2023 Cohort
Xue Bai
- Undergraduate Institution: China Medical University
- Bio: Xue Bai obtained her bachelor’s degree from China Medical University and master's degree in Immunology from Chongqing Medical University. During the master's program, Xue specialized in exploring biomaterials to extend the survival of transplanted pancreatic islets.
- Current Research Interests: Immunomodulation; Cancer therapy
- Supervisor Name: Dr. Adam Schrum.
Makenzie Bartlett
- Undergraduate Institution: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, BS
- Bio: Makenzie is a PhD student in the infection and immunity track. She earned her undergraduate degree in forensic biology and worked on two undergraduate research projects. The first was studying the chemical composition of cosmetic products using scanning electron microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; the second was at MU studying toll-like receptor 3. During her free time, Makenzie participates in weightlifting and plays guitar.
- Current Research Interests: Host-pathogen interactions, innate immunity, virology, molecular therapies
- Supervisor Name: Adam Schrum, PhD
Oluwatola Femi-Olatunji
- Undergraduate Institution: University of Lagos
- Bio: I am a driven and aspirational student from Nigeria whose academic trajectory has been marked by an unquenchable curiosity and a profound interest in immunology, with a particular focus on the fundamental mechanisms underlying autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. My long-term objective is to aid in developing novel vaccines, antimicrobials, and immunotherapies that can fight infectious diseases and offer efficient treatments for autoimmune ailments. Through Scientific research and discoveries, I hope to bring good change by being part of those at the forefront of the battle against these health issues while also serving humanity.
- Current Research interests: Host pathogen interactions, infectious diseases, immunology, vaccine development
- Supervisor Name: Adam Schrum, PhD
Carol Koob
- Undergraduate Institution: Truman State University
- Bio: Coming from a biology and statistics background, I acquired an interest in public health by working with epidemiologists as a biostatistician. I look forward to undergoing more public health training and combining that with my existing skills to investigate medical issues. Since I grew up in Missouri, I am excited to attend this program and further my career while still staying close to home. When I am not working on research, I enjoy reading books or playing games with family and friends.
- Current Research Interests: Public Health, Electronic Medical Records
- Supervisor Name: Dr. Gillian Bartlett
Xiaduo Meng
- Undergraduate Institution: Sichuan Agricultural university
- Bio: Xiaduo Meng received the Master of Science degree in cell biology from University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. She is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree in cancer biology tract of TBS program. Her research interests include disease mechanisms, regenerative medicine, and gene editing.
- Current Research Interests: Among the various tracts provided by translational biosciences program, Cancer Biology is most appealing to me. I'm interested in basic biomedical research which explores disease mechanisms to improve human health.
- Supervisor Name: Dr. James Amos-Landgraf
Lutfun Nahar
- Undergraduate Institution: Dhaka National Medical College
- Bio: I am Lutfun Nahar. I am from Bangladesh. I am a first-year Translational Bioscience Ph.D. program student at the University of Missouri Columbia. After earning my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S) degree, I wanted to learn more about cardiovascular changes in chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. This desire guided me to pursue my career in the medical physiology research field. I earned my master’s degree in medical pharmacology and Physiology from the University of Missouri Columbia. During my master’s program, my research was focused on understanding the effect of SGK1 deletion in vascular reactivity using a transgenic mice model. My master’s program increased my interest and led me to pursue my PhD in Translational Biosciences. Through this program, I am looking forward to learning research skills to understand the long-term cardiovascular effects of chronic diseases as well as to transform these skills into clinical practice.
- Current Research Interests: Cardiovascular changes in chronic disease.
- Supervisor Name: Erika Boerman, PhD
Adeola Odeniyi
- Undergraduate Institution: Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria
- Bio: Originating from Nigeria, I hold a passionate interest in advancing the field of plants and actively contributing to scientific research. This dedication propelled me to pursue a master's degree in applied biotechnology at the esteemed Warsaw University of Science and Technology in Poland. My master's thesis delves into unraveling the role of Pseudomonas syringae, specifically focusing on one of the HopAg1 effector proteins. Currently engrossed in my doctoral studies, my primary goal is to excel in my research pursuits, with the aim of making substantial contributions to the realms of knowledge and health. My research endeavors align with a broader aspiration to address critical challenges in plant science and leverage biotechnological advancements for sustainable solutions. Beyond the confines of the laboratory, I find joy in engaging in recreational activities such as playing games, cherishing moments with my family, and indulging in the art of singing.
- Current Research Interests: Host-pathogen interaction, Plant biochemistry
Harriet Omenge
- Undergraduate institution: Davenport University
- Bio: Born and raised in Kenya, Harriet moved to the United States of America to further her education right after high school. Harriet has always loved sciences, but it was in undergraduate that she discovered her love for research, so she decided to take an internship in a research institute to get the real-life experience. She worked in a reproduction health lab that focused on endometriosis, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer. With this experience she confirmed her love of research and the want to help people, so she chose to apply for the Translational Bioscience Program. Harriet’s goal is to shed a light on women’s reproductive health and finding solutions to the diseases that plague women like endometriosis. Outside the world of academia, Harriet loves to read, listen to music, and watch anime.
- Current Research Interests: Integrative physiology, women reproductive health, endometriosis.
- Supervisor Name: Erika Boerman, PhD
Chelsea Page
- Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
- Bio: Chelsea is a Senior Program Coordinator for Missouri Telehealth Network in the Office of Health Outreach, Policy, and Education within the School of Medicine. She oversees the asynchronous development of interprofessional telehealth training programs. Chelsea works closely with the Heartland Telehealth Resource Center on other HRSA grant projects and frequently attends regional telehealth conferences with key stakeholders. She is in her first year of the Translational Bioscience doctoral program at the University of Missouri, studying population and precision health.
- Current Research Interests: Cancer clinical trials
- Supervisor Name: Gillian Bartlett-Esquilant, PhD
Yi Pan
- Undergraduate Institution: Sichuan Agricultural University
- Bio: Yi Pan (he/his) is a PhD student in the Translational Biosciences Program at the University of Missouri. His research interest is the interplay between cancer, hematopoietic system, and cardiovascular disease. Yi completed his DVM degree in Sichuan Agricultural University and master's degree of Veterinary Clinical Science from the University of Missouri. Prior to pursuing his PhD, he worked as a veterinarian and the director of veterinary clinical diagnostic lab at Ringpai Animal Hospital in China. In his free time, Yi enjoys playing basketball and travelling.
- Current Research Interests: Cancer biology, Hematopoietic stem cell, Cardiovascular disease
- Supervisor name: James Amos-Landgraf, PhD
Noah Powell
- Undergraduate Institution: Creighton University
- Bio: I am a current first year student in the infection and immunity track. Outside of research I enjoy making things with my hands such as woodworking and ceramics.
- Current Research Interests: Cancer therapeutics and effects on the immune system
- Supervisor Name: Adam Schrum, PhD
Jacob Pru
- Undergraduate Institution: Washington State University
- Current Research Interests: Uterine epithelial development, events coordinating embryo implantation, and uterine regeneration.
- Supervisor Name: Dr. Erika Boerman
Patricia Roa
- Undergrad: University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Campus
- Bio: Patricia Roa Vidal is originally from Puerto Rico, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Cellular-Molecular Biology at the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Campus. She moved to Columbia, Missouri, to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Missouri and to deepen her knowledge in reproductive and developmental biology. Patricia is dedicated to advancing our understanding of sex-specific differences while integrating basic science with clinical relevance. Outside the lab, she enjoys spending time with friends, working out, and relaxing at home with some TV after a busy day's work. Her aspiration is to return to her island to foster research careers for others interested in the health sciences, a non-traditional profession in her country.
- Supervisor Name: Erika Boerman, PhD
Karissa Williams
- Undergraduate Institution: Truman State University
- Bio: Karissa is a Ph.D. student in the Biochemistry and Biophysics track. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Truman State University. She conducted research for a variety of projects where she gained both computational and wet laboratory experience. Her undergraduate research experiences, particularly the Translational Biomedicine Summer Research Program here at Mizzou, helped shape her scientific interests and passion for research. Outside of the laboratory, she enjoys various activities including traveling, spending time with friends and family, and being active outdoors.
- Current Research Interests: Structural Biology and Virology
- Supervisor Name: Charlotte Phillips, PhD
2022 Cohort
Erin Carulli
- Undergraduate Institution: Eastern Washington University
- Bio: my name is Erin Carulli. I received my B.S. from Eastern Washington University in Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology. I began my work life at the age of 18 in the United States Marines Corps, then used my GI Bill to put myself through my undergrad. I am now 3 years into life as a PhD student and am excited for my future career as a scientist!
- Current Research Interests: Currently, in the Winuthayanon lab, I am developing a novel, OTC, non-hormonal contraceptive that may be used in the future to provide birth control to individuals in low- and middle-income countries. When I graduate, I intend to stay within the field of drug development and hope to develop drugs and therapies that may one day help improve quality of life for people from all walks of life.
- Supervisor Name: Wipawee “Joy” Winuthayanon, BSN, PhD
Benjamin Cryer
- Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
- Bio: I graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Biology, with many of my electives focused on molecular and cell biology. After graduating, I worked in industry for 3 years at a molecular diagnostics company as a bench scientist and laboratory trainer. While there, I gained an interest in molecular markers of disease and their uses in diagnosis and treatment. I'm currently interested in researching ways to improve our understanding and harness the power of the immune system to find better therapies.
- Current Research Interests: Immune consequences of differential ligand-protein interactions in nucleic acid sensing pattern recognition receptors (Keywords: Innate immunity, Immunomodulation, TLR3, TLR9, RIG-I)
- Supervisor Name: Maggie Lange
Jeff Erickson
- Undergraduate Institution: Bemidji State University (BSU), MN
- Bio: Hello all, a big part of my graduate experience has consisted of a move from Washington State University (WSU Pullman) to Mizzou! Otherwise, research is the name, but definitely not the only (video) game. Outside of the lab I enjoy long walks on the moon and gazing at the beach!
- Current Research Interests: Contraception; Drug Development; Male contraception; Non-Hormonal Contraception; (Everything else!).
- Supervisor Name: Wipawee "Joy" Winuthayanon
Emily Giri
- Undergraduate Institution: University of Kansas
- Bio: Emily Giri is a PhD student with 7 years experience in microbiology currently conducting influenza research in Dr. Xiu-Feng (Henry) Wan’s research lab at the University of Missouri. Her project focuses specifically on the molecular mechanisms involved in the transmission of avian influenza into mammalian hosts. Outside of the lab Emily loves to apply her chemistry and microbiology knowledge to cooking and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, playing tennis, and traveling to new countries.
- Current Research Interests: Emily's current project investigates the molecular mechanisms involved in the transmission of avian influenza into mammalian hosts, particularly swine. Emily plans to investigate this problem from both the host and pathogen side. She hopes to identify some avian influenzas mutations which are associated with an increased risk of spillover into mammals. Additionally, she hopes to elucidate which mammalian host proteins are interacting with the avian influenza to support its replication.
- Supervisor names: Dr. Xiu-Feng (Henry) Wan
Barikisu Ibrahim
- Undergraduate Institution: University for Development Studies
- Bio: As a PhD student hailing from Ghana, my journey in the TBP program was ignited by a profound fascination with viruses that originated during my undergraduate years. My intrigue lies in the captivating abilities of viruses to manipulate host cells, engage in complex battles with host immunity, and evade therapeutic interventions. My goal is to unravel the mysteries of virus-host interactions and contribute to the development of therapies against these intriguing organisms. Beyond the lab, I find relaxation in spending time with friends or indulging in TV shows.
- Current research interest: host-virus interaction, viral immunity
- Supervisor name: Marc Johnson
Olubodun Lateef
- Undergraduate Institution: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso,
- Bio: Olubodun Lateef earned his bachelor’s degree in human Physiology from LAUTECH and a master’s degree in applied biotechnology from the Warsaw University of Technology in Warsaw, Poland. Presently, he is pursuing a doctoral degree in Translational Biosciences, with an emphasis area in Integrative Physiology. His research background includes investigating the role of heat shock proteins in the heart of dysthyroid mice as well as the age-related changes in heat shock proteins during gastric ulcer healing. Currently serving as a graduate research assistant in the Vasorum lab, he is dedicated to exploring the impact of cardiometabolic disorders on vascular stiffening and the remodeling of the vascular wall.
- Current Research Interests: He is primarily interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the impact of stretch on cytoskeletal alterations in vascular smooth muscle, ultimately contributing to vascular stiffening and remodeling in the context of diabetes and hypertension.
- Supervisor name: Luis A Martinez-Lemus
Cynthia “Brea” Lombardo MD, IBCLC
- Undergraduate Institution: Drury University, Springfield MO
- Bio: I am originally from Springfield, MO, but now consider myself essentially a Columbia native! I went to medical school and completed residency in family medicine at Mizzou. I practice primary care for adults and children, obstetrics, and breastfeeding medicine. I enjoy spending time with my family, my dog, traveling, and reading.
- Current Research Interests: Breastfeeding and lactation medicine, breastfeeding promotion in primary care, and health services research on maternal and child health
- Supervisor name: Dr. Kate Trout.
Savannah McKenna
- Previous Institutions: Ohio University, BS and University of Pittsburgh, MS
- Bio: Savannah is a PhD student in the I&I track that found her passion for scientific research early during her undergraduate studies. Originally investigating the effects of growth hormone on longevity, her interest in viruses grew after taking an advanced course her senior year. Working towards her Master’s degree, she transitioned to studying HIV in the brain and is now continuing research in the realm of influenza immunology for her doctoral studies. Outside of academics, she can typically be found with a book or a puzzle and surrounded by her three fur babies.
- Research Interests: host-pathogen interactions, viruses, innate immunity
- Supervisor: Dr. Bumsuk Hahm
Jessica Osaze
- Undergraduate Institution: University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.
- Bio: Jessica Osaze is a second year in the Translational Biosciences, Population and Precision Health Track, PhD program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature from the University of Benin (2006). Passionate about women's rights, Jessica embarked on a career dedicated to women's empowerment through rehabilitative skills training workshops in Edo State, Nigeria. She expanded her expertise by obtaining a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Missouri in 2020, subsequently earning her state license. In 2023, Jessica achieved a dual Master's degree in Health Administration and a Master of Science in Health Informatics and Bioinformatics. Motivated by a love for process improvement, she also acquired a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification. Committed to addressing healthcare disparities among minority populations, Jessica is actively pursuing her PhD in Translational Bioscience, aiming to bridge critical gaps in healthcare accessibility and equity.
- Current Research Interests: Breast cancer in minority populations and understanding the multifaceted factors contributing to disparities in breast cancer outcomes among different ethnic and racial groups
- Supervisor names: Gillian Bartlett, PhD
MD-PhD
Kristin “Taylor” Bosworth
- Undergraduate Institution: BSc in Biology and BSc in Psychology Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
- Bio: Taylor Bosworth is a first-year medical student in the Tom and Anne Smith MD/PhD Program. Prior to starting the Tom and Anne Smith MD/PhD Program, she completed a year of PhD studies in Translational Biosciences (emphasis area of Population and Precision Health), which she plans to continue. She is a first-generation college student from rural Bourbon, Missouri.
- Current Research Interests: Her research interests are health technologies, user-informed design, implementation science, and addiction medicine. Her recent projects focus on an array of primary care topics, such as addiction medicine, obesity, dementia, health technologies, and implementation science. In the future, she hopes to bridge addiction medicine and science with health technologies to improve access to treatment and resources for those with substance use disorders.
- Supervisor Name: Gillian Bartlett-Esquilant, PhD
Andrew Behrmann
- Undergraduate: Southeast Missouri State University
- Bio: I'm an MD-PhD student pursuing a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon-scientist studying the intricate connectivity of the cardiopulmonary circuit. I'm from Millstadt, IL and enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I'm also an avid runner and I enjoy watching basketball and other sports.
- Current Research Interests: Pulmonary hypertension, right-sided heart failure, arrhythmogenesis, calcium handling, angiotensin II signaling, and COVID-19.
- Supervisor name: Dr. Timothy Domeier, PhD.
