Postdoctoral Perspectives
Michael Ayers
Hometown: Clifton Forge, Virginia
Education Background: B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Virginia; Ph.D. in Biology from West Virginia University
Research Group: Murphy Lab
What is your research focus?
My research focus is on the epigenetic control of stress responses from chemotherapeutic DNA demethylating agents. I look at how cells respond to these agents to alter their chromatin organization using proteins such as the histone variant H2A.Z and its chaperone ANP32E. These responses control how the cell activates interferon and stress pathways, which are key to understanding how efficacy of these agents varies or wanes.
What have you enjoyed most about your time at the University of Rochester thus far?
I have most enjoyed working with the people in my lab and collaborations with other groups. The scientists I get to work with are teaching me new things every day. The opportunity to participate in interesting science is immense.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
Rochester is close to a lot of fun things in nature. The summer is a great time to be able to go places like the lakes or even a fairly short trip to places like Niagara.
Janine Cubello
Hometown: Youngstown, NY
Education Background: B.S. in Biochemistry from Niagara University; Ph.D. in Toxicology from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: Sobolewski and Cory-Slechta Labs
What is your research focus?
My research focus entails investigating mechanisms of sex-dependent neurotoxicity and behavioral responses associated with the inhalation of metals. Findings within this research will expand upon the current understanding of how different constituents of air pollution contribute to neurological disease trajectories and will aid in the direction of future public health intervention efforts.
What have you enjoyed most about your time at the University of Rochester thus far?
I have greatly appreciated how supportive and collaborative the learning environment has been. Being exposed to such a wide array of interdisciplinary research topics in a top-tier research university has been an invaluable experience to my training as an early career scientist.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
As an outdoorsy person, I greatly enjoy exploring the beautiful running trails, parks, and fishing spots that this area has to offer. Additionally, its proximity to various other areas such as Syracuse, the beautiful Finger Lakes and Adirondacks regions, and Buffalo provide an unlimited supply of adventures to explore when not working.
Calla Goeke
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Education Background: B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from the State University of New York at Geneseo; Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience from Oregon Health & Science University
Research Group: Sobolewski Lab
What is your research focus?
My research focus is on how developmental exposure to air pollution alters neuronal death and neuronal proliferation in the brain. This is primarily examined via immunohistochemistry, microscopy and stereology, and the goal of the research is to determine the specific effects not only of air pollution as a general mixture, but also the effects of individual components of air pollution, which vary widely by geography. The end goal of this research is to improve public health via regulation of air pollution sources.
What have you enjoyed most about your time at the University of Rochester thus far?
I have been able to pursue my research in an environment that is highly supportive and encouraging. I have been able to build upon skills learned in previous research labs and develop myself further as a scientist.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
In the city there are a number of good museums, including the science museum, which have a number of interesting and enjoyable exhibits. In the greater Rochester area, there are a number of parks which are great to visit.
Gagandeep Kaur
Hometown: Lucknow, India
Education Background: B.Tech. in Biotechnology from Amity University; M.Tech. in Biotechnology from the University of Glasgow; Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology from Southern University and A&M College – Baton Rouge
Research Group: Irfan Rahman Lab
What is your research focus?
Understanding the role of cellular senescence in lung related pathologies.
What have you enjoyed the most about your time at the University of Rochester thus far?
I have really enjoyed the work culture, diversity and the opportunities provided to the postdocs at the University of Rochester.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
I for the most part enjoy hiking and travelling to nearby places like Syracuse.
Jiries Meehan-Atrash
Hometown: Mentor, OH
Education Background: B.S. in Chemistry from SUNY New Paltz; Ph.D. in Chemistry from Portland State University
Research Group: Irfan Rahman Lab
What is your research focus?
My research focus is related to identifying novel components in electronic cigarette liquids (cannabis- or nicotine-containing) and studying their toxicological effects on the respiratory tract. I specialize in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for identifying and quantifying analytically-challenging molecules and for characterizing e-cigarette aerosol properties.
What have you enjoyed the most about your time at the University of Rochester thus far?
As an analytical-organic chemist with little experience in biological methods, the enthusiasm of the researchers here to cross-train and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects has been enlightening and encouraging.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
I like to ride up and down the Erie Canal on my bicycle, no matter the weather!
Lok Ming Tom Tam
Hometown: Hong Kong
Education Background: BS Cell and Molecular Biology from the Chinese University of Hong Kong; PhD in Environmental Toxicology from the University of California Riverside
Research Group: Rand Lab
What is your research focus?
My research encompasses resolving the molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental toxicology of methylmercury exposure, specifically latent methylmercury toxicity, utilizing Drosophila (fruit fly) as a model.
What have you enjoyed the most about your time at the University of Rochester thus far?
I enjoy learning, working with my colleagues, and connecting with other peers in the highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment that the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry offers. In addition, I am grateful to be supported by my current mentor and many hearing allies here which have done a great job striving to maintain a deaf-friendly working atmosphere. I have enjoyed getting involved in the Postdoctoral Association here, which not only facilitates my professional development, but also connects me with other fellow postdocs across the campus.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
Rochester has very distinct four seasons that are unique to the Northeast, which I am fond of. In snowy winters here, I sometime like to go skiing and ice skating. In other seasons, I like to go museums and art galleries, cycle along the Erie Canal trail, go kayaking, and walk around the town. Rochester is close to several national parks around Finger Lake regions and Adirondack Mountains, which are ideal hiking venues especially in the fall.
Qixin Wang
Hometown: China
Education Background: B.S. in Biotechnology from the University of Science and Technology Beijing; M.S. in Biomedical/Medical Engineering from the University at Buffalo; Ph.D. in Biomedical/Medical Engineering from the University at Buffalo
Research Group: Irfan Rahman Lab
What is your research focus?
My research focuses on molecular mechanisms associated with the circadian clock in cigarette smoke and other environmental stimuli induced chronic lung diseases.
What have you enjoyed the most about your time at the University of Rochester thus far?
First of all, working with excellent colleagues in the group is very exciting and intriguing. Also, I like the academic environment of URMC.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
It’s a north city, I enjoy the hiking in the summer and snow sports in the winter.