2019
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences UT Health San Antonio Commencement
DAVID WEISS, PHD Dean of the Graduate School
Platform Party • • • • • • • • • •
David Weiss, PhD, Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) Nicquet Blake, PhD, Grand Marshall and Associate Dean, GSBS William Henrich, MD, President, UT Health San Antonio Kenneth Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, Professor and Chair of Endodontics, Commencement Speaker Timothy Raabe, PhD, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, GSBS Robert Hromas, MD, FACP, Dean, School of Medicine and Vice President for Medical Affairs Peter Loomer, DDS, PhD, Dean, School of Dentistry Jacqueline Mok, PhD, Vice President for Academic Faculty and Student Affairs Sara Gill, PhD, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, School of Nursing Adriana Segura, DDS, Associate Dean for Academic Faculty and Student Affairs, School of Dentistry • José Cavazos, MD, PhD, Assistant Dean for the M.D./Ph.D. Program • Christopher Frei, PharmD, MS, BCPS, FCCP, Assistant Professor, representing the College of Pharmacy – UT Austin
WILLIAM HENRICH, MD President of UT Health San Antonio
KENNETH HARGREAVES, DDS, PHD
Commencement Address
LAUREN CORNELL Student Remarks
TIMOTHY RAABE, PHD PRESENTING THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2019
ANNOUNCING THE PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS
MASTER OF SCIENCE CLASS OF 2019
Aaron Agirre Master of Science in Dental Science Mentor Name: Yong-Hee P. Chun, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta analyzed by micro-computed tomography Research Interests: Enamel, Biomineralization, Genetics
Aaron will practice periodontics at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
Kyle Patrick Trobough Master of Science in Dental Science Mentor Name: Yong-Hee P. Chun, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D
Thesis Title: Micro – computed tomography analysis of amelogenesis imperfecta caused by deficient enamel proteinase and impaired protein trafficking Research Interests: Enamel, Periodontics Notable Awards: John. F. Prichard Research Finalist
Kyle plans to join a private practice group specializing in periodontics in his hometown of Topeka, Kansas.
Hala Abdullah AlSalman Master of Science in Dental Science Mentor Name: Peter Gakunga, B.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.
Thesis Title: The effect of plaque on in – vitro detection of initial demineralization using photothermal radiometry and modulated luminescence system Research Interests: Orthodontics Hala plans to work at Princess Nourah University in her hometown of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Catalina Zambrano MartĂnez Master of Science in Dental Science Mentor Name: Peter Gakunga, B.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Estimation of tooth size and shape discrepancies among dental malocclusion groups using geometric morphometrics Research Interests: Orthodontics Notable Awards: 1st Place winner for Dental Resident/MS Candidate Poster Presentation, Annual UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry Dental Science Symposium Catalina plans to work at a private practice dental clinic in Austin, Texas.
Gema Barrera Master of Science in Immunology & Infection Mentor Name: Xiao-Dong Li, Ph.D., M.D.
Thesis Title: Treating allergic asthma with a novel STING agonist, 2’3’-cGAMP Research Interests: Allergy Immunotherapy
Gema plans to work in the Central Texas Region and live her best life.
Tanya Saenz Buentello M Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Mentor Name: Melanie Taverna, MSDH, RDH
Thesis Title: Dental hygienists’ awareness of probiotic use to improve gingival health Research Interests: Probiotics and oral health
Tanya plans to continue working in a private dental practice in Sugar Land, Texas.
Radhika Singh Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Mentor Name: Melanie Taverna, MSDH, RDH
Thesis Title: Behavioral management instruction in the dental hygiene curriculum revisited Research Interests: Dental Anxiety
Radhika plans on staying in San Antonio.
Christine Clowe Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Mentor Name: Carol A. Nguyen, R.D.H., M.S.
Thesis Title: Relative dentin abrasivity toothpaste survey: Are dental hygienists making evidence-based recommendations?
Research Interests: Dental Hygiene, Dentistry Notable Awards: Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society Member, ADHA Institute for Oral Health General Scholarship, Dentsply Sirona Travel Award to the ADHA Annual Conference Christine plans to work in the pharmacovigilance industry as a Drug Safety Specialist in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Mina Daraei Ahwazi Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Mentor Name: Jean C. Bopassa, M.S., Ph.D., FAHA
Thesis Title: The role of parkin protein in Parkinson's disease Research Interests: Neuroscience
Mina plans to pursue her education as M.D./Ph.D student in neuroscience.
Candice Devora Master of Science in Cell Systems and Anatomy Mentors Name: Rekha Kar, Ph.D. and Omid B Rahimi, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: A cadaveric study on the persistence of the median artery
Candice plans to continue to pursue her interest in science by applying to medical school.
Marija Djurkovic Master of Science in Immunology & Infection Mentor Name: Peter H. Dube, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: The role of transglutaminase 3 in colitis and colorectal cancer Research Interests: Host-Pathogen Infectious Disease Research
Interactions,
Notable Awards: Travel Award to the 2018 National SACNAS Conference Marija plans to work in San Antonio and give back to her community.
Melissa NuĂąez Master of Science in Immunology & Infection Mentor: Evelien Bunnik, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Analysis of B cell receptor repertoires in malaria naĂŻve and malaria exposed people Research Interests: Infectious Diseases and Public Health Notable Awards: UT Health Interprofessional Leadership Scholars Program, SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference Travel Award, MIMG Travel Award, Naturebranded Career Expo Travel Award Melissa was accepted into the Ph.D. in Epidemiology Program at UT Health School of Public Health in Houston. She will serve her San Antonio community as a leader integrating her knowledge in public health and biological sciences.
Mylinh Duong Master of Science in Dental Science Mentor Names: Guy Huynh-Ba, D.D.S, M.S. and Brian Mealey, D.D.S, M.S.
Thesis Title: Evaluation of healing at molar extraction sites with and without ridge preservation: A three-arm histologic analysis Research Interests: Periodontics Notable Awards: John F. Prichard Graduate Research Competition Finalist Mylinh plans to work in private practice in San Antonio, Texas.
Veronica Lai Master of Science in Dental Science Mentor Name: Brian Mealey, D.D.S., M.S.
Thesis Title: Alveolar ridge preservation using bovine versus porcine xenograft Research Interests: Alveolar bone loss; bone resorption; alveolar bone grafting; dental implants Notable Awards: Prichard finalist Veronica will be joining a periodontics practice in Westminster, Colorado.
Alegre Elizondo Master of Science in Immunology & Infection Mentor Name: David Kadosh Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Role of transcriptional regulators and histone deacetylases in controlling C. Albicans morphology and virulence-related properties Research Interests: Immunology and Mycology Notable Awards: South Central Medical Mycology Meeting 2018 Travel Award Alegre plans to work as a Research Assistant at UT Health San Antonio and apply for medical school.
Kathylin Mei Li Hester Master of Science in Cell Systems & Anatomy Mentor Name: Haley L. Nation, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: A cadaveric study investigating the applicability of skeletal guidelines Research Interests: Anatomy, Anatomical Education, Dentistry
Kathylin plans to attend dental school in the future.
Joshua Kats Master of Science in Dental Science Mentor Name: S. Thomas Deahl, D.M.D., Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Effect of tooth position and CBCT settings on image artifact and contrast-to-noise ratio generated by 4 types of root-end filling materials Research Interests: Radiology
Oral
and
Maxillofacial
Josh plans to change the world one Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan at a time.
Arezou Shahbazi Moghaddam Master of Science in Dental Science Mentor Name: S. Thomas Deahl, D.M.D., Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Implementation of a modified quality assurance protocol for CBCT machines within UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry Research Interests: Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Arezou plans to work in private practice.
Debbie Lee Master of Science in Dental Science C
Mentor Name: Cara B. Gonzales, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Anti-tumor effects of thymol in oral squamous cell carcinoma Research Interests: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Thymol, TRP channels Notable Awards: John F. Prichard Graduate Research Competition 1st place winner Debbie plans to work at Ramstein Air Base, Germany as a Periodontist, treating active duty military members and their families.
Mandy Miller Master of Science in Dental Science Mentor Name: Cara B. Gonzales, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Thymol modulation of androgen receptor in oral squamous cell carcinoma Research Interests: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Androgen Receptor, Thymol Mandy plans to work at Ramstein Air Base, Germany as a Periodontist.
Seung “Steve� Lee Master of Science in Dental Science Mentor Name: Stephen E, Harris, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Role and mechanism of bone morphogenetic protein 2 in formation of acellular cementum and associated attachment of the periodontal ligaments Research Interests: alpha SMA, Bmp2, cementum, lineage tracing, PDL, Periodontium Notable Awards: John F. Prichard Graduate Research Competition Winner Steve plans to work at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona as a periodontist.
Stephanny Lizarraga Master of Science in Immunology & Infection Mentor Name: Ann V. Griffith, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Age-associated changes in thymic B cell phenotype and spatial organization in mice Research Interests: Immunology Notable Awards: Congressman Henry Bonilla Health Professions Scholarship Stephanny plans to work in San Antonio for a year and then pursue a Ph.D.
Martin Sandoval Master of Science in Immunology & Infection Mentor Name: Ann V. Griffith, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: The effects of thymic catalase deficiency on T cell recovery after irradiation and bone marrow transplant Research Interests: Immunology/ T cell development Martin plans to work in San Antonio for a year and is currently applying to medical school.
Victoria Lozano Master of Science in Immunology & Infection Mentor Name: Brian Wickes, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation system of Candida auris Research Interests: Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Victoria has been accepted into the Medical Laboratory Science Program at the Houston Methodist Hospital. She will begin in August 2019.
Macie Nicole Mattila Master of Science in Cell Systems & Anatomy Mentor Name: Ramaswamy Sharma, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Caspase-2 in osteoclasts: A tale of deletion and overexpression Research Interests: Osteoporosis, Caspase-2, Apoptosis, Autophagy, Oxidative Stress Macie will be attending Tufts University School of Dental Medicine to pursue her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree.
Jordan Tanner Master of Science in Cell Systems & Anatomy Mentor Name: Ramaswamy Sharma, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: A three-dimensional model of the pterygopalatine fossa significantly enhances the learning experience Research Interests: Anatomy
Jordan is pursuing scribing and shadowing opportunities while applying to medical school.
Grecia Morales Master of Science in Immunology & Infection Mentor Name: Paolo Casali, M.D.
Thesis Title: miR-146a selectively downregulates class-switch DNA recombination to IgA by targeting Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4 transcripts Research Interests: Molecular components of the immune system
and
Grecia plans to pursue a career in one of the nation’s foremost biotech/biopharma hotspots, Boston, Massachusetts.
cellular
Vanessa Ortega Master of Science in Immunology & Infection Mentor: Elizabeth Leadbetter, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Influence of CD11c+ T-bet+ B cells on liver immunology during obesity Research Interests: Forensic Science Research, Cell Biology Vanessa plans to work in a research laboratory over the next year and will pursue her Ph.D. in the near future.
Ileana Pedraza Master of Science in Immunology & Infection Mentor Name: Thirumalai R. Kannan, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Screening and characterization of Mycoplasma pnuemoniae CARDS toxin specific monoclonal antibodies Research Interests: Microbiology and Immunology Notable Awards: Charlie Gauntt Award Ileana plans to work in the scientific community before she pursues further education.
Jeffrey Penner Master of Science in Dental Science Mentor Name: David Deas, D.M.D., M.S.
Thesis Title: Post – surgical flap placement following osseous surgery Research Interests: Dentistry, Periodontics Notable Awards: 2019 John F. Pritchard Graduate Research Competition Winner Jeff plans to work at a private practice periodontics clinic in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jessica Sathissarat Master of Science in Dental Science Mentor Name: Kyumin Whang, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Development of an antimicrobial composite using a difunctional oxirane and a multifunctional acrylate Research Interests: Composite, antimicrobial Jessica plans to work at as a periodontist in the United States Air Force and will be stationed at Yakota Air Base, Japan.
Andrea D. Shields Master of Science in Clinical Investigation and Translational Science Mentor Name: Patrick Ramsey, M.D., M.S.
Thesis Title: Bridging the evidence gap: A novel method to update the 2015 American Heart Association statement on cardiac arrest in pregnancy Research Interests: Maternal Diabetes, Medical Education
Mortality,
Gestational
Notable Awards: GSBS Spring 2019 Travel Award, 2017 American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology District X Mentor of the Year Award Andrea plans to continue her work as a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist and Associate Professor with the Baylor College of Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.
13 OTHER MASTER OF SCIENCE GRADUATES ARE BEING CONFERRED THE DEGREE IN ABSENTIA.
DOCTORATE OF MEDICAL PHYSICS CLASS OF 2019
Nestor Rodrigo Astorga Doctorate of Medical Physics - Therapy Mentor Name: Karl Rasmussen, Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Practice quality improvement: A simplified total body irradiation scatter dose calculation Research Interests: Radiation Biology
Rodrigo will be working for a consulting medical physics company in Houston, Texas.
Renil George Doctorate of Medical Physics Mentor Name: Karl Rasmussen, Ph.D., DABR
Dissertation Title: Practice quality improvement project: evaluation of couch overrides using Elekta hexapod Research Interests: Radiation Based Cancer Therapy
Renil plans on working in a hospital based radiation oncology clinic in Ocean City, Maryland.
DOCTOR OF PHARMACY CLASS OF 2019
Karen E. AymĂĄ Doctor of Pharmacy
Practice Interests: Geriatrics Notable Awards: Student Clinical Skills Award
Karen will be completing a PGY1 residency at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas.
Melissa Brumbalow Doctor of Pharmacy
Practice Interests: Clinical Trials, Clinical Pharmacy/Critical Care, Nuclear Pharmacy
Melissa plans to stay in San Antonio and pursue a career in clinical trials.
Hannah Bustillos Doctor of Pharmacy Mentor Names: Kelly Reveles, Pharm.D., Ph.D., BCPS |Rebecca Moote, Pharm.D., M.Sc, BCPS
Practice Interests: Oncology with a focus on hematologic malignancies and BMT Notable Awards: Rho Chi, Phi Lambda Sigma
Hannah will be a PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at the University of Washington Medical Center/Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.
Christian Carlson Doctor of Pharmacy
Practice Interests: Health System Pharmacy Administration, Process Improvement, Operations Management Notable Awards: Lester Entrepreneurial Scholar, Glenn Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship Recipient Christian will be completing a three year Health-System Pharmacy Administration residency/fellowship at the University of Michigan, where he will also be earning his Masters in Business Administration.
Simone Donnelly Doctor of Pharmacy
Participated: Project Collaborate Health Screenings
Simone plans to work at a community/retail pharmacy after graduation.
Victor Gabriel Encarnacion Doctor of Pharmacy Mentor Name: Christopher R. Frei, Pharm.D., M.Sc, BCPS, FCCP
Practice Interests: Medication abuse and misuse
Victor has accepted a position as a staff pharmacist for H-E-B Pharmacy in San Antonio, Texas.
Brian Frescas Doctor of Pharmacy
Practice Interests: Infectious Disease Notable Awards: CPNP Defining the Future Research Grant Recipient
Brian will be attending his PGY1 residency at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, with future plans to PGY2 in infectious disease.
Daryl Kevin Gaspar Doctor of Pharmacy
Practice Interests: Ambulatory Care, Pediatrics, Oncology
Daryl will be working in a hospital or specialty pharmacy setting.
Celeste Green Doctor of Pharmacy
Practice Interests: Psychiatry, Pediatrics, & Nutrition
After graduation, Celeste will be joining H-E-B as a Pharmacist in Austin, Texas.
Lindsey Groff Doctor of Pharmacy Mentor Name: Christopher R. Frei, PharmD, MSc, BCPS, FCCP
Practice Interests: Infectious Disease and Naloxone Access Notable Awards: UT Health Student Research/Scholarship Award, UT Health Student Leadership Award, AACP Walmart Scholar
Lindsey will be a PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Kelsey Leer Doctor of Pharmacy Mentor Name: Kelly Reveles, Pharm.D., Ph.D., BCPS
Practice Interests: Compounding, Transitions of Care, Critical Care, Diabetes Research Publication Title: A cross-sectional study of national outpatient gastric acid suppressant prescribing in the United States between 2009 and 2015 Notable Awards: Phi Lambda Sigma Kelsey plans to work in community practice with Brookshire Brothers Pharmacy in the Waco, Texas area.
Elijah Martin Doctor of Pharmacy Mentor Name: Grace Lee, Pharm.D., Ph.D.
Practice Interests: Infectious Disease Notable Awards: Phi Lambda Sigma, TSHP Poster Competition Honorable Mention Elijah plans to work as a PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.
Sherry Mathew Doctor of Pharmacy
Practice Interests: Internal Medicine, Infectious Disease, Emergency Medicine
Sherry will be starting a PGY1 residency program at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances in Tyler, Texas.
Daniel A. Naranjo Doctor of Pharmacy
Practice Interests: Psychiatry, Community
Daniel plans to work at H-E-B Pharmacy in the Central Texas North Region.
Judith Rendon Doctor of Pharmacy Mentor Name: Carolyn Brown, Ph.D.
Practice Interests: Residency and Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Notable Awards: Research Honors
Judith plans to complete a PGY1 pharmacy residency at Santa RosaWestover Hills in San Antonio, Texas.
Andrew Rubio Doctor of Pharmacy Mentor Name: Grace Lee, Pharm.D., Ph.D., BCPS
Practice Interests: Infectious Diseases
Andrew is going to begin his pharmacy residency this June at Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital of South Texas – San Antonio.
Tiffany Wu Doctor of Pharmacy Mentor Name: Christopher R. Frei, Pharm.D., M.Sc, BCPS, FCCP
Practice Interests: Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Cardiology Notable Awards: UT Austin Distinguished College Scholar, Rho Chi, Phi Lambda Sigma
Tiffany will be a PGY1 resident at the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital & Health Sciences System.
19 OTHER PHARM D GRADUATES ARE BEING CONFERRED THE DEGREE IN ABSENTIA.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY CLASS OF 2019
Obadah Austah Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Science Mentor Name: Anibal Diogenes, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: The modulatory role of trigeminal sensory innervation in apical periodontitis Research Interests: Endodontics, Neuroscience, bone biology, inflammation, pulp biology, stem cell biology Notable Awards: AAE Foundation research grant award, best poster award, best scientific paper award Obadah plans to return home and join the Department of Endodontics at King Abdulaziz University in his hometown of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Tara Barron Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Biomedical Sciences Mentor Name: Jun Hee Kim, Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Physiological implications of neuron-oligodendrocyte interaction Research Interests: Neuroscience Notable Awards: John M. Johnson Distinguished Student Award, Graduate Student Travel Award, First Place Graduate Student Poster – CBN Retreat, Outstanding Graduate Student Poster – Physiology Symposium Tara will begin a postdoctoral position at Stanford University in June, as she plans to pursue a career in academia.
Amy Brito Delgado Doctor of Philosophy in Radiological Sciences Mentor Names: Karl Rasmussen, Ph.D. & Alonso GutiĂŠrrez, Ph.D., M.B.A.
Dissertation Title: The analytical hierarchy process as a tool for treatment plan quality analysis in radiation therapy Research Interests: Radiation therapy dosimetry, quality analysis and quality improvement Notable Awards: CONACYT – Government of Mexico fellowship Amy will be starting a residency in Medical Physics at the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Christopher Kabat Doctor of Philosophy in Radiological Sciences Mentor Name: Sotirios Stathakis, Ph.D., DABR
Dissertation Title: Radiation oncology ideal plan assistant and plan quality assessment toolkit Research Interests: Radiation, Machine Learning, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence Notable Awards: Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Predoctoral Fellowship Chris plans to continue his research as a postdoctoral fellow in Radiation Oncology at UT Health San Antonio.
Catherine Cheng Doctor of Philosophy in Cellular & Structural Biology Mentor Names: James Nelson, Ph.D. and Jonathan Gelfond, M.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Sex differences in longevity and lifespan-extending drug efficacy in genetically heterogeneous mice: age-specific effects and gonadal contributions Research Interests: Anti-Aging Interventions, Survival Analysis, Sex and Gender Differences Notable Awards: Glenn Foundation Fellowship Catherine plans to continue postdoctoral research in the Aging Interventions Testing Program and serve as an Entrepreneurial Lead in the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps.
Lauren Cornell Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Science Mentor Name: Randolph Glickman, Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Utility of magnetic nanoparticles for targeted corneal endothelial cellular therapy Research Interests: Tissue Engineering, Nanomedicine, Military Medicine Notable Awards: Texas Business Hall of Fame Future Texas Business Legend Award, Military Health System Research Symposium Young Investigator Award, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Student Scientist Award(s) Lauren plans to continue working in military medicine while pursuing the advancement of her company, NovoThelium. She will also participate in a part time fellowship with the FDA.
Nicholas Dybdal-Hargreaves Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology Mentor Name: Susan L. Mooberry, Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Novel mechanisms of microtubule targeting agents Research Interests: Cancer Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine Notable Awards: NIDCR F30 4-year Fellowship Award, Maria Yeung Student Research Award, Frank Dehotes Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Travel Award. Following his graduation, Nick will be joining a local private practice as an Associate Dentist in San Antonio. Nick is in the D.D.S./Ph.D. program.
Corena V. Grant Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Biomedical Sciences Mentor Name: Susan L. Mooberry, Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Drug discovery for subtypes of triple-negative breast cancer Research Interests: Pharmacology, natural product drug discovery, gut microbiome Notable Awards: 2017 American Society of Pharmacognosy Student Travel Award Corena accepted a Postdoctoral Researcher position at The Ohio State University investigating the effects of mammary tumors on the gut microbiome and behavior.
Roma Kaul Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Biomedical Sciences Mentor Name: Susan L. Mooberry, Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Interphase effects of microtubule targeting agents Research Interests: Cancer Biology Notable Awards: Presidential Ambassador Scholar Award, Aspen Cancer Fellow, GSS Outstanding Poster Presentation, Avon-AACR International Scholar-in-Training Travel Award Roma is headed to Harvard Medical School to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship.
Michael Eskander Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology Mentor Name: Kenneth M. Hargreaves, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and oxidation in a rodent model of nerve growth factor-induced persistent pain Research Interests: Pain, Endodontics, Stem Cell Biology Notable Awards: Dean’s Excellence Award, OKU Sophomore Research Award, Maria Yeung Student Research Award Michael was accepted into the Advanced Education Program in Endodontics at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry and will do a combined residencypostdoctoral fellowship. Michael is in the D.D.S./Ph.D. program.
Ming Gao Doctor of Philosophy in Cellular & Structural Biology Mentor Name: Pei Wang, Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Investigating the role of large tumor suppressor kinase 1 and 2 in mouse pancreas Research Interests: Cancer Biology, Translational Research Notable Awards: CPRIT Predoctoral Research Training Award, GSBS Travel Award, Young Investigator Award from The American Pancreatic Association Ming currently is working as a Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
Allison Garrison Doctorate of Philosophy in Pharmacology Mentor Name: Jason O’ Connor, Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in modulating neuroinflammation Research Interests: Psychiatric illness, genetic models Notable Awards: Best poster award, travel award Allison plans to explore her career in the biotech industry in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Michael Guderyon Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Biomedical Sciences Mentor Name: Senlin Li, M.D.
Dissertation Title: Young hematopoietic stem cells ameliorate age-associated phenotypes and extend lifespan in mice Research Interests: Biology of Aging, Stem Cell Therapy, Gene-editing Notable Awards: T32 Fellowship Michael is currently building a start up venture to develop stem cell therapies.
Roxane Khoogar Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Medicine Mentor Name: Peter Houghton, Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Defining the role of the oncoprotein EWS RNA binding protein-friend leukemia integration 1 in regulating subpopulation dynamics by single-cell profiling Research Interests: Translational research, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, drug discovery Roxane plans to lead her own research laboratory in the future and help understand and treat complex human diseases.
John Koprivsek Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology Mentor Name: Guangming Zhong, M.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Chlamydia muridarum overcomes innate lymphocyte-derived interferon gamma to establish long-lasting colonization in the gut Research Interests: Virology, Vaccines, Immunology
John will work in the field of biomedical sciences.
Eithan Kotkowski Doctor of Philosophy in Radiological Sciences Mentor Name: Peter Fox, M.D.
Dissertation Title: Characterizing the neural signature of metabolic syndrome Research Interests: Neuroimaging, Endocrinology and Diabetology Notable Awards: NCATS Institutional Translational Scientist Training Grant (TL1) & Burroughs Welcome Fund Trainee Award from the Association for Clinical and Translational Science Eithan is in the South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program at UT Health San Antonio and will return to medical school to complete his final two years.
Ayomide Okanlawon Bankole Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science Mentor Name: Carrie Jo Braden, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
Dissertation Title: Illness representations in older adults with multiple chronic conditions Research Interests: Aging, chronic diseases, Chronic disease self-management, theoretical approaches to chronic disease self-management Notable Awards: Recipient of Sigma Theta Tau International research grant, Student poster finalist award Ayomide plans to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship in aging research.
Hanna Scinto Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology Mentor Name: Ruth Ruprecht, M.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Immune exclusion as a potential protective mechanism against HIV Research Interests: Virology, Mucosal Immunology Notable Awards: 3rd Place Oral Presentation, 6th Annual VDCOSA Conference and 2nd Place Graduate Student Poster, 2019 Texas Biomed Research Symposium Hanna plans to pursue her research interests in academia or industry.
Lisa Smith Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology Mentor Name: Luis Giavedoni, Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Efficient inhibition of simian immunodeficiency virus replication with virus specific ribonucleic acid guided nuclease variants Research Interests: Viral therapeutic development Notable Awards: 2015, 2016, and 2017 NHP Young Investigator Scholarship Travel Award, First Place Best Oral Presentation Award at the MIMG Spring Retreat 2016 Lisa will pursue her medical degree at Texas Tech University Health Science Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine this summer.
Thomas Vanasse Doctor of Philosophy in Radiological Sciences Mentor Name: Peter Fox, M.D.
Dissertation Title: Form and function of large-scale brain networks: A transdiagnostic and independent evaluation Research Interests: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computational Neuroscience Notable Awards: 2017 Julio Palmaz Travel Award, 2018 GSBS Travel Award Thomas plans to work as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Rafael J. Veraza Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Science Mentor Names: Mark Shapiro, Ph.D & Leonid Bunegin, B.S.
Dissertation Title: Novel therapeutics in translational research for the prevention and treatment of neurotrauma after stroke
Research Interests: Translational Science, Technology Commercialization & Biotechnology
Notable Awards: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) TL1 Fellowship, National ACTS Conference 2017- Top Ranked Poster Award Rafa is a current Postdoctoral Fellow at UT Health San Antonio and plans to work at a medical device startup company- Vascular Perfusion Solutions, Inc. as their Senior Scientist.
Phillip Webster Doctor of Philosophy in Cellular and Structural Biology Mentor Name: Alfred Fisher M.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: The Separation of Mitophagy and Lifespan from Muscle Function Research Interests: Aging, Metabolism, Mitochondria, Degenerative Disease Notable Awards: F31 Predoctoral Training Grant (NIH), IMSD Training Grant Recipient, Gordon Research Conference Travel Award, Cold Spring Harbor Travel Award, Keystone Symposia Travel Award, CeAging Travel Award Phillip will be starting a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Michigan studying inflammation in adipose tissue during diabetes and obesity.
7 OTHER DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY GRADUATES ARE BEING CONFERRED THE DEGREE IN ABSENTIA.
Congrats Class of 2019!