Pramodha's research focuses on multidisciplinary and multimodal approaches to developing transformative and potentially curative therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF). His work includes developing CRISPR-based gene therapies to correct Class I CFTR mutations using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and patient-derived cellular models. He also investigates the mechanisms underlying CF-related hearing loss. His expertise in single-cell RNA sequencing, machine learning and computational analysis using Python and R allows him to integrate basic science with technological innovation and advance personalized therapeutic strategies. Pramodha also serves as co-director of the Human Model Systems Core of the Southern California Cystic Fibrosis Research and Development Program (SoCal-CFFRDP), where he contributes to the development of personalized CF therapy platforms using patient-derived nasal and bronchial epithelial cells.

The research of Jesun Lee focuses on understanding the molecular and functional mechanisms of ion channels, with an emphasis on CFTR physiology and dysfunction in epithelial and disease-relevant systems. As an electrophysiologist, he applies advanced techniques including whole-cell patch clamp to quantify channel activity and cellular excitability. His work integrates protein-based approaches such as Western blotting and biochemical assays to investigate protein expression, maturation and trafficking. Through these combined methodologies, he aims to define mechanisms of disease and identify therapeutic strategies, particularly in the context of cystic fibrosis and related disorders.

Nethika Ariyasinghe focuses on improving the clinical relevance and throughput of advanced preclinical model systems, including organ-on-a-chip platforms and engineered 3D tissues. Her work centers on developing and applying these systems to investigate mechanisms of pulmonary disease, including CFTR-related processes and multicellular interactions. Building on her experience in engineered 3D tissue models, she leverages these systems to examine pulmonary microvascular and small vessel dysfunction.

Yashaswini Ramananda is a postdoctoral scientist trained in developmental, stem cell and regenerative medicine. Her work centers on ion channel signaling and cAMP regulated pathways in epithelial tissues, with a focus on airway physiology and diarrheal disorders, aiming to advance therapies for CFTR related diseases.

Paba Edirisuriya studies epithelial biology and CFTR function in gastrointestinal systems under normal and disease conditions. Her research examines how reduced CFTR activity from genetic variants disrupts ion transport, mucin regulation, and inflammation in intestinal and pancreatic contexts. She uses patient-derived iPSC models, including organoids and organ-on-a-chip systems, alongside transcriptomics and electrophysiological assays to define disease phenotypes and therapeutic responses, while developing optimized epithelial differentiation platforms for precision medicine applications.

Emily Garcia earned her BS in biochemistry and molecular biology from Grand Canyon University in 2025, where she conducted undergraduate research focused on cyanobacteria and bioenergy applications. As part of the Naren Lab, she aids lab members with their projects while developing skills such as molecular cloning and protein characterization.