Current Scholars
Dr. Kelsey L. Alexander Heading link
IRACDA Postdoc: UIC College of Pharmacy | Natural Products Chemistry | Jimmy Orjala and Alessandra Eustaquio
PhD: University of California, San Diego | Chemistry | William Gerwick
BS: Point Loma Nazarene University | Chemistry/Biology
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Placentia, California
My research focuses on natural product discovery from cyanobacteria which produce a diverse array of bioactive compounds. I am interested in characterizing new compounds for their therapeutic potential. My professional goal is to be a professor at a university where I can teach and mentor both in the classroom and in a research lab. My hobbies include surfing, longboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling and photography.
Dr. Elizabeth Kaweesa Heading link
IRACDA Postdoc: UIC College of Pharmacy | Ovarian cancer | Joanna Burdette
PhD: University of Florida | Chemistry | Sandra Loesgen
MS: Oregon State University | Chemistry | Sandra Loesgen
BS: St. Edward’s University | Biochemistry
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Kampala, Uganda
My research interests include screening natural products for anti-cancer activity and investigating their mechanism of action. My professional goal is to teach, mentor the next generation of researchers, and foster more representation of the underrepresented in academia and research. I enjoy singing, travelling, hiking, sight-seeing, visiting art galleries, and event planning.
Dr. KaReisha Robinson Heading link
IRACDA Postdoc: UIC College of Medicine | Anatomy & Cell Biology | Sarah E. Lutz
PhD: Rush University | Biomedical Sciences | Lena Al-Harthi
MS: Northwestern University | Biotechnology | San Ming Wang
BS: Bradley University | Biochemistry
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
My research focuses on characterizing Wnt/β-catenin signaling in multiple sclerosis. My interest in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in neuroinflammation developed as a PhD candidate. My career goal is to become a professor and have my own laboratory. My hobbies include listening to music, cooking, exercising, and dancing!
Dr. Christopher A. J. Craddock Heading link
IRACDA Postdoc: UIC College of Pharmacy | Biomolecular Sciences | Alexander (Shura) Mankin and Nora Vazquez-Laslop
PhD: University of Chicago | Cell and Molecular Biology | Jonathan P. Staley
BS: Northeastern Illinois University | Biology/Interdisciplinary Studies
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Fort Washington, Maryland
I have always had an interest in the regulation of gene expression, particularly at the post-transcriptional level. Having studied the spliceosome as a grad student, I have an affinity for RNA and ribonucleoprotein machines. My research as a postdoc will focus on the regulation of gene expression at the level of translation by another ribonucleoprotein machine: the ribosome. My professional goal is to be a professor at a primarily undergraduate institution, working to expand access to STEM careers. Outside of the lab, I wrangle two children, occasionally take photographs, spend a fair amount of time making playlists, and complain a little too much about the Chicago Bulls’ front office.
Dr. A'Lester Allen Heading link
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.
Dr. Beatriz (Trizi) Ibarra Heading link
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.
Dr. Diandra Vaval Taylor Heading link
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.
Dr. Dara Kiani Heading link
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.
Dr. Graham H. Read Heading link
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.