STUDENTS

Nicole Costantino

B.S. in Biology, with a Minor in Business from The Ohio State University
Rotating
nicole.costantino@cuanschutz.edu

Research: I am currently working as a Research Associate at Nationwide Children's Hospital where I use cell and mouse models to study rare genetic diseases that affect normal development of the brain and face.

About Me: I grew up 30 minutes outside of Columbus, Ohio. I have always loved the mountains and have grown up skiing and visiting my family in Colorado. Upon graduating, I began working as a Research Associate at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Institute for Genomic Medicine. I enjoyed my time at Nationwide tremendously and decided to apply to Ph.D. programs last fall. My mentor and colleagues spoke very highly of the CSD program at Anschutz and encouraged me to apply. 

Career Goals: I hope to master a wide array of laboratory techniques and effective scientific communication skills. I would like to continue a career in research and hope to gain as many skills and perspectives as possible during my time as a graduate student. 

Sofia Gomez

(she/her/hers)

BS Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Iowa
Rotating
sofia.gomez@cuanschutz.edu

Research: I am interested in exploring the molecular mechanisms of cells and how they are able to grow, divide, differentiate, die and develop into a whole organism. I want to understand how cellular process work and what regulates these processes, then tie it back to the bigger picture of disease and development. 

About Me: I grew up in a city in northern Mexico called Torreon, then moved to San Antonio when I was 14 years old. Then I moved to Iowa City to study Biology at the university of Iowa, where is tarted doing research. I enjoy reading all kinds of books, painting, hanging out with my dog and friends, also discovering new places to eat around town!

Career Goals: A big passion of mine is to become a professor and have my own lab. I would love to be able to share the curiosity and passion for science and how to understand the world around us through biology.  I am especially passionate about science communication and outreach, so I hope this shapes me into a great educator in the future.

Emily Gregersen

BS in Management & MS in Biology, Minnesota State University Mankato
Rotating
emily.gregersen@cuanschutz.edu

Research: My research interests involve exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying development and disease. As an undergraduate student, I studied the function of polyglutamine proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. While completing my master’s degree, I became especially interested in the development of sensory systems after investigating gene expression in the developing mouse cochlea. Consequently, I am eager to continue research on sensory system development.

About Me:  I grew up and attended college in southern Minnesota. After completing a bachelor's degree in business management, I initially worked in corporate recruiting. However, I decided to make a major career change and returned to school where I completed a master’s degree in biology. During my free time, you can find me hanging out with my friends and family, crocheting, or reading. I also love animals and have two cats named Daenerys and Drogo Gregaryen.

Career Goals: I had the exciting opportunity to be a TA for the course Human Anatomy as a graduate student at Minnesota State University Mankato. It was during this experience that I discovered my enthusiasm for teaching at the undergraduate level. Currently, my career goal is to become a professor at an institution where I can balance teaching and conducting research. However, I am also open to exploring other career opportunities during my time as a CSD graduate student.

Kaia Kinkel

BS in Biomedical Sciences, Amsterdam University College
Rotating
kaia.kinkel@cuanschutz.edu

Research: I am interested in many topics within developmental biology, such as how and why congenital birth defects occur during embryonic development and how stem cells can be utilized in regenerative medicine as well as in disease modeling.

About Me: I really love reading a good fiction book, climbing and teaching new climbers, having a board game night, going to folk and bluegrass concerts and looking for any excuse at all to take trips out into nature.

Career Goals: While being an academic faculty member one day would be amazing opportunity to mentor the next generation of scientists, I am open to any and all future career opportunities that allow me to continue learning and be involved in science teaching outreach!

Alyssa Powell

MS in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Southern California
BS in Biomedical Engineering, UC Davis
Rotating
alyssa.powell@cuanschutz.edu

Research: My scientific interest is learning about the underlying biology of the brain, to understand its development and dysfunction, and to ultimately make advancements in developing new treatments for those afflicted by neuropathology. 

About Me:  I grew up in Northern California, where I was a competitive swimmer for 15 years. When I am not in the lab, I enjoy staying active by swimming, hiking, and biking. My support system through graduate school is my family, which consists of my mom and dad, three older brothers, two nieces and a nephew, and three sisters-in-law. I am very fortunate that most of my family live in the Denver area.

Career Goals: One of my career goals is to take on a scientific leadership role by running my own laboratory where I not only continue to conduct neuroscience research that contributes to a better understanding of the field, but I also want to be able to help mentor and guide students toward their own scientific career goals.

Roxana Gutierrez

BS in Biology, University of New Mexico
 Rissland lab
roxana.gutierrez@cuanschutz.edu

Research: I am interested in developmental biology and RNA biology, specifically the impact that early development has on gene expression. My research in the Rissland lab is focused on studying the maternal-to-zygotic (MZT) transition in Drosophila melanogaster, or the fruit fly. During the MZT, maternal protein products and mRNAs are degraded and cleared, handing developmental control to the zygotic genome. The process of clearing these maternal genome products is highly critical, and each organism must successfully make it through this process to ensure proper development. My project focuses on how the embryo clears these maternal gene products, specifically on mRNA decay during the MZT and what occurs when this process goes awry.

About Me:  I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. I attended the University of New Mexico and earned a BS in Biology. I have always loved science and have always had a curiosity for understanding the world around me and how the human body functions. I was a dancer most of my life, reaching the pre-professional level by the time I was in high school. However, I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in science. I moved to beautiful Colorado to attend graduate school. I began my PhD training in the Biomedical Sciences Program (BSP) here at CU Anschutz and knew early on that I wanted to join CSD. I love dancing, hiking, camping, attending musical festivals, and spending as much time as possible with my dog. I am also involved with the SACNAS chapter here at CU Anschutz, where I am committed to cultivating an inclusive community for all.

Career Goals: I first fell in love with research and knew that I wanted to pursue a career in research after joining the lab of Dr. Amy Gardiner at the University of New Mexico. My project focused on studying the role of microRNAs in angiogenesis and blood vessel formation in the brain during Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Studying FASD in New Mexico, where its prevalence is high, made me realize that research can and does have an impact on people’s day-to-day life. After undergrad, I joined Dr. Gardiner’s lab as a laboratory technician. During this time, I got the opportunity to train new members of the lab and became passionate about mentoring. I realized that I wanted to go into academia, where I could conduct my own research to answer my own questions while training the next generation of scientists. As a first-generation college student and daughter of immigrants, I am extremely passionate about advocacy for and inspiring underrepresented minorities in science. This advocacy is something that I will carry on in my career and hope to expand on as time goes on.

Gabriela Padilla 

B.S in Molecular Biology, UC San Diego
Fantauzzo Lab
gabriela.padilla@cuanschutz.edu

Research: My research focuses on studying Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor dimerization and signaling, and investigating the subcellular compartments that act as a platform for RTK signaling in the context of mammalian craniofacial development. We utilize a mix of mouse work, as well as cell culture, to get a better understanding of the PDGFR signaling dynamics and downstream effects in the cell.

About Me:  I was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia. I decided to immigrate to the United States to have more research opportunities, as Latin America’s biomedical field is currently small. I moved to California, where I studied and graduated with a degree in molecular biology and a minor in environmental studies from the University of California, San Diego. Outside of the lab, I enjoy outdoor activities with friends, traveling, cooking, and playing board games!

Wendy Zhang

BS in Biological Sciences with a minor in Applied Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara
Moore lab
wendy.zhang@cuanschutz.edu

Research: In joining the Moore Lab, my project focuses on microtubule variants in tubulinopathies and their effects on motor protein motility.

About Me: I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area before moving up the central coast to Santa Barbara for my undergraduate degree. Upon graduation, I decided to pursue a postbaccalaureate fellowship and further explore my research interests at the NIH,  joining Dr. Leonid Chernomordik's lab in the section on membrane biology where I studied cell fusion in osteoclastogenesis.  Outside of lab, I love the arts and hope to continue to make time for them throughout my graduate studies.

Career Goals: I aim to remain in academia, where I can continue to conduct research and also pursue my passion for mentorship and education.

Amanda Garfield | T32 Appointee

BA in Chemistry from Indiana University
Mosimann lab
amanda.garfield@cuanschutz.edu

Research: The Mosimann lab is interested in cell fate decisions in developmental biology, using zebrafish as a model organism. My projects include investigating the lineage origin of adipocytes and development of the mesothelium, the layer around our internal organs.

About Me:  I grew up in New Jersey and Minnesota, moving to Indiana for college and to Denver after graduation. When I’m not in the lab I like to read fantasy novels, play video games and cook.  My husband and I love going to see live music, playing DnD with our friends, and hanging out with our cats.

Career Goals: I always try to keep an open mind about my future, but as long as I’m solving scientific problems and answering questions about developmental biology I will be happy!

Charles Griffin

B.S. in Biology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Fantauzzo Lab
charles.griffin@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Patricia Ernst, Katherine Fantauzzo, Linda Barlow

Research: My scientific interests lie in developmental biology and genetics, focusing on understanding embryo morphogenetic patterning via signaling pathways.  My project focuses on characterizing the role(s) of Akt-mediated phosphorylation of Srsf3 during craniofacial development in vivo. Currently, RNA-binding proteins, such as Srsf3, are poorly understood in the context of craniofacial development. In my predoctoral work, I seek to investigate how the activity of Srsf3 is regulated to affect the alternative splicing of subsets of transcripts in a tissue-specific and spatiotemporal manner.

About Me: I grew up in Colorado Springs and received my B.S. in Biology from UCCS. I chose to remain in Colorado and attend CU Anschutz for several reasons, including my love for the outdoors. When not in the lab, I can enjoy hiking or hanging out with my cat, Pumpkin. In CSD, I plan to continue growing as an independent researcher and a strong scientific communicator to effectively contribute to the expanding body of science and convey complex scientific information to broader audiences. 

Career Goals: After receiving my Ph.D., I plan to research genetic diseases in the context of developmental biology. I am open to opportunities where I can continue my research; however, I love performing medical research. My goals also include enhancing communication and demystifying research and science for the general public.

Maggie Keating | T32 Appointee

(she/her)

BS in Genetics and Genomics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Nichols lab
margaret.keating@cuanschutz.edu

Research: I am fascinated by developmental biology which is why I joined the Nichols Lab. My research focuses on the developmental origins of the median fins (dorsal, anal, and caudal fin). I use zebrafish as a model organism which allows me to use live imaging and genetic engineering to answer my research questions. My research may inform limb development from a unique and largely unexplored perspective.

About Me: I grew up in the Midwest and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I majored in Genetics and Genomics and minored in Gender and Women’s Studies. As an undergraduate, I worked in Dr. Evie Carchman’s lab where I studied the efficacy of a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor in cancer prevention. After graduating, I stayed in Madison and worked as a Research Intern in Dr. Junsu Kang’s lab where I studied genetic engineering techniques and fin regeneration using zebrafish. I ultimately joined CSD because of the great developmental biology research, the supportive community, and the proximity to the mountains. In my free time, I enjoy doing various outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, and skiing.

Career Goals:  I hope to one day become a professor and have my own lab. Currently, I am working to develop skills that would help me do so. As a program, CSD is fantastic at preparing students for their next step, whatever that may be.

Edwin Ortiz Gaxon

MS in Biology, California State University, Northridge
BS in Biotechnology, California State University, Northridge
Majka lab

edwin.ortizgaxon@cuanschutz.edu

Research: I am just getting started, so broadly speaking, mechanisms of injury repair in the lung.

About Me: I grew up in Los Angeles. I got my bachelor's and master's degrees from Cal State, Northridge. Living in LA, you get sun, more sun, and sometimes some rain. So, moving to Colorado where you actually experience seasons has been interesting.

Career Goals: Long-term, I want to become a PI and establish my own lab.

Preston Stafford | T32 Appointee

BS in Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University
MS in Physiology, Georgetown University
MS in Biotechnology, Johns Hopkins University
Vagnozzi Lab
preston.stafford@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Chad Pearson, Ron Vagnozzi, Lori Sussel

Research: I study cell signaling at the intersection of immunology, cardiology, and fibrogenesis. I am continuing the study of a unique cellular population within the heart called tissue resident macrophages. In particular, the cellular crosstalk and cell signaling of this macrophage population in the context of neonatal heart maturation and their impact on the heart’s capacity to heal following myocardial infarction. Recent progress in the field has revealed this resident macrophage population is critical for heart development and heart regeneration/healing. By leveraging tools within the Vagnozzi lab, I hope to reveal new ways this macrophage population can be leveraged to influence cardiomyocyte growth, fibrosis development, and cardiac remodeling following infarction that may one day lend towards future therapeutics for heart patients. 

About Me: I was originally born in Tallahassee, Florida, and grew up in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating high school, I moved to Baltimore to finish my undergraduate education before furthering my education in the Washington D.C. area. I then worked as an associate scientist for a year at Vigene Biosciences, a gene therapy company focused on AAV delivery methods. I then trekked out here to Colorado in 2019, finding a position as a Sr. PRA here on campus under Dr. Mitchel Cohen within the UC Trauma Lab. I focused on how endotheliopathies develop following traumatic injury both in the blood brain barrier and in the peripheral vasculature. When I’m not working in the lab, I enjoy video games, music, horticulture, and weightlifting. 

Career Goals: Open-minded to what the future brings. The natural sciences are my home and the natural sciences are where I will stay, be it academia, biotech, or wherever life takes me. 

Kelsey Abrams (she/her)

Siegenthaler lab

Research: I have a passion for anything related to cell biology and developmental neurobiology.

About Me: I grew up in South Florida, and went to the University of Colorado in Denver. In my free time you can find me on the mountain, at the skate park, or enjoying some live music.

Career Goals: Still figuring it out! As long as I am involved in scientific research and the pursuit of knowledge I'll be happy.

Lily Folts

BS in Psychology, minors in Neuroscience and Education Studies, St. Mary’s College of MD
McKey lab
lillian.folts@cuanschutz.edu

Research:  In the McKey lab, we are broadly interested in determining how ovarian development and morphogenesis influence female fertility and lifelong ovarian health. For my thesis project, I am investigating the rete ovarii, an epithelial appendage to the ovary whose functions during development and in adult female fertility remain largely unknown. More specifically, I am using transgenic mouse models, surgical approaches, long-term fertility studies, and single cell transcriptomics combined with cutting edge 3D microscopy to determine if the rete ovarii plays a critical role in female physiology. 

About Me: I grew up in Severna Park, Maryland and went to St. Mary’s College of Maryland where I got my B.S. in Psychology with minors in Neuroscience and Education Studies. After college I knew I wanted to build on my neuroscience background and explore other fields of biology. Working as a research technician at the University of Maryland School of Medicine for two years prepared me to join the Biomedical Sciences Program, the one-year umbrella program here at CU Anschutz. From there, I found my way to CSD after discovering the science and community were a great fit for me!  When I’m not in lab, I like to go to concerts, spend time outside, read, and hang out with my friends and family.

Career Goals: After completing my PhD, my plan is to continue to study reproductive biology and developmental biology in an academic setting. My long-term goal as of now, is to be a research professor conducting translationally relevant research to advance the field of women’s health. However, my passion for mentorship and community outreach have motivated me throughout my career, so I can see myself being happy in any role where these are priorities for me!

Stefano Ginocchio

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Research: 

About Me: 

Career Goals: 

Katie Alemany (she/her)

BS in Biology, Pennsylvania State University
Moore Lab
kaitlin.alemany@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Rytis Prekeris, Eszter Vladar, Jeff Moore

Research: I joined this program with a passion for cell biology and a drive to learn more about it. Each of my rotations were in different areas of focus but each touched on big biological concepts and processes. My thesis tests the model that cells create programs for regulating microtubule dynamics based on the expression of tubulin genes or isotypes, post-translational modifications, and motor proteins that are regulated by these differences and modulate microtubule dynamics.

About Me: I am originally from California but moved to Colorado with my family before college. Coming back to be close to family was an easy decision and now I can spend time with them, my husband, and my dog Sky.

Career Goals: My goal is to become a professor at an institution with a strong research and teaching mission. After I graduated from Penn State with a degree in Biology, I joined an entomology lab as a PRA to gain more experience in scientific research. Now in graduate school, I am doing what I can to prepare myself to be a good mentor and professor. CSD is a great program for developing these skills from program update talks to making lectures for courses to taking workshops for new techniques.

Amy Briggs (she/her) | NIH Diversity Supplement

BS in Biotechnology, California State University San Marcos
DeGregori Lab
amy.briggs@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Eszter Vladar, Melanie Koenigshoff, Xiao-Jing Wang, James DeGregori

Research: My project is focused on studying the relationship between autophagy and oncogenesis through the decline of tissue maintenance and increase in positive selection of potentially harmful clones in the changing microenvironment. I hope to parse out the mechanism of the role autophagy is playing in this. Tools that I typically use to answer my questions are mouse models coupled with tissue culturing and molecular techniques. 

About Me: I was born and raised in San Diego, CA and now I have traded the ocean for the mountains! When I am not in lab I enjoy backpacking, biking and reading. I am also involved with SACNAS in the CU Anschutz chapter where I hope to create a lively community and engaging outreach opportunities. 

Jeremy Brown (he/him) | T32 Appointee

Southern Arkansas University - Bachelors of Science in Biology
Moore lab
JEREMY.3.BROWN@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

Research: My research has focused around molecular, cellular, and developmental biology and overtime, I have developed a passion for regenerative biology. I started as a volunteer research assistant during university as a freshman. For my first assignment, I separated and counted Daphnia, or water fleas, from pond water samples to study population genetics. We studied how the water fleas changed their sex based on environmental cues. My second project was neurodevelopment based and aimed at describing the role of BMP signaling during axonal guidance. We used Drosophila, or the fruit fly, to study motor neurons, axons, and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and specifically how axons are correctly guided to NMJs. I identified non-canonically roles for Mothers against Decapentaplegic, or MAD, during axon development. I published software that I developed to automate the analysis of the data generated from immunohistochemistry experiments performed during this project. After this undergraduate work, I became a professional research assistant. I spent three years identifying genes and pathways that affect the number of cells that survive radiation. From this work, I identified specific timepoints during development during which the removal of cells with DNA damage after irradiation occurs. We published these results along with a new methodology that enabled us to study loss-of-heterozygosity, or LOH. In parallel with the cell survival studies, I studied how cells translocate, transdifferentiate, and regenerate the pouch of the wing after irradiation as a PRA. In this regenerative biology project, I helped perform RNAseq on two populations of cells. One population was the less regenerative notum and pouch cells of the wing disc and the other was the highly regenerative hinge cells. The results of this study were also published. Now, I am looking to learn how to study regenerative biology in more model organisms and from any possible angle of scientific inquiry. I also have a particular interest in looking to automation of research.

About Me: I grew up in a small Texas town called Paris. I went to college in another small town but this time in Arkansas where I met my wife, Su Ann. After college, I got a job at CU Boulder working for Dr. Tin Tin Su and I moved to Allenspark which is right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. During that time, I enjoyed volunteering as a firefighter. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hanging out with my dogs, hiking, snowboarding, and Jiu Jitsu.

Career Goals: To advance regenerative biology and to start my own biotechnology company.

Judy Cheng (she/her)

BA in Molecular Biology, Colorado College
Reis Lab
yuzhu.cheng@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Charles Sagerstrom, Tânia Reis, Bruce Appel

Research: Reis's lab is interested in studying the genetic and cellular mechanisms of obesity and neuronal controls of metabolism. My project focuses on a gene called Arc1 and its role in regulating fat metabolisms at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Previous work from the lab identified Arc1 to promote lean phenotype in drosophila larvae. Recently, progress in the field revealed that Arc1 could traffic its own transcript by capsid formation. Following up on these, I will explore the regulation of Arc1 between the brain and fat body and how that modulates metabolic phenotypes using the Drosophila model. 

About Me: I was born in Tianjin China, grew up in Suzhou China until the end of primary school. After that, I studied in international schools in Singapore for six years prior to coming to the U.S. I attended Colorado College for my undergraduate study, where I acquired my passion for developmental and RNA biology. I like to sketch random things or go out for a walk or hike in my free time.

Career Goals: I majored in Molecular Biology and minored in Biochemistry during my undergraduate study in Colorado College. At this point of time, I do not have a firm idea of my career. Yet, I would like to continue research career.

Erik Collet (he/him)

BS in Biology, St. Olaf College
Pearson Lab
erik.collet@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Jeff Moore, Michael McMurray, Chad Pearson

About Me: I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and went to St. Olaf College in Minnesota. I'm a huge sci-fi nerd, in my free time I enjoy watching movies and exploring the Colorado wilderness.

Research: I'm a cell biologist at heart, I love any research which gets into the nitty-gritty of cellular processes and mechanisms. 

Career Goals: While I'm yet to decide on a specific field or even area of study, as long as I end up researching and working in a lab I'll be happy!

Devon "Koya" Lumbao-Conradson (he/him) | T32 Appointee

B.A. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Lewis & Clark College
Vagnozzi Lab
devon.conradson@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Jamie Nichols, Linda Barlow, and Ronald Vagnozzi

Research: There are two immune responses to injury: the pathological one and the therapeutic one. An imbalance between these two can have adverse effects. For example, favoring the pathological response over the therapeutic one can lead to an excess buildup of scar tissue around a wound. When this happens in the heart, it can lead to cardiac fibrosis which restricts the hearts proper beating and can lead to death and other adverse symptoms. Hence, research into controlling the two immune responses is crucial to curing diseases like cardiac fibrosis. My research aims to understand the role that the CX3CR1 receptor plays in these two immune responses within the cardiac setting. My research utilizes in vivo mouse models as well as in vitro cell culture systems.

About Me: I've moved around a lot throughout my life. I grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, then moved to France with my folks my senior year of high school. I then went to Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR and earned my Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry and molecular biology. Most of my undergraduate training and lab experience took place in labs that focused on structural biochemistry including Stanford and SLAC/LCLS. After college, I moved to the Bay Area where I worked in the Xinnan Wang lab in Stanford's Neurosurgery department as a PRA for two years before attending graduate school. My folks and I owned rats as pets since I was 10 years old, but the pet I want most now is a ferret.

Career Goals: At the moment, I'm leaning towards a career in academia; but the future is still wide open. I know that I want to continue doing research in labs that focus on regenerative medicine, but which setting that'll happen in—academia or tech—is still on the table. I also intend to continue my work in advocacy and inspiring other POC/QTPOC (Queer/Trans POC) to pursue careers in STEM.

Mikaela Follmer (she/her) | T32 Appointee

BS in Biology & Religious Studies, Susquehanna University

Bates Lab
mikaela.follmer@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Kristin Artinger, Emily Bates, Richard Benninger

About Me: I’m originally from a small town in Pennsylvania (think public high school 40 person graduating class small). I attended Susquehanna University for my bachelors degree in Biology with a second major in Religious Studies, my areas of focus were Developmental Biology and Eastern Religions. After graduating I moved to State College, PA and worked as a research technologist in the Lindner Lab at Penn State. There I studied malaria and cared for a few thousand mosquitoes for the lab. When I’m not thinking about science I spend my time mountain biking, backpacking, and playing with my cat- Dr. Anthony Meowci.

Career Goals: I’ve always been passionate about science and political issues, because of this choosing a career was challenging, until I discovered science policy. My ultimate goal is to use my understanding of scientific research to influence policy decisions and create a better relationship between important scientific work and public comprehension. 

Maria Hansen (she/her)

BS in Biology, MS in Human Biology, University of Copenhagen
Sussel Lab
maria.hansen@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: James DeGregori, Richard Benninger, Lori Sussel

Research: My main passion is type 1 diabetes research. In the Sussel lab, we are interested in understanding the transcriptional networks regulating pancreatic development and function. Using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as a model system, I study the function of Groucho co-repressors during human pancreatic development. Additionally, I’m interested in understanding the autoimmune attack of the pancreatic beta cells in type 1 diabetes. I utilize a combination of short-read and long-read RNA sequencing to identify splice variants of beta cell genes, which could potentially give rise to neo-epitopes in the type 1 diabetic pancreas.   

About me: I am originally from Denmark but moved to Colorado in 2018. I immediately fell in love with the mountains, and I now spend most of my spare time climbing and hiking. I have become somewhat obsessed with climbing 14ers, and I hope to climb all of them over the next couple of years. I am type 1 diabetic myself, which adds an additional layer of complexity to outdoor adventures. I would love to someday work on increasing accessibility to the outdoors (especially mountaineering) for people with chronic diseases.

Career goals: I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology and my master’s degree in human biology at University of Copenhagen. I wrote my master’s thesis in the Serup lab at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, where I worked on characterizing the pancreatic progenitor stage during directed differentiation of hESCs into pancreatic beta cells. I moved to Colorado and joined the Russ lab at Anschutz in 2018, where I continued to work on the generation of stem cell-derived beta-like cells.    

In addition to understanding the transcriptional programs driving pancreatic development, and understanding the autoimmune pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, I am passionate about scientific communication. During graduate school, I hope to improve my scientific communication skills and learn how to convey complex scientific information to a much broader audience. I am a firm believer that we need to narrow the gap between scientists and society in order to build public trust in science.

Trevor Isner (he/him) | NIDCD F31 Fellow

B.A in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Barlow Lab

Rotation Labs: Emily Bates, Linda Barlow, Santos Franco

Research: During my time in the Barlow lab, I have focused primarily on two projects regarding taste homeostasis. Much of my early work was examine the role of Notch signaling in taste homeostasis, specifically interrogating how the iterative function of Notch may lead to differential differentiation of mature taste cells. Currently, I am studying a potential bi-potent progenitor that is thought to give rise to both taste and salivary gland tissue.

Bryan Johnson (he/him)

BS Evolutionary Biology, University of Iowa; MS Biology, University of Northern Colorado
DeGregori Lab
bryan.johnson@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Linda Barlow, James DeGregori, Rytis Prekeris

Research Statement: I am interested in understanding the role the tumor microenvironment plays in regulating metastatic outgrowth of dormant cancer cells. Specifically, how the tumor microenvironment changes with age or in response to insults like viral infection to facilitate the switch from dormant cancer cells to overt metastatic growth.

About me: I was born and raised in Iowa. When I’m not in the lab I enjoy doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and being outdoors. Since moving to Colorado, I have been learning how to fly fish.

Sol (Sophia) Kim (she/her)

BS in Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Siegenthaler Lab
sol.kim@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Julie Siegenthaler, Bruce Appel, Ethan Hughes

About Me: During my free time, I am mostly indoors--cooking/baking, working on arts and crafts, yoga/Pilates. I also love spontaneous solo trips and trying new outdoor activities under beautiful Colorado weather. 

Career Goals: I am still undecided but one thing I do know is that I love being in a lab, wet or dry, and I wish to continue to work as a research scientist studying brains!

Research Interests: One of my research interests is the cross-talk between the CNS and immune system and I would like to be involved in both developmental and translational aspect of the topic.

Samantha Landgrave (she/her)

BS in Biochemistry, California State University San Marcos
Zuscik Lab
samantha.paynelandgrave@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Richard Benninger, Kristen Boyle, Mike Zuscik

Research: My doctoral training research interest involves developing a comprehensive understanding of how parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and type I parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR1) pathways change and contribute to the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis.

About Me: I am originally from San Diego, CA. When I am not in lab I love to be outdoors. Colorado has plenty of outdoor activities and things to explore. My support system through graduate school is my family and friends. With the pandemic, it has become very important to me to balance my work life balance to maintain my mental health.

Michael Lippincott (he/him)

J.P. Martin (he/him) | T32 Appointee

Abi Mumme-Monheit (she/her) | NSF GRFP 

Nichols Lab

ABIGAIL.MUMME-MONHEIT@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

Rotation Labs: Matthew Taylor & Luisa Mestroni, Jamie Nichols, Paul Norman 

Research: MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome is a human disorder characterized by craniofacial phenotypes. This disorder also displays incomplete penetrance, meaning that some individuals with deleterious mutations exhibit phenotypes while others do not. I am using a zebrafish model to study incomplete penetrance in this disorder. The zebrafish gene mef2ca is orthologous to MEF2C and when mutated results in craniofacial phenotypes. Specifically, I am investigating whether paralogs of mef2ca are compensating for mef2ca loss, resulting in incomplete penetrance of disease phenotypes.

About Me: I grew up in MA, just outside of Boston. I went to Haverford College in PA for undergraduate, where I fostered my love for research in labs studying sea anemones and corn genetics. Since moving here I have fallen in love with the mountains. Outside of lab I can be found running, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. I also spend a lot of time thinking about how to make fitness accessible to everyone. I coach functional fitness classes at Colorado Fitness and Strength; specifically, I am passionate about coaching an inclusive fitness class for LGBTQ+ youth there.

Career Goals: I hope to continue research after getting my PhD with a particular focus on human genetic disorders. I am leaving my options open as to where I would like to continue my research. However, I love doing research in the context of medicine, and would like to be involved in the translational research pipeline. I hope to emphasize communication to the public in whatever realm of research I pursue.

Sylvia Nunez (she/her)

BS in Integrative Biology, University of Illinois
Sagerstrom Lab
sylvia.nunez@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Katie Fantauzzo, Stephen Santoro, Santos Franco, Charles Sagerstrom

Research: Developmental biology is one of my main research interests. I am currently studying cell fate decisions at the midbrain-hindbrain boundary in zebrafish.

Omar Ochoa Olmos (he/him)

BS Biology, MS Biochemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
Brzezinski Lab
omar.ochoaolmos@cuanschutz.edu

About Me: I am originally from Mexico City and my native language is Spanish. I graduated from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) with a BS in Biology in 2008, and later earned a MS in Biochemistry in 2012. Initially, I collaborated with Dr. Elena Basiuk and Dr. Tzvetanka Drimitrova developing novel DNA-delivery technologies based on carbon nanotubes to improve plant cell transformation. Before starting my PhD studies, I received teaching training in Japan at the Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa. After returning to Mexico, I became a science and language instructor at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education. 

Research Goals: In 2020, I joined the Brzezinski Lab to investigate the gene regulatory network involved in cone photoreceptor specification using CRISPR/Cas9 technologies in the mouse and retinal human organoid models. My goal is to provide new insights on how to treat retinal degenerative diseases that cause color blindness by instructing progenitor cells to adopt cone identity and potentiate the production of cones.

Tina Piarowski (she/her) | NSF-GRFP Honorable Mention; NIH F31 Fellowship

BS Genetics, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Arizona State University
Barlow Lab
christina.piarowski@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Linda Barlow, Melanie Koenigshoff, Sujatha Jagannathan

Research: My research focuses on the role of receptor tyrosine kinases in the taste system, particularly the role of c-Kit it sweet-sensing cells. Using lingual organoids as a model system I found that inhibiting c-Kit leads to a decrease in sweet cell markers. This lead me to my hypothesis that c-Kit is necessary for the differentiation or survival of sweet sensing cells. My thesis work will aim to unravel this relationship using a combination of in vitro organoid models and in vivo work. I was inspired to join the Barlow lab because the sense of taste is central to the human experience, and understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating taste could help improve the quality of life of people who have lost their sense of taste due to disease or drug treatments.

About Me: In my free time I enjoy hiking, biking, figure skating and hanging out with my cat. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago before moving to Phoenix for college. After graduating I moved to Denver for graduate school in the CSD program, where I have grown close with my classmates and colleagues. Like many others in CSD, I prioritize work/life balance and usually spend my weekends relaxing or exploring Colorado!

Career Goals: I attended Arizona State University for my undergraduate degree, where I majored in Genetics, Cellular and Developmental Biology with minors in French and Global Health. I took a gap semester after graduating to work as a PRA, which was a great reset that re-energized me before heading to graduate school. During graduate school my goals are to get practice presenting my work to different audiences as well as gain experience mentoring students at the bench. CSD offers many opportunities for students to teach and present, and I also worked with our program director Jeff Moore to create the Developing Scholars mentorship program. I'm very excited about all the opportunities within CSD that can prepare students for a wide variety of careers.

Ian Purvis (he/him)

BS in Natural Sciences, Xavier University
Brzezinski Lab
ian.purvis@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Ethan Hughes, Rajeev Vibhakar, Joe Brzezinski

Research Statement: In the Brzezinski lab, I am researching vertebrate retinal development. Specifically, I am using the mouse retina as a model to understand how Otx2, a gene necessary for retinal development, is regulated during the development and maturation of different cell types within the retina. Using in vivo and ex vivo models along with CRISPR technology, I am teasing out mechanisms mediated by non-coding regions of DNA that regulate the expression of this gene across the developing retina.

About Me: Originally from Peoria, IL, I received my Bachelor’s of Science from Xavier University. I then worked for 2 years at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria conducting research on the progression of brain tumors. While in the CSD program, I plan on improving my skills communicating scientific data and conclusions, enhancing my analytical skills while gaining more experience mentoring students.

Addison Rains (she/her) 

BS in Biology, Birmingham - Southern College
 Rissland lab
addison.rains@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Macklin, Prekeris, Artinger

Research: I am interested in the intersection of cell biology and developmental biology. I study mechanisms of cell migration and fate acquisition of neural crest cells in the zebrafish model. Neural crest cells are a highly migratory population of developmental stem cells responsible for giving rise to many cell types, including nerves and glia of the peripheral nervous system. My project is focused on understanding how neural crest cells migrate to and differentiate into cells of the peripheral nervous system.  

About Me: I was born and raised in a small Alabama town. I earned my BS in Biology from Birmingham-Southern College, where I first discovered my passion for research. In undergrad, I studied membrane trafficking mechanisms in fission yeast, during this time I became fascinated with utilizing fluorescent microscopy to probe questions of cellular dynamics. After graduation, I worked for four years as a technician at UAB. It was there I developed a love for developmental biology. Outside of research, I am an avid crafter and enjoy spending my free time knitting, crocheting, or beading. I am a big music lover, I take any opportunity I can to catch a show at Red Rocks, or attend a music festival.

Career Goals: I intend to pursue a career as a professor at a primarily undergraduate institution where I can create a small independent research program, and share the joy of research with new generations of young scientists.

Chris Schaaf (he/him)

BS in Biochemistry, Colorado Mesa University

Sussel Lab
Christopher.schaaf@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Lori Sussel, Richard Benninger, Olivia Rissland

Research: My research focuses on the transcriptional regulation of cell fate decisions in developing endocrine cells in human stem cell lines. I am applying the extensive research done on the transcription factor NKX2.2 in mice by the Sussel lab, and translating that into a human based model system to better understands the differences between mouse and human pancreatic development.

About Me: I love many of the typical Colorado activities that have drawn us all to the area. Rock climbing, hiking, snowboarding, and camping are all high on my list of fun activities. I also enjoy going to live music events, checking out new breweries and food halls, and finding great new coffee spots.

Career Goals: The driving factor in my scientific career is a passion for researching type 1 diabetes. With the majority of the field shifting towards stem cell research for functional cures, I hope to be able to continue applying the skills that I develop during my graduate studies towards helping us achieve that functional cure. 

Wolf Schleicher (he/him)

BS in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Neuroscience
Pietras & DeGregori Labs
wolfgang.schleicher@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: James DeGregori, Eric Pietras, Kunhua Song

Research: My initial research project aims to understand whether and how metabolism and the NLRP3/IL-1beta axis are linked to facilitate selective hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) expansion in clonal hematopoiesis. Tet2- and Dnmt3a-deficiency are the two most common mutations in clonal hematopoiesis, and they result in similar phenotypes of selective HSPC expansion. Previous work in the Pietras Lab has identified a potential link between these two cellular processes in Tet2-deficient mice, so my current work will explore this same link in Dnmt3a-deficient mice.

About Me: I consider myself to be a bit of a pop-culture geek, so many of my interests outside of the lab involve playing tabletop games with friends, marathoning Tolkien and Marvel movies, and volunteering with local conventions (when time allows). However, as I've lived in Colorado my whole life, I also love hiking and camping in the mountains. My support system through graduate school is mainly comprised of close friends (with which I play the aforementioned games) and my significant other. As such, I try to maintain a good work/life balance to afford me time with the people I care about, but some weeks are more successful than others. Currently I am not involved in any school/community activities, but as I transition into my second year, I will hopefully get more engaged with CSD program activities.

Career Goals: My research interests are in stem cell biology and aging, and how these focuses provide a unique perspective of regenerative medicine. As such, my goals during graduate school are to develop an expertise in stem cell biology and aging-associated morbidity. While my current goal after graduate school is to pursue a leadership position in the biotech industry, I may also pursue a career in the academic setting. The diversity of training faculty in CSD provides me the opportunity to receive mentorship that will cater to these career goals, preparing me for either industry or academia. Moreover, CSD workshops, journal clubs, and seminars provide opportunities to collaboratively develop skills, ideas, and interests to help shape my PhD training.

Susannah Schloss (she/her) | T32 Appointee

BA in Psychology, BS in Neuroscience
Nelson lab
SUSANNAH.SCHLOSS@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

Research: My undergraduate research focused on the cellular mechanisms of hearing loss in zebrafish, where I focused specifically on the mechanisms behind hair cell regeneration. I'm interested in studying the cellular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease, specifically multiple sclerosis, but would like to learn more about cellular biology and development.

About Me: I grew up in Miami, Florida and received a B.A. in Psychology from Flagler College in St. Augustine. During this degree, I realized I wanted to delve more into science, so I moved to Vancouver, Washington and got another Bachelors degree in Neuroscience, along with some undergraduate research experience. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading all kinds of literature, from scientific to fantasy, as well as dabbling in cooking meals from around the world.

Career Goals: My ultimate goal is to work with a company or organization where I can research multiple sclerosis in some capacity. Ideally, I would like to be involved in developing treatments or improving existing stem cell therapies.

Amanda Stenzel (she/her) | T32 Appointee

BS in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Barlow lab
AMANDA.STENZEL@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

Research: During my undergraduate studies, I investigated how triclosan affects metamorphosis and reproductive fitness in zebrafish. After graduating I got a job working as a research technician in the Nichols lab at CU Anschutz where I studied the role her9 plays in craniofacial patterning and development, and bone ossification. My research interests include anything and everything related to developmental biology and molecular genetics. 

About Me: I am originally from Minnesota but in the middle of the 2020 COVID pandemic I decided I wanted a change of scenery and moved out to Colorado. I have loved living in Colorado, even though I miss all the lakes in Minnesota from time to time. In my free time I enjoy hiking with my dog, skiing, rock climbing, and playing piano. 

Career Goals: I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse where I had so many AMAZING professors who helped me pursue my passion for science. It was because of this experience that I decided to pursue a graduate degree in biology. My goal is to one day become a professor at a college that can inspire the next generation of undergraduate students to pursue a career in science.

Harrison Wells (he/him) 

BA in Biology, Carroll College
Mosimann Lab
HARRISON.WELLS@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

Rotation Labs: Patricia Ernst, Christian Mosimann, Eric Pietras

Research: I am interested in the genetic programs that drive cell fate decisions during early development. In the Mosimann lab, we work on characterizing regulatory elements that drive the development of mesoderm-derived embryonic structures.

About Me: I grew up in Spokane, WA and received my bachelor’s from Carroll College in Helena, MT. I spent a few years at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota studying kidney disease before starting grad school. Outside of the lab, I try to get into the mountains as often as possible, where I love to hike and camp. Otherwise, I enjoy cooking, reading, and trying to drink all of Colorado’s fantastic beer.

Shane Williams (he/him)

BS in Biology, Saint Michael's College
Dempsey Lab
shane.williams@cuanschutz.edu

Rotation Labs: Eszter Vladar, Kunhua Song, Xiao-Jing Wang, Peter Dempsey

Research: I’m interested in improving our ability to utilize stem cell derived models to study human organ development and disease. I’m currently generating fluorescent reporter knock-ins to track intestinal organoid development in real time.  

About me: I grew up in New Hampshire and moved to Colorado after finishing undergrad in Vermont. I spend most of my free time exploring the Rockies with my wife searching for the perfect campsite or skiing fresh powder. I also seem to like fish since I’m a reef aquarium hobbyist and have recently picked up fly fishing.