Student
gopal6@illinois.edu
Varun is a second-year medical student at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, originally from outside Boston. He received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering with a minor in Math from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in May 2024. Varun is an aspiring otolaryngologist interested in surgical care access and healthcare innovation. Varun is especially interested in airway disease, pediatric otolaryngology, and the intersection of technology and medicine especially to reduce healthcare costs. In Varun’s free time, he likes to play video games, produce music, and work out.
Nikhita Santebennur, BA
Medical Student
nsant@bu.edu
Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Nikhita is a fourth-year medical student at Boston University, where she also earned her BA in Medical Science and minored in Spanish. She joined the lab in the summer of 2025 as the lead coordinator for the lab’s spectroscopy studies, leading pilot research in oral cancer screening and deep margin analysis. As an aspiring otolaryngologist, Nikhita is especially passionate about the intersection of public health and patient outcomes in head and neck cancer. Her broader research interests include global surgical care, pediatric ear and hearing health, and addressing socioeconomic barriers in access to care. Outside of medicine, she enjoys camping in the mountains, watercolor painting, biking, thrifting, and adventuring anywhere and everywhere!
Shivani Patel, BA
Medical Student
shivani3@bu.edu
Shivani is a second-year medical student at Boston University who joined the OTO-COATI Lab in August 2025. Originally from Hillsborough, New Jersey, she graduated from Boston University with a BA in Medical Sciences and a minor in Public Health. She is currently contributing to the lab’s spectroscopy studies in oral cancer screening. Shivani is passionate about the intersection of otolaryngology and environmental health, particularly how exposures such as air and sound pollution impact airway and hearing health. Outside of medicine, she is an avid matcha fan, enjoys exploring new cities, playing volleyball, and spending time with her Shih Tzu, Simba.
Sarah Chang, MS
Medical Student
sarang@bu.edu
Sarah Chang joined the OTO-COATI Lab as a medical student in August 2025. She hails from San Ramon, California, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology from the University of California, Davis in 2019, followed by a Master of Science in Medical Sciences from Boston University in 2023. Sarah currently contributes to research on spectroscopy for oral cancer screening and plans to apply for an otolaryngology residency. Her academic interests include medical education, mentorship, and anatomy/ultrasound. Outside the lab, Sarah enjoys spending time with her grey tabby cat Tuna, playing PC games, boxing, and completing escape rooms with friends — having successfully escaped from over 20 rooms, she has only failed once.
Ruby Nguyen, BA, BS
Medical Student
runguyen@bu.edu
Ruby Nguyen, BA, BS, joined the OTO-COATI Lab as a medical student in August 2025. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Ruby earned dual degrees from the University of California, Davis in 2019: a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Composition Track) and a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior. Prior to joining the lab, he conducted research on music cognition at UC Davis’s Janata Lab, exploring sensorimotor synchronization, rhythm, and groove perception. He also studied gender and sexuality in high-profile Hollywood careers through the Department of Sociology. Currently, Ruby contributes to the lab’s work on head and neck cancer clinical outcomes as he pursues a career in otolaryngology. Outside of research, he enjoys live music, food, travel, and playing video games.
Yusuf Chaudhry
Undergraduate Student
yusufch@bu.edu
Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Yusuf is an undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Chemistry at Boston University. Yusuf hopes to someday become a physician, one that aims to connect clinical innovation with patient care. Outside of school, Yusuf enjoys lifting, playing soccer, traveling, and trying new foods—he’s always up for exploring different cuisines. A fun fact about Yusuf is that he speaks five languages, even if some may be very similar to each other.
Kamel Moufarrej, BA
Medical Student
kamelm@bu.edu
Kamel Moufarrej joined the OTO-COATI Lab in September 2025 as a first year Boston University medical student. Originally from Lebanon and Abu Dhabi, Kamel graduated from Boston University with a BA in Biology and a minor in Human Physiology. He is currently contributing to the lab’s work on head and neck cancer clinical outcomes and plans to pursue otolaryngology after medical school. Kamel’s research interests include exploring how various social and environmental factors impact patient outcomes in otolaryngology. In his free time, he enjoys adventuring, food, working out, and playing volleyball.
Akshay Vasudevan, BA
Medical Student
akvasude@bu.edu
Akshay joined the OTO-COATI Lab as a first year Boston University medical student in September 2025. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Akshay completed his Bachelor of Arts in Medical Sciences with a minor in Psychology at Boston University. He is involved in the lab’s research on spectroscopy for oral cancer screening and plans to pursue a career in otolaryngology after graduation. Outside of academics, Akshay enjoys traveling, playing golf, exploring new foods, listening to music, watching Formula 1, and spending time with his family, friends, and dog.
Emma Kraus, MPH
Medical Student
emmank@bu.edu
Emma Kraus joined the OTO-COATI Lab as a second-year medical student in October 2025. Originally from Yardley, Pennsylvania, she earned a BA in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics and an MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Boston University. She previously interned at the MGH Center for Addiction Medicine and now contributes to research on head and neck cancer clinical outcomes. Her interests include addressing disparities in care and improving quality of life for otolaryngology patients. Outside of medicine, Emma enjoys book clubs, painting, exploring coffee shops, and spending time with her round friendly cat, Miso.
Nicholas Burns, BS
Graduate Student
ndburns@bu.edu
Nicholas “Nick” Burns joined the OTO-COATI Lab as a second-year master’s student in November 2025. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, he earned a BS in Biology from Boston College before working for three years as a surgical neurophysiologist in the Greater Boston Area. He is currently contributing to the lab’s work on clinical outcomes involving novel laryngeal edema patterns with plans to apply to medical school after completing his graduate degree. Outside of medicine, Nick enjoys trying new recipes from NYT Cooking, volunteering with the Rose Brigade in the Boston Public Garden, tending to his two bonsai plants, and weightlifting.