Trainees

Photo	Information	Profile
	Shannon Allen Whiles shannon.allen@wsu.edu Advisor: Kawula IID Defended Fall 2023	I study compounds that my data suggests indirectly clear highly pathogenic bacteria in a host-targeted manner. Understanding the mechanism(s) of these drugs will contribute to the development of alternative therapeutics, which are in high demand as the antimicrobial resistance crisis continues to worsen.
	Adrienne (Jannelle) Andrews adrienne.andrews@wsu.edu Advisor: Lange Molecular Plant Sciences	I am a Ph.D. student currently undergoing lab rotations. Since I can remember I have always had an appreciation and love for plants. Through the MPS Program at WSU, my goal is to better understand how metabolic processes in plants can be engineered to be more efficient, sustainable, and beneficial to human health.
	Austin Alt austin.alt@wsu.edu Advisor: Lange Molecular Plant Sciences	I am interested in utilizing genetic techniques to harness natural biological processes for innovative applications. In the Lange lab, I research the biosynthesis of unique volatile compounds in Cannabis and other relevant organisms. Ideally, this work will lead to a deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms that could increase plant resistance to herbivores and pests.
	MD Monzurul Anoy m.anoy@wsu.edu Advisor: Beyenal Chem. Engineering & Bioengineering	I am working on a wound biofilm research project. The research mainly focuses on treating biofilm with an electrochemical bandage (e-bandage). My responsibility for the project is the develop and test the e-bandage for better configuration with a higher success rate of eradicating biofilm.
	Ryanne Ballard ryanne.ballard@wsu.edu Advisor: Berkman CHEMISTRY	I’m interested in mechanistically understanding how isopeptide crosslinking occurs post-exposure to organophosphorus toxicants. I synthesize peptides in situ while modifying functional groups, to probe how this crosslinking occurs as well as investigate vulnerable sequences based on these interactions.
	Kaylie Barton kaylie.barton@wsu.edu Advisor: Lange Molecular Biosciences	I bring a passion for understanding and characterizing molecular mechanisms to the research being done within protein biotechnology. By exploring all the research currently being done at WSU I am expanding my knowledge and discovering my lab “home.”
	Jeremy Boutin jeremy.boutin@wsu.edu Advisor: Lange Molecular Plant Sciences	While at WSU I plan to utilize my passion for education, protein biochemistry, and cannabis science by studying the structural differences between cannabinoid synthase proteins that control their end-product stereospecificity. I also hope to design and teach my own undergraduate class called, “The Biochemistry of Cannabis”.
	Corbin Chapman corbin.t.chapman@wsu.edu Advisor: Steber Molecular Plant Sciences	Using molecular and biochemical approaches, I aim to find solutions to problems facing agricultural crops. In Dr. Camille Steber’s lab, I am researching how to increase preharvest sprouting in soft white wheat and investigating stress resistance in key crops.
	Cameron Coyle cameron.coyle@wsu.edu Advisor: Shaw Immunology & Infectious Diseases	As an Immunology and Infectious Disease student, I aim to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the invasion and infiltration of pathogenic microorganisms into host tissue. I also intend to gain skills in science communication in order to make high-level science accessible to the greater public.
	Tyler Dabritz tyler.dabritz@wsu.edu Advisor: Bartley Chemistry	Through measurement of ligand binding interactions, I hope to build upon knowledge of the underlying dynamics in order to aid in our understanding of pharmacology. Graduate school will help me gain skills, make new connections, and shape my professional network in order to pursue my future career goals.
	Kelly Deobald kelly.deobald@wsu.edu Advisor: Kawula Immunology & Infectious Diseases	I study immunology at the Allen School for Global Health. I work with bacteria that grow within white blood cells to avoid immune detection and I’m interested in understanding how infected cells signal to others to control infection. This could one day lead to the development of better treatments for bacterial diseases.
	Anubhav Dhull anubhav.dhull@wsu.edu Advisor: Sharma Chemistry	My aim is to develop novel, smart nanomaterials which can target desired, specific cells/tissues in human body which can be used in treatment of various unmet medical needs. I seek to employ eco friendly greener chemistry to achieve this. Through my research I hope to bring positive changes in society and help better lives.
	Jenna Douglas jenna.douglas@wsu.edu Advisor: Maclean Molecular Biosciences	I am in a reproduction lab focusing on female fertility and insulin signaling. I am interested in cellular signaling and mechanisms of successful pregnancies. By participating in the NIH Protein Biotech program, I am hoping to develop translational skills for academia and industry.
	Brenden Fraser-Hevlin b.fraser-hevlin@wsu.edu Advisor: Van Wie Chemical Engineering & Bioengineering	I have always wanted to apply my knowledge and expertise in chemical engineering to develop therapeutic products for the treatment of chronic illnesses. I currently work in Dr. Bernie Van Wie’s lab, helping develop a novel centrifugal bioreactor that can rapidly grow cytotoxic T cells for cancer immunotherapy treatments.
	Brittany Genera brittany.martin1@wsu.edu Advisor: Brayton Immunology & Infectious Diseases	From an underrepresented background, I strive to use my experiences to develop the STEM field into a more inclusive environment. I am part of the Brayton lab where I study effector proteins in the tick-borne pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum to understand how infection is established and maintained within the tick vector.
	Katrina Gianopulos katrina.gianopulos@wsu.edu Advisor: Nicola Immunology & Infectious Diseases Defended Fall 2023	I am driven to pursue new discoveries in biotechnology. In the Nicola Lab, I study potential mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus infection. My thesis project aims to provide a new understanding of potential targets for treatments and vaccines.
	Andrea Gomez Barillas a.gomezbarillas@wsu.edu Advisor: Baylink Immunology & Infectious Disease	I’m in the Immunology and Infectious Diseases program. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major problem that needs to be studied to understand and solve in the future. I’ve done some research for both community and hospital environments regarding AMR and now I’m rotating in laboratories that focus on techniques and knowledge that can help me on a research project in AMR.
	Andrew Gonzalez andrew.gonzalez1@wsu.edu Advisor: Bartley Molecular Plant Sciences	Biological energy conservation concerns itself with how living cells use the free energy of chemical reactions to drive the endergonic synthesis of compounds used as energy storage molecules. I hope to search for spectral features that are associated with enzymatic and biochemical traits that are believed to be necessary for electron bifurcation but that are disputed by other research laboratories.
	Tia Hoisington tia.hoisington@wsu.edu Advisor: Law Molecular Biosciences	I have always been interested in fertility and reproductive medicine, hoping to one day work in a lab that will allow me to pursue this passion. I look forward to discovering new techniques and opportunities at WSU while advancing my existing knowledge of molecular biology.
	Casey Hunter casey.hunter@wsu.edu Advisor: Dong Chem. Engineering & Bioengineering	I’m a Ph. D student in Engineering Science. My values are engineering-like in that I love decentralizing and reducing the cost of various services and items that we find in healthcare. My goal in participating in WSU’s graduate program is to gain skills to gain a career aligning with my values.
	Eric Jacobo eric.jacobo@wsu.edu Advisor: Brozik Chemistry	I am driven to learn more about the biophysical properties of proteins at a fundamental level. In the Brozik lab, I am working with proteins to better understand their physical properties. Through studying their properties this leads to a better understanding of biochemical functions.
	Brandon Johnson brandon.johnson4@wsu.edu Advisor: Bates Molecular Plant Sciences	I am a guitar-playing, plant scientist who is interested in engineering solutions that can leverage the biochemical potential of plants as chemical factories. My current research aims to understand the metabolic rearrangements needed for leafy biomass to become an energy-sense renewable alternative to cruise oil.
	Brianne (Bri) Jones brianne.jones@wsu.edu Advisor: Haseltine Molecular Biosciences	I am a Ph.D. candidate investigating genomic stability in Archaea. My project focuses on two opposing effectors of genomic stability, DNA repair, and transcription. This research contributes to basic molecular knowledge of two cellular mechanisms and how it affects genomic stability.
	Cody Lauritsen cody.lauritsen@wsu.edu Advisor: Gunn Immunology & Infectious Diseases	In the Gunn Lab, I study the antibody-dependent immune response against the Rift Valley Fever Virus and the transmission of the virus from mother to fetus. I hope to gain the skills needed to join the biotechnology industry through the Biotech program.
	Chloe Leach chloe.leach@wsu.edu Advisor: Nicola Immunology & Infectious Diseases	By studying host-pathogen interactions and the ways in which pathogens utilize host cell attributes to spread disease and maintain vitality, the mechanisms of disease can be more clearly understood. In the Nicola lab, I study Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1) viruses and their modes of entry into host cells. My goal is to understand these mechanisms as a way to block entry and infection.
	Madison Little madison.little1@wsu.edu Advisor: Kostyukova Chem. Engineering & Bioengineering	Properly functioning muscle cells is important for life. In the Kostyukova lab, I aim to study the structure and function of proteins that regulate the sarcomere, the contractile unit of muscle cells. Determining the role these proteins play in muscle function may lead to a better understanding of certain muscular diseases.
	Albina Makio albina.makio@wsu.edu Advisor: Nicola Immunology & Infectious Diseases	I am passionate about viruses’ intricate infection mechanisms. In Nicola Laboratory, I study how the Herpes simplex virus fuses and enters host cells to establish infection and pathogenicity. I hope my research will help develop potential entry blockers for the HSV-1 virus. I’m a keen learner with an excellent aptitude for study, enthusiastic about new ideas, and a great team player.
	Jasson Makkar jasson.makkar@wsu.edu Advisor: Driskell Molecular Biosciences	I aim to use my graduate education to learn how to approach problems in the biomedical space and develop unique solutions to treat various types of diseases and injuries. My current project aims to understand the wound-healing process and how genetic manipulation can improve skin regeneration.
	Madeline (Poli) McCanna madeline.mccanna@wsu.edu Advisor: Rotations VSCEB	Through the utilization of chemical engineering principles, my goal is to aid in the research and development of technology that can help those with chronic illnesses. During rotations, I have worked in Dr. Van Wie’s lab to develop articular cartilage for those with osteoarthritis, and I have worked in Dr. Beyenal’s lab to develop biocidal e-bandages for chronic wounds.
	Colin McDowell colin.mcdowell@wsu.edu Advisor: Call Molecular Biosciences	As a student in Molecular Biosciences, I’m fascinated by how chemical principles can be applied to biological settings. In the Call lab, I work to improve our understanding of novel antimicrobial peptides, a promising class of alternative antibiotics, so that they can be optimized for higher activity and lower toxicity.
	Sean McGuire sean.mcguire@wsu.edu Advisor: Bates Molecular Plant Sciences	I aim to leverage my unique skillset to innovate new biotechnology approaches for increased food security. In Phil Bates’ lab, I study key enzymes involved in lipid biosynthesis within oilseed crops. Elucidating major players required for oil accumulation will provide a framework with which we can engineer elite cultivars.
	Mackenzie Meyer mackenzie.meyer@wsu.edu Advisor: Duttke Molecular Biosciences	With my passion for understanding molecular processes and human disease, I want to make an impact in research and technological advancement. In the Duttke lab, I am studying the molecular mechanisms of gene expression, specifically focusing on transcription initiation.
	Lindsay (Grace) Miller lindsay.miller@wsu.edu Advisor: Bose Immunology & Infectious Diseases	In the Bose lab, I study the innate immune response to different respiratory viruses. We hope to further the understanding of these viruses so that better therapeutics may be made to treat them. My goal is to gain knowledge and skills that will allow me to continue doing research on infectious diseases.
	Colleen Monahan colleen.monahan@wsu.edu Advisor: Omsland Immunology & Infectious Diseases	I aspire to utilize my training in the biopharmaceutical industry to develop preventative and therapeutic treatments targeting pathogenic organisms. In the Omsland lab, I study how nutrients and specific gene expression regulate transitions between the two cell forms of the pathogenic bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
	Ifeoluwa (Peace) Oladapo ifeoluwa.oladapo@wsu.edu Advisor: Vadyvaloo Immunology & Infectious Diseases	Since I was young, I’ve been interested in studying diseases and finding ways to control or eradicate them. I am interested in research that focuses on deciphering the interplay between pathogens and hosts, leveraging this insight to develop drugs and therapeutics for disease control and treatment.
	Karina Pastrana karina.pastrana@wsu.edu Advisor: Gunn Immunology & Infectious Diseases	I aim to apply my training at WSU to advance innovative therapeutics in R&D within the biotechnology sector. In the Gunn lab, I am unraveling the intricate communication between the adaptive and innate immune systems, and using monoclonal antibodies to modulate immune responses.
	Pakkanpat Phondee pakkanpat.phondee@wsu.edu Advisor: Van Wie Chem. Engineering & Bioengineering	My goal for participating in graduate education at WSU is to improve my skills and gain knowledge in the chemical and bioengineering field. My value is to do research to discover and improve knowledge in the field of engineering. I received a chemical engineering undergraduate degree from Thailand. I also have a master’s in chemical engineering from WSU.
	Janel Poisson janel.poisson@wsu.edu Advisor: Rotations Molecular Plant Sciences	I adhere to ethical research principles and use safe laboratory techniques to contribute to future climate change solutions. As part of my current research, I am analyzing plant cell walls with lignin as a focus. My research interests include developing sustainable biofuels and sequestering carbon in deep soils.
	Benjamin Reams benjamin.reams@wsu.edu Advisor: Rotations Chem. Engineering & Bioengineering	I have always known I wanted to be a biomedical engineer and spend my career improving the lives of others. During my undergrad, I found my passion for research in bioinstrumentation. I plan to develop affordable, point-of-care diagnostic devices and research tools.
	Kris Rapeta kristopher.rapeta@wsu.edu Advisor: Smertenko Molecular Plant Sciences	I’m deeply immersed in the world of molecular plant sciences, dedicated to unraveling the secrets of plants to promote sustainability and ecological balance. With a strong background in biochemistry and a passion for scientific discovery, I am on a mission to contribute to a greener future.
	Terreill Robertson terreill.roberston@wsu.edu Advisor: Van Wie Chem. Engineering & Bioengineering	My attraction to research is constructed by its societal impacts. I am currently building on this fascination by working in the Van Wie lab to focus on the reconstruction of the biomimetic environment of chondrocytes. Knowledge gained from my project will define methods for creating functionally robust articular cartilage.
	Miguel Rosas miguel.rosas2@wsu.edu Advisor: Sanguinet Molecular Plant Sciences	Nitrate is essential for plant growth and development and is reported to play a key role in controlling root hair initiation. I study a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) termed BUZZ that was identified in the grass model Brachypodium as a key regulator of post-initiation root hair growth and is nitrate-responsive.
	Jimena Ruiz jimena.ruiz@wsu.edu Advisor: Watts Molecular Biosciences	I work with the nematode model C. elegans and study the influences of mitochondria on dietary-induced ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death linked to many degenerative diseases, through various lipidomic analyses. I hope to gain new skills and insight to apply in an industry setting and expand my scientific knowledge.
	Eduardo Sanchez eduardo.j.sanchez@wsu.edu Advisor: Kostyukova Chem. Engineering & Bioengineering	My current activity at WSU is getting up to speed with my new research project and learning the fundamental techniques related to my new research lab. From the biotech program, my goal is to improve my professional development and get more comfortable discussing my research.
	Mason Summers mason.summers@wsu.edu Advisor: Rotations Chem. Engineering & Bioengineering
	Sinem Ulusan sinem.ulusan@wsu.edu Advisor: Gunn Immunology & Infectious Diseases	I am a Ph.D. student in the IID program. I am currently working with Dr. Gunn’s research group to determine SARS-CoV 2 prevalence specifically in Kenya by analyzing the serum profiles and antibody effector functions.
	Brittany Vandenberg brittany.vandenberg@wsu.edu Advisor: Roberts Molecular Biosciences Moved to Vermont	I study mechanisms of UV mutagenesis in the Roberts lab. Currently, I am working on identifying the role of DNA polymerases in contributing to UV-induced driver mutations in melanoma. I hope to use the skills I have developed at WSU to transition into drug development within the biotechnology industry in the future.
	Kaylee Vosbigian kaylee.andrews@wsu.edu Advisor: Shaw Immunology & Infectious Diseases	I am passionate about understanding the molecular mechanisms pathogens utilize to survive and cause disease in humans and animals. I hope to explore the knowledge gaps in vector-borne disease, specifically at the vector-pathogen interface. The interdisciplinary nature of the NIH Protein Biotechnology program has encouraged me to approach this research from different perspectives.
	Christina Webster christina.f.webster@wsu.edu Advisor: Beyenal	I am excited to develop my skills through the biotechnology program to apply to interdisciplinary research. My interests range from sustainability in agriculture to tissue engineering, which all require an understanding of cells and utilize protein biotechnology.

2023-2024 NIH Biotech Trainees