PhD students in Comparative and Molecular Biosciences (CMB) are engaged in research in biomedical sciences at the intersection of animal and human health. Our students study infectious and zoonotic diseases, genetics and genomics, molecular mechanisms of health and disease, virology and bacteriology, among other areas of research.
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Ahmed, Shamim

Shamim Ahmed
Degree
BS from Minnesota State University Mankato
Advisor
Dr. Alon Herschhorn
Arnold, Susan

Susan Arnold
Advisor
Dr. Liz Pluhar
Degrees
DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology)
Research
My general area of research is in immunotherapy-based cures for primary brain tumors. I focus
on high grade gliomas in dogs, which share many important features with glioblastoma in
people. Our goal is to optimize multimodal immunotherapy-based treatment, consisting of tumor
lysate vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibition, in dogs so that this work can be translated
into human clinical trials. My thesis project is focused on determining why French bulldogs with
high grade gliomas have a uniformly poor response to immunotherapy, which will help to
optimize the treatment and predict outcome in people with similar tumor features.
Baker, Julia

Julia Baker
Dual D.V.M./Ph.D. student, currently in PhD curriculum
Degree
B.S. Biochemistry, Vassar College
Advisor
Dr. Kim VanderWaal
Research
I am a DVM/PhD student interested in molecular pathogenesis of infectious diseases.
Baggar, Hanen
Hanen Baggar
Degrees
MS, Veterinary Science , Washingston State University
BS, Microbiology, King Abdul Aziz University
Advisor
Dr. Rob O'Connor
Berg, James

James Berg
Degree
BA, Biology and History, Saint John's University
MA, Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Research
My main research area of interest is in immunology, specifically immune development and immunopathogenesis. My research experience has been primarily focused on SIV/HIV pathogenesis.
Bernik, Angelique

Angelique Bernik
Degrees
BS, Biology, University of Minnesota-Duluth
BS, Linguistics, University of Minnesota-Duluth
BA, Cognitive Science, University of Minnesota-Duluth
Advisor
Ann Parr
Research Interests
Neurosurgery, cellular biology, stem cells, regenerative medicine, spinal cord/traumatic brain injury and strokes.
Blanco, Cristina

Cristina Blanco
Degrees
B.S., Biology, Unviersity of South Flordia
M.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Arkansas Tech University
Adviser
Currently completing requirements of the DVM program
Research
I am a DVM/PhD student interested in ecosystem health sciences, zoonoses, and infectious disease ecology.
Bohm, Ellie

Ellie Bohm
Degree
BS from University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Advisor
Dr. Matthew Aliota
Cain, Michaela

Michaela Cain
Degree
BS, Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University
Advisors
Dr. Hinh Ly
Dr. Yuying Liang
Draper, Garrett

Garrett Draper
Degree
B.S., Genetics, Cell Biology, & Development, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Advisor
Dr. David Largaespada
Research
The genetic tumor predisposition syndrome Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) results from the inheritance of a mutated copy of NF1, a Ras-GAP tumor suppressor gene. Subsequent loss of the remaining wild-type allele in Schwann lineage cells leads to hyperactive Ras signaling, cell proliferation, and the formation of benign plexiform neurofibromas. These benign tumors can progress to lethal malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Although NF1 and other mutations have been associated with MPNST formation, their temporal dependence during Schwann cell development using a human cell model has not been studied. I aim to utilize a model of induced MPNSTs (iMPNSTs) for a better understanding of the timing at which these mutations occur during Schwann cell development to result in MPNSTs.
Edge, Aidan Marie

Aidan Marie Edge
Degree
BS, Biology, St. Norbert College
Advisor
Alon Herschhorn
Research
During my undergraduate studies, I researched the identity of an unknown species of parasitic Eustrongylides nematode recovered from bullfrog hosts. Currently, my research interests include the genetic and environmental mechanisms of infectious disease, along with host-pathogen interactions. I look forward to joining the CMB student cohort and continuing my education at the University of Minnesota!
Frank, Lexi

Lexi Frank
Degree
MPH from University of Michigan, BS from University of Michigan
Advisor
Dr. Peter Larsen
Fumuso, Fernanda

Fernanda Fumuso
Degree
DVM, Universidad de Buenos Aires
Advisor
Dr. Rob O'Connor
Hamsher, Hayden Kenneth Robert

Hayden Hamsher
Degrees
B.S., Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development
Bio
Hayden is a graduate of the University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences with an undergraduate degree in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development. He has several years of research experience in human Natural Killer cell immunotherapy, specifically in investigating novel treatments for Multiple Myeloma and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. His research interests and education are focused around genetics and how organisms develop, as well as using computational power to discover truth in large datasets. He hopes to help further the understanding of how humans develop and to one day contribute to allowing parents the ability to prevent or mitigate developmental disabilities in their children. He is also interested in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy, and how genetic editing can advance the field.
Hasan, Jahid
Hatfield, Jason

Jason Hatfield
Degree
B.S., Animal Science and Biochemistry, Berry College
Advisor
Dr. Hinh Ly
Jensen, Jake

Jake Jensen
Degrees
BA, Biology and Biochemistry, The College of Saint Scholastica
Advisor
Dr. Branden Moriarity
Research interests
Novel gene therapies
Johnson, Abigail

Abigail Johnson
Degrees
M.S., Immunology, University of Cincinnati
B.S., Animal Science, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Advisor
Dr. Tim Johnson
Research
My research focuses on identifying potential probiotics that can combat/prevent colonization of pathogens associated with commercial turkey production, pathogen inhibition performance in probiotic bacteria which will aid in faster screening of future probiotic candidates and the development of a commercial.
Awards and Honors
- USDA National Needs Fellowship in Poultry Health and Production 2018-2021
- MnDRIVE Global Food Ventures Fellowship, Recipient, 2021
- Pomeroy Legacy Scholarship, Recipient, 2020
Publications
- Azam M, Mohsin M, Johnson TJ, Smith EA, Johnson A, Umair M, Saleemi MK, Sajjad-Ur-Rahman. Genomic landscape of multi-drug resistant avian pathogenic Escherichia coli recovered from broilers. Vet Microbiol. 2020 Aug;247:108766. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108766. Epub 2020 Jun 27. PMID: 32768218.
- Boll EJ, Overballe-Petersen S, Hasman H, Roer L, Ng K, Scheutz F, Hammerum AM, Dungu A, Hansen F, Johannesen TB, Johnson A, Nair DT, Lilje B, Hansen DS, Krogfelt KA, Johnson TJ, Price LB, Johnson JR, Struve C, Olesen B, Stegger M. Emergence of Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli within the ST131 Lineage as a Cause of Extraintestinal Infections. mBio. 2020 May 19;11(3):e00353-20. doi: 10.1128/mBio.00353-20. PMID: 32430467; PMCID: PMC7240153.
- Hwang, Haejin; Miller, Elizabeth A.; Johnson, Abigail; Valeris-Chacin, Robert; Nault, Andre J.; Singer, Randall S.; Johnson, Timothy J.. (2020). Efficacy of prebiotics and probiotics on growth performance in poultry: A protocol for a systematic review. Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/216461.
- Student Research Report: Abigail Johnson Johnson, Abigail Gobbles Magazine, MN Turkey Growers Assoc. 2021. In press.
Karkache, Ismael

Ismael Karkache
Degree
BS, Biology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Advisor
Dr. Elizabeth Bradley
Kauffman, Anna

Anna Kauffman
Degree
BS, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University
Advisor
Dr. Hinh Ly
Khaw, Melissa

Melissa Khaw
Degree
BS from University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Advisor
Dr. Jeff Miller
Kozurek, Emma Christine

Emma Kozurek
Bio
Emma's primary interests include immunology and comparative biology. Emma earned a BA in Biology at St. Catherine University in 2020 and has since been a researcher at the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center. She is excited to continue her education at the University of Minnesota!
Krueger, Joshua

Joshua Krueger
Bio
Researcher at the University of Minnesota, recent admission into the Comparative Molecular Biology graduate program, Josh strives to take his research from the bench to the bed by translating effective therapies while maximizing availability to patient populations in need.
M-Z
Marlowe, Jillian

Jillian Marlowe
Degree
BS from Clemson University
Advisors
Dr. Sian Durward-Akhurst
Dr. Molly McCue
Murphy, Hannah

Hannah Murphy
Advisors
Dr. Yuying Liang and Dr. Hinh Ly
Research
My research focuses on the gene expression of arenaviruses, specifically Lassa fever virus. Lassa fever virus causes severe to fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans and has no vaccine or effective drug treatment. I am also involved in the research of using trisegmented arenavirus (Pichinde virus) vector to develop vaccines against various animal and human diseases.
Narayanan, Manojkumar

Manojkumar Narayanan
Education:
B. Tech. Biotechnology, SASTRA University, India.
MS Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts, USA.
Advisor: Dr. Maxim Cheeran
Research Interests: Neurovirology; Neuroimmunology.
Experience and goals:
My research experience and interest is in studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of virus and its infection in the brain. Previously, under the guidance of Dr. Groopman at Harvard, I studied the mechanisms behind the enhanced prevalence of HIV-1 Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) in cocaine-using HIV-1 infected individuals. My other experiences include developing Retroviral vectors for targeted gene therapy. During my PhD program at CVM, I would like to study the pathobiology and neurological complications of virus infection in brain using animal models.
Peng, Yiyun

Yiyun (Fenix) Peng
Degree
BA, Biology, Franklin & Marshall College
Advisor
Dr. Bruce Blazar
Phu, Sydney

Sydney Phu
Degree
BS, Biology, Oregon State University
Advisor
Dr. Hinh Ly
Quintana, Ruth

Ruth Quintana
Degree
B.S., Biology, University of Puerto Rico Piedras
Advisor
Dr. Alonso Guedes
Area of research interest
My current research focuses on neuro-immune interactions relevant for chronic pain and opioid mechanisms. Specifically, we study the role of calcium signaling in glia and its involvement in nociception, opioid antinociception and opioid tolerance using mouse models of chronic pain.
Sanchez, Shania
Shania Sanchez
Degree
B.S. Biology, University of New Mexico
Advisors
Dr. Yuying Liang and Dr. Hinh Ly
Research
Host-pathogen interactions focusing on vaccine development for zoonotic viruses.
Steinhoff, Magie

Magie Steinhoff
Degrees
M.B.S., Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
B.S., Animal Sciences, University of Missouri - Columbia
Advisor
Dr. Sabarinathan Ramachandran
Research
My research at the Schulze Diabetes Institute is focused on altering surface glycan expression of porcine cells through genetic engineering. Our goal is to produce a donor organ that is less immunoreactive when used in xenotransplantation. Specifically, my goal is to increase the level of ɑ2,6 sialylation on pig cells to inhibit activation of human B cells in response to porcine cells.
Publications
- Kumbha, R, Hosny, N, Matson, AW, Steinhoff, M, Hering, BJ, & Burlak, C. (2020). Efficient production of GGTA1 knockout porcine embryos using a modified handmade cloning (HMC) method. Research in veterinary science, 128, 59-68. https://www-sciencedirectcom.ezp1.lib.umn.edu/science/article/pii/S00345....
- Hosny, N, Matson, AW, Kumbha, R, Steinhoff, M, Rao, JS, El-Abaseri, TB, Sabek, NA, Mahmoud, MA, Hering, BJ, Burlak, C. 3’UTR enhances hCD47 cell surface expression, self-signal function, and reduces ER stress in porcine fibroblasts. Xenotransplantation. 2020; 00:e12641. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/xen.12641casa_token=1Ogn....
Strell, Phoebe

Phoebe Strell
Degree
BA, Biology and Neuroscience, Augustana College
Dual D.V.M./Ph.D. student, currently in PhD curriculum
Advisor
Dr. Walter Low
Walls, Carrie

Carrie Walls
Degree
BS, Zoology, Michigan State University
Advisor
Chris Faulk
Research
While at Michigan State, Carrie worked in the Holekamp lab on a project studying vocalizaDons of spoEed hyenas. She has previously worked as a lab technician for the NaDonal Marrow Donor Program and for Dr. Chris Faulk in the UMN Department of Animal Science. Her diverse research interests include the epigenomics of ageing and reproducDve senescence, and the movement of prions among biota and the
environment.
Wenthe, Sophia

Sophia Wenthe
Degree
BA from University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Advisor
Dr. Beau Webber
Wilkens, Rowan
Wood-Sternburgh, Marissa Nicole
Marissa Nicole Wood-Sternburgh
Degrees
BSc, Psychology, University of Tennessee at Martin
MSc, Cognitive Neuroscience, Durham University
Advisor
Dr. Peter Larsen
Research
My research interests include protein misfolding disorders in humans including Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Young, Jared

Jared Young
Dual D.V.M./Ph.D. student, currently in PhD curriculum
Degrees
B.S. Animal Sciences, West Texas A&M University
Adviser
Dr. Noelle Noyes
Research
I am a dual DVM/PhD program candidate at the Univeristy of Minnesota. Hwile completing my PhD; I ill study epidemiology with an emphasis in microbial ecology and bioinformatics. My research interests include microbiome and resistome dynamics in food animals and production systems, and development of bioinformatics tools to better analyze high throughput sequencing data.