Current PhD Students

Undergraduate institution: Le Mans University

Bio: Lea Alexandre is originally from France, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in molecular and Cellular Biology at Le Mans University. Lea also completed a master's in Cancer Biology at the University of Bordeaux and studied how to target endoplasmic reticulum stress to sensitize pancreatic cancer to microbial immunotherapy. Her research interest is the interplay between cancer therapeutics, immunotherapies, and how to harness the immune system's potential to treat cancer.

Current Research Interests: Cancer biology, Immunomodulation, Innovative cancer therapies

Emphasis Area: Cancer Biology

Supervisor name: James Amos-Landgraf, PhD

Undergraduate Institution: University of Missouri

Bio: I hail from Kansas City. I achieved both a B.A. in Journalism and B.S. in Microbiology from Mizzou. I have a work history in writing, editing, veterinary medicine, farming, and even co-founded a local non-profit organization. My undergraduate research investigated whether the GI microbiomes of MMRRC mouse populations were experiencing statistically significant shifts as a result of the animal care procedures across a 6-year time period and also the influence of secondary bile acids in hepatic gene expression. After achieving my microbiology degree, I joined a lab to investigate small molecule inhibition of virus replication.

Current Research interests: genetics, immunology, molecular signaling, biochemical structures and mechanisms.

Emphasis Area: Infection and Immunity

Undergraduate Institution: Brac University

Bio: I initiated my academic journey with a Biotechnology bachelor's degree in Bangladesh. Intrigued by microbes, I pursued a second major in Microbiology. I collaborated on a project providing a dual solution as a disinfectant and biofuel while reducing kitchen waste. During my bachelor's, I interned at Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) Limited, a prominent laboratory in Bangladesh. After graduation, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, I immersed myself in researching microbial pathogenicity, infectious diseases, and the impact of weakened immunity in a hospital pathology lab. This exploration revealed the critical need for innovative solutions in the face of ineffective antimicrobial therapies. Motivated by this realization, I pursued and successfully completed a master’s degree in biotechnology. I conducted bioinformatic analysis on the global trend of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and gathered proficiency in programming languages commonly used in metadata analysis, such as Python or R. I initiated a project focused on using bio-enzymes to break biofilms, aiming to develop an inexpensive biosurfactant. This hands-on experience fuels my enthusiasm to further explore the intricacies of immunology in my future studies.

Current Research Interests: host-pathogen interactions, innate immunity, complex gut microbiome

Emphasis Area: Infection and Immunity

Undergraduate Institution: Wichita State University

Bio: (one paragraph) Mary Christie is a seasoned educational leader with a robust background in designing and executing innovative educational programs across the healthcare and biomedical landscape. She has demonstrated expertise As the Senior Director of Education Programs at the University of Missouri's Health Affairs division, Mary spearheads strategic vision and management for research education and training programs and manages the executive health informatics master’s degree and graduate certificates. With a focus on developing a highly skilled workforce, Mary oversees the creation and direction of cutting-edge research education initiatives, ensuring a workforce that prioritizes research, participant recruitment, patient safety, data integrity, and quality improvement.

Current Research Interests: Improving access to clinical trials for underrepresented rural populations and removing barriers to clinical trial participation for rural citizens and healthcare providers.

Emphasis Area: Population and Precision Health

Undergraduate Institution: Whitworth University

Bio: Sierra is originally from Washington state, where she earned degrees in Health Sciences and Communications. Her interests lie in translational implementation, randomized clinical trial design, and predictive modeling. Outside of research, Sierra is an outdoors enthusiast and enjoys painting skateboards.

Emphasis Area: Population and Precision Health

Undergraduate Institution: Azarbaijan University

Bio: Melika Hasani is a PhD student in Translational Biosciences program, cancer biology track. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Azarbaijan University. Her goal is to shed a light on cancer treatments and discovering new therapies to overcome this disease. She also finds inspiration in the world of theatre.

Current Research Interests: Lung cancer, Kidney Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer

Emphasis Area: Cancer Biology

Undergraduate Institution: University of Missouri-Columbia

Bio: I received my bachelor's degree in health science from Mizzou and then took time off of school before returning to academia to complete a master's degree in microbiology and cell science through the University of Florida. Through that program, I developed a great interest in the molecular biology and biochemistry of how viruses interact with their hosts, especially regarding the immune response. I want to continue investigating and learning more about these host-virus interactions to provide better insight into combatting these pathogens.

Current Research Interests: Host-virus interactions, structural biology, antimicrobial resistance, innate immunity, public health

Emphasis Area: Infection & Immunity

Undergraduate Institution: University of Missouri-Columbia

Bio: Samira was born and brought up in Bangladesh. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Biochemistry. Samira believes nature holds the solutions to our questions about viruses, bacteria, and other diseases. With that in mind, she hopes to explore the medicinal properties of plants and the microbiome, with the ultimate aim of discovering therapeutic solutions for infectious and cancerous conditions. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Current Research Interests: Development of therapeutics for cancer and infectious diseases through the use of medicinal plants.

Emphasis Area: Infection and Immunity Track

Undergraduate Institution: Kangwon National University

Bio: Jiwon Hwang was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. She received her bachelor’s degree in medical biotechnology from Kangwon National University and her master’s degree in molecular biology from Korea University. During her master’s program, she conducted research on drug repositioning screening to identify drugs that promote cancer cell apoptosis through combination effects with existing medications and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. In addition to her academic pursuits, Jiwon enjoys relaxing by watching TV series and movies from all around the world.

Current Research Interests: novel therapeutic targets for treating cancers

Emphasis Area: Cancer Biology

Undergraduate Institution: Brac University, Bangladesh

Bio: A B M Rezwanul Kabir earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biotechnology from Brac University, Bangladesh. He is passionate about understanding host-pathogen dynamics and looks forward to contributing to research on microbial systems. Besides science, Rezwan finds solace in football (soccer in the U.S.) and heavy metal music.

Current Research Interests: Host-pathogen interactions, Phage Therapy, Antibiotic Resistance

Emphasis Area: Infection and Immunity

Undergraduate Institution: Drury University

Bio: Adrianna has an academic background in biology and previous experience working in emergency medicine and pediatric healthcare. She is excited to be back in the lab, addressing fundamental questions in this unique setting. Outside of research she enjoys reading, book clubs, baking, growing plants, and practicing power yoga.

Current Research Interests: Viral and Bacterial Pathogens

Emphasis Area: Infection and Immunity

Undergraduate Institution: Williams College

Bio: I graduated from Williams College with a BA in Biology. I then did a post-baccalaureate program at Mizzou for two years where I worked on ways to manipulate T cell signaling to improve cancer therapies. I'm interested in finding ways to make long lasting cancer immunotherapies that are less harsh on patients. During my free time I love to bake and paint.

Current Research Interests: Cancer Immunology

Emphasis Area: Infection and Immunity

Previous Institutions: Khulna University, BS and Emporia State University, MS.

Bio: Sakib is a Ph.D. student in the Infection & Immunity emphasis area. He chose this field of research because he believes microbial infections, especially viral infections, will be the next biggest challenge this civilization will have to fight against. He wants to be a frontliner in this Animal versus Microbes war. Besides his research interest, Sakib is interested in learning quantum physics, neuroscience, spirituality, and human psychology. Apart from academic life, Sakib loves hanging out with friends, cooking, and listening to music.

Research Interests: Host-pathogen interactions, Viral infections, innate immunity.

Emphasis Area: Infection and Immunity.

Undergraduate Institution: California State University Dominguez Hills

Bio: I'm originally from Long Beach, California and I've wanted to be a scientist since I was in preschool. Outside of Science, I love reading about history and like to do my own worldbuilding. I've been trying to get into creative writing but haven't found the time to.

Current Research Interests: viruses and endosymbionts.

Emphasis Area: Infection and Immunity.

Previous Institutions: Willam Woods University, BA and MBA, University of Missouri-Columbia, MSW

Bio: Misty is originally from rural Missouri and is currently a Research Administration Coordinator for Prevention and Outreach and Engagement at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, serves as the chair of the Missouri Cancer Consortium (MCC) Cancer Prevention committee and on the MCC Executive Committee. Previously, she served as the Missouri Comprehensive Cancer Program Manager at the Department of Health and Senior Services and as the co-chair of the MCC Health Equity committee. Misty has been a Relay for Life volunteer for over a decade. Outside of her work, studies, and volunteering, Misty enjoys cooking, being active outside, photography, spending time with her book club friends, and traveling. She also greatly enjoys being a mom and supporting her son with his love of animals and basketball. If she is not working, studying, volunteering, outside, or with friends…you can find her in the stands cheering on her son at a basketball game.

Current Research Interests: Cancer prevention, addressing barriers and social determinants of health, cancer outreach and engagement in rural populations, health literacy and communication quality

Emphasis Area: Precision and Population Health

Undergraduate Institution: University of Missouri – Columbia

Bio: Clayton is a first-year Ph.D. student in the infection and immunity track. He has a background in microbiology and biochemistry with an interest in bacteria. His current research interests include investigating signaling pathways involved in infection and the methods pathogen use to evade host immune response. Outside of the lab, Clayton enjoys cooking, reading, and hiking.

Current Research Interests: Host-pathogen interactions, antibiotic resistance, immunology

Emphasis Area: Infection and Immunity

Undergraduate Institution: University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland

Masters Institution: University of Missouri, Columbia, USA

Bio: Safa, originally from India, earned her bachelor’s degree in BSc (Hons) Immunology and Pharmacology from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong passion for pharmacology and the cerebral vasculature, which motivated her to pursue a master’s degree in medical pharmacology and physiology at the University of Missouri, Columbia, USA. Her master’s research focused on investigating sex-based protection of the cerebral vasculature from mitochondrial disruption and cell death in response to acute oxidative stress. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Translational Biosciences, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the vasculature.

Current Research Interests: Reproductive Biology

Emphasis Area: Integrative Physiology

Undergraduate Institution: Quaid-i-Azam University.

Bio: Arooj Shahid's academic journey began with a Pharm-D from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan in 2016. Recently, she earned her master’s degree in medical pharmacology and physiology from the University of Missouri Columbia. She worked as a graduate research assistant under Dr. Timothy L. Domeier at the Cardiac Cell Physiology lab (2022-2024). Her master’s research was primarily focused on calcium handling in cardiomyocytes in type 3 pulmonary hypertension, highlighting her dedication to the advancement of understanding calcium homeostasis. She is excited to commence her PhD journey in the Translational Biosciences Program at the University of Missouri, Columbia. Beyond her scientific pursuits, she holds the role of president of the Medical Pharmacology and Physiology Program Graduate Student Association. Additionally, Miss Shahid actively engages in various societies and likes to participate in volunteer work.

Current Research Interests: Cardiovascular physiology, calcium handling, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiac failure.

Emphasis Area: Integrative Physiology.

Undergraduate Institution: Michigan State University

Bio: I completed my Bachelor's of Science and Master's of Science degrees at Michigan State University. My previous research focused on manipulating the cGAS-STING pathway to drive the immune response towards tumor elimination. I came to the University of Missouri to continue researching different methods to treat cancer and develop novel cancer immunotherapies. Outside of the lab, I like to enjoy the outdoors by hiking and fishing as well as watching and playing sports.

Current Research Interests: Cancer immunology; Immunotherapy

Emphasis Area: Cancer Biology

Undergraduate Institution: University of Missouri

Bio: Kara Young graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She worked in a virology research lab during her undergraduate degree researching at viral evasion. She is now a PhD student in the Infection and Immunity track. In her free time, she loves to hike, run, sing, and spend time with her friends and family.

Current Research Interests: Host-pathogen interaction, immunotherapy

Emphasis Area: Infection and Immunity

• Undergraduate Institution: China Medical University
• Bio: Xue Bai obtained her bachelor’s degree from China Medical University and master's degree in Immunology from Chongqing Medical University. During the master's program, Xue specialized in exploring biomaterials to extend the survival of transplanted pancreatic islets.
• Current Research Interests: Immunomodulation; Cancer therapy
• Supervisor Name: Donald Burke-Aguero, PhD

• Undergraduate Institution: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, BS 
• Bio: Makenzie is a PhD student in the infection and immunity track. She earned her undergraduate degree in forensic biology and worked on two undergraduate research projects. The first was studying the chemical composition of cosmetic products using scanning electron microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; the second was at MU studying toll-like receptor 3. During her free time, Makenzie participates in weightlifting and plays guitar.  
• Current Research Interests: Host-pathogen interactions, innate immunity, virology, molecular therapies
• Supervisor Name: Margaret J. Lange, PhD

• Undergraduate Institution: University of Lagos
• Bio: I am a driven and aspirational student from Nigeria whose academic trajectory has been marked by an unquenchable curiosity and a profound interest in immunology, with a particular focus on the fundamental mechanisms underlying autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. My long-term objective is to aid in developing novel vaccines, antimicrobials, and immunotherapies that can fight infectious diseases and offer efficient treatments for autoimmune ailments. Through Scientific research and discoveries, I hope to bring good change by being part of those at the forefront of the battle against these health issues while also serving humanity.
• Current Research interests: Host pathogen interactions, infectious diseases, immunology, vaccine development
• Supervisor Name: Paul de Figueiredo,PhD

• Undergraduate Institution: Truman State University
• Bio: Coming from a biology and statistics background, I acquired an interest in public health by working with epidemiologists as a biostatistician. I look forward to undergoing more public health training and combining that with my existing skills to investigate medical issues. Since I grew up in Missouri, I am excited to attend this program and further my career while still staying close to home. When I am not working on research, I enjoy reading books or playing games with family and friends.
• Current Research Interests: Public Health, Electronic Medical Records
• Supervisor Name: Randi E. Foraker, PhD

• Undergraduate Institution: Sichuan Agricultural university
• Bio: Xiaduo Meng received the Master of Science degree in cell biology from University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. She is currently working toward the PhD degree in cancer biology tract of TBS program. Her research interests include disease mechanisms, regenerative medicine, and gene editing.
• Current Research Interests: Among the various tracts provided by translational biosciences program, Cancer Biology is most appealing to me. I'm interested in basic biomedical research which explores disease mechanisms to improve human health.
• Supervisor Name: Xunlei Kang, MD, PhD

• Undergraduate Institution: Dhaka National Medical College  
• Bio: I am Lutfun Nahar. I am from Bangladesh. I am a first-year Translational Bioscience Ph.D. program student at the University of Missouri Columbia. After earning my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S) degree, I wanted to learn more about cardiovascular changes in chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. This desire guided me to pursue my career in the medical physiology research field. I earned my master’s degree in medical pharmacology and Physiology from the University of Missouri Columbia. During my master’s program, my research was focused on understanding the effect of SGK1 deletion in vascular reactivity using a transgenic mice model. My master’s program increased my interest and led me to pursue my PhD in Translational Biosciences. Through this program, I am looking forward to learning research skills to understand the long-term cardiovascular effects of chronic diseases as well as to transform these skills into clinical practice.
• Current Research Interests: Cardiovascular changes in chronic disease.
• Supervisor Name: Luis Martinez-Lemus, DVM, PhD

• Undergraduate institution: Davenport University
• Bio: Born and raised in Kenya, Harriet moved to the United States of America to further her education right after high school. Harriet has always loved sciences, but it was in undergraduate that she discovered her love for research, so she decided to take an internship in a research institute to get the real-life experience. She worked in a reproduction health lab that focused on endometriosis, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer. With this experience she confirmed her love of research and the want to help people, so she chose to apply for the Translational Bioscience Program. Harriet’s goal is to shed a light on women’s reproductive health and finding solutions to the diseases that plague women like endometriosis. Outside the world of academia, Harriet loves to read, listen to music, and watch anime.
• Current Research Interests: Integrative physiology, women reproductive health, endometriosis.
• Supervisor Name: Tae Hoon Kim, PhD

• Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
• Bio: Chelsea is a Senior Program Coordinator for Missouri Telehealth Network in the Office of Health Outreach, Policy, and Education within the School of Medicine. She oversees the asynchronous development of interprofessional telehealth training programs. Chelsea works closely with the Heartland Telehealth Resource Center on other HRSA grant projects and frequently attends regional telehealth conferences with key stakeholders. She is in her first year of the Translational Bioscience doctoral program at the University of Missouri, studying population and precision health.
• Current Research Interests: Cancer clinical trials
• Supervisor Name: Randi E. Foraker, PhD

• Undergraduate Institution: Sichuan Agricultural University
• Bio: Yi Pan (he/his) is a PhD student in the Translational Biosciences Program at the University of Missouri. His research interest is the interplay between cancer, hematopoietic system, and cardiovascular disease. Yi completed his DVM degree in Sichuan Agricultural University and master's degree of Veterinary Clinical Science from the University of Missouri. Prior to pursuing his PhD, he worked as a veterinarian and the director of veterinary clinical diagnostic lab at Ringpai Animal Hospital in China. In his free time, Yi enjoys playing basketball and travelling.
• Current Research Interests: Cancer biology, Hematopoietic stem cell, Cardiovascular disease
• Supervisor name: Xunlei Kang, MD, PhD

• Undergraduate Institution: Creighton University
• Bio: I am a current first year student in the infection and immunity track. Outside of research I enjoy making things with my hands such as woodworking and ceramics.
• Current Research Interests: Cancer therapeutics and effects on the immune system
• Supervisor Name: Paul de Figueiredo, PhD

• Undergraduate Institution: Washington State University
• Current Research Interests: Uterine epithelial development, events coordinating embryo implantation, and uterine regeneration.
• Supervisor Name: Andrew Kelleher, PhD

• Undergrad: University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Campus
• Bio: Patricia Roa Vidal is originally from Puerto Rico, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Cellular-Molecular Biology at the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Campus. She moved to Columbia, Missouri, to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Missouri and to deepen her knowledge in reproductive and developmental biology. Patricia is dedicated to advancing our understanding of sex-specific differences while integrating basic science with clinical relevance. Outside the lab, she enjoys spending time with friends, working out, and relaxing at home with some TV after a busy day's work. Her aspiration is to return to her island to foster research careers for others interested in the health sciences, a non-traditional profession in her country.
• Supervisor Name: Amanda Patterson, PhD

• Undergraduate Institution: Truman State University
• Bio: Karissa is a PhD student in the Biochemistry and Biophysics track. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Truman State University. She conducted research for a variety of projects where she gained both computational and wet laboratory experience. Her undergraduate research experiences, particularly the Translational Biomedicine Summer Research Program here at Mizzou, helped shape her scientific interests and passion for research. Outside of the laboratory, she enjoys various activities including traveling, spending time with friends and family, and being active outdoors.
• Current Research Interests: Structural Biology and Virology
• Supervisor Name: Margaret J. Lange, PhD

• Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
• Bio: I graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Biology, with many of my electives focused on molecular and cell biology. After graduating, I worked in industry for 3 years at a molecular diagnostics company as a bench scientist and laboratory trainer. While there, I gained an interest in molecular markers of disease and their uses in diagnosis and treatment. I'm currently interested in researching ways to improve our understanding and harness the power of the immune system to find better therapies.
• Current Research Interests: Immune consequences of differential ligand-protein interactions in nucleic acid sensing pattern recognition receptors (Keywords: Innate immunity, Immunomodulation, TLR3, TLR9, RIG-I)
• Supervisor Name: Dr. Maggie Lange

• Undergraduate Institution: Bemidji State University (BSU), MN
• Bio: Hello all, a big part of my graduate experience has consisted of a move from Washington State University (WSU Pullman) to Mizzou! Otherwise, research is the name, but definitely not the only (video) game. Outside of the lab I enjoy long walks on the moon and gazing at the beach! 
• Current Research Interests: Contraception; Drug Development; Male contraception; Non-Hormonal Contraception; (Everything else!). 
• Supervisor Name: Dr. Wipawee "Joy" Winuthayanon

• Undergraduate Institution: University of Kansas
• Bio: Emily Giri is a PhD student with 7 years experience in microbiology currently conducting influenza research in Dr. Xiu-Feng (Henry) Wan’s research lab at the University of Missouri. Her project focuses specifically on the molecular mechanisms involved in the transmission of avian influenza into mammalian hosts. Outside of the lab Emily loves to apply her chemistry and microbiology knowledge to cooking and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, playing tennis, and traveling to new countries.
• Current Research Interests: Emily's current project investigates the molecular mechanisms involved in the transmission of avian influenza into mammalian hosts, particularly swine. Emily plans to investigate this problem from both the host and pathogen side. She hopes to identify some avian influenzas mutations which are associated with an increased risk of spillover into mammals. Additionally, she hopes to elucidate which mammalian host proteins are interacting with the avian influenza to support its replication.
• Supervisor names: Dr. Xiu-Feng (Henry) Wan

• Undergraduate Institution: University for Development Studies
• Bio: As a PhD student hailing from Ghana, my journey in the TBP program was ignited by a profound fascination with viruses that originated during my undergraduate years. My intrigue lies in the captivating abilities of viruses to manipulate host cells, engage in complex battles with host immunity, and evade therapeutic interventions. My goal is to unravel the mysteries of virus-host interactions and contribute to the development of therapies against these intriguing organisms. Beyond the lab, I find relaxation in spending time with friends or indulging in TV shows.
• Current research interest: host-virus interaction, viral immunity
• Supervisor name: Dr. Marc Johnson

• Undergraduate Institution: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso,
• Bio: Olubodun Lateef earned his bachelor’s degree in human Physiology from LAUTECH and a master’s degree in applied biotechnology from the Warsaw University of Technology in Warsaw, Poland. Presently, he is pursuing a doctoral degree in Translational Biosciences, with an emphasis area in Integrative Physiology. His research background includes investigating the role of heat shock proteins in the heart of dysthyroid mice as well as the age-related changes in heat shock proteins during gastric ulcer healing. Currently serving as a graduate research assistant in the Vasorum lab, he is dedicated to exploring the impact of cardiometabolic disorders on vascular stiffening and the remodeling of the vascular wall.
• Current Research Interests: He is primarily interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the impact of stretch on cytoskeletal alterations in vascular smooth muscle, ultimately contributing to vascular stiffening and remodeling in the context of diabetes and hypertension.
• Supervisor name: Dr. Luis A Martinez-Lemus

• Undergraduate Institution: Drury University, Springfield MO
• Bio: I am originally from Springfield, MO, but now consider myself essentially a Columbia native! I went to medical school and completed residency in family medicine at Mizzou. I practice primary care for adults and children, obstetrics, and breastfeeding medicine. I enjoy spending& time with my family, my dog, traveling, and reading.
• Current Research Interests: Breastfeeding and lactation medicine, breastfeeding promotion in primary care, and health services research on maternal and child health
• Supervisor name: Dr. Kate Trout.

• Previous Institutions: Ohio University, BS and University of Pittsburgh, MS
• Bio: Savannah is a PhD student in the I&I track that found her passion for scientific research early during her undergraduate studies. Originally investigating the effects of growth hormone on longevity, her interest in viruses grew after taking an advanced course her senior year. Working towards her Master’s degree, she transitioned to studying HIV in the brain and is now continuing research in the realm of influenza immunology for her doctoral studies. Outside of academics, she can typically be found with a book or a puzzle and surrounded by her three fur babies. 
• Research Interests: host-pathogen interactions, viruses, innate immunity
• Supervisor: Dr. Bumsuk Hahm

• Undergraduate Institution:  University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.
• Bio: Jessica Osaze is a second year in the Translational Biosciences, Population and Precision Health Track, PhD program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature from the University of Benin (2006). Passionate about women's rights, Jessica embarked on a career dedicated to women's empowerment through rehabilitative skills training workshops in Edo State, Nigeria. She expanded her expertise by obtaining a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Missouri in 2020, subsequently earning her state license. In 2023, Jessica achieved a dual Master's degree in Health Administration and a Master of Science in Health Informatics and Bioinformatics. Motivated by a love for process improvement, she also acquired a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification. Committed to addressing healthcare disparities among minority populations, Jessica is actively pursuing her PhD in Translational Bioscience, aiming to bridge critical gaps in healthcare accessibility and equity.
• Current Research Interests: Breast cancer in minority populations and understanding the multifaceted factors contributing to disparities in breast cancer outcomes among different ethnic and racial groups
• Supervisor names: Randi E. Foraker, PhD

• Undergraduate Institution: BSc in Biology and BSc in Psychology Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
• Bio: Taylor Bosworth is a first-year medical student in the Tom and Anne Smith MD/PhD Program. Prior to starting the Tom and Anne Smith MD/PhD Program, she completed a year of PhD studies in Translational Biosciences (emphasis area of Population and Precision Health), which she plans to continue. She is a first-generation college student from rural Bourbon, Missouri.
• Current Research Interests: Her research interests are health technologies, user-informed design, implementation science, and addiction medicine. Her recent projects focus on an array of primary care topics, such as addiction medicine, obesity, dementia, health technologies, and implementation science. In the future, she hopes to bridge addiction medicine and science with health technologies to improve access to treatment and resources for those with substance use disorders.
• Supervisor Name: Randi E. Foraker, PhD

• Undergraduate: Southeast Missouri State University
• Bio: I'm an MD-PhD student pursuing a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon-scientist studying the intricate connectivity of the cardiopulmonary circuit. I'm from Millstadt, IL and enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I'm also an avid runner and I enjoy watching basketball and other sports.
• Current Research Interests: Pulmonary hypertension, right-sided heart failure, arrhythmogenesis, calcium handling, angiotensin II signaling, and COVID-19.
• Supervisor name: Timothy Domeier, PhD