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2024

Ankit DahalAnkit Dahal, Ph.D.

Mechanism of Cancer Induced Neutrophil Differentiation

Advisor: Minsoo Kim, Ph.D.

Erin GibbonsErin Gibbons, PhD

Investigation of mTORC1-mediated genes Neutrophil Elastase and Glycoprotein-NMB Demonstrates Tumor Promotion and GPNMB as a Serum Biomarker for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)

Advisor: Stephen Hammes, M.D., Ph.D.

Kala HardyKala Hardy, PhD

Human coronavirus NL63 nsp1 induces degradation of RNA polymerase II to shut off host protein synthesis

Advisor: Toru Takimoto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Megan UlbrichMegan Ulbrich, PhD

The Activity of Vibrio cholerae Effector VopX Targets Host Cell Pathways that Reorganize the Actin Cytoskeleton

Advisor: Michelle Dziejman, Ph.D.

Tara VroomanTara Vrooman, PhD

Targeted Radiation and IL-12 Immunotherapy Stimulate a Systemic Immune Response to Protect Against Pancreatic Tumor Recurrence

Advisor: Scott Gerber, Ph.D.

2023

Tina Bui-BullockTina Bui-Bullock, PhD

Elucidating Host Factors That Modulate Staphylococcus aureus Osteomyelitis Severity in Obesity-Related Type 2 Diabetes

Advisor: Steven Gill, Ph.D.

Alicia HealeyAlicia Healey, PhD

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation modulates monocytic cell responses during respiratory viral infection

Advisor: B. Paige Lawrence, Ph.D.

Michael LutzMichael Martin Lutz

Mechanisms of Host Adaptation of Influenza A Virus through Polymerase PA Mutations

Advisor: Toru Takimoto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Andrew MartinAndrew Martin, PhD

Mechanism and Consequence of IFN--mediated Loss of Tissue Resident Macrophages on Host Immunity to Toxoplasma gondii

Advisor: Felix Yarovinsky, M.D.

Briaunna MinorBriaunna Minor, Ph.D.

Implications for Targeting Tumor Associated Neutrophils to Attenuate Estrogen Mediated Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Progression

Advisor: Stephen Hammes, M.D., Ph.D.

Mary MoranMary C. Moran, MPH

Effects of S. aureus Virulence Factors and Keratinocyte Differentiation State on Cutaneous Viral Susceptibility

Advisor: Lisa Beck, M.D.

Catherine "Cathy" PizzarelloCatherine "Cathy" Pizzarello, Ph.D.

Effects of Dietary and Environmental Exposures on Infant Immune Development

Advisor: Kirsi Järvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D.

Noah SalamaNoah Salama, Ph.D.

Bone Marrow Macrophage Metabolic Dysfunction in MDS Associated IDH2 Mutation

Advisor: Laura Calvi, M.D. & Minsoo Kim, Ph.D.

Yuhang ShiYuhang Shi, PhD

Interactions Between Viruses and the Innate Antiviral Factors SERINC5, BST2 and BCA2

Advisor: Ruth Serra-Moreno, Ph.D.

Michael SportielloMichael Sportiello, Ph.D.

Advisor: David Topham, Ph.D.

2022

David BarnardDavid Barnard, M.S.

Investigating the Role of Mycobacterial DD-carboxypeptidases in the Synthesis of 3-3 Crosslinks

Advisor: Martin Pavelka, Ph.D.

Cassandra HouserCassandra Houser, M.S.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulation of T follicular helper cell differentiation and function during respiratory viral infection

Advisor: B. Paige Lawrence, Ph.D.

Sean NelsonSean Alexander Nelson, M.S.

Harnessing CD4 T cell localization and functional potential to enhance protective immunity to influenza virus

2021

Priyanka SaminathanPriyanka Saminathan, Ph.D.

2020

Alessandra AraujoAlessandra Araujo, Ph.D.

IFN-γ-Mediated Death of Metabolically Altered Paneth Cells

Advisor: Felix Yarovinsky, M.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Texas at Austin

Booyeon HanBooyeon Han, M.D., Ph.D.

Characterizing and Targeting the Pancreatic Tumor Draining Lymph Node to Enhance Antitumor Responses in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Advisor: David Linehan, M.D. & Scott Gerber, Ph.D.

Jules ParkJules (Kun Hyoe) Park, Ph.D.

The roles of Innate-like T cells and macrophages during Mycobacterium marinum infection in Xenopus laevis

Advisor: Jacques Robert, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Fellow at NIH/NIAID

Jonathan PinneyJonathan Joshua Pinney, Ph.D.

Discovery of macrophage hypophagia as a critical regulator of antibody mediated cellular cytotoxicity

Advisor: Michael Elliott, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Virginia

Sydney SimpsonSydney Simpson, Ph.D.

Characterization of Two Disparate Modes by which Viruses Exploit Host factors to Promote their own Dissemination and Replication

Advisor: Sanjay Maggirwar, Ph.D. & Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Rochester

Janelle VeazeyJanelle Veazey, Ph.D.

Epithelial protein kinase D is a novel regulator of anti-viral immunity

Advisor: Steve Georas, M.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Associate at Cornell University

Rachel WarrenRachel Warren, Ph.D.

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated is required for response to influenza A virus infection

Advisor: Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D. & Michael O'Reilly, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Alabama at Birmingham

Emily WeberEmily Weber, Ph.D.

Investigating the Role of Tetherin in Monocyte Derived Microparticle Regulation during HIV Infection

Advisor: Sanjay Maggirwar, Ph.D. & Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D.

Now: Instructor of Biological Sciences at Fort Hays State University

2019

Catherine BurkeCatherine Burke, Ph.D.

Developmental Activation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Results in Durable Changes to the Responsive Capacity and Epigenetic Landscape of CD4+ T Cells

Advisor: B. Paige Lawrence, Ph.D.

Now: Integrated Product Development Associate at Rho, Inc.

Jennifer ColquhounJennifer Colquhoun, Ph.D.

Characterization of Staphylococccus aureus RnpA and approaches for antibacterial discovery

Advisor: Paul Dunman, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Fellow at Emory University

Shannon LoeliusShannon Loelius, Ph.D.

Human Platelet Dysregulation by Antiretroviral Drugs and Cigarette Smoke In Vitro

Advisor: Craig Morrell, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Now: ORISE Postdoctoral Fellow at Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority

Irene Rodriguez-SanchezIrene Rodriguez-Sanchez, Ph.D.

An Insight Into Human Cytomegalovirus Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming

Advisor: Joshua Munger, Ph.D.

Now: Scientist at Oncorus, Inc.

Andrew SmithAndrew Smith, M.D., Ph.D.

Rational Alterations to the Influenza A Polymerase Have Ramifications for Both Therapeutic Intervention and Pandemic Preparedness

Advisor: Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D.

Now: Medical School, URMC

Alissa TrzeciakAlissa Trzeciak, Ph.D.

Early Detection and Chronic Management of Sepsis

Advisor: Minsoo Kim, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Fellow at The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Emily WuEmily Wu, M.D., Ph.D.

Uncovering the Role of TNF-alpha in the Genesis of Inflammatory Interstitial Lung Disease in the TNF-Transgenic Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Advisor: Edward Schwarz, Ph.D.

Now: Medical School, URMC

2018

Shringkhala BajimayaShringkhala Bajimaya, Ph.D.

Elucidating the Role of Cholesterol in Respiratory RNA Virus Infection and Transmission

Advisor: Toru Takimoto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Maureen BanachMaureen Banach, Ph.D.

Exploring the evolutionary relevance of MHC class 1-like molecules and innate-like Tcells in Xenopus tumor immunity

Advisor: Jacques Robert, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Colorado

Margaret BarlowMargaret Barlow, Ph.D.

Effects of Total-Body vs. Localized Radiation Exposure on the Immune System

Advisor: Edith Lord, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Researcher at Moffitt Cancer Center

Peter BrykPeter Bryk, Ph.D.

Investigation into the roles of vaccinia virus protein F13 and its molluscum contagiosum virus homolog MC021

Advisor: Brian Ward, Ph.D.

Chutikarn ChaimayoChutikarn Chaimayo, Ph.D.

Mechanistic Analysis of Influenza A Virus Assembly and Host Gene Regulation

Advisor: Toru Takimoto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Now: Instructor, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Maxime JeanMaxime Jean, M.D., Ph.D.

The Dichotomy of Curaxin Compounds in HIV-1 Latency

Advisor: Jian Zhu, Ph.D.

Now: Resident, Neurology at University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital

Christopher KovacsChristopher Kovacs, M.S., Ph.D.

Defining Functional Roles for the Rhamnose-glucose Polysaccharides of Streptococcus mutans

Advisor: Robert Quivey, Ph.D.

Now: Research Microbiologist at Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Taylor MoonTaylor Moon, Ph.D.

Effects of P2Y2 Signaling on Regulation of Efferocytosis and CXCR4 Internalization

Advisor: Michael Elliott, Ph.D.

Now: Science Educator at Derryfield School

Aditi MurthyAditi Murthy, M.S., Ph.D.

Impact of tumor hypoxia on immune response: implication for radiotherapy and anti-tumor immunity

Advisor: Edith Lord, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral fellow at University of Pennsylvania

Dillon SchrockDillon Schrock, Ph.D.

Efficient Germinal Center Support Requires Tfh Expression of Alpha V Integrins

Advisor: Deborah Fowell, Ph.D.

Now: IRTA Postdoctoral Fellow at NIH – NHLBI

Brandon WallingBrandon Walling, Ph.D.

Chemokine Independent CD8+ T cell Migration

Advisor: Minsoo Kim, Ph.D.

Now: Scientist – Flow Cytometry at Champions Oncology, Inc.

Lauren WallingLauren Walling, Ph.D.

Specificity determinants of homologous VapBC toxin-antitoxin systems

Advisor: Scott Butler, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoc at NIH

2017

Chris AndersonChris Anderson, Ph.D.

The Effect of Memory B cells on Influenza Vaccination, Immune Focusing, and Implications on Vaccine Design

Advisor: David Topham, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral fellow at University of Rochester

Anna BirdAnna Bird, Ph.D.

The Role of Neutrophils in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Advisor: Jennifer Anolik, M.D., Ph.D. & Deborah Fowell, Ph.D.

Now: Senior Scientist at AstraZeneca

Matthew BrewerMatthew Garth Brewer, Ph.D.

The Effects that Antigen Density and Composition of Nanoparticles has on the Immune Response

Advisor: Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Rochester

Kelli ConnollyKelli Connolly, Ph.D.

Targeting the radiotherapy-induced immune response leads to increased efficacy and survival in preclinical tumor models

Advisor: Scott Gerber, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University

Ryan ConnorRyan Connor, Ph.D.

Investigating PSGL-1 Dysregulation During HIV-1 Infection

Advisor: Sanjay Maggirwar, Ph.D.

Anthony DiPiazzaAnthony DiPiazza, Ph.D.

Insights into CD4 T Cell-Mediated Immunity to Influenza Viruses

Advisor: Andrea Sant, Ph.D.

Now: Senior Scientist at Moderna

Katherine HermanKatherine Herman, M.D., Ph.D.

Spontaneous Immune Dysregulation in the Skin in the Absence of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein

Advisor: Deborah Fowell, Ph.D.

Now: Intern/Resident, Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA

Nina KimNina Kim, Ph.D.

Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs) as Potential Therapeutics for Asthma by Regulating Human B-cell Antibody Production

Advisor: Richard Phipps, Ph.D.

Now: Toxicologist at Covance

Ian PerryIan Perry, Ph.D.

Analysis of the capacity of Salmonella Typhimurium to infect the human placenta

Advisor: Shawn Murphy, Ph.D.

Now: Medical Writer at AlphaBioCom

Sara SnellSara Snell, Ph.D.

Staphylococcus aureus Pathoadaptation and Development of Resistance to Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation

Advisor: Steven Gill, Ph.D.

Now: Scientist at Cytovance Biologics

Kelly VoreKelly Vore, Ph.D.

Characterization of the LFR Genomic Islet in Staphylococcus aureus CC30

Advisor: Steven Gill, Ph.D.

Now: Director of Infection Control at Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY

2016

Jonathon BakerJonathon Baker, Ph.D.

Acid and Oxidative Stress Responses in Streptococcus mutans

Advisor: Robert Quivey, Ph.D.

Now: Staff Scientist at J. Craig Venter Institute

Catlyn BlanchardCatlyn Blanchard, Ph.D.

New Therapeutic Methods to Treat Infections Caused by The ESKAPE Pathogens

Advisor: Paul Dunman, Ph.D.

Now: Medical Student at SUNY Upstate

Tara CapeceTara Capece, Ph.D.

LFA-1 in T cell activation and migration

Andrew CoxAndrew Cox, M.D., Ph.D.

Increasing the safety of the Live Attenuated Influenza Virus Vaccine

Advisor: Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D.

Now: House Officer at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center

Alison GayloAlison Gaylo, M.D., Ph.D.

Mechanisms of CD4+ T cell motility in the inflamed dermal interstitium

Advisor: Deborah Fowell, Ph.D.

Now: Resident Physician at UPMC

Patrick MurphyPatrick J. Murphy, Ph.D.

Effects of inflammation on tissue-resident macrophage efferocytosis responses and population dynamics

Advisor: Michael Elliott, Ph.D.

Now: Research Assistant Professor at University of Pittsburgh

Madeline SofiaMadeline Sofia, Ph.D.

Coordinated Regulation of Virulence, Motility, Biofilm and Stress Response Phenotypes in Type Three Secretion System Positive Vibrio cholerae

Advisor: Michelle Dziejman, Ph.D.

Now: Associate Producer at NPR

2015

Steven BakerSteven Baker

The Packaging Signals of Influenza A and B Viruses Contribute to Their Speciation and Can Be Manipulated for Novel Vaccine Development

Advisor: Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoc at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Lisbeth BouleLisbeth Boule, Ph.D.

Characterizing the effects of developmental activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor on CD4+ T cell responses later in life

Advisor: B. Paige Lawrence, Ph.D.

Now: Senior Medical Writer at Medtronic

Benson ChengBenson Cheng, Ph.D.

Development of Live-Attenuated Arenavirus Vaccines

Advisor: Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Ph.D.

Now: Senior Consultant at Navigant

Letitia JonesLetitia Jones, Ph.D.

Modeling HIV-1 Induced Blood-Brain Barrier in Mice

Advisor: Sanjay Maggirwar, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoctoral Scholar Scientist at Duke University

Katie LannanKatie Lannan, Ph.D.

Discovery of New Molecules that Regulate Platelet Function

Advisor: Richard Phipps, Ph.D.

Now: Study Director Manager at Covance

Daniel MartinelliDaniel Martinelli, Ph.D.

Examination of the Roles of the Endopeptidase RipA and the Penicillin Binding Protein PonA2 in Mycobacterial Cell Wall Maintenance

Advisor: Martin Pavelka, Ph.D.

Now: Technical Application Specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific

Yuexin XuYuexin Xu

Chemokine signaling to guild T cell migration via integrin activation and redistribution

2014

Andrew BuckleyAndrew Buckley, Ph.D.

Role of ß-Phosphoglucomutase in Carbon Metabolism and Stress Responsiveness of Streptococcus mutans

Advisor: Robert Quivey, Ph.D.

Now: Cancer Research Scientist at UNC School of Pharmacy at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Meghan BushwayMeghan Bushway, Ph.D.

Analysis of Cellular Signaling Within the Human Placenta: Implications for Vascular Development and Trophoblast Cell Function

Advisor: Shawn Murphy, Ph.D.

Now: Senior Scientist, Team Leader at BioNTech SE

Mudit ChaandMudit Chaand, Ph.D.

Coordinated Regulation of Pathogenic Phenotypes and Host Response by the Vibrio cholerae Type Three Secretion System

Advisor: Michelle Dziejman, Ph.D.

Now: Senior Scientist, Cell and Molecular Biology at Syros Pharmaceuticals

Kelly MillerKelly Miller, Ph.D.

Regulation and Function of Vibrio cholerae Type Three Secretion System Island Encoded Gene Products

Advisor: Michelle Dziejman, Ph.D.

Now: Scientist at Glycosyn, LLC

Isamar Rivera-RamosIsamar Rivera-Ramos, D.M.D., Ph.D.

Characterization of the Spx global regulator in Streptococcus mutans

Advisor: Jose Lemos, Ph.D.

Now: Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Rochester

Julie SahlerJulie Sahler, Ph.D.

Platelet-derived microparticles as transcellular messengers

Advisor: Richard Phipps, Ph.D.

Now: Adjunct Lecturer at Cornell University

Sarah SaputoSarah Saputo, Ph.D.

Genetic characterization and mechanism of cross-talk between the cAMP/PKA and RAM pathways during Candida albicans hyphal morphogenesis

Advisor: Robert Quivey, Ph.D.

Now: Assistant Professor at SUNY Brockport

2013

Sarah AmieSarah Amie, Ph.D.

Replication of HIV in macrophages: Effects of SAMHD1 on dNTP levels, viral mutagenesis, and antiviral efficacy

Advisor: Robert Bambara, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoc at Cornell University

Sheila Bello-IrizarrySheila Bello-Irizarry, Ph.D.

MyD88-Dependent Signaling Pathways Contribute to both Host Defense and Immunopathogenesis during Pneumocystis Infection

Advisor: Terry Wright, Ph.D.

Now: Regulatory Affairs Leader and Strategist at UCB

Kristy BialasKristy Bialas, Ph.D.

Identifying the Molecular Determinants of Influenza Virus Morphology and its Correlation with Efficiency of Viral Spread In Vitro

Advisor: Toru Takimoto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Now: Scientific Reviewer at FDA

Ryan CummingsRyan Cummings, Ph.D.

Investigation, In Situ, of the Cutaneous Dendritic Cell Response Following Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Advisor: Edith Lord, Ph.D.

Now: Associate Principal Scientist at AstraZeneca

Waaqo DaddachaWaaqo Daddacha, Ph.D.

SAMHD1-mediated dNTP Pool Regulation in Macrophage: Effect on HIV-1 Reverse Transcription Kinetics and Fidelity

Advisor: Baek Kim, Ph.D.

Now: Assistant Professor Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

Donna DavidsonDonna Davidson, Ph.D.

Elucidating the role of Soluble CD40 Ligand in the Pathogenesis of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND)

Advisor: Sanjay Maggirwar, Ph.D.

Now: Senior Medical Writer at Medtronic

Nan DengNan Deng, Ph.D.

Diversity of cytokine expression patterns in the Th1-dominated human anti-influenza CD4 T cell response is due to both stochastic expression of Th1 cytokines, and a minor population of uncommitted Thpp cells

Advisor: Tim Mosmann, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoc at University of Rochester Medical Center (Biostatistics)

William DommWilliam Domm, Ph.D.

Optimizing Antigen Delivery Approaches for HIV Immunization

Advisor: Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D.

Now: Senior Research Scientist at Bausch and Lomb

David EasterhoffDavid Easterhoff, Ph.D.

Characterization of Amyloid Fibrils in Seminal Fluid and Their Interaction with Pathogens

Advisor: Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D.

Now: Associate Scientific Director at Moderna

Anthony GacaAnthony Gaca, Ph.D.

The Physiological Significance of (p)ppGpp in Enterococcus faeccalis

Advisor: Jose Lemos, Ph.D.

Now: Research Scientist at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

Joanne LimJoanne Lim, Ph.D.

Role of Interferons and Immunotherapy in Enhancing Radiation Treatment of Cancer

Advisor: Edith Lord, Ph.D.

Now: Senor Scientist at Codiak BioSciences

John MuchiriJohn Muchiri, Ph.D.

HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase: Dissociation During Strand Transfer and Effects of Efavirenz on RNase H Activity

Advisor: Robert Bambara, Ph.D.

Now: Ag. Dean at Faculty of Science and Technology, Kenya Methodist University, Meru, Kenya

Erin Noble SchaeferErin Noble Schaefer, Ph.D.

Influenza A Virus Replication: Biochemical Characterization of Conserved RNA Promoter Structure and PA Subunit Endonuclease Activity

Advisor: Baek Kim, Ph.D.

Now: Subject Matter Expert at Freedom Learning Corp

Nelissa Pérez-NazarioNelissa Pérez-Nazario, Ph.D.

Alveolar Epithelial Cell Activation of IKK2 during Pneumocystis Infection Regulates Immunity and Organism Clearance

Advisor: Terry Wright, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoc at University of Rochester Medical Center (Dermatology)

Sesquile RamonSesquile Ramon, Ph.D.

The Effects of Specialized Proresolving Lipid Mediators on B Lymphocyte Functions: Implications for B Cell Differentiation and Antibody Production

Advisor: Richard Phipps, Ph.D.

Now: Director, External Engagement, Strategy and Portfolio Global Immuno-Oncology Franchise at AstraZeneca

Abigail SedlacekAbigail Sedlacek, Ph.D.

Enhancing T Cell and NK Cell Mediated anti-Tumor Immune Responses Through the use of Immunotherapy

Advisor: Edith Lord, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoc at University of Pittsburgh

Jharon SilvaJharon Silva, M.D., Ph.D.

Modeling the Effect of HIV-1 Induced Neuroinflammation on the Cerebral Vasculature: Acute Intracranial Exposure to HIV-1 Tat Leads to Dysregulation of Cerebrovascular Reactivity, While Chronic Tat Exposure Results in Reduced Vascular Density

Advisor: Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D.

Now: Physician at The Hospital of Central Connecticut

Jackie TungJackie Tung, Ph.D.

The regulation of CD4 T cells during adaptive immune responses in determining immunodominance

Advisor: Andrea Sant, Ph.D.

Now: Senior Scientist at PureTech Health

Sarah Van Cor-HosmerSarah Van Cor-Hosmer, Ph.D.

The Impact of dNTP Concentrations on the Early Stages of HIV-1 Transduction

Advisor: Baek Kim, Ph.D.

Now: Data Scientist at Digital First Media

2012

Adam DerrAdam Derr, Ph.D.

NADH oxidase and stress responses in Streptococcus mutans: a phenotypical and regulatory characterization

Advisor: Robert Quivey, Ph.D.

Now: Microbiologist at the FDA

Emily DesmetEmily Desmet, Ph.D.

Insight into Influenza Manipulation of its Target Cell and the countermeasures Taken by the Host to Limit Infection

Advisor: Toru Takimoto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Now: Associate Professor at Le Moyne College

Vincent FongVincent Fong, M.D., Ph.D.

Novel Targeting Strategies for Adenovirus Vectors: Investigating the Rad51 Promoter and Inducible Elements

Advisor: Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D.

Now: Assistant Professor of Clinical Endocrinologist at UC Health

Kaisha GonzalezKaisha Gonzalez, Ph.D.

DNA Base Excision Repair: a Network of Defense, Mutagenesis, and Tolerance in Streptococcus mutans

Advisor: Robert Quivey, Ph.D.

Now: Senior Scientist, Scientific Affairs at DiaSorin Molecular LLC

Matthew KennedyMatthew Kennedy, Ph.D.

Macrophage Nucleotide Pools Uniquely Promote rNMP and dUMP Incorporation into HIV-1 DNA during Reverse Transcription: Affecting Viral Mutagenesis, Viability, and Potential Therapeutic Regimes

Advisor: Baek Kim, Ph.D.

Now: Director, Molecular Virology at Oncorus

Jie LiJie Li, Ph.D.

The Non-Antibody Producing Role of B Cells in Inflammatory-Erosive Arthritis

Advisor: Edward Schwarz, Ph.D.

Now: Scientist, Translational Medicine at AnaptysBio

Safiehkhatoon  MoshkaniSafiehkhatoon Moshkani, Ph.D.

B cells in inflamed lymph nodes: a link between inflammation and autoimmunity

Advisor: Andrea Bottaro, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoc at Albany Medical College

Hristina NedelkovskaHristina Nedelkovska, Ph.D.

Nonclassical MHC class Ib molecules: Critical players in tumor immune surveillance and potential immunotherapy targets

Advisor: Jacques Robert, Ph.D.

Now: Lecturer at SUNY Geneseo

Emilio RiañoEmilio Riaño, Ph.D.

Dissecting the Multifunctional Arenavirus Nucleoprotein

Advisor: Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Ph.D.

Now: Medical Science Liaison Cardiopulmonary at Bayer

Brendaliz SantiagoBrendaliz Santiago, Ph.D.

Role of Aminotransferases in branched-chain amino acid metabolism: acid tolerance and fatty acid synthesis in Streptococcus mutans

Advisor: Robert Quivey, Ph.D.

Now: Assistant Professor at Rollins College

2011

Maria ArevaloMaria Arevalo, Ph.D.

Syndecans Mediate Dengue Viral Infection of Endothelial Cells In Vitro

Advisor: Xia Jin, B.Med., Ph.D.

Now: Postdoc at Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) – Florida

Kendra BusseyKendra Bussey, Ph.D.

Identification and Characterization of Polymerase Mutations that Contribute to Influenza Adaptation to Mammalian Hosts

Advisor: Toru Takimoto, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Now: Consultant at Deloitte

Cristina Capella-GonzálezCristina Capella-González, Ph.D.

Alterations that influence dNTP substrate utilization by the adenovirus type 5 DNA polymerase result in selective modification of adenovirus replication

Advisor: Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D.

Now: Research Scientist at Battelle

Winnie ChanWinnie Chan, Ph.D.

Investigating the Function of Vaccinia Virus Protein A33 during Morphogenesis, Egress, and Infectivity

Advisor: Brian Ward, Ph.D.

Now: Director, Virus Research at DNAtrix, Inc.

Joanna OlsenJoanna Olsen, M.D., Ph.D.

SEVI, A Natural Enhancer of HIV Infection, as a Novel Target to Prevent HIV Transmission

Advisor: Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D.

Now: Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR

Keith OlsenKeith Olsen, M.D., Ph.D.

The Role of Transglutaminase 2 in Pulmonary Fibrosis

Advisor: Patricia Sime, M.D.

Now: Dermatologist at Private Practice

John PuskasJohn Puskas, Ph.D.

Development and Characterization of Attenuated IL-2 Fusion Proteins that can be Activated by Tumor-Expressed Proteases

Advisor: John Frelinger, Ph.D.

Now: Scientist at Moffitt Cancer Center

Matthew QuinnMatthew Quinn, Ph.D.

Investigation of the Intrinsic Antibody Dependent Enhancement Hypothesis

Advisor: Xia Jin, B.Med., Ph.D.

Now: Director, Research and Development Automation at Oxford Immunotec

Félix SantiagoFélix Santiago, Ph.D.

The use of recombinant hemagglutinin proteins in the study of vaccination against emergent influenza viruses

Advisor: Andrea Sant, Ph.D. & David Topham, Ph.D.

Now: Research and Development Scientist at Radix BioSolutions

Michael ValentinoMichael Valentino, Ph.D.

Development of a High Throughput Approach for the Identification of T Cell Epitopes in the Genomic Era: Application to Francisella tularensis

Advisor: John Frelinger, Ph.D.

Now: Scientific Director, Companion Diagnostics at Exosome Diagnostics

2010

Mohammad AlamMohammad Alam, Ph.D.

Vibrio cholerae Type Three Secretion System Regulators and Effectors: Identification and Role in Pathogenesis

Advisor: Michelle Dziejman, Ph.D.

Now: Assistant Professor at Emory University

Olivia BlockOlivia Tono Block, Ph.D.

Evaluation of Dengue Envelope Glycoprotein Domain III as a Subunit Vaccine Candidate for Prophylaxis of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever/Shock Syndrome

Advisor: Robert Rose, Ph.D.

Now: Patent Agent at Troutman Pepper

Kevin CookKevin Cook, Ph.D.

The Regulation of GATA-3 Expression and Function During Th2 Differentiation

Advisor: Jim Miller, Ph.D.

Now: Senior Scientist at Amgen

Amalia EarleyAmalia Earley, Ph.D.

Investigating the Role of Vaccinia Virus Protein A34 in Viral Morphogenesis and its Interaction with B5 and A33

Advisor: Brian Ward, Ph.D.

Now: Postdoc at University of Rochester Medical Center (Pathology)

Ana GoyosAna Goyos, Ph.D.

Evolution and Immune Functions of Nonclassical MHC Class lb Genes in the Clawed Frogs Xenopus laevis and Silurana tropicalis

Advisor: Jacques Robert, Ph.D.

Now: Director of Immunology and Hematotoxicology at Janssen

Vinnie IsabellaVinnie Isabella, Ph.D.

Genetic and Biochemical Analysis of NsrR, a Nitric Oxide-Responsive Repressor in Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Advisor: Virgina Clark, Ph.D.

Now: Director, Head of Microbial Physiology at Synlogic, Inc.

Michelle KiebalaMichelle Kiebala, Ph.D.

The Regulation of GATA-3 Expression and Function During Th2 Differentiation

Advisor: Sanjay Maggirwar, Ph.D.

Now: Research Assistant Professor at University of Rochester Medical Center (Microbiology & Immunology)

Eric LoVulloEric LoVullo, Ph.D.

Genetic Manipulation of the Biological Threat Agent Francisella tularensis

Advisor: Martin Pavelka, Ph.D.

Now: Research Associate at US Department of Agriculture

Tam QuachTam Quach, Ph.D.

Characterization of human anergic naïve B cells with decreased expression of surface IgM

Advisor: Ignacio Sanz, M.D.

Now: Instructor at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

Chris RichardsonChris Richardson, M.D., Ph.D.

A Study of the Molecular Characteristics of 9G4+ Autoantibodies and of B cell Tolerance in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Advisor: Ignacio Sanz, M.D.

Now: Assistant Professor at University of Rochester

Bess SorensenBess Sorensen, Ph.D.

Mechanisms of Intratumoral Vascular and Immune Alteration via Local Cytokine Treatment of Melanoma

Advisor: Edith Lord, Ph.D.

Now: Senior Scientist at Epizyme