Jaquesta Adams
PhD candidate
UC Berkeley
Landry Lab

“High-throughput evolution of near-infrared oxytocin nanosensors enables oxytocin imaging in mice and prairie voles”

Oxytocin signaling is central to social neuroscience. We still have an incomplete understanding of how oxytocin supports complex social behaviors across species in health and disease. Using single-walled carbon nanotubes and single-stranded DNA, Adams develops near-infrared fluorescent synthetic probes to image oxytocinergic communication with high spatiotemporal resolution. These tools can capture synaptic-scale neurochemical release ex vivo.

Sarah Brashear
PhD candidate
UC Davis
Smith Lab

“Skeletal Muscle Adaptations to Exercise in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease”

Brashear’s research investigates skeletal muscle function, collagen architecture and resident muscle cells in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and chronic kidney disease. Both diseases have been shown to lead to increased skeletal muscle fibrosis. Brashear’s goal is to mitigate fibrosis and improve muscle function using therapeutics and exercise, ideally leading to improved quality of life.

Michell Carroll
PhD candidate
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshleman School of Pharmacy
Pattenden Lab

“A rapid and simple method for extraction of high-quality chromatin from fixed tissues”

Thomas is dedicated to developing innovative methods for extracting high-quality chromatin from fixed tissues, enabling the exploration of chromatin changes in both normal and diseased states.

Danielle Johnson
PhD candidate
University of Arizona
Jewett Lab

“Expanding the Utility of Triazabutadiene Chemical Probes to Target and Elucidate Protein Dynamics through ¹⁹F NMR”

Johnson investigates the application of Triazabutadiene chemical probes for targeted mitochondrial delivery of fluorinated small molecules. Her research uses 19F NMR spectroscopy to study protein dynamics and mitochondrial dysfunction in disease progression. She has experience in chemical probe design, chromatographic purification and biophysical characterization. Johnson is the president of Grad C.A.F.E., an organization fostering professional development for underrepresented graduate students.

Lanette LaComb
PhD candidate
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Almo Lab

“Deciphering the Interaction Landscape of Mena via Its EVH1 Module”

LaComb’s research is centered on elucidating the binding landscapes of disease-relevant proteins. Her goal is to identify novel molecular interfaces amenable to therapeutic targeting. LaComb combines classical biochemical and biophysical methodologies, protein synthesis and structural biology to map unique binding epitopes that inform rational inhibitor design. Her work lays the groundwork for next-generation therapeutic strategies.

Paola E. Peña García
PhD candidate
University of Vermont
Poynter Lab

“Elucidating How Obesity and Weight Loss Impact the Airway Epithelium in Obese Asthma”

Obese asthmatics often experience more severe and uncontrolled symptoms even when receiving standard treatments. In these patients, weight loss can lead to fewer asthma symptoms. Garcia’s research examines the dual role of adipose tissue in both driving and resolving airway inflammation. She aims to identify therapies that mimic the benefits of weight loss for obese asthmatics.

Tracey Porter
PhD candidate
University of Notre Dame
Wingert Lab

“Elucidating the role of apolipoprotein L1 in zebrafish pronephros development”

Porter focuses on understanding the genetic mechanisms determining kidney development and disease with the zebrafish as a model organism. Her research aims to discern the role of apol1 in zebrafish pronephros (kidney) development, particularly in the podocytes. This research could further our understanding of genetic contributors to kidney developmental abnormalities and disease.

Janice Reynaga
PhD candidate
University of Pennsylvania

“Domain focused screen identifies MEAF6 as a vulnerability in acute myeloid leukemia”

Reynaga’s most recent work focuses on epigenetic regulators of leukemia progression. She specializes in CRISPR-Cas9 screens and cell assay development. She also has translational cancer research and mass spectrometry-based proteomics experience. Reynaga excels at managing multiple projects and collaborating across disciplines. She is passionate about mentoring and plans to pursue an academic career focused on teaching and developing future scientists.

Ariell Smith
PhD candidate
UC Merced

“The effects of elastic and viscoelastic extracellular matrices on lung epithelial cell mechanobiology”

Mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECM) regulate cellular processes such as morphogenesis, wound healing and pathophysiology progression. Recently, it has become evident that cells differentiate between elastic and viscoelastic ECMs, altering their morphology, migration rate, contractility and reprogramming their biology. Smith is investigating the effects of elastic and viscoelastic ECMs on lung epithelial cell mechanobiology.