Jordan Barnett
Year-1 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Chemical Engineering, Brigham Young University
Email: jb4622@drexel.edu
Background and Interests: My undergraduate studies focused on chemical engineering and Spanish studies. I became involved in a research lab focusing on cell-free protein synthesis, with the hopes to optimize a system to be used to produce point-of-care therapeutics. Later, I did an internship in a neurobiology lab in Spain focusing on fate mapping of neural progenitor cells. After graduating I joined a lab in Philadelphia that focused on understanding the 3D genome and epigenetic markers in the context of disease.
Arden Edgerton
Year-1 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biology, Drexel University
Email: aoe23@drexel.edu
Advisor: Dr. Kara Spiller
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Background and Interests: I hold a bachelor of science in biological sciences with a concentration in organismal biology and physiology from Drexel University and a minor in business administration. Before starting my PhD, I worked for three years as a senior research associate at Century Therapeutics, with my primary focus on generating allogeneic human induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived CAR-NK and CAR-T cells for targeting hematological and solid tumor malignancies. My work involved gene editing, clone selection and optimization of differentiation platforms, contributing to the successful pre-IND filing, and supporting cross-functional activities in immune-oncology. I am passionate about understanding and harnessing the immune system's capabilities for therapeutic advancements, particularly in the context of cancer and broader health threats. I am currently working in Dr. Kara Spiller’s Lab focusing on Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, focusing on macrophage cell therapy.
Nontokozo Mdluli-Berndt
Year-1 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BA, Biology, Kenyon College
Email: nvm35@drexel.edu
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Background and Interests: My research background is in bacteriology and host-pathogen interactions. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I worked with Dr. Frank at Uniformed Services University (USU) in Bethesda to study biofilm-associated virulence factors in Enterococcus faecalis and their interaction with the host, and also spent some time screening phage-antibiotic combinatorial therapy to remove biofilms and prevent their formation. Prior to starting my first year at Drexel, I worked with Dr. Abt at UPenn to study the implications of Clostridium difficile spatial localization to pathogenesis and immune response. Overall, I’m interested in host-pathogen interactions, immune response and the dynamic interplay between damage mediated by pathogen or the host.
Regan Schroeder
Year-1 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biology, Case Western Reserve University
Email: rs3772@drexel.edu
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Background and Interests: During my undergraduate research, I studied antibiotic resistant bacteria and came to Drexel interested in drug resistance and pathogenic bacteria bit with an open mind to exploring all of the opportunities Drexel has to offer throughout the field of microbiology.
Tassew Tefera Shenkutie
Year-1 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Medical Laboratory Science, University of Gondar; MS, Clinical Laboratory Science, Addis Ababa University; MS, Medical Parasitology, Addis Ababa University
Email: ts3576@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Eugenia Lo, PhD
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Background and Interests: I was a medical laboratory technologist in a hospital diagnostic facility. After the hospital service, I taught medical laboratory BSc students in Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia.
Shirley Barrera
Year-2 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biological Sciences, SUNY Old Westbury; MS, Microbiology & Immunology, University at Buffalo
Email: sb4476@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Will Dampier, PhD and Brian Wigdahl, PhD
Samuel Effah
Year-2 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Pharmacy, University of Ghana; MS, Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases, University of Ghana
Email: sne34@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Brian Wigdahl, PhD
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Background and Interests: During my undergraduate study at the University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, I developed an interest in drug development, specifically against viral diseases. In my first year of pharmacy practice, the Ebola virus epidemic hit neighboring countries, creating a lot of fear and panic as people searched for solutions. I therefore decided it was time to pursue my interest in therapeutics against viral diseases by pursuing a master's in the molecular cell biology of infectious diseases at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana. My thesis focused on the phenotypic responses of HIV genotypes in Ghana to novel integrase inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy. Now at Drexel, my interests are in the development of both small-molecule drugs and immunotherapies against infectious diseases. I am currently in the Wigdahl Lab, and my research focuses on assessing the determinants of an efficient anti-HIV CRISPR/Cas9 therapy.
Jasper Perry-Anderson
Year-2 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BA, Biochemistry, Oberlin College
Email: jcp362@drexel.edu
Mary Marino
Year-2 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biology, Saint Joseph's University
Email: mcm543@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Garth Ehrlich, PhD and Joshua Chang Mell, PhD
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Background and Interests: I discovered my passion for bacterial pathogenesis during my undergraduate studies. All four years, I worked on a variety of projects in a pathogenic microbiology lab focused on elucidating the roles of small RNAs and RNA-binding proteins in the post-transcriptional regulation of a pathogenicity island in Enteropathogenic Eschericihia coli (EPEC). I began my PhD at Drexel University directly after graduating, and have since continued to study bacterial virulence factors under the mentorship of Dr. Garth Ehrlich and Dr. Josh Mell. My current research aims to further characterize “dark matter” (or poorly understood) genes in the opportunistic pathogen Haemophilus influenzae, with the goal of better comprehending the genetic components that enable this bacterium to cause disease.
Armoni Mayes
Year-2 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biology, Old Dominion University
Email: am5273@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Sonia Navas-Martin, PhD
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Background and Interests: I graduated from Old Dominion University with a bachelor's in biological sciences and moved on to the University of Georgia as an NIH PREP Scholar for my post-bachelors position. At UGA I spent a year doing intensive research with a model for retroviruses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. My research at Drexel University in the Navas-Martin Lab has mainly focused on characterizing the hyperinflammatory response in murine-derived microglia during coronavirus infection.
Lindsay Barger
Year-3 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biotechnology, minor in Microbiology, Pennsylvania State University
Email: lnb56@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Gabriel Romano, PhD
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Background and Interests: My research background is relatively broad. I worked for three years as a student at Penn State in the Department of Animal Science. I have had internships generally focused on research and drug development at Genesis Biotechnology and GlaxoSmithKline. At Genesis, I studied proteins involved in bladder cancer. At GSK, I screened small drug molecules in the bioanalytical department of drug manufacturing and pharmacokinetics (DMPK). At Drexel, my primary interest is in onco-immunology.
Brenna Duffy
Year-3 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Email: bcd46@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Sandhya Kortagere, PhD, and Michael Nonnemacher, PhD
Background and Interests: Through my undergraduate research and post-graduate work in neurobiology, I developed an interest in understanding common mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. I am particularly interested in the role of microglia as a resident immune cell in the central nervous system, and the influence of neuroinflammatory and immune processes on pathogenesis. The interaction of glial cells with neuronal circuitry is becoming more consistently studied in neurodegenerative diseases, and I hope to contribute to this growing field. Currently I am applying my background and developing new skills to study mechanisms of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Working in Dr. Kortagere’s lab also provides opportunities to study the mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, enabling a broader understanding of multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
Ben Haslund-Gourley
Year-3 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BA, Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara within the College of Creative Studies
Email: bsh62@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Dr. Mary Ann Comunale and Dr. Joris Beld
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Background and Interests: I am a candidate in Drexel’s MD/PhD program and will complete my PhD in Microbiology and Immunology. Throughout my undergraduate education and during my two gap years before medical school, I gained extensive background in human sepsis, glycobiology and enzyme assay optimization. Under the direction and mentorship of Dr. Mary Ann Comunale and Dr. Joris Beld, I will employ multiple protein fractionation techniques, mass spectrometry (MALDI imaging), HPLC, and other glycoproteomic tools to characterize aberrant glycosylation and identify potential biomarkers that will improve Lyme disease diagnostics and inform on disease resolution. After completing Drexel’s MD/PhD program I plan to pursue a research career in immunology, translational medicine and diagnostics.
Joanna Jones, MS
Year-3 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Microbiology, West Chester University; MS, Microbiology & Immunology, Drexel University
Email: jj993@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Michael Nonnemacher, PhD
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Background and Interests: After completing my bachelor’s degree, I worked in the microbiology lab at Terumo Cardiovascular in Elkton, Maryland, where I was responsible for testing and verifying the safety of medical devices used in heart surgery and related procedures. In the Nonnemacher Lab, my research is focused on how chromatin and other epigenetic factors impact the efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy as a cure for HIV-1. Later in my career, I hope to continue studying how epigenetic factors play a role in chronic and understudied diseases.
Kenneth Kim
Year-3 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biology, Pennsylvania State University; MS, Biomedical Science – Immunology/Virology, Hood College
Email: kmk467@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Christopher B. Rodell, PhD
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Background and Interests: During my undergraduate years, I worked in a biomedical engineering lab focusing on enhancing the visualization of the retinal and choroid blood vessels under diabetic retinopathy conditions using MRI. Then, I received the Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA) Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellowship and worked at the National Cancer Institute, where I also received a master's degree in biomedical science (immunology/virology) at Hood College. Currently, my research focuses on developing tolerogenic biomaterials to induce antigen-specific tolerance in autoimmune diseases. My research interests are translational applications for autoimmune diseases, focusing on immunology, immune engineering and biomaterials.
Emily Konopka
Year-3 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Cell and Molecular Biology, Lycoming College
Email: ek845@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Michele Kutzler, PhD
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Background and Interests: During my undergraduate research, I worked on identifying a novel Moraxella species isolated from clinical cases of keratitis. These experiences directed my growing interests in host-pathogen interactions and translational research for infectious diseases.
Ikechukwu Nwankwo
Year-3 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BSc, Zoology (Parasitology Major), University of Lagos, Nigeria
Email: icn32@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Hangjun Ke, PhD
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Background and Interests: My research is focused on pyrophosphate and polyphosphate metabolism in Plasmodium falciparum.
Ijeoma Okoye
Year-3 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BA, Biochemistry, Vassar College
Email: ico32@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Akhil Vaidya, PhD
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Background and Interests: I am passionate about global infectious diseases, particularly malaria. For my undergraduate thesis at Vassar College, I determined the structure and antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds in traditional medicinal plants used to treat malaria in endemic regions in Africa. Now, at Drexel, my research focuses on investigating the mitochondria of Plasmodium falciparum parasites to contribute to the discovery and development of new antimalarial targets.
Abigail Onufer
Year-3 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biotechnology, Biology, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Email: apo38@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Alison Carey, MD
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Background and Interests: Following my undergraduate studies, I spent two years working in industry. My research primarily focused on the development of various immunological assays for the detection of impurities in downstream drug development. I am interested in understanding the immune response to pathogens with a focus on identifying therapeutic targets to mitigate disease. Currently, my research focuses on the role of the pulmonary epithelium in response to influenza infection in the developing lung, and how age-specific immune responses contribute to severe disease.
Evangeline Williams, MS
Year-3 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BA, Biology, University of Pennsylvania; MS, Microbiology & Immunology, Drexel University
Email: emw366@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Josh Chang-Mell, PhD
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Alexis Brantly
Year-4 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BA, English, University of Florida; MS, Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida
Email: ab4532@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Mike Nonnemacher, PhD
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Background and Interests: I joined the Nonnemacher Lab in 2021 and began to work with Dr. Gaskill and the Gaskill Lab soon after due to my interest in high-content imaging. My work focuses on examining viral dynamics in different types of myeloid cells, such as hMDM and Kupffer cells, using high-content imaging, defining infectious phenotypes and changes in the progression of infection during ART and in response to comorbid infection with hepatitis B.
Mackenzie Collins
Year-4 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Clinical Laboratory Science, BA, Biology; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Email: mc4289@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Mike Nonnemacher, PhD
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Background and Interests: Prior to Drexel, I worked at UNC Hospitals as a medical lab scientist performing molecular diagnostic assays for a variety of infectious diseases. The novelty of these assays allowed me to be involved in validation and verification studies, which has fueled my interest in implementing newer technologies to improve clinical diagnostics and answer unaddressed biological questions. At Drexel, my work in the Nonnemacher Lab focuses on the development of sequencing platforms to interrogate the HIV-1 proviral reservoir tissues and understand persistent neuropathogenesis despite viral suppressive therapy.
Adam Glass
Year-4 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biology, Washington College
Email: ag3894@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Sonia Navas-Martin, PhD
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Background and Interests: Upon completion of my undergraduate education, I worked for two years as an ORISE post-baccalaureate research fellow at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. My research was focused on bacteriophage therapy, specifically for the nasal decolonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a mouse model. Currently, my work in the Navas-Martin laboratory is centered on elucidating the roles of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and TLR adaptors during coronavirus infection of macrophages. Broad research interests of mine include host-pathogen interactions and emerging pathogens, with a particular focus on viruses.
Theodore E. Gurrola
Year-4 Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology, Drake University
Email: teg65@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Brian Wigdahl, PhD, and Michael Nonnemacher, PhD
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Background and Interests: My undergraduate research involved elucidating the structure and mechanism of contraction of one of the fastest organisms in the world, the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. My job was to isolate, purify and prepare the protein thought to give the protozoan its contractile ability, Tcb2, for NMR analysis as well as elucidate the structure of the protein with NMR. This work helped me develop the skills necessary to become a scientist. My professors and what I learned in undergraduate led me to pursue gene editing and its applications as a career, which has led me to the Wigdahl Llab. My current research interests are to use gene editing technologies to treat and potentially cure HIV-1 infection.
Swaksha Rachuri
Year-4 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Cell Biology, University of Maryland
Email: sr3389@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Akhil Vaidya, PhD
Julia Sutter
Year-4 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS Biochemistry, University of New Haven
Email: js4932@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Fred Krebs, PhD, and Vandana Miller, MD
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Background and Interests: My overall research interests are in virology, cell biology and immunology. Prior to entering the Microbiology & Immunology program, my research focused on the identification of viruses and novel mutations involved in the development of viral myocarditis. Under the mentorship of Dr. Fred Krebs and Dr. Vandana Miller, my research at Drexel examines the therapeutic potential of non-thermal plasma (NTP) on oral herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection. This includes how NTP can disrupt active viral replication at the cold sore, reduce latent infection in neurons and enhance the local and systemic immune response against HSV-1.
Kyra Woloszczuk
Year-4 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Microbiology, University of the Sciences; MS, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Temple University
Email: kw959@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Elias El Haddad, PhD
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Background and Interests: Immune memory against severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is a determining factor in disease risk, clinical severity and clinical outcomes. In addition, duration of immunological memory in patients who were hospitalized with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is not fully understood, nor is the role of vaccination on immunological immunity in patients who also had severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the Haddad lab, we hope to correlate clinical outcomes with immunological memory to potentially find markers of clinical severity. We also aim to find differences between B-cell memory, antigen specific T-cell responses, B and T cell interactions, innate lymphoid cells and the soluble factors released by these cells.
Gina Cusimano
Year-5 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biotechnology, Elizabethtown College; MS, Molecular Medicine, Drexel University
Email: gc468@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Michele Kutzler, PhD
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Background and Interests: I have a BS in biotechnology and MS in molecular medicine. Following my masters, I spent three years working at Merck Co. & Inc. where I supported vaccine commercialization, manufacturing optimization and batch release. My overall interests are in immune modulation and how our understanding of immune modulation can be applied to vaccine/ adjuvant development as well as cancer immunotherapy development.
Julie Joseph
Year-5 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biology, St. John’s University; MS, Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of New Haven
Email: jj932@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Dr. Pooja Jain
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Background and Interests: My overall interest is in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that dictate immunological responses to infection, disease and autoimmune disorders. My past research experience focused on identifying T- cell populations that may be responsible in the generation of food-specific antibodies as well as assisting in characterizing a sub-population of T follicular helper cells that drive anaphylactic IgE. Currently, my primary research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that underlie HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and the role exosomes and immune checkpoint mediators play in the overall anti-viral immune response associated with this debilitating neuroinflammatory disease.
Jill M. Lawrence
Year-5 Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics PhD Program
PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Neuroscience (magna cum laude, with departmental honors), Ursinus College
Email: jl3785@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Michael Nonnemacher, PhD
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Background and Interests: At Ursinus College, I participated in microbiology research identifying mutations that conferred antibiotic resistance in Enterococcus strains isolated from samples provided by a local sewage treatment plant. I also conducted an independent neuroscience research project that involved extensive neurobehavioral testing and analyses of a mouse model of prenatal ethanol exposure and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). I served as a teaching assistant for several biology labs during my time at Ursinus, and currently tutor for biomedical courses at Drexel University College of Medicine. I am now a PhD candidate performing neurovirology research in the lab of Dr. Michael Nonnemacher. We investigate the relationship between changes in blood-brain barrier permeability, neuroglia cell activation and the neuropathology underlying development and progression of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in HIV-infected patients.
Abhisek Rao
Year-5 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BE, Instrumentation Engineering, Vishwakarma Institute, Pune, India; MS, Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University
Email: asr56@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Alison Carey, PhD
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Background and Interests: My background is in cancer immunology and biomedical engineering, and I am currently trying to elucidate early innate immune response to respiratory viral pathogens in a neonatal murine model.
Elijah H. Davis
Year-6 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County
Email: ehd43@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Sonia Navas-Martin, PhD
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Background and Interests: Shortly after graduating for UMBC, I accepted a position within Virginia Commonwealth University’s post-baccalaureate research education program. During this year, I worked in VCU’s Immunology & Microbiology Department, conducting research with Dr. Rebecca Martin and Dr. Daniel Conrad. Our study investigated how helminth infections could confer protection against allergic pathologies. We discovered that B1 cell-derived IgE can enhance parasite survival and may play a role in reducing allergic conditions. We were able to publish these results and present them at national conferences. Currently, I am part of Drexel’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology and work with Dr. Sonia Navas-Martin. Our lab is focused on understanding novel Toll-like receptor signaling pathways and their role in inflammation. My project examines the relationship between Toll-like receptors and exosomal responses within microglia. My other research interests include autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity disorders, and neuroinflammation.
Dema Ghaban
Year-6 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: MD, Medicine, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia; MSc, Immunology and Allergy, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
Email: dmg384@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Alexander Muller, PhD
Background and Interests: Part of my work in the U.K. focused on multiple sclerosis (MS) which has high prevalence in the U.K. and is one of the most common causes of neurological disability in the younger population. In one project, we looked for the role of multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus envelope (one of the two main elements encoded by the W family of human endogenous retroviruses) in the pathogenesis of MS. We also studied which immune cells are involved in this process.
Yih-Ping Su
Year-6 Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program
Previous Education: BS, Life Sciences, National Chung-Hsing University
Email: ys646@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Garth Ehrlich, PhD
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Background and Interests: After obtaining my BS in life sciences at National Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan, I worked as a junior research fellow at the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, focusing on the development of a non-invasive screening approach for the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). My current research interest at Drexel is to investigate the impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes, mutations and integration on liver carcinogenesis, with an aim to develop an HCC risk prediction program for the management of the disease.
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Isabella Bendorf
Year-1 Microbiology & Immunology MS Program
Previous Education: BS, Biological Science, Rowan University
Email: imb45@drexel.edu
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Background and Interests: I have a BS in Biology from Rowan University. During my undergraduate education, I worked at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine on a project evaluating the safety of silver oxide coated biomaterials in an attempt to prevent biofilm formation. I also participated in an internship at Colorado State University studying the metabolism of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis. My current research interests are understanding how the immune system reacts to pathogens and neuroinflammation.
Vicki Ruszin
Year-1 Microbiology & Immunology MS Program
Previous Education: BS, Biology, Pennsylvania State University
Email: vr433@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Michele Kutzler, PhD
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Background and Interests: My background includes research in mammalian physiology, infectious disease and vaccinology. During my bachelor's in biology-vertebrae physiology at Pennsylvania State University, I focused on topics geared toward infectious disease transmission, modeling and management as the COVID-19 pandemic began. My career since has involved both surgical pathology as well as preclinical characterization and stability ELISAs for vaccine research. My current research focuses on the role of anti-toxin A and B (IgG and IgA) and how they associate with degrees of CDI and CDAD.
Lauren Walsh
Year-1 Microbiology & Immunology MS Program
Previous Education: BS, Biological Sciences - Pathbiology, Drexel University
Email: lw822@drexel.edu
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Background and Interests: During my undergraduate studies, I worked with testing the efficacy of disinfectants against common pathogenic bacteria. I am currently interested in the versatility of non-thermal plasma, specifically its role in inducing various cellular responses in cancer cells and bacterial biofilms.
Amanda Abavana-Mensah
Year-2 Microbiology & Immunology MS Program
Previous Education: BS, Biology, Thomas Jefferson University
Email: aa4677@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Amy Ma, PhD
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Background and Interests: I have always been interested in the mutualistic relationship between cellular metabolisms and the microbial community. I am particularly keen on how these interactions regulate the immune system and mediate homeostasis. This motivated me to apply for the master’s program to gain hands-on research experience and increase my knowledge in microbiology and immunology. My current research focuses on “Examining the Aminopropanol Biosynthesis Pathways in Cobamides” using Salmonella and Pseudomonas models.
Caroline Corcoran
Year-2 Microbiology & Immunology MS Program
Previous Education: BS, Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame
Email: cc3999@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Fred Krebs, PhD and Vandana Miller, PhD
Background and Interests: I am interested in the clinical utility of non-thermal plasma to treat viral infections such as HSV-1.
Karen Malanda
Year-2 Microbiology & Immunology MS Program
Previous Education: BS, Biological Sciences, University of Botswana
Email: klm556@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Hangjun Ke, PhD
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Background and Interests: My undergraduate research was centered on the utilization of bacteria for the breakdown of plastic waste. After earning my degree, I pursued an internship at the University of North Carolina's research project in Malawi, where I focused on the diagnosis of infectious diseases and engaged in vaccine research. Presently, my interests involve understanding the biology of Plasmodium falciparum, with a specific interest in analysing its proteins to identify potential drug targets.
Alexis Tang
Year-2 Microbiology & Immunology MS Program
Previous Education: BA, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bryn Mawr College
Email: amt463@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Sonia Navas-Martin, PhD
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Background and Interests: While I have had long term interests in autoimmunity, my undergraduate studies sparked a particular curiosity in me regarding pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and their non-canonical functions. My current work in the Navas-Martin lab has allowed me to explore both passions, including in conjunction with each other. It has also allowed me to expand my horizons in studying the interplay between beta-coronaviruses and the innate immune system.
Felicity Tso
Year-2 Microbiology & Immunology MS Program
Previous Education: BS, Microbiology, University Of Kansas
Email: ft329@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Garth Ehrlich, PhD and Donald Hall Jr., PhD
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Background and Interests: My current research focuses on exploring new drug targets for the treatment of bacterial biofilms and chronic infections. My overall interests are understanding host-pathogen interactions and the human microbiome with an emphasis on bacterial pathogens.
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