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

Under Dr. Michael Jakowec and Dr. Giselle Petzinger, I investigated the physiology of astrocytes in an exercised mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, sparking my passions for neurodegenerative disease research and glial biology. Under Dr. Teal Eich, I explored the correlations between intellectual humility, age, curiosity, error correction and confidence. These experiences galvanized me toward the path of a physician-scientist.

Following graduation, I completed an internship at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, working with Dr. Claudia Cantoni to investigate the effects of different types of stress on oligodendrocyte differentiation in a mouse model of remyelination. For patients and families contending with neurodegenerative disease, the options for care are often scarce. As an MSTP student at the University of Arizona, I hope to mobilize a joint career in research and medicine to help people navigate challenges like these.

In my free time, I enjoy singing, drawing, spending time with my wonderful family, and finding new and interesting spots to eat! I’m always up for a conversation about neuroscience, philosophy, cats, etc.

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Degrees Received

• BS: Neuroscience (honors, with a minor in philosophy), University of Southern California, 2024

Honors and Awards

• Neuroimmunology Course Honors, Los Angeles, 2025
• Milo Don Appleman Jr. M.D. Memorial Award, Los Angeles, 2024
• USC Neuroscience Outstanding Student of the Year, Los Angeles, 2024
• Provost Research Fellowship, Los Angeles, 2023
• ABRCMS Travel Award, Phoenix, 2023
• Phi Beta Kappa Inductee, Los Angeles, 2023
• USC National Merit Presidential Scholar, Los Angeles, 2020-2024

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.

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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.

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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 enjoy spending my free time with the people I love, playing chess, listening to music and watching/playing basketball. Please reach out with any questions!

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Degrees Received

• BS: Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, minors in Spanish, biochemistry, emergency medical services (honors distinction), University of Arizona, 2023

Honors & Awards

• Distinguished Service Award, University of Arizona Emergency Medical Services, 2023
• Wildcat Heroes Award, 2023
• ASUA Outstanding Organization of the Year (NSCSAS), 2023
• College Honors, Magna Cum Laude, University of Arizona, 2019-2023
• Nu-Rho-Psi Neuroscience Honors Society Member

Professional Societies

• American Physician Scientists Association (APSA)
• American Medical Association (AMA)
• University of Arizona Student Alumni Association
• University of Arizona Emergency Medical Services Alumni Network

Selected Presentations

Bolles C, Coryicroft A, Feng A, Tracy A, Wilford G, Bell M, & Gothard K. “How does autonomic arousal mediate memory?” UACOM-Tucson Student Research Day 2026. April 2026.

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

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

Bolles C, Kim S, Bowman A, Morrison A, & Gothard K. “Delay Discounting, Social Behavior, and Morphological Development in Adolescent Rhesus Macaques.” W. A. Franke Honors Pinnacle. April 2023.

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

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

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

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

I chose to pursue a master’s degree to explore this interest further and worked with Dr. Po-Lin Chiu at the ASU Biodesign Institute Center for Structural Discovery, where I performed full-time research in biochemistry, structural biophysics and cryo-EM. My projects focused on biochemical and structural characterization of membrane protein complexes, including a neurotrophin protein complex implicated in neurodegeneration. During my time in the Chiu Lab, I fell in love with molecular wet lab research and neuroscience and ultimately decided the next step in my education would be to pursue MD/PhD training and further my career in biomedical research.

My research and clinical interests primarily relate to mechanistic neuroscience and neurology, specifically understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s disease and ALS. Long-term, I hope to complete residency training at a PSTP and eventually establish an academic research lab as a physician-scientist. Outside of school, I enjoy painting, caring for my 50+ houseplants, traveling (I’ve been to Antarctica!), playing video games, and spending time with my wonderful friends and family.

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Degrees Received

• MS: Biochemistry (with distinction), Arizona State University, 2024
• BS: Applied Biological Sciences (summa cum laude, with minor in applied mathematics), Barrett the Honors College at Arizona State University, 2022

Honors and Awards

• Member, Sigma Xi, Scientific Honor Society, 2023
• Undergraduate Research Award, College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (CISA), 2022
• Mouer Award, Arizona State University, 2022
• Member, CISA Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, 2022
• Sigma Xi Grant-in-Aide of Research, 2022
• Member, Mayo Clinic Premedical Scholars Program, 2021
• Dean’s List, 2018-22
• President’s Scholarship, Arizona State University, 2018
• Arizona Seal of Biliteracy, Spanish, 2018

Leadership Roles

• Co-President, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Medical Research Student Association (MRSA)
• Research Coordinator, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN)

Selected Posters and Presentations

Kitchel, H.J., P. Nandi, K. DeVore, Y.-P. Poh, Y. Qiu, T.-F. Chou, and P.-L. Chiu (2025) Biochemical and structural characterization of the p75 neurotrophin receptor complex for neuronal apoptosis. Neurosurgery Interest Group (NSIG) Student Research Day, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. [PowerPoint slides]

Kitchel, H.J., Y. Qiu, T.-F. Chou, and P.-L. Chiu (2025) Biochemical and structural study of photosynthetic bacterial ATP synthase from Chlorobaculum tepidum. Biodesign Fusion, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. [Poster]

K. Devore, P. Nandi, Kitchel, H.J., Y.-P. Poh, T.-F. Chou, and P.-L. Chiu (2024) Structural Study of human neurotrophin receptor complex implicated in neuronal apoptosis and neurodegeneration. 18th International Conference on Crystallization of Biological Macromolecules, Tempe, AZ. [PowerPoint slides]

Kitchel, H.J., H. Hutcherson, J. Kahawaii, H. Tamayo, A. McIntire, and M.S. Moore (2022) Corynorhinus townsendii prefers ventilated hibernation roosts in Arizona caves, United States. North American Symposium for Bat Research joined with the International Bat Research Conference, Austin, TX. [Poster]

Starting in 2027, Madison will be pursuing her PhD in the lab of Dr. Maya Kaelberer examining the interactions between the gut and the brain. She is specifically interested in these interactions in the context of fetal development.

In her free time she enjoys traveling, baking, spending time with her cat and doing anything outdoors (hiking, camping, rock climbing and paddle boarding to name a few)!

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Degrees Received

• BS: Clinical Neuroscience (minor in philosophy), Virginia Tech, 2023

Oral Presentations

• “The utility of thrombosomes in aiding bleeding diathesis in Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome Type I,” Presented at the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Annual Meeting, April 2025

Poster Presentations

Genetic and Metabolic Insights in Myoclonic Epilepsies: A Cohort Study from the NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Presented at the American Epilepsy Society Conference in December 2024.

Utilizing bleomycin to model pulmonary fibrosis in a novel mouse model of Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome type 1, Presented at the NIH Postbaccalaureate Poster Day in May 2024.

Differential regulation of Zbed6 in differentiating layer 2/3 projection neurons with full heterozygous deletion of genes associated with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome versus heterozygous deletion of Txnrd2, a 22q11 candidate gene, Presented at the Virginia Tech Summer Undergraduate Research Conference in July 2022 and the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in July 2022

The Phenotype of Recovery VIII: The Association Between Demographic Characteristics and Self-Reported Quality of Life Among Individuals in Recovery From Substance Use Disorders, Presented at the Virginia Tech Summer Undergraduate Research Conference in July 2021 and the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in July 2021

As a senior in college, I initiated a research project studying osteodegenerative disease in multiple myeloma, which eventually evolved into my master’s thesis. During this time, I also had the opportunity to conduct research at the National Institutes of Health in the lab of Ryan Young studying oncogenic RAS signaling in multiple myeloma. I intend to pursue a career in pathology and complete dissertation research applying computer vision and deep learning techniques for digital pathology.

Outside of school I am an aspiring triathlete. You can catch me riding with the Scootout, swimming at La Jolla or complaining about foot pain.

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Degrees Received

• MS: Biology, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, 2023
• BS: Biology (minors in chemistry and Spanish), Eastern Washington University, Cheney, 2023

Honors and Awards

• USCAP Scholarship Recipient for Clinical Genomics Workshop for Medical Students, 2026
• National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Summer Internship Program, 2024
• Summa Cum Laude Graduation Honors, Eastern Washington University, 2023
• Outstanding Senior in Biology, Eastern Washington University, 2023
• Eastern Washington University Scholar Athlete Award, 2022
• Big Sky All Conference Men’s 3000m Steeplechase, 2021
• Eastern Washington University School Record Holder 3000m Steeplechase, 2021

Selected Presentations

• Roosma, J. A. and Ashley, J. W., Myeloma-osteoclast interactions as a therapeutic target for multiple myeloma bone disease, Eastern Washington University Biology MS, 2025 [Thesis Defense]

Professional Societies

• Medical Student Member, United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP)

In the future, I hope to explore more fields in immunology and bring my research into clinical practice during my career as a physician-scientist. Outside of school, I love exploring new restaurants and hosting home cafes and dinner parties!

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Degrees Received

• BA: Molecular and Cellular Biology (minor in global public health), University of California, Berkeley, 2021

Honors and Awards

• First Prize, Royal Microscopical Society Scientific Imaging Competition, 2025
• Cover image on Journal of Experimental Medicine, Volume 222, Issue 5
• Image of Distinction Award, Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition, 2024
• The Focus on Complement Cover Image Award, 2024
• American Journal of Physiology Select Award, Optimizing anesthesia and delivery approaches for dosing into lungs of mice, 2023

Selected Presentations

• Seo Y, et al. 3D tissue clearing and imaging for quantification of pulmonary megakaryocytes. Poster presentation at Cell Biology of Megakaryocytes and Platelets Gordon Research Seminar and Cell Biology of Megakaryocytes and Platelets Gordon Research Conference. March 2025.
• Seo Y, et al. 3D tissue clearing and imaging for quantification of pulmonary megakaryocytes. Poster presentation at UCSF Pulmonary Research Retreat. November 2024.
• Seo Y, et al. 3D tissue clearing and imaging for quantification of pulmonary megakaryocytes. Flash talk and poster presentation at UCSF/UC Berkeley Immunology Conference. September 2024.
• Seo Y, et al. Optimizing intranasal and intratracheal dosing to lungs of mice. Poster presentation at UCSF Pulmonary Research Retreat. November 2022.

Professional Societies

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

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)

During my PhD training, I worked in the Largent-Milnes/Vanderah Lab and connected with various collaborators: Dr. Michael Seckeler from pediatric cardiology, Dr. Jonathon Hill at Brigham Young University and Dr. Aitor Aguirre at Michigan State University. My work demonstrated an association between opioid exposure and altered cardiac differentiation, as well as increased incidence of conotruncal congenital heart defects. I also found historical evidence supporting a link between opioid exposure and congenital heart disease.

I am pursuing a career in interventional radiology, where I aim to integrate image-guided procedures to provide innovative therapeutic solutions to patients in need. My clinical training is complemented by extensive involvement in mentorship, leadership in community and academic settings, and fluency in medical Spanish. I believe excellence is integral to providing compassionate patient care.

Outside of medicine, I love spending time outdoors with my family, trail running and making homemade ice cream.

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Degrees Received

• PhD: Medical Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 2025
• BS: Molecular Biology University (honors), Brigham Young University, 2020

Honors and Awards

• Peer Mentoring Fellowship Award, College of Medicine – Tucson, 2025
• Graduate & Professional Student Council Travel Grant, University of Arizona, Spring 2025
• Yamamurah Travel Grant, College of Medicine – Tucson Department of Pharmacology, Spring 2024
• American Society of Addiction Medicine Conference Scholarship, College of Medicine – Tucson Department of Psychiatry
• College Undergraduate Research Award, Brigham Young University, 2019, 2020
• Undergraduate Mentored Learning Scholar, Brigham Young University, 2019
• Hearts & Hands Award, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2019

Licenses and Certifications

• Medical Spanish Language Certification, ALTA Language Services, 2025
• Spanish Bilingual-Certified Healthcare Professional, Banner Health, 2025
• Basic Life Support, August 2025
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, August 2025
• United States Licensing Examination Step 1: Pass, February 2023
• Medical College Admissions Test: 514 (94th percentile), September 2019

Leadership

• Student Reserve Committee, Society of Interventional Radiology, 2026-present
• Honor Code Committee Co-Chair, 2021-present
• Co-president, Radiology Interest Group, 2021-22
• Recruitment Committee, Medical Scientist Training Program, 2023-24
• College of Medicine Representative, Graduate Professional Student Council, 2023-24
• Admission Screener/Interviewer, College of Medicine – Tucson, 2023-present
• President, MEDTEACH, College of Medicine – Tucson, 2021-22
• Information Technology Committee Representative, College of Medicine – Tucson, 2021-22
• Multi-Clinic Supplies Coordinator, College of Medicine – Tucson, 2021-22
• Retreat Committee, Medical Scientist Training Program, 2022
• Secretary, American Medical Association, Tucson Chapter, 2021-22

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] 

I became interested in biomedical research when I took a position at the University of Oregon’s Zebrafish International Resource Center. I transitioned to the lab of Dr. Karen Guillemin, where I studied host-microbe interactions in a Type 1 diabetes zebrafish model that was critical in pancreatic beta cell proliferation. This is when I began to fall in love with research.

While at the University of Oregon, I volunteered at White Bird Medical Clinic in Eugene. Undoubtedly, this is the most impactful experience I had that pushed me to pursue a career in medicine. While providing resources to enable physical well-being through direct service, education and community, I cultivated a passion for the care of underserved populations. Combined with my rural upbringing, I am deeply dedicated to healthcare accessibility.

Following my time at the University of Oregon, I took a post-baccalaureate position in the lab of Dr. Kelly Ten Hagen at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health. In Dr. Ten Hagen’s lab, I studied O-linked glycosylation in Drosophila larval salivary glands both in vivo and in silico, using single-cell RNA sequencing. My research focused on understanding the developmental pathways and signaling of salivary gland secretory granule packaging and secretion.

After three years at this position, I moved to the University of Arizona. I’m excited to pursue meaningful research and cultivate skills to become a compassionate and holistic medical scientist. My current research studies the molecular epidemiology of the loss of the Y chromosome with Dr. Dan Theodorescu. 

In my free time, I can be found crafting, gardening or befriending animals. I serve in various leadership roles with the program, and I am always happy to connect with students and mentees.

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Year Entered Program: 2023

Degrees Received

• BS: Biology (emphasis in molecular, cellular and developmental biology, minor in chemistry), University of Oregon

Honors and Awards

• Outstanding Poster Award, University of Arizona Research Day, April 2026
• Invited Interview, University of Arizona Research Day Social Media Campaign, April 2026
• Invited Speaker, Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars, 2023
• Outstanding Poster Award, NIH Postbac Poster Day Presentation, 2021, 2022
• Health Science Communications and Policy Workshop Certificate, 2022
• Certificate of Completion of Single Cell RNA Seq Analysis Program, 2021
• Inaugural Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholar, 2019-2020
• Biology Honors Thesis, 2020
• UO Women in Graduate Science Summer Research Scholarship, 2019

Leadership Roles

• Institutional Representative, American Physician Scientist Association, 2026-present
• MSTP Admissions Committee, 2025-present
• Illustrator, American Physician Scientist Association, Committee for Outreach and Engagement, 2025-present
• Patient coordinator, College of Medicine – Tucson, Commitment to Underserved Populations (CUP) MIND Clinic, 2023-24

Professional Societies

• American Medical Association
• American Physician Scientist Association 

Posters and Presentations

• Black R. Loss of tumor chromosome Y after treatment is associated with poor patient outcomes. University of Arizona Research Day; 2026 April 15; Tucson, AZ. [Poster]
• Black R. Loss of tumor chromosome Y after treatment is associated with poor patient outcomes. University of Arizona Research Day, MSTP Data Blitz; 2026 April 15; Tucson, AZ.[Oral Presentation]
• Black R. Reductive stress induces sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium mishandling in ventricular myocytes. University of Arizona Translational Science Symposium; 2025 April; Tucson, AZ.[Poster]
• Black R. Characterization of the Transcriptome of the Drosophila Larval Salivary Glands at a Single-Cell Resolution. DiscoverBMB. 2023 March; Seattle, WA. [Poster]
• Black R. Characterization of the Transcriptome of the Drosophila Larval Salivary Glands at a Single-Cell Resolution. NIH NIDRC Data Sessions. 2023; Bethesda, MD. [Oral Presentation]
• Black R. Drosophila Larval Salivary Glands Maturation is Spatially and Temporally Regulated. NIH Postbac Poster Day. 2022; Bethesda, MD. [Poster]

My research interests include exploring the anti-tumor potential of γδ T cells and other cellular immunotherapy products against pediatric tumors, focusing on manufacturing non-alloreactive MHC-independent immune effectors for off-the-shelf applications, and addressing technical and structural barriers limiting wide dissemination of adaptive cell therapies in LMICs.

Publications Editorials Email Me

Year Entered Program: 2020

Degrees Received

• MS: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, 2018
• BS: Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, minor in medical anthropology, University of Central Florida, 2017

PhD Program: Cancer Biology Interdisciplinary Program

Honors & Awards

• American Medical Student Association, James Slayton National Award for Leadership Excellence, 2022
• American Society of Clinical Oncology, Summer Internship and Travel Award ($6,500), 2021
• National Institute of Health, Medical Student Research Program ($5,000), 2021
• UA College of Medicine, Latino Medical Student Association Community Service Award, 2021
• The Daily Wildcat, Rising Star in Science Journalism, 2021

In the summer of 2018, I participated in the Amgen Scholars Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) working in Dr. Michael Hemann’s lab at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. This experience is what really drove me to pursue a dual MD/PhD, since this was the first time I was able to clearly see how research could be translatable between the bench and the bedside. After graduating from college in 2019, I spent two years working in the Hemann lab as the lab manager and technician, focusing my research on understanding the leukemia-intrinsic mechanisms of resistance in B-ALL and AML when treated with CAR T-cells or frontline chemotherapy, respectively.

I joined the MSTP at the College of Medicine – Tucson in 2021. I have loved being in the Southwest for my medical/graduate training with easy access to beautiful scenery, hiking and the outstanding food scene. My dissertation research is broadly within the respiratory/pulmonary field of environmental smoke exposures. I have developed an in vitro model of acute secondhand cigarette smoke exposure using primary mouse respiratory epithelial cells grown at an air-liquid interface on transwell membranes where I seeking to determine how single exposures may impact the epithelium and susceptibility to viral infections. We are particularly interested in the secreted airway protein CC16, which plays an important role in host defense.

Additionally, I have become interested in other environmental exposures, such as wildfire smoke. Wildland firefighters are exposed to wildfire smoke at higher concentrations and for prolonged periods of time throughout their career with minimal respiratory protection. Epidemiological studies have looked at how these exposures impact firefighter health, but very few have taken a basic science approach in the lab to understand the mechanisms by which wildfire smoke adversely affects health in these populations. I have worked with a multidisciplinary team to develop both in vivo and in vitro models of acute woodsmoke exposure to recapitulate what is experienced by wildland firefighters. We have been able to characterize the effects in vivo on lung function, the urinary metabolite profile, and male and female reproductive toxicity. In my in vitro system, I characterized how woodsmoke specifically impacts the respiratory epithelium’s basolaterally secreted metabolite profile, apically secreted proteome and gene expression.

Within our MD/PhD program I have served on several of our student committees such as the Admissions Committee, Retreat Committee and American Physician Scientist Association (APSA) Institutional Representation. Within the college I was the alternate delegate and vice president to the Medical Student Section of the American Medical Association (AMA-MSS) for 2021-2022, a co-president for the radiology and anesthesiology interest groups, and co-coordinator for the Health for the Homeless CUP Clinic. Within the Department of CMM, I am a student representative on the Graduate Student Committee.

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Year Entered Program: 2021

Degrees Received

• BS: Cellular and Molecular Biological Sciences (high honors), Montana Technological University, 2019

PhD Program: Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine (CMM Track)
Thesis Adviser: Julie Ledford, PhD
Thesis Research: A multi-omic analysis of smoke exposure on the respiratory epithelium and susceptibility to viral infection

Honors & Awards

• CMM Graduate College Fellowship: The award reflects the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine’s appreciation for a trainee’s dedication to research and recognition of the effort and excellence demonstrated in securing a T32/F30/F31 or other similar appointment. May 2026
• University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Graduate Service Fellowship Award: Recognizes graduate students in the College of Medicine – Tucson who have demonstrated excellence in service, outreach and engagement with their academic, professional or local communities. May 2026
• First Place 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Presentation: Student Presentations at ATS (SPATS) as part of the Student Scholars Program at the 2025 American Thoracic Society International Conference. May 2025
• Predoctoral T32 Fellowship, Training in Environmental Toxicology of Human Disease (T32ES007091), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 07/2024-06/2026
• Outstanding Achievement in Biological Sciences Award, Montana Technological University, May 2019
• Best Poster in Biological Sciences at Techxpo, Montana Technological University, 2018

Textbook Chapters

Encinas-Basurto D., Shafi H., Chavan S., Verma K., Yadav C., Fox K.A.B., Hellinger R.D., Hayes D., Chignalia A.Z., Misra A., Ledford J.G., Mansour H.M. Section Two – Delivery barriers. Chapter Six - Pulmonary barriers to targeted delivery. In: D’Souza A.A., Milane L.S., Amiji M.M., editors. Harnessing Endogenous Mechanisms for Targeted Drug Delivery: Academic Press; 2026. p. 111–48.

Posters and Presentations

Riley D. Hellinger, Sasipa Tanyaratsrisakul, Anthony Bosco, and Julie G. Ledford. Transcriptomic Differences in Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells from Cigarette Smokers and Nonsmokers. American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2026 International Conference (poster). 2026

Riley D. Hellinger, Weiguo Han, Stefano Guerra, Johnson, Xinxin Ding, and Julie G. Ledford. Impact of Acute Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Respiratory Epithelial Expression of Club Cell Secretory Protein (CC16) and Host Defense Proteins. 2025 University of Arizona Joint Biology Research Retreat (presentation). 2025

Riley D. Hellinger, Natalie Iannuzo, Weiguo Han, Stefano Guerra, Michael D. L. Johnson, Xinxin Ding, and Julie G. Ledford. Impact of Acute Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Respiratory Epithelial Expression of Club Cell Secretory Protein (CC16) and Host Defense Proteins. American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2025 International Conference (poster). 2025

Riley D. Hellinger. Impact of acute cigarette smoke exposure on respiratory epithelial expression of Club Cell Secretory Protein (CC16) and Host Defense Proteins. Student Presentations at the American Thoracic Society (SPATS) 2025 3-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT) (presentation). 2025

Riley D. Hellinger, Natalie Iannuzo, Weiguo Han, Stefano Guerra, Michael D. L. Johnson, Xinxin Ding, and Julie G. Ledford. (December 2024). Impact of Acute Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Respiratory Epithelial Expression of Club Cell Secretory Protein (CC16) and Host Defense Proteins. University of Arizona Joint Biology Research Retreat (poster). 2024

Riley D. Hellinger, Natalie Iannuzo, Xinxin Ding, Paul R. Langlais, and Julie G. Ledford. Impact of Acute Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Respiratory Epithelial CC16 Levels and Viral Susecptibility. AAP/ASCI/APSA Joint Meeting (poster). 2024.

Riley D. Hellinger, Natalie Iannuzo, Xinxin Ding, Paul R. Langlais, and Julie G. Ledford. Impact of Acute Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Respiratory Epithelial CC16 Levels and Viral Susecptibility. Biology of Acute Respiratory Infection - Gordon Research Conference (poster). 2024.

Riley D. Hellinger, Natalie Iannuzo, Xinxin Ding, Paul R. Langlais, and Julie G. Ledford. Impact of Acute Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Respiratory Epithelial CC16 Levels and Viral Susecptibility. Biology of Acute Respiratory Infection - Gordon Research Seminar (poster). 2024.

Riley D. Hellinger. Leukemia-intrinsic determinants of CAR-T response revealed by in vivo genome-wide CRISPR screening. University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson Research Day (oral presentation). 2022

Riley D. Hellinger, Azucena Ramos, Yunpeng Liu, Catherine Koch, Joel Graff (thesis adviser), and Michael T. Hemann. Using Integrative Functional Genomics to Understand Chemo-Resistant Phenotypes in Hematological Malignancies. Montana Tech Biological Sciences Thesis Defense. 2019

Winter R. Kemppainen, Riley D. Hellinger, and Joel W. Graff. “Moron” Gene Investigation in Lysogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis. Montana Technological University Techxpo (poster). 2019

Riley D. Hellinger, Azucena Ramos, Yunpeng Liu, Catherine Koch, and Michael T. Hemann. Using Integrative Functional Genomics to Understand Chemo-Resistant Phenotypes in Hematological Malignancies. MIT Amgen Scholars Program Poster Session (poster). 2018

Riley D. Hellinger, Hannah E. Sparks, and Marisa L. Pedulla. Characterization and Genomic Analysis of Mycobacteriophage Wamburgrxpress, Including the Determination of the Essentiality of the Terminal 5 Kilobase Pairs for Plaque Formation. 10th Annual HHMI SEA Symposium. Presentation (poster and oral presentation) 2018

Riley D. Hellinger, Hannah E. Sparks, and Marisa L. Pedulla. Characterization and Genomic Analysis of Mycobacteriophage Wamburgrxpress, Including the Determination of the Essentiality of the Terminal 5 Kilobase Pairs for Plaque Formation. Montana Technological University Techxpo (poster). 2018

Quinn C. Cunneen, Zach J. Hart, Riley D. Hellinger, Kelsey L. Schmidt, Joel W. Graff, and Amy J. Kuenzi. Examining Archived Whole Blood Samples from Montana Deer Mice for the Presence of Colorado Tick Fever Virus: Preliminary Results. Montana Technological University Techxpo (poster). 2017

Policy Resolutions

Tirambulo, C.V.G., Flowers, M., Webber, Z., Hellinger, R.D., Cosio, I., Shahid, M., and Meyer, B. Amending H-160.903, Eradicating Homelessness to Include Support for Street Medicine Programs and Reduce Evictions. (2022) Annual Meeting of the Medical Student Section of the American Medical Association.

I enjoy research because it allows me to explore solutions to difficult problems. During undergrad, I participated in the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of South Florida and Moffitt Cancer Center in the Department of Mathematical Oncology, where I used differential equations to model radiation dosing methods on tumor growth. During my time at Washington University in St. Louis, I joined Dr. Mikhail Berezin’s lab, where we studied the use of hyperspectral imaging for medical applications and designed a software to analyze large hyperspectral datasets. Through NSF funding, we founded a successful startup company, HSpeQ. Having been exposed to various elements of the scientific and entrepreneurial process, I am motivated to translate research to real-world medical applications to help patients live healthier and more fulfilled lives.

Outside of the classroom and lab, I love spending time with my husband, Adrian, and our dog, Apollo. You can find us walking, biking, or rollerblading on the loop, at local breweries testing sours and ciders, or watching ’90s sitcoms. I am currently serving my third term on our program’s Colloquium and Clinical Reasoning Case Series Committee and am always happy to connect with prospective students!

Publications Email Me

Year Entered Program: 2023

Degrees Received

• MA: Human Rights Practice, University of Arizona, 2021
• BS: Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, 2020
• BS: Physics, Eckerd College, 2018

Honors & Awards

• The Harold P. Brown Engineering Fellowship, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
• Ellis Award for Outstanding Achievement in Physics, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
• The Ronald Wilson Award for Significant Contribution to the College, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
• Natural Science Collegium Scholarship and Service Award, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
• Leadership in Residence Life, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
• Robert T. & Fran V.R. Sheen Endowed Science Scholarship, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
• Spetka Family Endowed Scholarship for Study Abroad, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL

Professional Societies

• SPIE
• American Physician Scientist Association
• American Medical Association

Posters and Presentations

• Helena Hurbon, Thomas Knapp, Travis Sawyer, Optical redox ratio distinguishes pancreatic tumor margins in an ex vivo xenograft model, Proc. SPIE PC13863, Label-free Biomedical Imaging and Sensing (LBIS) 2026, PC1386308 (6 Mar 2026); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3078504
• Hancey E, Hurbon H, Daigle N, and Sawyer TW. Combining Haralick Features and Machine Learning for Classification of Pancreatic Cancer. Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting (2025).
  Hridoy Biswas, Helena Hurbon, Deependra Mishra, John Wang, and Mikhail Y. Berezin, Hyperspectral imaging in SWIR: Applications of geospatial approaches to biological imaging (Conference Presentation), Proc. SPIE PC12398, Reporters, Markers, Dyes, Nanoparticles, and Molecular Probes for Biomedical Applications XIV, PC1239803 (17 March 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2654982
• Cao, Q., Mishra, D., Wang, J., Wang, S., Hurbon, H., & Berezin, M. Y. (2021, March). HSKL: A Machine Learning Framework for Hyperspectral Image Analysis. In 2021 11th Workshop on Hyperspectral Imaging and Signal Processing: Evolution in Remote Sensing (WHISPERS) (pp. 1-5). IEEE.
• Hurbon, H., Enderling, H., & Moros, E. (2018). Qualitative Comparison of the Cytotoxic and Immunologic Consequences of Spatially Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Radiation Dosing. Bulletin of the American Physical Society, 63.

As a medical student, I am working toward completing the Commitment to Underserved People (CUP) Distinction Track as well as the Global Health Distinction Track. I served as clinic coordinator of Shubitz Family Clinic as well as outreach coordinator for Street Medicine Tucson. Within our MSTP, I have served on our program’s recruitment, admissions, retreat, wellness and APSA (American Physician-Scientist Association) committees, and I am happy to discuss our program with prospective applicants!

Outside of academia, I enjoy painting, pottery, hosting dinner parties and game nights, and spending time with my kitties Pepper and Olive.

Publications Email Me

Year Entered Program: 2022

Degrees Received

• BS: Biology-Chemistry (Summa Cum Laude & Honors Scholar), Point Loma Nazarene University

Honors & Awards

• Poster Award at UA Research Day, April 2026
• Plenge Endowment Scholar, Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS), 2026
• Summa Cum Laude, PLNU, 2022
• Honors Scholar, PLNU, 2022
• Molecular Science Award, PLNU, 2022
• Dean’s List, PLNU, 2018-2022
• Science Honors Scholarship, 2018-2022

Posters and Presentations

• Johnson, K, Morris, J, Thorne, C. Stimulating Gut Regeneration via PEAR1. AAP/ASCI/APSA Joint Meeting 2025, Chicago, IL; April 2025 [Oral Presentation]
• Johnson, K, Thorne, C. Stimulating Gut Regeneration via PEAR1. Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department Seminar, Tucson, AZ; February 2025 [Oral Presentation]
• Johnson, K, Morris, J, Thorne, C. Stimulating Gut Regeneration via PEAR1. Joint Biology Retreat 2025, Tucson, AZ; October 2025 [Poster]
• Johnson, K, Thorne, C. Stimulating Gut Regeneration via PEAR1. Translational Medicine Symposium, Tucson, AZ; January 2026 [Oral Presentation]
• Johnson, K, Morris, J, Thorne, C. Stimulating Gut Regeneration via PEAR1. Graduate and Professional Student Council Showcase, Tucson, AZ; March 2026 [Poster]
• Johnson, K, Thorne, C. Stimulating Gut Regeneration via PEAR1. Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department Seminar, Tucson, AZ; April 2026 [Oral Presentation]
• Johnson, K, Morris, J, Thorne, C. Stimulating Gut Regeneration via PEAR1. University of Arizona College of Medicine Research Day, Tucson, AZ; April 2026 [Poster]
• Johnson, K, Morris, J, Thorne, C. Stimulating Gut Regeneration via PEAR1. AAP/ASCI/APSA Joint Meeting 2026, Chicago, IL; April 2026 [Poster]
• Johnson, K, Morris, J, Thorne, C. PEAR1 is a Novel Regulator of Intestinal Regeneration. FASEB Gastrointestinal Tract XXII: Molecular and Cellular Advances Toward Discovery and Treatment, Salt Lake City, UT; August 2026 [Poster]
• Johnson, K, Mills, E. Characterization of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in the Glioblastoma Microenvironment. PLNU Honors Scholars Conference 2022, San Diego, CA; April 2022 [Presentation]
• Johnson, K, Mills, E. Characterization of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in the Glioblastoma Microenvironment. West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference, San Diego, CA; April 2022 [Poster]
• Johnson, K, Mills, E. Polarization of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in the Glioblastoma Microenvironment. University of Arizona College of Medicine Research Day, Tucson, AZ; March 2022 [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.

Instagram Feature Publications Email Me

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)

Outside the lab, I also met Dr. Friedman’s patients in clinic and observed his acoustic neuroma translabyrinthine removal procedures. The importance of research and biotechnology for identifying diseases and creating personalized treatments was constantly reinforced.

My personal experiences taught me how innovative research work can significantly change the lives of vulnerable patients. My work in the clinic and laboratory helped me recognize the limitations of clinical medicine and the importance of well-performed research. I believe clinical medicine and sciences are interconnected, and I aspire not only to be an excellent clinician but also to work to push the field forward. As such, wherever my clinical interests may lie in my future career as a physician, my drive for scientific pursuit in that area will follow. I am excited to advance my goals and contribute meaningfully to both medicine and science as a member of the MD/PhD program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading, watching Korean and Turkish dramas, trying new foods, learning new languages, game/movie nights with my siblings and traveling.

Publications Web Story Email Me

Year Entered Program: 2024

Degrees Received

• MS: Biology, University of California, San Diego, 2023
• BS: Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego 2022

Honors & Awards

• Good Graduate Standing, 2022-2023
• Magna Cum Laude Honors, June 2022
• Honors Research Distinction Award, June 2022
• Northrop Grumman STEM Scholarship Recipient, June 2021
• UCSD Sixth College Provost Honors, 2019-2022

Professional Societies

• American Physician Scientists Association (APSA)
• American College of Physicians (ACP)
• American Society of Clinical Oncology
• American Medical Student Association (AMSA)

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