Jordan Barnett
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.

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Isabella Bendorf
MS Program

Previous Education: BS, Biological Science, Rowan University
Email: imb45@drexel.edu
LinkedIn

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.

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Arden Edgerton
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Biology, Drexel University
Email: aoe23@drexel.edu
Advisor: Dr. Kara Spiller
LinkedIn

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.

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Nontokozo Mdluli-Berndt
PhD Program

Previous Education: BA, Biology, Kenyon College
Email: nvm35@drexel.edu
LinkedIn

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.

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Vicki Ruszin
MS Program

Previous Education: BS, Biology, Pennsylvania State University
Email: vr433@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Michele Kutzler, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Regan Schroeder
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Biology, Case Western Reserve University
Email: rs3772@drexel.edu
LinkedIn

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.

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Tassew Tefera Shenkutie
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
LinkedIn

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.

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Lauren Walsh
MS Program

Previous Education: BS, Biological Sciences - Pathbiology, Drexel University
Email: lw822@drexel.edu
LinkedIn

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.

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Amanda Abavana-Mensah
MS Program

Previous Education: BS, Biology, Thomas Jefferson University
Email: aa4677@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Amy Ma, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Shirley Barrera
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

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Caroline Corcoran
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.

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Samuel Effah
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
LinkedIn

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.

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Jasper Perry-Anderson
PhD Program

Previous Education: BA, Biochemistry, Oberlin College
Email: jcp362@drexel.edu

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Karen Malanda
MS Program

Previous Education: BS, Biological Sciences, University of Botswana
Email: klm556@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Hangjun Ke, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Mary Marino
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Biology, Saint Joseph's University
Email: mcm543@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Garth Ehrlich, PhD and Joshua Chang Mell, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Armoni Mayes
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Biology, Old Dominion University
Email: am5273@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Sonia Navas-Martin, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Alexis Tang
MS Program

Previous Education: BA, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bryn Mawr College
Email: amt463@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Sonia Navas-Martin, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Felicity Tso
MS Program

Previous Education: BS, Microbiology, University Of Kansas
Email: ft329@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Garth Ehrlich, PhD and Donald Hall Jr., PhD
LinkedIn

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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Lindsay Barger
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Biotechnology, minor in Microbiology, Pennsylvania State University
Email: lnb56@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Gabriel Romano, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Brenna Duffy
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.

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Ben Haslund-Gourley
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
LinkedIn

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.

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Joanna Jones, MS
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Microbiology, West Chester University; MS, Microbiology & Immunology, Drexel University
Email: jj993@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Michael Nonnemacher, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Kenneth Kim
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
LinkedIn

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.

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Emily Konopka
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Cell and Molecular Biology, Lycoming College
Email: ek845@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Michele Kutzler, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Ikechukwu Nwankwo
PhD Program

Previous Education: BSc, Zoology (Parasitology Major), University of Lagos, Nigeria
Email: icn32@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Hangjun Ke, PhD
LinkedIn

Background and Interests: My research is focused on pyrophosphate and polyphosphate metabolism in Plasmodium falciparum.

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Ijeoma Okoye
PhD Program

Previous Education: BA, Biochemistry, Vassar College
Email: ico32@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Akhil Vaidya, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Abigail Onufer
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Biotechnology, Biology, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Email: apo38@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Alison Carey, MD
LinkedIn

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.

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Evangeline Williams, MS
PhD Program

Previous Education: BA, Biology, University of Pennsylvania; MS, Microbiology & Immunology, Drexel University
Email: emw366@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Josh Chang-Mell, PhD
LinkedIn

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Alexis Brantly
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
LinkedIn

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.

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Mackenzie Collins
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
LinkedIn

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.

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Adam Glass
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Biology, Washington College
Email: ag3894@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Sonia Navas-Martin, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Swaksha Rachuri
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Cell Biology, University of Maryland
Email: sr3389@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Akhil Vaidya, PhD

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Julia Sutter
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS Biochemistry, University of New Haven
Email: js4932@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Fred Krebs, PhD, and Vandana Miller, MD
LinkedIn

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.

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Kyra Woloszczuk
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
LinkedIn

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.

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Abhisek Rao
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
LinkedIn

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.

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Gina Cusimano
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Biotechnology, Elizabethtown College; MS, Molecular Medicine, Drexel University
Email: gc468@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Michele Kutzler, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Julie Joseph
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
LinkedIn

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.

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Elijah H. Davis
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County
Email: ehd43@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Sonia Navas-Martin, PhD
LinkedIn

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.

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Dema Ghaban
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.

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Yih-Ping Su
PhD Program

Previous Education: BS, Life Sciences, National Chung-Hsing University
Email: ys646@drexel.edu
Advisor/Mentor: Garth Ehrlich, PhD
LinkedIn

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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2023

Matthew Bell, PhD
Advisor/Mentor: Michele Kutzler, PhD

Erik Carter, MS – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Irwin Chaiken, PhD

James Johnson, MS – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Olimpia Meucci, MD, PhD

Hayley Klingenberg, MS
Advisor/Mentor: James Burns Jr., PhD

Doug Krauth, MS – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Sonia Navas-Martin, PhD

Ian Lamb, PhD – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Akhil Vaidya, PhD

Richa Pande, PhD
Advisor/Mentor: Seena Ajit, PhD

Dominic J. Sales, MS – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Pooja Jain, PhD

Kayla M. Socarras, PhD – LinkedIn – ResearchGate
Advisor/Mentor: Garth D. Ehrlich, PhD

William Stump, MS – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Jim Burns, PhD

Ukamushu Undieh, MS
Advisor/Mentor: Sandhya Kortagere, PhD

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2022

Jennifer Connors – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Elias El Haddad, MD, and Michele Kutzler, PhD

Swati Dass
Advisor/Mentor: Hangjun Ke, PhD; co-advisor: Akhil Vaidya, PhD

Abdullah Izmirly – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Elias Haddad, PhD; co-advisor: Michele Kutzler, PhD

Haley M. Majer – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Joris Beld, PhD

Lilly McQueen – LinkedIn

Phillip Palmer
Advisor/Mentor: Garth Ehrlich, PhD

Amanda Platt
Advisor/Mentor: Joris Beld, PhD

Cassandra Spector – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Michael Nonnemacher, PhD

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2021

Avantika I. Ahiya
Advisor/Mentor: Akhil B. Vaidya, PhD

Matthew Bell
Advisor/Mentor: Michele Kutzler, PhD

Olivia Cipollini –
Advisor/Mentor: Sonia Navas-Martin, PhD

Rita Esposito  
Advisor/Mentor: Fred Krebs, PhD

Katherine (Kaytie) Innamorati
Advisor/Mentor: Garth Ehrlich, PhD

Ronak Loonawat –
Advisor/Mentor: Michael Bouchard, PhD

Kiran Madugula – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Pooja Jain, PhD

Hager Mohamed – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Fred C. Krebs, PhD

Neeta Shadija – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Hangjun Ke, PhD

Omobukola Solebo – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Hangjun Ke, PhD

Bhavani Taramangalam – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Elias El Haddad, PhD

Riley M. Williams
Advisor/Mentor: Glenn Rall, PhD

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2020

Donald C. Hall Jr. (DJ) – LinkedIn
Advisor/Mentor: Garth Ehrlich

Alexander Allen – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl
Thesis: Utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system to cure HIV-1 infection

Ogan K. Kumova
Advisor/Mentor: Alison Carey, MD
Thesis: Altered Innate Immune Responses to Influenza Virus in the neonate

Jamie Marino – LinkedIn
Advisor: Mike Nonnemacher
Thesis: Effects of morphine and HIV-1 Tat on the blood-brain barrier: Implications in HIV disease and HAND

Anthony R. Mele – LinkedIn
Advisor: Mike Nonnemacher
Thesis: Impact of HIV genetic variation on Tat length, function and ability to be targeted by gene-editing

Kevin Raible
Advisor/Mentor: Joshua Chang Mell, PhD
Thesis: Effects of morphine and HIV-1 Tat on the blood-brain barrier: Implications in HIV disease and HAND

Aarti A. Ramanathan – LinkedIn
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya
Thesis: The antimalarial drug target PfATP4 and effects of its inhibition at the intersection of life and death in P. falciparum

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2019

Kristen Buenconsejo
Advisor: Joris Beld
Master's thesis: The Significance of Secondary Metabolism on the Predatory Behavior of Myxococcus fulvus

Jacqueline Schneider Eacret – LinkedIn
Advisor: James Burns
Thesis: Design, Production and Evaluation of a Plasmodium Falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 2-Based Vaccine for Inclusion in a Multivalent Formulation Targeting Multiple Parasite Stages

Ebony Gary – LinkedIn
Advisor: Michele Kutzler
Thesis: Enhancing the Immunogenicity of Anti-HIV DNA Vaccines with Molecular Adjuvants

Harmin Herrera – LinkedIn
Advisor: Anand Mehta
Thesis: Development of lectins for cancer-specific fucosylation

Sezin Nicklas – LinkedIn
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya
Thesis: Exploring Interactions Between the Parasite Plasma Membrane and the Parasite Vacuolar Membrane of Plasmodium falciparum

Muhammad Sheraz
Advisor: Ju-Tao Guo
Thesis: Identification of Host Proteins Required for Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA Biosynthesis by a Chemogenetic Approach

Liudi Tang – LinkedIn
Advisor: Ju-Tao Guo
Thesis: Role and Mechanism of Host Cellular DNA Repair Proteins in Hepatitis B Virus cccDNA Biosynthesis

Breanna Tyrell – LinkedIn
Advisor: Amy Ma
Thesis: The Complex Nature of Cobalamin Biosynthesis in the Pathogenic Bacterium Vibrio cholerae

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2018

Suyash Bhatnagar – LinkedIn
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya
Thesis: Investigating Na+ and Lipid Homeostasis as Targets for Antimalarial Drugs

Rashida Ginwala – LinkedIn
Advisor: Pooja Jain
Thesis: Potential of the Flavonoid Apigenin in Regulating Immune Cell Functions During

Marguerite Johnson – LinkedIn
Advisor: Sandhya Kortagere
Master's thesis: Sustained proinflammatory signaling contributes to neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s Disease

Vivin Karthik – LinkedIn
Advisor: Elias Haddad
Master's thesis: Role of CMV- and HIV-Specific cTFH response in HIV infection

Jennifer Marcy – LinkedIn
Advisor: Vanessa Pirrone
Thesis: Dysregulation of the Wnt Signaling Pathway in the Development of Colorectal Cancer in HIV-Infected Patients

Courtney Marshall
Advisor: Sandhya Kortagere
Thesis: D3 Receptor Agonism Attenuates Deficits Observed in Rodents with 6-OHDAInduced Medial Forebrain Bundle Lesions

Monique Maubert – LinkedIn
Advisor: Mike Nonnemacher
Thesis: Effects of morphine and the viral protein Tat on the blood-brain barrier, Implications in HIV disease and HAND

Elizabeth Parzych – LinkedIn
Advisor: James Burns
Thesis:Towards a Multivalent, Multistage Malaria Vaccine: Evaluation of a Plasmodium-specific Carrier Protein to Enhance Production and Immunogenicity of a Transmission-blocking Vaccine Candidate

Chris Stairiker – LinkedIn
Advisor: Peter Katsikis
Thesis: Molecular Changes in Alveolar Epithelial Cells During Influenza Virus Infection

Neil Sullivan – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl
Understanding the functional, immunological and clinical impact of genetic variation in the long terminal repeat (LTR), the viral promoter of HIV-1 in relation to CRISPR/Cas9 gRNA design

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2017

Frank Bearoff – LinkedIn
Advisor: Libby Blankenhorn
Thesis: Genetic Mapping and Analysis of Disease Susceptibility in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Hanna David
Advisor: James Burns
Thesis: Parasite growth inhibitory activity of antibodies to conserved and polymorphic epitopes of a malaria vaccine candidate antigen

Kevin Egan – LinkedIn
Advisor: Stephen Jennings
Thesis: Characterizing Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Replication Kinetics, Latency, and Reactivation in the Lip Scarification Model of Infection and Disease

Jenna Hope
Advisor: Peter Katsikis
Thesis: Novel roles for microRNAs in the regulation of effective CD8+ T cell responses

Arpita Mondal – LinkedIn
Advisor: Mueller (Lankenau)
Thesis: IDO1, an immuno-oncology target that supports tumor-promoting, inflammatory neovascularization

Andrea Partridge
Advisor: Julio Martin-Garcia
Thesis: A senescence-like phenotype in human macrophages

Lindsay Pomykala, PhD, RAC - – LinkedIn
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya
Thesis: Genetic exploration of the ATP synthase complex in Plasmodium falciparum

Arjun Ramamurthi – LinkedIn
Advisor: Michele Kutzler
Thesis: Plasmid DNA as a Platform for the Development of Prophylactic and Therapeutic Vaccines Against Clostridium difficile in Aging Models of Disease

Emily Reesey
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya
Thesis: Characterization of the Mitochondrial DNA Polymerase in Plasmodium falciparum

Melody Wright – LinkedIn
Advisor: Bill Bergman
Thesis: PFF1320C an Essential but Presumptive Plasmodium Myosin Light Chain

Ming Yang – LinkedIn
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya
Thesis: The Role of Isocitrate Dehydrogenase and Assessment of Intracellular ATP Levels during the Erythrocytic Stages of Plasmodium falciparum

2016
Chelsea Burgwin – LinkedIn
Advisor: Libby Blankenhorn
Thesis: Characterization of the cell-autonomous traits of Tsk2/+ mice, a model of systemic sclerosis

2016
Ashley Curtola – LinkedIn
Advisor: Michele Kutzler

2016
Andrew Holmes – LinkedIn
Advisor: Irwin Chaiken
Thesis: AIDS vaccine candidates from a combinatorial library of human rhinovirus 14 (HRV14): Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV -1) gp41 chimeras

2016
Bethany Jenkins
Advisor: Bill Bergman
Thesis: Characterization of PfCoq10 and its use in exploring the Plasmodium falciparum mitochondrial proteome

2016
Selena Lin – LinkedIn
Advisor: Ying-Hsiu Su
Thesis: Analysis of the complexity of HBV-host junction sequences in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma

2016
Courtney Marin – LinkedIn
Advisor: Shira Ninio
Thesis: BffA: a Novel Regulator of Biofilm Formation in the Pathogen Legionella pneumophila

2016
April Pershing – LinkedIn
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya
Thesis: Genetic exploration of the ATP synthase complex in Plasmodium falciparum

2016
Nehal Solanki
Advisor: David Wiest (FCCC)
Thesis: Role of RPL22 in T Cell Development and Transformation

2016
Andreas Solomos – LinkedIn
Advisor: Glenn Rall
Thesis: The central contribution of CD4+ T cells to neurotropic virus control and neuropathogenesis

2015
Adam Fike – LinkedIn
Advisor: Peter Katsikis
Non-thesis master's degree

2015
Aidan Hancock – LinkedIn
Advisor: Peter Katsikis
Thesis: Effect of Influenza A virus on type II alveolar epithelial cells

2015
Jason Lamontagne – LinkedIn
Advisor: Michael Bouchard
Thesis: Global analysis of HBV-mediated changes to the primary hepatocyte transcriptome and metabolome

2015
Renzo Perales – LinkedIn
Advisor: Sonia Navas-Martin
Thesis: Role of Toll-like receptor 3 in the context of a neurotropic virus infection

2015
Fiorella Rossi – LinkedIn
Advisor: Julio Martín-García
Thesis: The Role of TLR3 Stimulation in the Suppression of HIV-1 Infection in Monocyte Derived Dendritic Cells

2015
Divya Sagar – LinkedIn
Advisor: Pooja Jain
Thesis: Dendritic Cell Trafficking in to the Central Nervous System : Targeting C-type Lectin Receptors to Prevent Neuroinflammation

2014
Scott Baliban – LinkedIn
Advisor: Michele Kutzler
Thesis: Development of a DNA Vaccine Encoding the Receptor-Binding Domain of Clostridium Diffiicile Toxin A and Toxin B, and the Role of Immune Suppression in Increased Susceptibility to Clostridium Difficile Infection

2014
Satinder Dahiya – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl
Thesis title: Transcriptional regulation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 via the cis-acting binding elements in the long terminal repeat

2014
Ian Goodwin – LinkedIn
Advisor: Shira Ninio
Master's thesis: A Novel Virulence-Related Operon in the Pathogen Legionella Pneumophila

2014
Archana Gupta – LinkedIn
Advisor: Sonya Navas-Martin
Thesis: Activated Monocyte-Derived Exosomes Transfer MIR-223 to Neural Cells: Impact of Peripheral Inflammation of Cognitive Impairment

2014
Elamaran Meibalan – LinkedIn
Advisor: James Burns
Thesis: Reticulocyte-associated protein export machinery and cytoadherence in blood stage malaria parasites

2014
Mohit Sehgal – LinkedIn
Advisor: Pooja Jain
Thesis: Immunomodulatory effects of IFN-α on dendritic cells: Implications for HIV-1/HCV pathogenesis and treatment

2014
Luz-Jeanette Sierra – LinkedIn
Advisor: Julio Martín-García
Thesis: Characterization of the Genotypes, Phenotypes and Neurotropism of the HIV-1 Envelope glycoproteins from two highly Neurotoxic CSF-derived isolates

2014
Gokul Swaminathan – LinkedIn
Advisor: Julio Martin-Garcia
Thesis: Novel roles of Toll-Like Receptor-3 and microRNA-155 in HIV-1 infection of human macrophages

2013
Sarah Cavanaugh – LinkedIn
Advisor: Glenn Rall
Thesis: Characterization of cell type-specific responses to interferons in the central nervous system

2013
Ryan Eberwine – LinkedIn
Advisor: Libby Blankenhorn
Thesis: Germline-Encoded T-cell Receptor Sequences Are a Determinant of Diabetes Susceptibility and Islet-Antigen Recognition in the LEW.1WR1 Rat Model of Type-1 Diabetes

2013
Kelley Healey – LinkedIn
Advisor: Santosh Katiyar
Thesis: Sphingolipids modulate echinocandin susceptibility in opportunistic fungi

2013
Alicia Holmgren – LinkedIn
Advisor: Glenn Rall
Thesis: Interferons induce BST-2/tetherin in measles virus-infected neurons and permissive mice

2013
Noshin Kathuria – LinkedIn
Advisor: Michele Kutzler
Thesis: Modulation of immune responses to DNA-based vaccine antigens following co-delivery of mucosal chemokine molecular adjuvants CCL28 and CCL25

2013
Shawn Keogan – LinkedIn
Advisor: Fred Krebs
Thesis: Sphingolipids modulate echinocandin susceptibility in opportunistic fungi

2013
Christina Kollias
Advisor: Stephen Jennings
Thesis: Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in Herpes Simplex Virus

2013
Kathryn Matthias – LinkedIn
Advisor: Rick Rest
Thesis: A Tale of Two Regulators: Expression of the Virulence-Associated Type IV Pili and Lipooligosaccharide sialyltransferase is Controlled by CrgA and Rsp in Neisseria gonorrhoeae

2013
Nirzari Parikh – LinkedIn
Advisor: Fred Krebs
Thesis: Using an in vitro model of the polarized cervicovaginal epithelium to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of human semen and impact on the risk of hum

2013
Marianne Strazza – LinkedIn
Advisor: Mike Nonnemacher/Brian Wigdahl
Thesis: The Impact of HIV-1 and Mu-Opioids on the Bone Marrow and Blood-Brain Barrier

2012
Benjamas Aiamkitsumrit – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl
Thesis: Identification of HIV-1 X4 and R5 genetic signatures in the viral promoter, Tat, and Vpr

2012
Jennifer Bennett – LinkedIn
Advisor: Garth Erlich
Thesis: Identification and characterization of a novel bacterial virulence in Haemophilus influenza

2012
Amy Cernetich Ott – LinkedIn
Advisor: James Burns
Thesis: Global gene expression profiling, cytoadherence and immune evasion in Plasmodium yoelii blood-stage malaria parasites

2012
Joseph Fraietta – LinkedIn
Advisor: Peter Katsikis
Thesis: Targeting Inflammation for the Prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Transmission and Disease Progression

2012
Donald Gracias – LinkedIn
Advisor: Peter Katsikis
Thesis: Role of microRNA-155 in CD8+ T cell Responses

2012
Benjamin Janto – LinkedIn
Advisor: Garth Erlich
Thesis: Characterization of Autoinducer-2 Quorum Sensing and the Lsr locus Haemophilus influenzae

2012
Michael Johnson – LinkedIn
Advisor: Thomas Edlind
Thesis: Mutational and topological analysis of FKS1: A novel for echinocandin action

2012
Lorena Loarca – LinkedIn
Advisor: Carol Artlett
Thesis: The Role of Glucose-derived Compounds in Liver Diseases

2012
Kristen Long – LinkedIn
Advisor: Libby Blankenhorn
Thesis: Examination of a Model of Systemic Sclerosis, Tight Skin 2 Mouse: Before, During and After Fibrotic Disease

2012
Luidmilla Mazaleuskaya – LinkedIn
Advisor: Sonia Navas-Martin
Thesis: Contrasting Effects of Triggering Toll-Like Receptors 2, 3, 4, and 7 in the Macrophage Susceptibility to Murine Coronavirus Infections

2012
Jonathan Pitcher – LinkedIn
Advisor: Olimpia Meucci
Thesis: The role of ferritin heavy chain and opiates in neuroAIDS

2012
Sonia Shah – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl
Thesis: Regulation of HIV-1 LTR driven gene expression within a chromatin-based microenvironment

2011
James Alaro – LinkedIn
Advisor: James Burns
Thesis: Development of a novel chimeric blood-stage malaria vaccine.

2011
Nishat Aliya – LinkedIn
Advisor: Ju-Tao Guo
Non-thesis master's degree

2011
Kasturi Chaterjee – LinkedIn
Advisor: Bill Bergman
Thesis: Identification of the myosin B light chain partner in Plasmodium and elucidation of the motor properties.

2011
Adriano Ferrucci – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl
Thesis: The role of extracellular human immunodeficiency virus type 1 viral protein R in neuropathogenesis

2011
Suresh Maddur Ganesan – LinkedIn
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya
Thesis: Investigation of mitochondrially targeted proteins in blood stage malaria parasites.

2011
Jennifer Gyamfi – LinkedIn
Advisor: Michele Kutzler
Non-thesis master's degree

2011
Hangjun Ke – LinkedIn
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya
Thesis: Investigation of the unusual tricarboxylic acid metabolism and mitochondrial electron transport chain functions in Plasmodium falciparum.

2011
Sumit Kumar – LinkedIn
Advisor: Bill Bergman
Thesis: Identification and characterization of transcription co-factor multiprotein bridging factor-1 in Plasmodium.

2011
Yuanjie Liu – LinkedIn
Advisor: Anand Mehta
Thesis: Ubiquitin plays a critical role in Hepatitis B virus envelope protein MHC class I antigen presentation

2011
Sharron Manuel – Website
Advisor: Pooja Jain/Brian Wigdahl
Thesis: Dynamics of dendritic cells and T cells in HTLV-1 associated oncogenesis and neurimflammation: Implications in immunomodulatory therapies and diagnostic tools

2011
Angela Richardson – LinkedIn
Advisor: Libby Blankenhorn
Thesis: Genetic determinants of susceptibility to herpes simplex virus encephalitis in the murine host

2010
Praveen Balabaskaran Nina – LinkedIn
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya
Thesis: Investigation of the unusual ATP synthase complexes in the alveolates Tetrahymena thermaphila and Plasmodium falciparum.

2010
Priyanka Duttagupta – LinkedIn
Advisor: Peter Katsikis
Thesis: The cellular and signaling requirement of effector CD8+T cells during influenza A virus infection.

2010
Luna Li – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl
Thesis: Functional properties of patient-derived human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat and the transactivator protein Tat

2010
Danielle Loughlin
Advisor: Carol Artlett
Thesis: A story of the ACEs: Regulation of dermal fibroblast signaling by the precursor of advanced glycation end products 3-deoxyglucosone

2010
Karissa Lozenski – LinkedIn
Advisor: Fred Krebs
Thesis: Use of the murine model of cervicovaginal toxicity to examine factors that adversely affect epithelial integrity and inflammation following microbicide application.

2010
Mitali Purohit – LinkedIn
Advisor: Rick Rest
Thesis: Anthrax sporulation, the role of proteases in anthrolysin O expression, and interactions of a novel immunomodulator with cells of the innate immune system.

2010
Saifur Rahman – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl/Pooja Jain
Thesis: Evaluating the role of dendritic cells in host immune response during human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection using a transgenic mouse model system.

2010
Viraj Sanghvi – LinkedIn
Advisor: Laura Steel
Thesis: Interactions between HIV-1 and host cell RNAi pathways and the characterization of a conditional promoter for use in RNAi-based anti-HIV-1 therapeutics.

2010
Jessica Kennedy Weidner – LinkedIn
Advisor: Ju-Tao Guo
Thesis: Modes of action of two newly identified interferon-induced antiviral proteins, IFITM3 and GBP5, against vesicular stomatitis virus infection.

2010
Meghan Wynosky-Dolfi – LinkedIn
Advisor: Rick Rest
Thesis: Characterization of receptor interactions with ALO and activation of signaling pathways.

2009
Anupam Banerjee – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl
Thesis: Modulation of HIV-1 replication by μ-opiod and cAMP pathways in human bone marrow progenitor cells

2009
Mariana Bernui – LinkedIn
Advisor: Rick Rest
Thesis: The effects of antioxidants on the interaction of bacillus anthracis with phagocytes

2009
Hui Nie – LinkedIn
Advisor: Bill Bergman
Thesis: Finding the link from a surface adhesion in to the actin motor for Plasmodium merozoite invasion

2009
Marissa Panicella-Migaleddi – LinkedIn
Advisor: Bill Bergman
Non-thesis master's degree

2009
Patricia Petritus – LinkedIn
Advisor: James Burns
Thesis: Analysis of vaccine- and infection-induced immune responses contributing to suppression of blood-stage malaria in the Plasmodium yoelii rodent model

2009
Vanessa Pirrone – LinkedIn
Advisor: Fred Krebs
Thesis: Poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid) (PSMA) as an inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and as a partner in safe and effective combination microbicides

2009
Shriya Raj – LinkedIn
Advisor: Thomas Edlind
Thesis: Mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance in Candida species

2009
Swati Thorat – LinkedIn
Advisor: James Burns
Thesis: Plasmodium yoelii orthologue of macrophage migration inhibitory factor alters the course of blood stage malaria infection

2009
Kristen Weaver – LinkedIn
Advisor: James Burns
Thesis: Comparative immunogenicity and efficacy studies in a rodent model of a subunit blood-stage malaria vaccine formulated with adjuvants suitable for use in humans

2008
Christie Deneve Bucks
Advisor: Peter Katsikis
Thesis: CD8+ T cells: From Autoimmunity to antigen induced exhaustion

2008
Yujie Liu – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl
Thesis: Impact of a downstream C/EBP site on HIV-1 gene expression and pathogenesis

2008
Heather Painter – LinkedIn
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya
Thesis: The Role of the Mitochondria in the Life and Death of Plasmodium falciparum

2008
Devanshi Pandya
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl
Thesis: Study of the regulation of the human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) promoter formatted in the context of chromatin in T cells and monocytes

2008
Nina Thakkar Rivera – LinkedIn
Advisor: Fred Krebs
Thesis: Mechanism of action studies defining the activity of the biguanide-based, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 co-receptor inhibitor NB325

2007
Aikaterina Alexaki – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl
Thesis: Modeling bone marrow progenitor cell differentiation and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection

2007
Elise Mosser – LinkedIn
Advisor: Rick Rest
Thesis: The bacillus anthracis toxin anthrolysin O modulates human macrophage and neutrophil function

2006
John-Paul Vermitsky – LinkedIn
Advisor: Thomas Edlind
Thesis: Molecular Basis for Azole Resistance in C. glabrata

2005
Annie Borowski – LinkedIn
Advisor: Peter Katsikis
Thesis: The role of CD28 costimulation in the reaction of memory CD8+ T cells

2005
Mathanraj Packiam – LinkedIn
Advisor: Rick Rest
Thesis: Differential expression and regulation of lipooligosacharide specific sialyltransferase in pathogenic neisseria

2005
Qifang Shi
Advisor: James Burns
Thesis: Characterization of merozoite surface protein-8 and evaluation of it's potential as a blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate

2004
Christian Grant – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: Analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating human T cell leukemia virus type 1 viral gene expression in cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage

2004
Kate Mostoller – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: Secretion and extracellular function of the human T cell leukemia virus trans-activator protein Tax

2004
Michael Nonnemacher – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: Comparative analysis of lentiviral LTR structure and function

2004
Jason Stumhofer – Website
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya
Thesis: Characterization of a functional DNA repair enzyme from Plasmodium falciparum that displays gycolyase and AP-lyase activity

2003
Ross Albert – LinkedIn
Advisor: Libby Blankenhorn
Thesis: Signaling through serotonin 1B and 2C receptors on lymphocytes is essential for T cell activation and proliferation

2003
Timothy Alefantis – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: Analysis of amino acid signals within the human T cell leukemia virus type 1 transactivator protein Tax that control nuclear export, cytoplasmic intracellular localization, and secretion

2003
Tricia Burdo – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: Cellular and viral factors involved in HIV-1-associated neurologic disease

2003
Bradley Catalone – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: Model systems for the preclinical evaluation of topical vaginal microbicides

2003
Devrim Eren – LinkedIn
Advisor: Akhil Vaidya Plasmodium falciparum Enzymes Involved in Redox Balancing of Thesis: Nicotinamide Nucleotides

2003
Alfred Kim – LinkedIn
Advisor: Peter Katsikis
Thesis: The role of CD40 in dendritic cell induced CD8+ T cell responses

2003
Janine Knight – LinkedIn
Advisor: Bill Bergman
Thesis: The Regulation of Pho81p, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

2003
Kim Metera – LinkedIn
Advisor: Bill Bergman
Thesis: Characterization of the YLR190w Gene Product in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

2003
Shane Quiterio – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: Modeling HIV-1 infection of bone marrow progenitor cells: Implications for HIV-1 CNS disease

2003
Jeffrey Shannon – LinkedIn
Advisor: Rick Rest
Thesis: Characterization of Anthrolysin O, the Baccillus anthracis cholesterol-dependent cytolysin

2002
Eric Scott Halstead – Website
Advisor: Peter Katsikis
Thesis: Modulating CD8+ T Cell Responses in Vivo

2002
Kerrianne Mello
Advisor: Bill Bergman
Thesis: Characterization of proteins that interact with the amino-termius of the plasmodium merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1)

2001
Brian Cocca – LinkedIn
Advisor: Marko Radic
Thesis: Structural basis for autoantibody recognition of phosphatidylserine-Beta2 glycoprotein 1 and apoptotic cells.

2001
John Leander Po – LinkedIn
Advisor: Donna Murasko
Thesis: Age-associated changes in influenza A virus-specific CD8+ lymphocyte response in C57BL/6 mice

2000
Mohamed Elrafaei – Website
Advisor: Donna Murasko
Thesis: The effect of aging on the immune response again E55+ murine leukemia retrovirus infection

2000
Karl Henry – LinkedIn
Advisor: Thomas Edlind
Thesis: Molecular basis for tolerance to sterol biosynthesis inhibitors in Candida species and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

2000
John McAllister – Website
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: Cell type-and differentiation-specific gene regulation and viral replication: Implications for HIV-1 disease pathogenesis

2000
Scott Millhouse – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: Biochemical and functional analysis of the herpes simplex virus type 1 latency-associated transcript promoter

2000
Heather Ross
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: Impact of LTR sequence variation and C/EBP factors on HIV-1 gene expression in cells of the monocytic lineage: Implications for HIV-1 CNS disease

2000
Naomi Vishnupad – LinkedIn
Advisor: Libby Blankenhorn
Thesis: Factors that contribute to resistance and susceptibility to EAE in the rat.

2000
Jing Yao – Website
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: Physical and functional interface of CREB-1, SP1, and Tax with the HTLV-1 LTR

1999
Dawn Maria Shell – LinkedIn
Advisor: Rick Rest
Thesis: Physical and immunologic characterization of neisserial sialyltransferases; the role of PIII (Rmp) in gonococcal adhesion and invasion.

1999
John Williams – Website
Advisor: Rick Rest
Thesis: Using the yeast two-hybrid system to identify human epithelial cell proteins that bind gonococcal opa proteins.

1998
Melissa Bourque-Philion – LinkedIn
Advisor: Libby Blankenhorn
Thesis: Characterization of the EAE-resistant LER rat T cell response following immunization for EAE

1998
Jessica Jenulis
Advisor: Edward Schulman
Thesis: Release of Chemokines from Human Lung and Human Mast Cells

1998
Rocio Marchese – LinkedIn
Advisor: Rick Rest/Blank
Thesis: Immunogenetic Studies on the Mechanisms of Host Resistance against Experimental Vaginal Candidiasis

1998
Anne Marie Martin – LinkedIn
Advisor: Libby Blankenhorn
Thesis: The genetics of autoimmunity in the rat: The search for non-MHC-linked genes

1998
Paul Artur Plett – LinkedIn
Advisor: Donna Murasko
Thesis: Age-related decrease in murine natural killer cell activity after interferon-a/b stimulation

1997
Erica Bernstein – LinkedIn
Advisor: Donna Murasko
Thesis: The role of cell-mediated immunity after influenza vaccination of healthy elderly individuals

1997
Ana Gabrea-Todor – LinkedIn
Advisor: Libby Blankenhorn
Thesis: Analysis of the high nitric oxide and high eosinophil phenotypes in the brown Norway rat

1997
Mark Glaum – Website
Advisor: Edward Schulman
Thesis: Expression and modulation of asthma-related cytokines by human lung mast cells

1997
Yang Kang
Advisor: Carole Long
Thesis: The 19-kDa Carboxyl-Terminal Region of Merozoite Surface Protein-1 as a Vaccine Candidate against Malaria

1997
John Langell – LinkedIn
Advisor: Libby Blankenhorn
Thesis: Suppression of α1,3-galactosyl epitopes on mammalian cells

1997
Denise LaTemple – LinkedIn
Advisor: Uri Galili
Thesis: Enhancement of tumor vaccine immunogenicity by the nature anti-gal antibody

1996
Maria Cristina Cruz – LinkedIn
Advisor: Thomas Edlind
Thesis: Molecular basis for benzimidazole susceptibility and resistance in the opportunistic yeasts Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans

1996
Janine Ferguson
Advisor: Rick Rest
Thesis: Regulation of gonococcal sialyltransferase activity by in vivo signals and substrates

1996
Fred Krebs – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl
Thesis: Lymphoid and neuroglial ATF/CREB factors interact physically and functionally with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat

1996
Joseph Kutza – LinkedIn
Advisor: Donna Murasko
Thesis: The effect of aging on human natural killer and lymphokine activated killer cell activity

1996
Xiao He – LinkedIn
Advisor: Donna Murasko
Thesis: Response of murine splenocytes to staphylococcal enterotoxin b in vitro: Effects of aging and cytokines

1996
Timothy Henion – LinkedIn
Advisor: Uri Galili
Thesis: Primate α1,3-galactosyltransferase: Structure-function analysis and application for the enhancement of vaccine immunogenicity

1996
David McGee – LinkedIn
Advisor: Rick Rest
Thesis: Molecular analysis of the regulation of expression of gonococcal and meningococcal sialyltransferase gene(s)

1996
Yvette Murley-Henry – LinkedIn
Advisor: John LiPuma
Thesis: Cloning and characterization of the haemocin locus of haemophilus influenzae and assessment of its role in virulence

1996
Le Wang – LinkedIn
Advisor: Uri Galili
Thesis: Anti-Gal immunoglobulin genes

1996
Norman Waters – LinkedIn
Advisor: Bill Bergman
Thesis: Identification of multiple substances of the Pho85 cyclin dependent protein kinase as key regulators of acid phosphatase expression and glycogen metabolism in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

1995
Joseph Kenny – LinkedIn
Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: An analysis of the cell type-specific transcriptional regulation of the herpes simplex virus type 1 latency-associated transcript promoter

1995
Christina Nevel-McGarvey – LinkedIn
Advisor: Alan Hudson
Thesis: Changes in the mitochondrial genetic system in rabbit urinary bladder after partial outlet obstruction

1994
Maribeth Tillmann – LinkedIn
Mentor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: A biochemical and functional analysis of the human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 long terminal repeat region

1991
Charles Kunsch – LinkedIn
Advisor: Advisor: Brian Wigdahl (Penn State)
Thesis: Analysis of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 infection of the developing human nervous system