Current Scholars

IRACDA Postdoc: UIC College of Pharmacy | Medicinal Chemistry | Terry Moore

PhD: University of California Santa Cruz | Chemistry | Jin Z. Zhang

BS: Stanford University | Chemistry

Pronouns: he/him

Hometown: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

My research focuses on developing new antibiotics to counteract a growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By modifying key amino acid residues in the pharmacophore region of Apidaecin, we hope to increase its antimicrobial activity. My professional goals include becoming a phenomenal writer, captivating teacher, and influential researcher. A few of my hobbies are reading fiction, cycling, and learning to prepare culinary masterpieces.

IRACDA Postdoc: UIC College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Biological Sciences | Yu (Tom) Gao

PhD: Case Western Reserve University | Biological Sciences | Radhika Atit

MS: Northern Illinois University | Biology | Ana M. Calvo

BS: Benedictine University | Biology

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Elgin, Illinois

My research expertise lies within molecular genetics and developmental biology. My current focus as a postdoc is on cardiac development and disease in vivo. My goal is to improve our understanding of cardiac disease etiology and provide avenues toward the development of novel therapies. My professional goal is to teach at a primarily undergraduate institution to inspire and support a new generation of scientific thinkers. In my free time, I enjoy baking, playing video games, and relaxing with my family.

IRACDA Postdoc: UIC College of Pharmacy | Pharmaceutical Sciences | Joanna Burdette

PhD: UIC College of Medicine | Microbiology and Immunology | Nancy Freitag

BS: Chicago State University | Chemistry w/ Biochemistry option

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

My research interest focuses on how imaging mass spectrometry can be used to unravel the small molecule communication that occurs during the metastatic process of high grade serous ovarian cancer. Among my career goals is being a professor at a university where I can teach and mentor budding scientists and do innovative research and outreach. Some of my hobbies include going to museums and aquariums, spending time with my husband and lovable dog, and trying out new recipes and restaurants.

IRACDA Postdoc: UIC College of Pharmacy | Pharmaceutical Sciences | Mike Federle

PhD: UIC College of Medicine | Microbiology and Immunology | Judith Behnsen

BS: University of California, Irvine | Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pronouns: he/him

Hometown: Tehran, Iran

My research focuses on how Streptococcal species use quorum sensing to evade immune system activation. My career goals include becoming a professor and to teach and inspire the next generation of scientists. When I am not in the lab, I am either playing or watching soccer.

IRACDA Postdoc: UIC College of Medicine | Pathology | Larisa Nonn

PhD: University of California, Los Angeles | Molecular Biology | Joanne Weidhaas

AB: Princeton University | Molecular Biology

Pronouns: he/him

Hometown: Kanata, Ontario, Canada

My research interests concern regulation of noncoding RNAs, especially microRNAs, in response to stimuli in cancer. During my PhD, I studied the interplay between ionizing radiation, RNA-mediated phase separation, and microRNAs- my postdoctoral research concerns regulation and localization of microRNAs in response to various metabolic changes during cancer development and progression. I see myself as both a researcher and an educator, and also have experience in education research studying instructor responses to unexpected absences. My long-term goal is to teach at a university with a strong commitment to both research and education. Outside of research, I enjoy learning foreign languages, baking, watching hockey, and collecting and blending tea.

IRACDA Postdoc: UIC College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Biological Sciences | Eric Stabb

PhD: UIC College of Medicine | Microbiology and Immunology | Nancy E. Freitag

BS: University of Puerto Rico- Humacau campus | Natural Sciences (Microbiology)

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Caguas, Puerto Rico

My research interests focuses on host-microbe interactions and bacterial cell-cell signaling, especially the light-organ symbiosis between the bioluminescent gram-negative bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the squid Euprymna scolopes. My career goal is to become a professor and teach and mentor students in their research projects. Additionally, I will continue outreach and volunteer work with my LatinX community, especially those in STEM. Outside the lab, some of my hobbies are trying new food, hiking in nature, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with my family.

IRACDA Postdoc: UIC College of Medicine | Pathology | Alan Diamond

PhD: UIC College of Applied Health Sciences | Nutrition and Kinesiology | Paul Grippo

MS: UIC College of Medicine | Pathology | Tibor Valyi-Nagy

AB: University of Massachusetts | Biological Sciences

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Chicago, IL

My research primarily focuses on the genetic variation of SEP15 (SELENOF) and its interaction with circulating plasma selenium levels, alongside exploring its implications on prostate cancer risk and mortality associated with SELENOF polymorphism. During my PhD, I concentrated on investigating how obesity, diabetes, and metformin influence pancreatic cancer development using genetically engineered mice from our lab. My research delved into the morphological and metabolic changes within the pancreas of EL-Kras mice, as well as how adipokines contribute to the progression of pre-neoplastic lesions into malignant phenotypes. Additionally, I examined the potential of metformin to mitigate the malignancy progression driven by persistent adipokine exposure. My professional aspiration is to continue advancing in the field of research and fulfill my long-held ambition of becoming a professor. The teaching experience I have gained thus far has only deepened my commitment to mentoring and educating students from diverse backgrounds. Outside of the lab, I actively volunteer at my local non-profit cat shelter, work towards starting my own TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) rescue, am a long-time member of the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), and engage in learning Russian while collecting nerdy t-shirts.

IRACDA Postdoc: UIC College of Medicine | Pathology | Almudena Veiga-Lopez

PhD: Saarland University | Systems Biology and Metabolic Engineering | Christoph Wittmann

MS: University of Belgrade | Molecular Biology and Physiology | Marija Miljkovic

BS: University of Belgrade | Molecular Biology and Physiology

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Belgrade, Serbia

My research explores lipid function in female reproductive health, focusing on the menopause transition and stressors that can disrupt lipid homeostasis. With a background in systems biology and metabolic engineering, I plan to leverage my knowledge in multi-omics technologies to integrate lipids’ contribution on cellular metabolic processes. My goal is to become a leading researcher and educator, advancing scientific knowledge while mentoring the next generation of scientists. Outside of research, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, and taking care of animals. I also love skiing, diving, and sailing, all of which fuel my adventurous spirit.