Clinical Research Fellows

Laith A. Ayasa, MD

Chief Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Laith Ayasa is an aspiring surgeon-scientist from Palestine. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Quds University.  His work focuses on patient-specific medicine and multidisciplinary approaches to the management of complex chest diseases, including persistent air leaks (PALs) and advanced diagnostic challenges. ​By bridging clinical expertise and research, Laith aims to advance patient care and medical education. His interests include medical education, robotic surgery, and global surgery, and he is dedicated to contributing to these fields through both innovative research and clinical practice.

Paula Aranguren, MD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Paula Aranguren is a physician from Guadalajara, Mexico.  She obtained her medical degree from Tecnológico de Monterrey and has experience in scientific writing/editing, clinical research, and systematic reviews.  Her interests include pulmonary medicine, chest imaging, infectious diseases, and translational medicine.

Maria Camila Lopez-Giron, MD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Maria Camila Lopez-Giron, an international medical graduate from Colombia, is passionate about learning and sharing knowledge in the medical field through research and teaching. With five years of experience in clinical practice, research, and teaching in simulation settings, she is currently pursuing an academic career to impact medical students, colleagues, and patient care. She values empathy, self-awareness, and being a good listener.

Mariana Nino Lopez, MD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Mariana Nino Lopez is a physician from Colombia. She obtained her medical degree from Universidad del Rosario and has experience in clinical research and systematic reviews. Her current work in interventional pulmonology focuses on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tracheobronchomalacia, and pleural diseases. She is committed to bridging the gap between clinical practice and medical research to enhance patient care and contribute to the development of evidence-based practices. Her work is driven by collaboration, innovation, and intellectual curiosity. ​

Wonjun Ji, MD, PhD

Visiting Scholar

Dr. Wonjun Ji is an Associate Professor at Ulsan University College of Medicine and a physician at Asan Medical Center, specializing in interventional pulmonology and thoracic oncology. He is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Interventional Pulmonology team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School. Author of over 85 publications, his research interests include bronchoscopy, lung cancer diagnosis and management, and novel interventional techniques.

Research Team

Christine Conley

Research Manager

Christine Conley has worked at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in research for over 32 years. Prior to her work in Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology (IP), she worked in cardiology research and oncology research. Her hobbies include spending time with her family outdoors, especially camping and canoeing.