Thesis Thursday

Hi! My name is Chloe and I am a junior at the University of Arizona. I am majoring in Physiology and Molecular and Cellular Biology, with minors in Biochemistry and Leadership Studies. I have been working in Dr. Bhattacharya’s immunobiology lab for a year now, working on determining the specific functions of solute carrier proteins with the hopes of identifying why some plasma cells live longer than others! After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and work towards a Ph.D. in immunology. In my free time, I like to read, roller skate, and try out new baking recipes!

My name is Advait and I’m a recent Molecular Biology graduate, and currently in the Accelerated Masters Program (AMP). For the past 3 years, I’ve worked in the Campos Lab at the Bio5 institute, where we study Human Papillomavirus (HPV)— the leading cause of ~90% of cervical cancer cases. My current research projects involve the anti-viral enzyme known as cGAS (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase) that is a DNA sensor which binds DNA and stimulates an immune response. It’s a very cool enzyme, and I hope to figure out how HPV is stifling its function because we have some evidence suggesting that.

In my spare time, I love to play soccer, but also recently got into basketball (since no one plays soccer in AZ in the summer).

My name is Amal Anilkumar, and I am a rising senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Physiology and Medical Sciences with a minor in Biochemistry. I have been working in the Goldman Laboratory in the Sarver Heart Center for over two years, where we assess chronic heart failure in swine and mouse models. I am involved in several projects within our lab, most of which revolve around the utilization of imaging techniques such as MRI to assess parameters such as cardiac wall strain and wall stress.  Some of my other involvements include the Senate of the Association of Students of the University of Arizona (ASUA), Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-professional health, the Department of Physiology Peer Mentor System, U Arizona Physiology Ambassadors, and the SPARCC Concussion Clinic.

I am a Junior at the U of A studying Microbiology. I chose this major because I am really interested in the wide spectrum of pathogens and how they work to evade the body’s immune system. I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina and moved to Tucson with my family 8 years ago. I really miss the east coast and try to visit every summer. I really like to listen to jazz and was in a jazz band in high school. In my free time I like to play the piano, make music, and read comics. One of my favorite comics is Morning Glories as well as Prodigy. One of my favorite movies is The Lighthouse which is an eerie horror starring Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. Willem Dafoe is probably one of my favorite actors.

Benjamin Karls is a 1st year PhD Student in Katerina Dontsova’s Lab at Biosphere 2 studying the fate and transport of insensitive munitions (IM) explosive compounds in the soil and the water. Ben moved to Tucson to fulfill his undergraduate degree here at the University of Arizona where he received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a Physical and Chemical Dynamic emphasis and then decided to continue his education and pursue a doctoral degree. When not working, Ben fills his time volunteering with local Tucson organizations, watching shows and movies, enjoying a good book, or trying different local restaurants in the area.

My name is Caleb Seekins and I am a Biochemistry major entering my Junior year at the University of Arizona. I work in the Streicher lab in the department of pharmacology where we study opioids and opioid signaling pathways. My current project is on researching pathways involved in intermittent fasting and how it may help increase the efficacy of opioids. I hope that my research will aid in the production of opioids that are more effective while being less addictive! During my free time, I like to play basketball, go biking, and cook new foods. Once I graduate my goal is to go to medical school!

My name is Harvey, and I am a rising junior at the University of Arizona. I am majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and looking to add a minor in both Biochemistry and Fine Arts. I have been working in Dr. Lisa Nagy’s lab for almost a year and a half studying beetle segmentation regulation in Tribolium castaneum. Drosophila melanogaster has long been used as a model species, but segments differently from most other arthropods. By studying Tribolium castaneum, we will gain novel insight into how most arthropods are designed. In my spare time I enjoy hiking in the desert, creating art, and being on the UA Roller Derby team.

Xander is a high school senior and researcher at the University of Arizona S.T.A.R. Lab.  He has studied in the Palanivelu Lab with Dr. Cedar Warman for the last two years. Centered around discovering stress-tolerant crops, his studies have included mRNA transcript analyses of incompatible tomato crosses and tomato pollen tube growth under heat stress. Xander received first place at both regional and state competitions and won 3rd place in Plant Sciences at the 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).  Besides research, Xander teaches chemistry, plays violin with the Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra, and enjoys mountain biking in the Tortolita Mountains.  Xander plans to study biomedical engineering at Duke University in the fall.

Ferris is studying Physiology and Medical Sciences at the University of Arizona, and is a trainee with the Native American Cancer Prevention (NACP) program in Dr. Jennifer W. Bea’s research lab. He also works as a medical scribe at Oro Valley Hospital’s emergency department. He is originally from Mesa, Arizona, and plans to apply to medical school in the near future. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking different trails in Arizona, exploring new restaurants, visiting museums, and attending sporting events.

NACP summer internship, Dr. Jennifer Bea and student Ferris Saad

Elizabeth is a super senior at The University of Arizona, majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Psychology. She’s been working in the Ronaldson Lab for a year, assisting with research into ischemic stroke and the effects of Acetaminophen on the blood-brain barrier, which she greatly enjoys. After Elizabeth graduates in August, she’ll be starting a doctoral program in the ABBS program at the University of Arizona, where she plans on pursuing her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their 7 rescue pets, playing video games, and enjoying all that Tucson has to offer.