Meet the MD/PhD Students

Throughout my time at CWRU, I worked at the Cleveland Clinic’s Research Institute in Dr. Vijay Krishna’s lab, where I developed a strong interest in biomaterials engineering and molecular spectroscopy. At the same time, I worked as a CNA, giving me the opportunity to see many of the technologies I was learning about in engineering courses being used in patient care every day. Connecting those clinical experiences with my interests in spectroscopy and biomedical technology sparked my interest in translational research, eventually leading me to optics and, ultimately, to the University of Arizona.

As an MSTP student, I am excited to explore research at the intersection of engineering and medicine. I am particularly interested in leveraging optical technologies to better understand human physiology and disease through non-invasive approaches.

In my free time, I enjoy puzzles, working out and learning about aerospace!

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Degrees Received

• BS: Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 2025

After graduating, I worked under Dr. Eric Pietras studying hematopoietic mutations associated with clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) throughout 2024. Beginning in 2025, I worked in the laboratories of Dr. Maria Amaya and Dr. Carlo Marchetti. Under Dr. Amaya, I led multiple projects focused on myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL), SF3B1 mutations, STAT3 signaling and oral chemotherapy clinical trials.

Under Dr. Marchetti, I co-led a project investigating the role of NLRP3 expression in tumor-associated macrophages and its impact on outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients receiving gemcitabine treatment.

In addition to research, I worked as a medical assistant at Spine West, a non-surgical physiatry practice specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation through anti-inflammatory treatment approaches.

As I begin my training in the MD/PhD program, I hope to pursue a career as a pediatric oncologist specializing in hematologic malignancies and other pediatric cancers.

Outside of medicine and research, I enjoy caring for my cats and plants, painting, volunteering with youth programs and exploring Tucson’s food scene with friends.

Publications Email Me

Degrees Received

• BA: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (summa cum laude) and Integrated Physiology (high distinction), minor in ethnic studies, University of Colorado Boulder, 2023

Honors & Awards

• 2023 Summa Cum Laude, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder
• 2023 MCDB Scientific Art Contest Winning Project Recipient
• 2022 Physiology Laboratory Winning Project Recipient
• 2019–2023 Honor Roll Recipient
• 2019–2023 Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Mentors Program Member
• 2021–2023 President, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Mentors Program

Presentations

• May M. et al. (2025). Analysis of CD8 Cytotoxic T Cells in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia. American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting. Orlando, FL. [Poster Presentation]
• May M. et al. (2025). Analysis of CD8 Cytotoxic T Cells in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia. Project Bridge STEM Day at the Capitol. Colorado State Capitol. Denver, CO. [Poster Presentation]
• May M. et al. (2025). Analysis of CD8 Cytotoxic T Cells in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia. Department of Medicine Research Day. (2025). University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Aurora, CO. [Poster Presentation]
• Femme in STEM Panel Career Networking Night. (2025). University of Colorado Boulder. Boulder, CO. [Panel Participant]

Outside of research, I worked as a medical assistant with Regenerative Spine and Pain Specialists, where I collaborated with physicians to serve a diverse patient population. This experience provided valuable insight into the challenges patients face while navigating the healthcare system and reinforced my interest in pursuing a career that integrates scientific discovery with clinical care.

As an MSTP student, I hope to bridge computational genomics with patient care to improve equitable implementation of precision medicine and genetics-informed treatments. I am particularly interested in applying bioinformatic approaches to investigate questions in human genetics, cancer biology and health disparities.

When I am not in the lab or clinic, I enjoy spending time with friends, weightlifting, trying new foods, listening to music and learning languages.

Publications Email Me

Degrees Received

• BS: Biology, Emory University

Honors & Awards

• Diversity Supplement to NCI R00CA252616, PI: Andrea Moffitt, 2024
• Emory University Class of 2024 100 Senior Honorary, 2024
• United Negro College Fund (UNCF) STEM Scholars Program, 2020

Posters & Presentations

Brown, A., Prah, A., Yoo, J., Tharp, G., Allen, P., Moffitt, A. (2025) Single-cell RNA sequencing to identify biomarkers of treatment response in cutaneous T cell lymphomas [Poster]. Winship Scientific Symposium, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.

Prah, A., Van Delden, D., Alexander, J., Stepansky, A., Boyle, E., Chiorazzi, N., Kolitz, J., Allen, S.L., Boisclair, S., Chitty, D., Moffitt, A. (2025) Comparison of clinical next generation sequencing and whole genome sequencing for acute myeloid leukemia characterization and classification [Poster]. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Chicago, IL.

Prah, A., Van Delden, D., Alexander, J., Stepansky, A., Boyle, E., Chiorazzi, N., Kolitz, J., Allen, S.L., Boisclair, S., Chitty, D., Moffitt, A. (2025) Comparison of clinical next generation sequencing and whole genome sequencing for acute myeloid leukemia characterization and classification [Poster]. UGA-Winship Cancer Research Summit, Athens, GA.

Prah, A., Moffitt, A., Van Delden, D., Alexander, J., Stepansky, A., Boyle, E., Chiorazzi, N., Kolitz, J., Allen, S.L., Wigler, M., Chitty, D. (2024) Analysis of Clinical Genetic Testing and Whole Genome Sequencing for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Characterization and Classification [Poster]. Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS), Pittsburgh, PA.

Prah, A., Van Delden, D., Alexander, J., Stepansky, A., Boyle, E., Chiorazzi, N., Kolitz, J., Allen, S.L., Chitty, D., Wigler, M., Moffitt, A. (2024) Analysis of Clinical Next Generation Sequencing Testing and Whole Genome Sequencing for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Detection and Classification [Poster]. Biology/Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Undergraduate Research Symposium, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.

I’m passionate about mentoring high school and undergraduate students in STEM. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are seeking mentorship.

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Degrees Received

• PhD: Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, 2026
• BA: Physics and Philosophy, Virginia Tech, 2018

Thesis Advisers: Jennifer Barton, PhD, and John Heusinkveld, MD

Honors & Awards

• Best Poster Award (3rd place), University of Arizona Biomedical Engineering Day (2026)
• Travel Award, ARCS Foundation ($500) (2026)
• Travel Award, SPIE Student Conference Support Program ($700) (2026)
• "Imaging the Uterotubal Junction for Endometriosis Detection" NIH F30 Ruth L. Kirschstein Individual Predoctoral NRSA, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2024 - 2028)
• Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation Award (Katherine Johnson West Scholar 2024, Pam Moseley Scholar 2025)
• October Editor's Choice for Preclinical Study, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (2025)
  Travel Award, ARCS Foundation ($500) (2025)
• Travel Award, Annual Scientific Meeting Medical Student Travel Scholarship, Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) ($1000) (2024)
• Travel Award, Cancer Research Training & Education Coordination (CRTEC), University of Arizona Cancer Center ($1000) (2023)
• Edmund Optics Bronze Educational Award, Edmund Optics ($5000) (2023)
• Norman Edmund Inspiration Award Winner, Edmund Optics ($5000) (2023)
• Distinction in Community Service (CUP Distinction Track), anticipated May 2028
• CVIR Most Cited Article (doi: 10.1007/s00270-020-02760-7) (2022)
• Editorial commentary, "Solbiati LA. Augmented Reality: Thrilling Future for Interventional Oncology? Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2021 May;44(5):782-783. doi: 10.1007/s00270-021-02801-9. PMID: 33835377." (2021)
• Minnie's Finalist for Best New Radiology Software - Clara COVID-19 AI Classification Model, Nvidia and the U.S. National Institutes of Health (https://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=nws&sub=rad&pag=dis&ItemID=13…) (2022)
• Best Basic Science Abstract Award, Society of Interventional Oncology (https://www.eventscribe.com/2020/posters/SIOANNUAL/SplitViewer.asp?PID=N...) (2020)
• Sunnybrook Award for Excellence in Student Data Research: “A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Clinical and Dosimetric Analyses of 1033 Oligometastatic Patients Treated with SBRT from the Consortium for Oligometastases Research - CORE” (2018)

Leadership Roles

• Co-leader, Medical Students For Choice (MSFC), UACOM-T Chapter (2025-present)
• Research Coordinator, UA Interventional Radiology Interest Group (2023-present)
• Research Committee, Planned Parenthood Generation Action, University of Arizona Chapter (2025)
• MSTP Recruitment Committee (2022, 2024)
• MSTP Colloquium & Continuity Clinic (2023)
• UACOM-T Professionalism committee (2023)
• Class of 2024 Preclerkship Student Representative (2020-2022)
• Patient coordinator, UACOM-T Commitment to Underserved Populations (CUP) Women's Clinic (2020-2021)

Mentorship

• UA Students Taking Advantage of Research (STAR) Lab Mentor, SARSEF (2024 - present)
• Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) Mentor (2024 - present)
• Flinn Scholar Mentor (2023 - present)
• UA Keep Engaging Youth in Science (KEYS) Mentor (2023, 2024)

Panel & Guest Speaker Invitations

• Presenter, "How to toot your own horn in fellowship grant and scholarship applications", Guidance from Remarkable & Outstanding Women (GROW) in STEM Workshop, April 2025.
• Panelist, Successful Surviving Panel, HSD 649 Survival Skills and Ethics Course, January 2025.
• Panelist, "We are IR: Representation & Mentorship in IR" at SIR annual meeting, Phoenix, AZ, March 2023.
• Presenter, "Addressing Health Care Disparities in 2S-LGBTQ+ Populations". Lecture presented to incoming medical students at UACOM-T, September 2022.

Media recognition

• Pool, R. (2026, January 1). The secret life of fallopian tubes. SPIE Photonics Focus.
• Smith, K. (2025, October 2). Falloposcope cancer screening tool testing advances to next steps. University of Arizona Health Sciences.
• Quirk, C. (2025, October 8). U of A biomedical engineer wins $3 M for tiny microscope to detect endometriosis. University of Arizona News.

Proceedings

• Long DJ, Klein R, Johnson M, Leaver J, Rice PF, Joasil A, Fewell V, Heusinkveld JM, Hendon C, Barton JK. Preparation and Supervised Segmentation of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Images of the Human Uterotubal Junction. Proc. SPIE 13833, Harnessing Light-Based Technologies for Reproductive, Maternal, and Neonatal Health: From Fundamental Discovery to Translation, 1383302 (5 March 2026); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3079033
• Long DJ, Xia T, Rice PF, Johnson M, Walton R, Nguyen A, Fewell V, Heusinkveld JM, Larina IV, Barton JK. Quantitative Analysis of Temperature-Dependent Ciliary Beat Frequency in the Human Fallopian Tube Using Optical Coherence Tomography. Proc. SPIE 13306, Advanced Biomedical and Clinical Diagnostic and Surgical Guidance Systems XXIII, 133060D (20 March 2025); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3040776. 
• Long DJ, Rice PF, Scully D, Xia T, Walton R, Aguirre A, Heusinkveld JM, Larina IV, Barton JK. Functional optical coherence tomography (OCT) for mapping of cilia beat frequency in the human fallopian tube ex vivo. Proc SPIE. 2024 Mar 12;12831:1283108. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3002970.
• Long DJ, Rice PF, Mazi D, Barton J, Heusinkeld J. Optical coherence tomography for the detection of electrothermal injury in radiofrequency-induced ex-vivo porcine ureters. Proc SPIE. 2023 Mar 14;12353:1235306. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2648512.
• Rocha AD, Drake WK, Rice PF, Long DJ, Shir H, Walton RHM, Reed MN, Galvez D, Potter CJ, Gorman T, Heusinkveld JM, Barton JK. Iterative prototyping based on lessons learned from the falloposcope in vivo pilot study experience. Proc. SPIE. 2023 Mar 14;12356:1235602. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2647896. PMID: 34162879.
• Seifabadi R, Li M, Long DJ, et al. Accuracy study of smartglasses/smartphone AR systems for percutaneous needle interventions. Proc SPIE. 2020 Mar 16;11315:1131511. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2549278.

Abstracts & Presentations

• "Revealing Cilia Function Within The Human Fallopian Tubes Using Optical Coherence Tomography" Long DJ, Xia T, Johnson M, Walton R, Rice PF, Miller M, Fewell V, Heusinkveld J, Larina IV, Barton JK. Poster Presentation at UA Biomedical Engineering Day, Tucson, AZ, February 2026.
• "Revealing Cilia Function Within The Human Fallopian Tubes Using Optical Coherence Tomography" Long DJ, Xia T, Johnson M, Walton R, Rice PF, Miller M, Fewell V, Heusinkveld J, Larina IV, Barton JK. Oral Presentation at ARCS Site Visit, Tucson, AZ, February 2026.
• "Structural-Functional Imaging of Small Luminal Tissues Using Optical Coherence Tomography" Long DJ, Barton JK. Oral Dissertation Defense, Tucson, AZ, February 13 2026.
• "Quantitative Analysis of Collagen Architecture in the Human Uterotubal Junction (UTJ) Using Optical Coherence Tomography" Long DJ, Klein R, Johnson M, Leaver J, Rice PF, Joasil A, Fewell V, Heusinkveld JM, Hendon C, Barton JK. Oral presentation at SPIE Photonics West, San Francisco, CA, January 2026.
• "Quantitative Analysis of Collagen Architecture in the Human Uterotubal Junction (UTJ) Using Optical Coherence Tomography" Long DJ, Klein R, Johnson M, Leaver J, Rice PF, Joasil A, Fewell V, Heusinkveld JM, Hendon C, Barton JK. Oral presentation at UA BME Seminar, Tucson, AZ, December 2025.
• "Quantitative Analysis of Ciliary Beat Frequency in the Human Fallopian Tubes Using Optical Coherence Tomography" Long DJ, Xia T, Johnson M, Walton R, Rice PF, Miller M, Fewell V, Heusinkveld J, Larina IV, Barton JK. Poster Presentation at ARCS Foundation Phoenix Scholar Awards Dinner, Phoenix, AZ, April 2025.
• "Quantitative Analysis of Temperature-Dependent Ciliary Beat Frequency in the Human Fallopian Tubes Using Optical Coherence Tomography" Long DJ, Xia T, Rice PF, Johnson M, Walton R, Nguyen A, Fewell V, Heusinkveld JM, Larina IV, Barton JK. Oral presentation at SPIE Photonics West, San Francisco, CA, January 2025.
• "Quantitative Texture Analysis of OCT Images for Automated Classification of Benign vs. Cancerous Colonic Tissue" Long DJ, Dong R, Rice PF, Sawyer TW, Routh J, Bains K, Chauhan M, Melson J, Barton JK. Poster Presentation at SPIE Photonics West, San Francisco, CA, January 2025.
• "Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for structural and functional analysis of the human fallopian tubes" Long DJ, Walton R, Scully D, Xia T, Aguirre A, Heusinkveld J, Larina IV, Barton JK. Poster Presentation at ARCS Foundation Phoenix Scholar Awards Dinner, Phoenix, AZ, April 2024.
• "Tubal catheterization with a miniature triple-modality optical falloposcope: A future IR procedure?" Long DJ, Rocha A, Drake W, Rice PF, Galvez D, Reed M, Struycken L,  Heusinkveld J, Barton JK. Oral presentation at SIR, Salt Lake City, UT, March 2024.
• "Applications for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in Interventional Radiology" Long DJ, Wood B, Barton JK, Struycken L. Oral presentation at SIR, Salt Lake City, UT, March 2024.
• "Optical Coherence Tomography for Functional Mapping of the Human Fallopian Tubes" Walton, R., Long DJ, Scully D, Xia T, Walton R, Aguirre A, Heusinkveld J, Larina IV, Barton JK. Poster Presentation at University of Arizona BME Day, Tucson, AZ, March 2024.
• "Evaluation of safety and feasibility of imaging normal fallopian tubes with an experimental OCT-MFI microendoscope." Rocha AD, Drake WK, Rice PF, Long DJ, Reed MN, Galvez D, Heusinkveld JM, Barton JK. Oral presentation at SPIE Photonics West, San Francisco, CA, January 2024.
• "Functional optical coherence tomography (OCT) for mapping of cilia beat frequency in the human fallopian tube ex vivo" Long, DJ, Rice, P., Scully, D., Xia, T., Walton, R., Aguirre, A., Heusinkveld, J., Larina, I.V., Barton, J.K.. Oral presentation at SPIE Photonics West, San Francisco, CA, January 2024.
• "Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of the Fallopian Tubes" Long DJ. Oral presentation at Data Blitz, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, November 2023.
• "Applications for Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in Genitourinary Surgery" Long DJ, Heusinkveld J, Barton JK. Oral presentation at Urogynecology Grand Rounds, Banner University Medical Center - Tucson, AZ, August 2023.
• "Optical Coherence Tomography Endoscopy for the Detection of Iatrogenic Electrothermal Ureteral Injury" Long, DJ. Abstract / oral presentation at Research Day, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, March 2023.
• "Augmented Reality / Mixed Reality for Interventional Radiology" Long, DJ., Li, M., Wood, B.W. Invited speaker at Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) annual meeting, Phoenix, AZ, March 2023.
• "Optical Coherence Tomography for the Detection of Thermal Injury in an Ex-Vivo Porcine Ureter Model" Long, DJ, Rice, P, Sawyer, T., Rocha, A., Galvez, D., Utzinger, U., Heusinkveld, J., Barton, J. Paper presented at SPIE Photonics West, January 2023.
• "Optical Coherence Tomography as a Method for Monitoring Extent of Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment of Renal Cancer: Proof of Concept in Ex-Vivo Porcine Kidney" Long, D., Wood, B., Barton, J. Abstract/poster presented at Cancer Research - Present & Future conference, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, September 2022. 
• “Smartphone- and Smartglasses-based Augmented Reality For Percutaneous Needle Placements: A Comparison Study Of System Accuracy and Operator Performance” Long, D.J., Li, M., Wood, B.W. Oral/poster presentation and NIH Clinical Center (CC) Postbac Poster Day, May 2020.
• “Effect of Radiofrequency Ablation and Checkpoint Inhibition on Immune Response and Tumor-Specific Cytotoxicity in a Pre-Clinical Mouse Melanoma Model” D. Long, O. Franco-Mahecha, A. Christou, et al. Abstract / oral presentation at Society of Interventional Oncology (SIO), New Orleans, LA, January 2020.
• “Tracked Cystoscopy for Bladder Cancer Surveillance” D. Long, A. Amalou, J. Karanian, W. Pritchard, Z. Tse, S. Xu, B. Wood. Abstract/poster presented at Society of Interventional Oncology (SIO), 768111 (2020).
• “Accuracy Study of AR Systems for Percutaneous Needle Interventions – iPhone vs HoloLens” M. Li, R. Seifabadi, D. Long, et al. Abstract/poster presented at Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), 1550 (2020).
• “Doxorubicin Dose Prediction with CBCT and Extravascular Drug Penetration Heatmaps Following TACE with Radiopaque Drug-eluting Beads in Woodchuck Hepatocellular Carcinoma Model” A. Mikhail, W. Pritchard, A. Negussie, D. Long, et al. Abstract/poster presented at Society of Interventional Oncology (SIO), 767601 (2020).
• “Correlating Drug Dose and Radiopaque Drug-eluting Bead Density on CT Following Chemoembolization in a Woodchuck Hepatic Tumor Model” D. Long, A. Mikhail, B. Wood. Oral presentation at NIH Radiology and Diagnostics Imaging Sciences Summer Internship Conference, Bethesda, MD, August 2018. 

As a PhD student, I studied various environmental exposures in all-woman populations under the guidance of Dr. Melissa Furlong. I have used innovative methods to measure the effects of maternal pesticide exposures and to investigate biological aging patterns in women firefighters. With my current clinical interest in orthopedic surgery, I plan on studying how environmental exposures influence the biological aging of the female musculoskeletal system in the context of reproductive outcomes, such as parity and menopause. My passion for environmental sustainability has also led me to be involved in efforts aimed at significantly reducing hospital waste.

My pursuit of a dual MD/PhD degree is driven by my desire to provide holistic care to my future patients. I firmly believe that environmental health is a vital component of medicine, and that appropriate treatment of a patient’s needs requires an understanding of their past, present and potential environmental exposures. In my future work, I am committed to building the bridge between these two fields.

I am endlessly grateful to my husband and son for being my constant sources of inspiration and support.

Publications Email Me Instagram Feature

Degrees Received

• PhD: Environmental Health Sciences, University of Arizona, 2026
• MPH: Epidemiology, University of California, San Diego, 2022
• BA: Human Biology and Society, University of California, Los Angeles, 2018

Honors and Awards

• Predoctoral NIEHS T32 Training Grant Fellowship
• Cliff and Penny Crutchfield Scholarship, University of Arizona, 2024–2026
• Graduate Student Professional Council Travel Grant, University of Arizona, 2024
• Southwest Trauma and Acute Care Symposium Award, University of Arizona, 2023
• College Honors, University of California, Los Angeles, 2014–2018

Selected Oral Presentations

Yang, A.R., et al. (2024). Agricultural Pesticide Exposures During Preconception and Pregnancy and Associations with Apgar Scores. 36th Annual Conference of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology, Santiago, Chile.

Yang, A.R., et al. (2024). A Review of Nationwide Triage Practices for Geriatric Trauma Patients. Nineteenth Annual Surgical Academic Congress, Washington, D.C.

Yang, A.R., et al. (2024). Final Lifelines: The Implications and Outcomes of Thoracic Damage Control Surgeries. Nineteenth Annual Surgical Academic Congress, Washington, D.C.

Yang, A.R., et al. (2023). Finding the Sweet Spot: Impact of Time to Take Back Operation on Damage Control Laparotomy Outcomes. Fourteenth Annual Southwest Trauma and Acute Care Symposium, Phoenix, AZ.

Selected Poster Presentations

Yang, A.R., et al. (2026). Associations of Retrospective Reproductive Factors with Epigenetic Age Acceleration in the FFCCS Women Firefighter Sub-Study. University of Arizona College of Medicine Research Day, Tucson, AZ.

Yang, A.R., et al. (2026). Occupational and Behavioral Predictors of Epigenetic Age Acceleration in the FFCCS Women Firefighter Sub-Study. University of Arizona MEZCOPH Public Health Poster Forum, Tucson, AZ.

Yang, A.R., et al. (2025). Maternal Demographic Predictors of Agricultural Pesticide Exposures in the Az-PEAR Study (2006-2020). Joint Annual Meeting of the International Society of Exposure Science and the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology, Atlanta, GA.

Yang, A.R., et al. (2025). Association of Preconception and Pregnancy Pesticide Exposures with Apgar Scores. Global Health Research Day, Tucson, AZ.

Yang, A.R., et al. (2024). Final Lifelines: The Implications and Outcomes of Thoracic Damage Control Surgeries. University of Arizona College of Medicine Research Day, Tucson, AZ.

 Publications In Training Pieces Email Me

Degrees Received

• PhD: Medical Pharmacology, University of Arizona
• BS: Microbiology and Cell Science and minor in Bioinformatics, University of Florida, 2018

Honors & Awards

• University Research Scholar at the University of Florida (UF) (2017-2018)
• IRTA fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (2018-2020)
• Best Abstract at the 1st Annual Arizona Neurosurgery and Neurology Student Conference (March 2023)
• Hank Yamamura Pharmacology Travel Award recipient for APSA 2023 joint conference
• Invited Guest Lecturer for International Lecture on Compression-Only CPR at Kottayam Valiyapalli, Kerala, India (01/07/2024)
• Graduate Professional Student Council (GPSC) Travel Award recipient for PHSG 2024 conference (June 1, 2024)
• Hank Yamamura Pharmacology Travel Award recipient for PHSG 2024 conference
• Distinction in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
• PRS Review 2024-2025 Medical Student Scholar

Paid Positions

• Graduate Student, University of Arizona – Department of Pharmacology, Tucson, AZ (2022-2024)
• Tutor for Step 1 USMLE Exam, UA-COMT, AZ (2022-2024)

Professional Memberships

• AMA – since July 2020
• APSA - since July 2020
• ASPS – since April 2023

Languages

• Fluent in English and Malayalam, Conversational in Spanish

Email Me

Degrees Received

• PhD: Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona
• BS: Physics and minor in mathematics, Arizona State University, 2017

Selected Publications

Thomas Larsen, Hsin Wu Tseng, Jing-Tzyh Alan Chiang, Srinivasan Vedantham, Soft tissue lesion and microcalcification detectability in cone-beam breast CT: cascaded system analysis, J. Med. Imag. 12(6), 063501 (2025), doi: 10.1117/1.JMI.12.6.063501

Larsen Thomas, Hsin Wu Tseng, Rachawadee Trinate, Zhiyang Fu, Jing-Tzyh Alan Chiang, Andrew Karellas, Srinivasan Vedantham, Maximizing microcalcification detectability in low-dose dedicated cone-beam breast CT: parallel cascades-based theoretical analysis, J. Med. Imag. 11(3), 033501 (2024), doi: 10.1117/1.JMI.11.3.033501.

Thomas C Larsen, Amir M Hasani, Shirley F Rollison, Tania R Machado, Amanda M Jones, Patricia Julien-Williams, Marcus Y Chen, Joel Moss, Han Wen. Clinical CT underestimation of the percentage volume occupied by cysts in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Clinical Imaging (2019). doi:10.1016/j.clinimag.2019.11.004

Larsen Thomas C, et al. Regional Ultrahigh-Resolution Rescan in a Clinical Whole-Body CT Scanner Using a Contact Detector Insert. Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.) vol. 5,2 (2019): 233-238. doi:10.18383/j.tom.2019.00002

Larsen Thomas C, et al. Optimization of a secondary VOI protocol for lung imaging in a clinical CT scanner. Journal of applied clinical medical physics vol. 19,4 (): 271-280. doi:10.1002/acm2.12354

Wen Han, et al. Correlative Detection of Isolated Single and Multi-Cellular Calcifications in the Internal Elastic Lamina of Human Coronary Artery Samples. Scientific Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, 2018, doi:10.1038/s41598-018-29379-6.

Rez Peter, Larsen Thomas C, Elbaum Michael. Exploring the theoretical basis and limitations of cryo-STEM tomography for thick biological specimens. Journal of structural biology, 196 (3), 466-47816, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.jsb.2016.09.014

Larsen Thomas C, Rez Peter. Estimates of the Capacity Factor of Wind Farms in the United States. Journal of Sustainable Energy Engineering 5 (3), 194-206, 2017. doi: 10.7569/JSEE.2017.629514

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Degrees Received

• PhD: Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, 2024

Honors and Awards

• UA Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine Excellence in Research Award 2025
• College of Medicine – Tucson Graduate Peer Mentoring Fellowship 2024
• University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) CRTEC Travel Award 2022, 2023
• UA Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC) Travel Award 2022
• UA NCI T32 Integrated Cancer Scholar Trainee 2022-2024
• Arizona ARCS Foundation Scholar 2022-2024

Posters and Presentations

• American Association of Physicians (AAP), American Physician Scientist’s Association (APSA), American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) Joint Meeting, Poster; Chicago, IL April 2026
• Translational Medicine Symposium, Podium Talk; Tucson, AZ March 2024
• College of Medicine – Tucson Research Day 2021, Symposium Talk; Tucson, AZ May 2023
• American Society of Cell Biology (ASCB) / European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Joint Meeting, Symposium Talk & Poster; Boston, MA December 2023
• AAP/APSA/ASCI Joint Meeting, Poster; Chicago, IL April 2023
• UA Cancer Engineering Initiative Inaugural Symposium, Poster; Tucson, AZ March 2023
• ASCB/EMBO Joint Meeting, Micro-Symposium Talk & Poster; Washington, D.C. December 2022
• American Association of Cancer Researchers (AACR), Poster; New Orleans, LA April 2022

Selected Publications

Julia M. Morris, Katharine G. Johnson, Chonlarat Wichaidit, Lauren Riede, Reeba P. Varghese, Dante Bellomo, Mary Yagle, Baris Kerimoglu, Megha Padi, Kelvin W. Pond, Nathan A. Ellis, Curtis A. Thorne. Phenotypic Profiling of Colon Cancer PDOs Reveals Chemoresistant, AKT-Driven Tumor Subpopulation. EMBO Molecular Medicine. Submitted.

Song H, Sontz RA, Vance MJ, Morris JM, Sheriff S, Zhu S, Duan S, Zeng J, Koeppe E, Pandey R, Thorne CA, Stoffel EM, Merchant JL. High-fat diet plus HNF1A variant promotes polyps by activating β-catenin in early onset colorectal cancer. JCI Insight. 2023 May 23:e167163. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.167163. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37219942.

Kelvin W Pond, Julia M Morris, Olga Alkhimenok, Reeba P Varghese, Carly R Cabel, Nathan A Ellis, Jayati Chakrabarti, Yana Zavros, Juanita L Merchant, Curtis A Thorne, Andrew L Paek (2022) Live-cell imaging in human colonic monolayers reveals ERK waves limit the stem cell compartment to maintain epithelial homeostasis eLife 11:e78837

Rivard RS, Morris JM, Youngman MJ. The PP2A/4/6 subfamily of phosphoprotein phosphatases regulates DAF-16 and confers resistance to environmental stress in postreproductive adult C. elegans. PLoS One. 2020 Dec 14;15(12):e0229812. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229812. PMID: 33315870; PMCID: PMC7735605.

Moving to Arizona was a big change for me, but the community of students and faculty here at the College of Medicine – Tucson has been so welcoming. I have found groups of amazing and supportive friends and mentors whom I can rely on. On another note, the college offers amazing opportunities to immerse myself in community-based healthcare. I have been working with the Shubitz Family Care Clinic to offer free healthcare to underinsured and uninsured patients. In my first year of medical school, I got to travel to Mexico with MexZona, a nonprofit organization that offers monthly free family care to the community of Rocky Point. Our group, consisting of medical students, undergraduates, physicians, nurses and pharmacists, served over 100 patients that day. It was honestly the most rewarding medical experience I have ever had.

On my free time, I lift weights, hike on the weekends, build LEGO and watch a lot of movies, especially horror/thriller. The food scene here in Tucson also has surprised me because of how good everything has been. Please reach out if you need recommendations! Ramen, curry katsu, KBBQ, pho, Indian food ... You name it!

 Publications Email Me

Degrees Received

• PhD: Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, 2025
• BA: Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 2016

Leadership

• MD-PhD Admission Committee (2023-2025)
• MD-PhD Recruitment Committee (2022-2023)
• MD-PhD Student Progress Committee (2021-2022)
• Medical Research Student Association (MSAR) - Co-director (2019-2020)
• Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) - Treasurer (2019-2020)

Outside of medical school, I enjoy spending time in the gym, trail running or visiting San Diego where my husband is stationed as a Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot.

(Ask me or Hannah Korah about our desk walking pads...)

Publications ORCID ID Email Me

Year Entered Program: 2022

Degrees Received

• MS: Human Physiology, Boston University, 2022
• BS: Microbiology, minor in biochemistry, University of Arizona, 2020
• BS: Physiology, Honors Distinction, University of Arizona, 2020

Honors & Awards

• 2026 College of Medicine – Tucson Graduate Peer Mentoring Fellowship Award
• 2026-27, 2025-26 Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Phoenix Chapter Scholar  
• 2025 Predoctoral T32 Fellowship Interdisciplinary Training in Cardiovascular Research (CVR) (HL007249-48)  
• 2025 Certification, Eureka International Summer Course on Translational Medicine, Utrecht, Netherlands 
• 2024, 2025 University of Arizona Travel Grants (College of Medicine – Tucson, CMM, BME Departments)   
• 2022, 2023 University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Medical Award of Excellence 
• 2020 Tri-Alpha Honors Society for First Generation College Graduate Students Inductee 
• 2020 University of Arizona Honors College Outstanding Senior of the Year Nominee 
• 2020 University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Senior of the Year Nominee 

Presentations

• Berthiaume Fox, K. A. et al. (2025) Asthmatic Bronchoconstriction Impacts Cell Metabolism. University of Arizona College of Medicine Research Day. Tucson, AZ. [Poster, Oral Presentation]
• Berthiaume Fox, K. A. et al. (2025) Bronchoconstriction Modulates CC16 Levels and Subsequent Dysregulation of Epithelial Cells in Asthma. Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA. [Oral Presentation] 
• Berthiaume Fox, K. A. et al. (2025). Optimizing a Mechanical Stress System to Investigate the Role of CC16 in Airway Remodeling and Cell Metabolism in Asthma. University of Arizona Biomedical Engineering Day, Tucson, AZ. [Poster] 
• Berthiaume Fox, K. A. et al. (2024). Cosmetic Gluteal Augmentation Causes Multi-Organ Failure, Severe Hemolysis, and Death. Society for Critical Care Medicine, Critical Care Congress. Phoenix, AZ. [Oral Presentation]
• Berthiaume, K. A. (2022). The Functional Characterization of ADGRG6 in Induced Type 2 Alveolar Epithelial Cells. Creminar, Boston University Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM). Boston, MA. [Oral Presentation] 

During my undergraduate, I worked with Dr. Gothard’s lab at the University of Arizona studying neurophysiology and social behavior in gaze following and adolescent brain development in rhesus macaque monkeys. My research on gaze following studied social attention mechanisms, revealing that viewer monkeys are more likely to follow the gaze of those exhibiting appeasing behaviors, contrary to initial hypotheses. This work extended into an independent project, highlighting the importance of social interactions in directing attention. In my thesis, I studied how adolescent brain development influences reward processing, combining behavioral data and MRI tractography.

In addition, I worked at Dr. Ferrari’s lab at the Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod under the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France. I examined the impact of early-life adversities on rhesus macaques and investigated the spatial numerical association of the response codes effect.

Some of my hobbies are baking macarons, sleeping and finding more hobbies.

Publications Email Me

Degrees Received

• BS: Molecular and Cellular Biology, minor in Biochemistry, Honors Distinction, University of Arizona, 2024
• BSHS: Physiology and Medical Sciences, minor in emergency medical services, University of Arizona, 2024

Honors & Awards

• Molecular and Cellular Biology Outstanding Senior Graduation Speaker
• Graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors - University of Arizona
• Biology Research Abroad: Vistas Open! Alumni
• University of Arizona Academic Year Highest Academic Distinction (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
• Phi Beta Kappa (Science Honors Society) member

Professional Societies

• Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
• American Medical Association (AMA)
• American Physician Scientists Association (APSA)

Selected Presentations

Kim S, Bowman A, Morrison A, & Gothard K M. “How Brain Maturation of Adolescent Primates Influences Reward Processing”. Franke Honors Pinnacle. 24 April 2024. Poster.

Kim S, Bowman A, Morrison A, Bolles C M, & Gothard K M. “Adolescent Monkey Brain Maturation Correlates with Behavioral and Physical Development”. Undergraduate Biology Research Program 35th Conference. January 2024. Poster.

Bowman A I, Morrison A A, Kim S, Bolles C, Chang S W, & Gothard K M. “Longitudinal Study of Social and Non-Social Reward Valuation in Adolescent Primate Development: Initial Report”. Society for Neuroscience 2023 Conference. 11-15 November 2023. Poster.

Kim S, Bowman A, Morrison A, Bolles C M, & Gothard K M. “Delay Discounting and Physiological Development in Primate Adolescents”. Undergraduate Biology Research Program 34th Conference. January 2023. Poster.

Champ T, Lee S, Martin A B, Bolles C, Kim S, & Gothard K M. “Social Engagement Revealed by Gaze Following in Third-party Observers of Simulated Social Conflict”. Society for Neuroscience 2022 Conference. November 2022. Poster.

Kim S, Bolles C M, Champ T M, Lee S, O’Neill D, Martin A, & Gothard K M. “How do observers divide visual attention between interacting social partners?”. Undergraduate Biology Research Program 33th Conference. January 2022. Poster.

Jacobson N N, Lee S, Dennis B R, Bolles C M, Kim S, Seaton B T, Champ T M, O’Neill D, & Gothard K M. “Does Social Rank Subvert Attention Allocation to Novelty?”. Society for Neuroscience 2021 Conference. November 2021. Poster.

Cardenas M A, Lee S, Champ T M, Jacobson N N, Hillier E A, Bolles C M, Kim S, O’Neill D, Martin A B, & Gothard K M. “Autonomic State Predicts Engagement of Macaques with Videos of Conspecific Social Interactions”. Society for Neuroscience 2021 Conference. November 2021. Poster.

My early introduction to research was through Dr. Emmitt Jolly’s Lab in the Department of Biology, studying the molecular genetics of schistosome form and function at the cercarial stage of development. Through this short internship, I was introduced to immunology and conducted summer research with Dr. Irving Weissman’s lab at Stanford University’s Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the intersection of stem cells, immunology and infectious disease. Under Dr Michal Tal’s mentorship, I discovered a novel connection between Lyme disease and atopic dermatitis. In addition, I helped investigate macrophage trafficking and early studies of the saliva’s protective role against SARS-CoV-2.

At Case Western Reserve, I joined Dr. David Wald’s Lab in Department of Pathology, where I studied organoid development and CAR-modified NK cells to be used in future immunotherapy against blood-based cancers. My master’s thesis explored the neuroethics of biomarkers, working with pre-eminent investigators to decipher implications of clinical decision-making in a changing cognitive state.

After graduation, I joined my mentor, Dr. Tal, in her move from Stanford across the country to Boston, where I helped her found her independent lab within the MIT Department of Biological Engineering and Center for Gynepathology Research. For three years prior to matriculation, I was the animal lab manager and assisted Dr. Tal in initiating the largest clinical study at MIT, MAESTRO, which intends to collect a biobank for investigators in academia and industry to research infection-associated chronic illnesses from patients with long COVID, Lyme disease (both acute and chronic), and other patient cohorts. There, I found many indications that pivoted to a pursuit into a career as a physician-scientist, contributing to growing understanding of sex differences in these conditions through both mouse models and human data while growing the lab.

In addition to my research experiences in preparation for a career in medicine, I have deep interests in service, volunteering in leadership at a nonprofit organization for a stint and as a host at the Boston Symphony most recently. I’ve mentored extensively, guiding applicants through college, PhD and medical programs, and plan to continue doing so during my academic time here at the College of Medicine – Tucson and in the greater community.

In my nonexistent free time, I can be found training for my next triathlon/marathon in the early mornings, listening to music, cooking, reading, and exploring Tucson and the rest of the American Southwest when I can’t catch a flight abroad. I am a “couch to marathon” runner, coming from a childhood not spent as an athlete but completed my first marathon six months after picking up running. I’m excited to join the College of Medicine – Tucson MSTP and eager to see what awaits!

Publications Email Me

Degrees Received

• MA: Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Case Western Reserve University, 2021
• BA: Cognitive Science, Case Western Reserve University

Honors & Awards

• American Thoracic Society Student Scholars Program, 2021 

Professional Societies

• American Association of Immunologists
• American Medical Association
• American Physical Scientists Association
• Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies 

Oral Presentations

Lee, BT et al. “Novel Association of Lyme Disease, Age, and Atopic Dermatitis.” Inaugural TickNet Toronto Symposium 2023, Toronto, Canada; October 2023.

Lee, B.T., et al.. “Novel Association of Lyme Disease, Age, and Atopic Dermatitis.” Journal of Immunology 208 (1_Supplement): 49.26; May 2022. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.208.Supp.49.26

Lee, B.T. et al. Infection Detection: Age at time of infection affects murine host immune response to Lyme borreliosis.” NIH Rocky Mountain Labs 2019 and CWRU Intersections Research Showcase Fall 2019.

Select Presented Posters

Strausz, S., Abner, E., Blacker, G., Galloway, S., Hansen, P., Feng, Q., Lee, B. T., … Ollila, H. M. “SCGB1D2 inhibits growth of Borrelia burgdorferi and affects susceptibility to Lyme disease.” Gordon Research Conference Biology of Spirochetes 2024, Ventura, CA; January 2024.

Lee, B.T. et al. “Novel Association of Lyme Disease, Age, and Atopic Dermatitis.” Gordon Research Conference Biology of Spirochetes 2024, Ventura, CA; January 2024. Also presented at Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies June 2023, Boston MA.

Lee, B.T. et al. “Clinical features of atopic dermatitis found in tails of mice infected with Lyme Disease.” New York Skin Club Meeting at Icahn Mount Sinai Skin Biology & Diseases Resource-based Center, New York, NY; 12/7/21, 12/9/23.

Lee, Brandon, Byrne, Cara. Drifting into Innocence: A new role for children’s books in the perioperative treatment plan CWRU Intersections Research Showcase Spring 2018

Outside of lab and school, I love being outdoors, hiking, reading, spending time with my friends and family, and finding any excuse to host a dinner party.

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Year Entered Program: 2023

Degrees Received

• BS: Neuroscience (minor in biology), Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, 2019

Honors & Awards

• Recipient, University of Arizona Travel Grants (College of Medicine – Tucson, CTS Department)
• Member, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
• Suma Cum Laude Graduation Honors, Drake University
• Scholarship Recipient, Psyche M. Gooden Scholarship for Excellence in Scholarship in Psychology and Neuroscience
• Member, Nu-Ro-Psi Neuroscience Honors Society

Selected Presentations

Miller A. “Phenome-wide Association of APOL1 Risk Alleles in the All of Us Research Program.” Research Panel 1: How Our DNA Shapes Health Across All Communities. All of Us Science Day 2026. 2026 April 15. Oral Presentation.

Miller A, Vicenti A, Khajouei E, Martinez K, Tran TC, Denny JC, Wheeler TJ, Karnes JH. Phenome-wide association of APOL1 risk alleles in the All of Us Research Program. Poster Board 1108W. Poster presented at: ASHG 2025 Annual Meeting. The American Society of Human Genetics; 2025 October 15; Boston, MA.

Miller A, Vicenti A, Khajouei E, Martinez K, Wheeler T, Karnes J. “Characterization of APOL1 Alleles in the All of Us Research Program.” University of Arizona Translational Medicine Symposium. 2025 May 30. Poster.

Miller A, Nigbur S, Petrzelka J, Bangash H, Hussain S, Caraballo P, Freimuth R, Kullo I. Electronic Health Record-Based Recruitment for Genomic Research Studies. Poster Board 2166. Poster presented at: ASHG 2022 Annual Meeting. The American Society of Human Genetics; 2022 October 25-29; Los Angeles, CA.

Miller A, Kullo I. “EHR-based Recruitment for eMERGE IV.” Electronic Medical Records and Genomics Network Steering Committee Meeting. June 2022. Panel Presentation.

Miller A, Nigbur S, Kullo I. Increasing Detection of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in an Academic Medical Center: Familial Hypercholesterolemia Identification Registry (FHIRE). Program Number 1272. Platform presentation presented at: ASHG 2021 Annual Meeting. American Society of Human Genetics; 2021 October 18-22; Virtual Meeting.

Miller A, Kochan D, Kullo I. Cascade Testing for Familial Hypercholesterolemia: an ’Enrollment Gap.’ Poster Board 3043. Poster presented at: ASHG 2020 Annual Meeting. The American Society of Human Genetics; 2020 October 27-31; Virtual Meeting.

Miller A, Zonneville J, Grant S, Walden R, Colligan S, Abrams S, Bakin A. “The Role of p38MAPK in the Tumor Microenvironment.” 2018 Summer Research Experience in Cancer Sciences Conference, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY. 8-10 August 2018. Oral and Poster Presentations.

• “Best Elevator Talk” Award

Professional Societies

• Trainee Member, American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
• Member, American Medical Association (AMA)
• Member, American Physician Scientists Association (APSA)

An interest in the biological sciences and a future in a fast-paced career that would require lifelong learning originally drew me to medicine, and my drive to understand the intricate systems of the human body was satisfied in the research laboratory. I began clinically relevant research in the laboratory of Dr. Ray Enke at James Madison University during my sophomore year of high school. My first project investigated the role of methylation in the developing chicken retina, which allowed me to explore bioinformatics and learn advanced molecular laboratory techniques. I then served as a research assistant on an NIH-funded project that focused on isolating the role of hydroxymethylation in the process of demethylation within retinal tissue with a goal of understanding the role of epigenetic processes in macular degeneration.

At Furman University, I began my undergraduate research in the lab of Dr. Linnea Freeman in the Department of Biology to study the effects of sex, diet and antibiotics on body weight, gut microbiota composition and circulating hormone levels. Upon declaring my chemistry major, I joined the lab of Dr. Meghan Breen in the Department of Chemistry working to elucidate the mechanism of fluconazole resistance in the human pathogenic yeast species Candida glabrata. My continued defining of my future career path led me to determine that my life goal is to leave a positive legacy by combining my passions for medicine and research in clinical treatment of patients and engagement in translational research that advances medical knowledge and practices.

While I find great joy in the hours I spend learning in the classroom and laboratory, I do enjoy some other outside interests. You can often find me competing in a game of volleyball or pickleball, enjoying a Pilates class, grabbing a meal with friends and family, or spending time with my two cats, Ziva and Zahra. I am grateful for the chance to be a part of the College of Medicine – Tucson MSTP family and look forward to my continued training in this program.

Web Feature Publications Email Me

Year Entered Program: 2024

Degrees Received

• BS: Chemistry, Furman University, 2024

Honors & Awards

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude at Furman University
• Furman University Dean’s List All 8 Semesters of Undergraduate
• Iota Sigma Pi Undergraduate Award for Excellence in Chemistry National Winner (2024), Furman University, Greenville, SC
• The American Institute of Chemists Outstanding Student in Biochemistry Award (2024), Furman University, Greenville, SC
• Donaldson-Watkins Medal for General Excellence Recipient (2024), Furman University, Greenville, SC
• Furman University Scholarship Cup Recipient (2024), Furman University, Greenville, SC
• 1st Place Recipient of Ernest E. Just Symposium Undergraduate Research Manuscript Award (2023), The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
• Furman University Department of Chemistry Hicks Fellow (2023), Furman University, Greenville, SC
• Furman University Department of Chemistry Southern Chemistry Scholarship Recipient (2023), Furman University, Greenville, SC
• Charles H. Townes Scholar (2020-2024), Furman University, Greenville, SC
• Paul Harris Fellow (2018)

Selected Presentations

Stapleton, S. A. et. al. Effects of Pdr1 Phosphorylation on Fluconazole Resistance in Candida glabrata. Poster Presentation. The Protein Society - 37th Annual Symposium | July 2023

Stapleton, S. A. et. al. Effects of Pdr1 Phosphorylation on fluconazole resistance in Candida glabrata. Invited Oral Presentation. 126th Convention of the Palmetto Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association | ACCME and AGD PACE Endorsed | April 2023

Stapleton, S. A. et. al. Effects of Pdr1 Phosphorylation on fluconazole resistance in Candida glabrata. Invited Oral Presentation. Ernest Everett Just Symposium | The Medical University of South Carolina | February 2023

Stapleton, S. A. et. al. Effects of Pdr1 Phosphorylation on fluconazole resistance in Candida glabrata. Oral Presentation. 73rd Southeastern Regional Meeting ACS Meeting | October 2022

Stapleton, S. et al. Investigation of the Phosphorylation Status of the Candida glabrata Pdr1 Transcription Factor. Poster Presentation. 36th Annual Symposium of the Protein Society | July 2022

Stapleton, A. et al. Sex Differences in Response to Diet and Antibiotics on the Gut Microbiome, Serum Leptin, and Circulating Free Fatty Acid Levels. Oral Presentation | Furman Engaged | May 2022

Stapleton, A et al. Characterizing Epigenetic Demethylation of Conserved Cis-Regulatory Elements in the Developing Chicken Retina. Poster Presentation. James Madison University Biosymposium | 2019

Stapleton, A et al. Use of MSRE-PCR for the Study of Methylation Status in the Developing Chicken Retina. Poster Presentation. James Madison University Biosymposium | 2018

Professional Societies

• American Medical Association (AMA)
• American Physician Scientists Association (APSA)
• Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) National Leadership Honor Society
• Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) National Academic Honor Society

A sports enthusiast, traveler and marathoner each represent the person I am during my free time. As a sports enthusiast, I love watching soccer games and I am a huge fan of Lionel Messi, one of the best, if not the greatest, soccer players to ever play the game. As a traveler and an immigrant from Cameroon, I enjoy immersing myself in different cultures and learning to approach life through different lenses. As a beginner in long-distance running, I am inspired by Eliud Kipchoge, the first to run a marathon in under two hours. As I train and push myself to run faster, I am amazed by how much the human body can do. My ultimate goal is to someday run in the Boston Marathon.

I enjoy learning new skills and seeking to acquire new knowledge. It makes me very excited to be part of this MD/PhD program. I intend to use this new medical knowledge to become an effective and compassionate translator in the healthcare milieu, to leverage and harness basic sciences to improve the clinical outcomes of patients here in Tucson and beyond.

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Year Entered Program: 2022

Degrees Received

• MS: Applied Bioscience (Diagnostic Laboratory Science track), University of Arizona, 2016
• BS: Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon (West Africa), 2012

Honors & Awards

• 2026 ARCS Foundation Scholar
• 2026 Outstanding UA COM-T Medical student in Hematology and Oncology
• 2026 R&D Impact Foundation Endowed ASCO Clinical Oncology and Research Experience
• 2025 ASCO Conquer Cancer Medical Student Rotation Award
• 2025 CURE Scholar Travel Fund Award, Huntsman Cancer Institute University of Utah
• 2025 ARCS Foundation Scholar
• 2023 Harvard Catalyst Visiting Research Internship Award at Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI)
• 2023 Summer Experience Award for First Year Medical Students at MD Anderson Cancer Center (declined offer)
• 2015-2016 University of Arizona Graduate Tuition Scholarship Awards

Oral Presentations

1. Zinkeng A., et al A single nucleotide polymorphism in HNF1A plus a high-fat diet contributes to MASLD and HCC development. Research Symposium, Digestive Disease Week, May 4, 2025, San Diego, CA
2. Zinkeng A., Panelist “MD-PhD: Is it Right for Me”, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS), Nov 2023, Phoenix, AZ
3. Zinkeng A., Repurposing Tadalafil (Cialis) as an anticancer agent. University of Arizona College of Medicine Data blitz. Sep 29, 2023.
4. Zinkeng A., African American (AA) participation in clinical trials supporting FDA approval of CAR-T therapies in MM and evaluating their performance in AA patients at DFCI. 2023 Visiting Research Internship Program closing ceremony presentations. July 27, 2023.

Poster Presentations

1. Ding L, Arshad J, Sheriff S, Zinkeng A, Mallick P, Sontz R, Merchant J., Phosphodiesterase 5/6 inhibition targets Slfn4/Slfn12l+ MDSCS and reshapes the immune microenvironment in gastric cancer. Poster at Digestive Disease Week, May 4, 2025, San Diego, CA
2. Zinkeng A., et al A single nucleotide polymorphism in HNF1A plus a high-fat diet contributes to MASLD and HCC development. Poster at the AAP/ASCI/APSA Annual Joint Meeting. Chicago, IL. Apr. 25, 2025
3. Zinkeng A., et al A single nucleotide polymorphism in HNF1A plus a high-fat diet contributes to MASLD and HCC development. University of Arizona College of Medicine Research Day. Tucson, AZ. April. 2, 2025
4. Zinkeng A & Hartley-Brown, M., African American participation in CAR-T clinical trials in Multiple myeloma and CAR-T utilization at DFCI. Poster. New England Science Symposium, March 23, 2024. Boston, MA.
5. Zinkeng A, Wertheimer, A. Galgiani, & Briehl, M., Multicenter Clinical Validation of a Cartridge Based Real-Time PCR System for Detection of Coccidioides spp. in Lower Respiratory Specimens. Poster. Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) Annual meeting, June 2017, Providence, Rhode Island

Certificates Earned

• 2nd Antimicrobial Course: a One Health Challenge Les Pensières, France 1-5 Nov, 2021
• Interdisciplinary Course on Antibiotics and Resistance ICARe, Les Pensières, France 16-24 October 2021.
• Role of Diagnostics in the Antimicrobial Resistance Response, London School Of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine 2020
• Regulatory Education for Industry (REdI): Clinical Investigator Training Course, FDA- Nov. 12-14, 2019
• Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP):January 2017
• Certified Pharmacy Technician Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): November 2014