Born in Fairfield, Ohio and raised in Mason, Ohio I have only left the state for my undergraduate degree at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. I will be graduating from Butler with a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry in May of 2019. Having begun studying biology and working on an urban ecology project, I soon realized I wanted a more molecular focus to my studies. In the fall of 2017, I begun work in the Biochemistry lab under Dr. Geoffrey Hoops, centered on altering the substrate specificity of an acetyl esterase, TM0077. I continued this research over the summer of 2018, funded by the Summer Institute, and through my senior year as my thesis. This enzyme has potential for use in synthetic organic chemistry and particularly in the production of synthetic antibiotics. I want to pursue a career in medical research to contribute more directly towards the improvement of peoples’ livelihood. I am interested in a wide array of medical sciences, but particularly immunological and neurological research. I look forward to finding my path here at OSU and to be mentored by the high caliber faculty.

I am a Saudi Arabian, was born in Washington. I attended King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah-Saudi Arabia where I studied Biochemistry and earned my bachelor degree in 2005. I got my Masters degree in Biochemistry in 2010 from King Abdulaziz University as well. My research was focusing on the genetic profiling of Her-2/neu in breast cancer in female patients. During that time, I had my first job as a research assistant in which I was trained on many techniques and performed different experiments. After graduation, I had a very enjoyable 2 years teaching experience where I was giving clinical biochemistry lab sessions. In 2015, I joined FutureLabs clinical laboratory in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia as a laboratory supervisor; where I spend two years. I joined The Ohio State University in 2018 as a research assistant in Dr.Ghoshal’s laboratory, my work in our lab focuses on mirRNA machinery and DNA methylation in hepatocellular cancer (HCC). By joining the Biomedical Sciences Graduate program, I will have the opportunity to get the advanced training and knowledge that will help me to move forward in my career.

I was born in Columbus, OH, lived in east Tennessee and reside in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. During my time at CMU I worked in two labs one in polymer chemistry and the other in cancer genetics. Under the guidance of Dr. Anja Mueller my honors capstone project focused on synthesizing a proton conductive fuel cell membrane that mimicked biological proton transport. The other experience I had as a McNair scholar was under the guidance of Dr. Jamie Alan working on characterizing the role of Rac1 in cancer using C. elegans. Through these two projects I learned I could combine my interests and delve into interdisciplinary research. I have an interest in regeneration and look forward to working with faculty taking cross-disciplinary approaches within this research area.

I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended Yale University, graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. For my first research experience I studied gastrointestinal developmental biology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, investigating the role of KLF5 during early embryonic development. During my time at Yale I conducted research to identify novel antimalarial compounds from tropical endophytic fungi and bacteria, and I also studied the functionality of upstream open reading frames in the human genome, using bioinformatics and machine learning. My malaria research stemmed from a trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon, where fellow students and I collected plants with known ethnobotanical properties to study the secondary metabolites of their endophytes in the laboratory. I wrote my senior thesis on the development of the RTS,S/AS malaria vaccine currently in Phase 3 clinical trials. From my undergraduate studies in parasitology, the history of infectious diseases, immunology and computer science, my scientific dream is to contribute to global health by helping to develop the next generation of vaccines for complex pathogens that continue to afflict the developing world. Since I was a boy, I have wanted to practice medicine, and I know that my medical and scientific research training through the OSU MSTP program will propel me forward in the pursuit of my goals to help others here and around the world.

I was born and mostly raised in Houston,TX, but I left home to attend Oberlin College in northern Ohio. I graduated from Oberlin in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts and Biology and Anthropology. After graduating, I worked for two years as a research technician in a C elegans microbiome lab at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) before coming to OSU as an MSTP student. Leading up to my research at BCM, I was in three other diverse labs as an undergraduate, studying the defecation motor program in C elegans, bone remodeling, and circadian rhythms. Here are OSU I am excited to study something new, with broad interests in genetics, signaling, and development. As as MSTP student, I hope to integrate my bench studies with my clinical training such that each will inform the other in support of translating between science and medicine.

I was born and raised in Mansoura a beautiful city located on the Nile River, in the Northern part of Egypt. I attended Mansoura University College of Medicine, from which, I obtained my Bachelor of Medicine and surgery. I then joined the Mansoura University Clinical Pathology Department, as a resident doctor, where I spent four years of working in the Mansoura University hospitals laboratories. By the end of my residency years I earned a Master degree in Clinical Pathology and I was appointed an assistant lecturer. My medical experience and the time I spent as a researcher have motivated me to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences. In January 2016, I started my graduate studied in Ohio State University. I am currently working in the laboratories of both of Dr. Amal Amer, in the department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, and Dr. Estelle Cormet-Boyaka. In the department of Veterinary Biosciences. My current study focuses on understanding the autophagy process in macrophages. The aim of my project is to investigate the relationship between autophagy defect and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation in cystic fibrosis. Characterization of this relationship can lead to the introduction of novel treatment strategies for cystic fibrosis. I believe that Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program provides the required advanced education as well as appropriate training which will lead to the success in my graduate and postgraduate career.

I am originally from Florence, Kentucky, just south of Cincinnati. I obtained my BA in Psychology from Thomas More College. After graduation, I began a career as a Divisional Director with a corporate retail company and, while working full time, completed my MBA. In 2016, I returned to school to study Neuroscience here at The Ohio State University. I am currently working in Dr. Christine Beattie’s lab, which investigates molecular and genetic pathways of motor neuron development and dysfunction of motor neurons in SMN and ALS. My current project examines Wallerian degeneration in a SARM knockout zebrafish model. These studies will help to clarify the mechanisms of neuronal degeneration, and potentially lead to future therapeutic strategies. Growing up with a family member diagnosed with ALS and my experience in Beattie lab have solidified my motivation to actualize a career in research. I have a strong passion for studying mechanisms of neuronal degeneration and am excited to join the BSGP community.

I grew up in the greater Seattle area and attended the University of Washington (UW) for my undergraduate Biology degree and minor in Global Health. While at UW I worked at the Woodland Park Zoo where I studied endangered Partula snail biology and contributed to the Western Pond Turtle reintroduction project. I volunteered at a farm animal rescue, wildlife center, and worked as an ambulatory equine veterinary assistant. I also volunteered in a structural biology lab studying muscular dystrophy and an evolutionary biology lab studying mammalian bite force, which included many hours dissecting mammal heads. My courses in biomedical sciences and public health led me to peer TA for an immunology and infectious disease course. I also volunteered at the Center for One Health Research writing summaries and literature reviews. I received my MPH in Veterinary Public Health in 2019 where I studied zoonotic diseases, epidemiology, hospital surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship. My research project focused on drug resistant gram-negative bacteria present at the OSU Veterinary Medical Center and helped inform infection control protocols. I look forward to further understanding the role of the immune system across species.

I was born and raised in Mongolia. At the age of eighteen, I moved to Chicago, Illinois to pursue higher education. At first, I attended ESL classes, then started at Oakton Community College to receive my Associate degree in Arts. I transferred to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to complete my bachelor degree. I chose UIC due to its extensive undergraduate research opportunities. While at UIC, I worked in a neuroscience lab and an endocrine lad in addition to my summer internships at SUCCESS at the Ohio State University and ICRC at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Throughout my undergraduate research experiences, I explored different biomedical research fields and I was able to narrow down my research interest to cancer genetics and genomics. With this interest, I joined the Prokunina-Olsson's lab at NCI as a postbac fellow after completing my B.S. degree in Biological Sciences. In her lab, I worked on molecular characterization of a novel bladder cancer associated region (by genome-wide association study) on chromosome 20 as well as other projects involving Burkitt lymphoma and APOBEC signature mutations in cancers. I hope to further pursue my interest in studying cancer genetics and genomics and the Ohio State University with guidance and mentorship from the faculty of the university.

I grew up in Orrville, a small town in Northeastern Ohio. I attended the University of Mount Union and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor's of Science and Biology with minors in Chemistry and Exercise Science. As an undergraduate I had the opportunity to intern with the Kidney Project, a project dedicated to creating an artificial kidney to treat end stage renal failure, at the University of California San Francisco. The encouragement and support I found from Dr. Shuvo Roy and his lab is ultimately what inspired my decision to pursue a doctoral degree. After graduation, I moved to Columbus and worked as a research assistant for 2 years under Dr. Jonathan Godbout studying the lifelong issues associated with traumatic brain injury in the context of chronic neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. As a student in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, I chose to complete my doctoral research in the Carson lab. My current research focuses on inhibition of IL-1B in the tumor microenvironment using tumor associated macrophage depletion strategies such as Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors to impair the NLRP3 inflammasome.

I grew in New York City, New York in a suburb of Queens. In May 2018 I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from the University at Buffalo. In October 2017 I began working on a research project under the guidance of Dr. Terry Connell at the University at Buffalo and continued this project until December 2018. My project aimed to identify which genes present in adherent-invasive strains of E.coli are used for the adherence and invasion of human gut epithelial cells. In addition to the research I did at the University at Buffalo I spent two summers participating in summer research programs at the University at Washington and at the Ohio State University College of Medicine. During the summer of 2016, at the University of Washington, I worked on a project under the guidance of Dr. Marilyn Roberts that aimed to identify antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli found in the fecal matter of large, wild mammals in Washington State. During the summer of 2017, at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, I worked on a project under the guidance of Dr. John Gunn that aimed to determine if certain large proteins produced by Salmonella Typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever in humans, are necessary for the bacteria to produce biofilms. After graduating from SUNY at Buffalo I worked for a year as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the clinical microbiology lab at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. My research experiences in infectious disease and my clinical work in laboratory medicine have influenced my research interests and desire to have a career in medical research. I am interested in research on infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance. Looking to the future, I am excited to take this next step in my career and train under the guidance of the faculty and mentors of the Medical Scientist Training Program.

I am from Delaware, Ohio, located north of Columbus. I studied at Walsh University and graduated in May of 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, where I worked with Dr. Robert Phillips on a project investigating the efficacy of multi-modal exercise programs to treat Parkinson’s patients. During breaks from school, I worked at Grady Memorial Hospital and Riverside Methodist Hospital as a rehabilitation technician, where I saw my research impact in a clinical setting. I began working at the Ohio State University as a research technician in Dr. Zachary Schultz’s group after graduation. My project utilizes surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy to probe a potential drug target, integrin αvβ3, in living human colon cancer cells. I am motivated to bridge basic science research with clinical applications, making the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program an engaging and exciting environment in which to study. I am eager to further develop my skills as a research scientist in hopes of serving others by positively affecting patients’ lives through the knowledge I help develop in lab.

I was born in Columbus, Ohio, and I am attending the Ohio State University. I will obtain my Bachelor of Science in 2018, majoring in mathematics with a concentration in biology and minoring in engineering sciences. As an undergraduate I worked with Dr. Shahriyari, a postdoctoral fellow at the Mathematical Biosciences Institute (MBI), to investigate stem cell dynamics using computational techniques. My project used, and further developed, a stochastic model of stem cell division patterns to investigate the probability of mutant production in the niche. Knowledge of these patterns can suggest ways to alter the stem cell niche in order to minimize mutations in a tissue, and provide a path toward obtaining optimal treatments. This work has motivated me to continue my education in applying mathematical and computational methods to help resolve significant problems in the biosciences and medicine.

I was born and raised in Grove City, Ohio, and I attended The Ohio State University. I majored in Biomedical Science with a minor in Computer Science, and I earned my Bachelor of Science in May 2013. As an undergraduate, I worked in the research lab of Dr. Victor Jin, with developing new methods of analyzing Ch IP-seq and other next-generation sequencing data. In 2015, I began work with Dr. Sameek Roychowdhury in translational genomics and bioinformatics. My current project is focused on improving computational detection of microsatellite instability through NGS analysis of patient tumors. For my PhD work, I am very much looking forward to investigating applications of computational biology to clinical care.

I'm from Frametown, WV. I attended West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckahannon, WV and graduated in May 2016 with my Bachelor's of Science in Biochemistry. In June of 2016, I moved to Columbus to matriculate into the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program. I am now a member of Dr. Steve Lessnick's lab at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Our research focus is on Ewing sarcoma, an aggressive and highly metastatic pediatric bone and soft tissue-associated cancer. The lab's primary interest is in understanding basic biology of the disease, which occurs due to a chromosomal translocation that results in a fusion oncoprotein that acts as an aberrant transcription factor. Our work surrounds how this protein functions and how we are able to disrupt it to treat patients with the disease. My personal research interests are in how we can translate basic science findings into the clinic and new treatment development.

I grew up in Rittman, a small town in Northeastern Ohio. I attended The Ohio State University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2013. I work in the lab of Dr. Richard Fishel studying mismatch repair (MMR). Mutations in the MMR genes are the cause of the most common cancer predisposition in humans, known as Lynch syndrome or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Much of the work done on MMR to this point has been based on in vitro biochemical studies. My project looks to reintroduce the implications of genetics by focusing on in vivo analysis of MMR, especially its link to the replication machinery. I have created fluorescent protein fusions with our proteins of interest. I use super resolution microscopy to perform live cell imaging. By using a PALM (photo activated localization microscopy)-like system with TIRF (total internal reflection fluorescence) I am able to perform single molecule tracking. Using this data I am able to track mismatch repair proteins and follow them through a mismatch repair event. With this data we hope to elucidate the biophysical mechanism of mismatch repair, especially in regards to its link to replication. All of my work thus far has been done in E. coli, but we have developed a CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) plasmid system that will allow us to move into human embryonic stem cells.

Born and raised in Juneau, Alaska, I was lucky to continue my love affair with the PNW by attending the University of Washington in Seattle for my undergraduate degree. I was accepted into the Bioengineering department my sophomore year as showing my dedication through volunteering in research. I continued my academics and research at UW for 4 years, graduating in the summer of 2016. My capstone project looked at a novel structure for the core of a nanoparticle, showing dendrite like attributes, and created through RAFT polymerization. Besides being a volunteer researcher and full time students I was also president of my fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, an executive member of the local BMES chapter, and a student liaison for the BIOE diversity committee. My gap year has included living in Hawaii while working as a program coordinator for NIH/NIDDK STEP-UP for high school students. I'm excited to be a Buckeye starting in Fall 2017 and to continue my research on drug delivery and polymer science.

I was born in Seattle, WA and raised in a small town south of the city called South Prairie. For my undergraduate education, I attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA and earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology. During my time at PLU, I interned at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, where I first learned about T cell immunology. This work, along with my interests in cancer research, inspired me to work in the field of cancer immunotherapy. My first post-undergraduate research position focused on characterizing T cells in patients introduced to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells redirected to target B-cell lymphoma and leukemia cells. Next, my interests in toxicities associated with CAR T cells led me to Juno Therapeutics, a company in Seattle that focuses on cellular immunotherapies. During my time at Juno, I developed non-human primate models to assess toxicities of CAR T cell products. My experiences in biomedical research have encouraged me to pursue graduate-level research in immunology and/or cancer.

I grew up in Liberty Township, Ohio, which is about 25 minutes north of Cincinnati. I was homeschooled and attended a public high school part-time. For college, I went to Morehead State University (MSU) and majored in biomedical science with a Spanish minor. I first studied local Lepidoptera biodiversity, and I also developed a project to use environmental DNA to examine E coli levels and antibiotic resistance genes in a local watershed. I experienced molecular and cell biology research through summer programs at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Iowa that explored IFR1 epigenetic regulation by p300 and neutrophil nuclear hypersegmentation, respectively. After graduating from MSU in 2016, I worked in a rheumatology research lab at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where I studied neutrophils in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. My research and clinical experiences have shown me how interconnected medicine and research. I am ecstatic to synergistically combine them as a member of OSU's MSTP. My current dream is to stay in rheumatology and study inflammation, but I look forward to exploring other fields too. As a native Ohioan, I grew hearing about OSU and am thrilled to be a Buckeye.

I am from Mundelein, Illinois, which is a northern suburb of Chicago. I attended Augustana College for the first two years of my undergraduate studies and then transferred to The Ohio State University, where I studied Biology and earned my Bachelor of Science in May of 2019. At Augustana College I played on the varsity softball team and was involved in a service sorority where I participated in many volunteer events that benefited the local community. At The Ohio State University, I became a research assistant for Dr. Loren Wold’s lab in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology. My project investigated the impact of World Trade Center dust on rat cardiac proteins. This project made significant strides to help understand the molecular mechanisms of why First Responders at Ground Zero are experiencing heart disease and arthrosclerosis. My undergraduate research experience and my personal connection to family members with incurable diseases has driven me to pursue biomedical research. My personal research interests lie in cardiovascular diseases, muscle mechanics, and neurodegenerative diseases. I am excited to be further trained by experienced faculty at The Ohio State University.