PARSA LAB
Laboratory of Immune Cell Dynamics and Function
Roham Parsa, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator | Group Leader
Adjunct Assistant Professor at The Rockefeller University
Roham Parsa is the group leader and principal investigator of the Parsa Laboratory at the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub in New York. His research centers on immunology, with a particular passion for T cells. Roham received his Ph.D. from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden before moving to New York for postdoctoral training at Rockefeller University. Outside the lab, he enjoys traveling with his family, watching sci-fi movies, and playing video games.
Favorite NY pizza: Old Fashion Margarita from Patsy's Pizzeria on the Upper East Side
Email: roham.parsa[at]biohub[dot]org
Connor Monahan, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral fellow
Connor earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University, where he explored the role of antigen-specific T cells in the progression of Parkinson’s disease. As a member of the Parsa group, Connor focuses on uncovering the mechanisms behind the activation of self-reactive T cells during autoimmune diseases. Outside of the lab, Connor enjoys crocheting, skiing, and discovering new restaurants in the city.
Favorite NY pizza: 18th Avenue square pizza from Mama's TOO on the Upper West Side
Email: connor.monahan[at]biohub[dot]org
William Webber
Research Associate
William is a molecular biologist with a deep interest in immunology and cytokine biology. He has worked extensively with mouse models to explore immune responses, focusing on cytokine regulation and inflammasome biology.
William earned his undergraduate degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology. In his free time, William enjoys tennis, hiking, watching films, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Favorite NY pizza: Pepperoni slice pizza from Village Pizza in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
Email: william.webber[at]biohub[dot]org
Cameron Roberts, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral fellow
Cameron earned her degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Reed College, where she developed a passion for understanding molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogens.
Before graduate school, she worked as a research assistant at Oregon Health & Science University, investigating how bacterial pathogens manipulate the ubiquitin pathway to subvert host defenses. Cameron then completed their Ph.D. at The Rockefeller University, studying the ancient evolutionary origins of innate immune responses.
In the Parsa group, Cameron focuses on developing new tools to track immune cells in vivo and decode their molecular memories. Outside the lab, she can be found writing or recording songs, painting landscapes and performing around the city with her band.
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Favorite NY pizza: Bee Sting from Robert’s Pizza in Brooklyn
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Email: cameron.roberts[at]biohub[dot]org
Simon Shirley, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral fellow
Simon earned his Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Otago in New Zealand before moving to New York for postdoctoral training in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Columbia University, where he investigated the role of innate lymphoid cells in infectious and allergic diseases.
In the Parsa group, Simon studies how T cells adapt to different tissues and the mechanisms guiding their fate decisions.
Outside of work, Simon is an avid reader, an enthusiastic (and improving) cook, and loves exploring New York City on foot or by bike.
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Favorite NY pizza: Margherita slice from Mimi’s Pizza on the Upper East Side
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Email: sshirley[at]biohub[dot]org
Parsa Group Alumni
Arpita Sushil
Summer intern 2025
Arpita Sushil is an undergraduate student at Cornell University majoring in Cognitive Science, with a strong interest in immunopathology and epigenetics.
During her time in the Parsa Lab, she conducted research on T cell receptor interactions.
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