Ph.D. Student - Dr. Hector Aguilar-Carreno

Hi Everyone, I'm a second-year PhD student in the BBS program. I work in Dr. Aguilar-Carreno's lab, and my research is mainly focused on developing novel vaccine platforms for coronaviruses, influenza, and paramyxoviruses. Aside from vaccine development, I have a deep-seated interest in screening potent antivirals against live viruses in a BSL-3 lab setting. I love networking with people, and I participate in volunteering activities focused on boosting the interest of high school students in biomedical science.  Outside the lab, I watch movies and love vibing to Afro music.

Ph.D. Student - Dr. Anushka Dongre

Hi there! My name is Kimaya Bakhle and I am a 3^rd year DVM-PhD student in the Dongre Lab! I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio and I went to Purdue University for undergrad to study biochemistry. After graduating, I spent a year doing research in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine before joining the Combined DVM-PhD program at Cornell. In the Dongre Lab, I am studying how heterogeneous breast tumors become resistant to immunotherapies. In the future, I am interested in working in comparative oncology research to improve outcomes for humans and animals with cancer. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, working out, and trying new recipes!

Ph.D. Student - Dr. Hector Aguilar-Carreno

I’m a second year PhD student in Schaffer-Nishimura lab. I’m the President, and the Peer-Mentor Program Coordinator of the Biomedical & Biological Sciences Graduate Student Society (BBS GSS). Together with 20+ other peer-mentors we support the cohort of incoming first year PhD students each year. I am passionate about mentoring students and leading our program to foster an inclusive environment for all to grow to their best potential while enjoying learning through their PhD life. I am happy to help you connect to more than one peer mentor, so please do not hesitate to reach out seeking advice, help or any conversations related to your academic progress in the BBS program. I’m obtaining a minor in neuroscience and my scientific interests revolve around understanding the aging process and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases with a focus on brain physiology and vasculature. Prior to Cornell, I conducted full-time research at the Department of Neuroscience at the Mayo Clinic in Florida for almost three years. In my free time, you find me in the bookstores or in restaurants around town with my family and friends! 

Ph.D. Candidate, Mentor - Dr. Elizabeth Johnson

Hello there! I'm a 4th year PhD student in the Johnson lab. My research focuses on exploring how dietary choline affects the gut microbiome. When I'm not in the lab, I love spending time with my furry friend, Molly, and checking out the gorgeous waterfalls in Ithaca on sunny days. Plus, I always enjoy helping out fellow grad students who might be feeling a bit overwhelmed during their first few years of grad school.

Ph.D. Student, Mentor - Dr. Susan Daniel

Hi everyone! My name is Ellie and I am a member of the Daniel Lab in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering where I study biosensing and bioelectronics. I am originally from England and gained my veterinary degree and Masters from Bristol Veterinary School before working in clinical practice for a short time. I then moved into a research-focused role at Bristol University working on antimicrobial drug discovery and developed a passion for entrepreneurship and the translation of research to clinics. In my spare time, I love to play the piano, work on my YouTube channel and spend time with my super cute cat! 

Ph.D. Student, Mentor - Dr. Esak Lee

Hey everyone, I am a rising second-year graduate student in the program. I am originally from northern Mexico, but I grew up in Florida. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and then worked as a laboratory technician at Harvard Medical School where I developed an interest in angiogenesis and cancer research. When I'm not in the lab, I enjoy playing video games and watching movies. During warmer weather, I love to play soccer and tennis.

Ph.D. Student, Mentor - Dr. Robert Weiss

Hi everyone! My name is Max and I’m a 2nd year PhD student in the Weiss lab. Before coming to Cornell, I received my DVM degree from National Ching Hsing University in Taiwan, where I discovered my passion for cancer research. My research is focused on cancer metabolism and tumor microenvironment. Outside of the lab, I enjoy watching TV and spending time with my cat.

Ph.D. Student, Mentor - Dr. Andrew White

I grew up in China and immigrated to the United States with my family during my high school years. I obtained my bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. In May 2023, I became a member of Dr. Andrew White's lab in the Biomedical Science department. I am thrilled to delve into the study of resistance development in melanoma from targeted therapy. As a first-generation immigrant and college student, I aspire to inspire individuals with similar backgrounds to pursue research opportunities. Therefore, I also engage in the Diversity & Inclusion Council as well.

Ph.D. Student

Hi everyone! I’m a fourth-year PhD student.  I grew up in Louisiana and received my BS in biology and neuroscience from Centenary College of Louisiana. During undergrad, I researched Human Cytomegalovirus, which sparked my interest in infectious diseases. Outside of lab, I enjoy spending time with my cat Toulouse, watching TV, and spending time outside.

Ph.D. Candidate, Mentor - Dr. Hening Lin

Hello, everyone!  I am a fourth-year PhD student in the BBS program.  I work in the lab of Hening Lin in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, where I study how certain post-translational protein modifications contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases.  I was a first-generation college student, and I grew up in a small rural community just outside Scranton, PA.  I have a BS in chemistry from King’s College (Wilkes-Barre, PA), and I have a DVM from Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA).  Throughout my undergraduate and veterinary school years (and throughout the time between), I participated in research spanning the chemical and biological sciences.  After veterinary school, my wife, two daughters, and I lived just outside Syracuse, NY for 6 years, where I worked as a small-animal veterinarian prior to starting grad school at Cornell.  Beyond my professional life, I love spending time with my wife, two daughters, and son, especially doing anything outdoors or exploring our surroundings.  Once upon a time (i.e., prior to being a father of young children), I had many other interests that I someday hope to recapture (hiking/backpacking; camping; canoeing/kayaking; fly fishing; nature photography; fossil and rock collecting; learning to play guitar; learning music theory; history of science; history of medicine; traveling).

Ph.D. Student, Mentor - Dr. Colleen Lau

Hi! I'm a second year PhD student who recently joined Dr. Colleen Lau's lab. Our lab utilizes multi-omic approaches to help leverage the ability of NK cells to acquire adaptive features so we can explore immune memory in the context of classic antigen-dependent and more unconventional antigen-independent memory responses. I'm originally from the Bay Area in California and received my B.S. from the University of California, Los Angeles. Outside of the lab I enjoy hiking, watching tv, and trying to improve my cooking and baking skills.

Ph.D. Student

Hi all! My name is Brianna Knode, and I am currently a rising second-year PhD student in the BBS program. I grew up in Vancouver, Washington, and completed my undergraduate degrees in genetics and chemistry at Washington State University. I have a passion for translational disease research, specifically in the context of cancer and regeneration. Some of my favorite things to do outside of work include reading, arts/crafts, climbing and playing soccer, cooking/baking, and spending time with my cats!

Ph.D. Student

Hi everyone! My name is Haven and I'm a second year in McGeachy lab where I study vaccine strategies and immune training. I am originally from South Korea and finished my undergrad there where I developed interest in Immunology research. Outside the lab I enjoy listening to band music, watching shows, and finding good restaurants in the area.

Ph.D. Candidate - Dr. Gary Whittaker

I'm Bailey Lubinski and I'm a 5th year PhD candidate in Gary Whittaker's lab. Our lab focuses on coronaviruses, and I research the impact of mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on proteolytic processing. I'm originally from Michigan and Wisconsin, so I love when the weather gets cold. I enjoy hiking, reading, and doing crafts in my free time. I can sometimes be spotted knitting during WIP to help me maintain my focus. I believe that everyone's path through graduate school is unique, and we all need to experiment to find ways to learn effectively. 

Ph.D. Student, Mentor - Dr. Karl Lewis

Hi! I am a third-year student in Dr. Karl Lewis’ lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. My research is focused on bone homeostasis and mechanobiology, specifically developing a new in vivo imaging technique with Cornell Dots. I am excited to be collaborating with the Wiesner Lab (Materials Science) and the Delco Lab (CVM). I received my Bachelors in Biology from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA and I am originally from rural Northern California. Outside of science, I am passionate about outdoor recreation, especially swimming, skiing, scuba diving, and underwater photography. On campus, I am involved in a number of organizations, including Graduate Women in Science, the Cornell Undergraduate Research Journal, the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly, and the Club Swim Team. 

Ph.D. Student

Hi everyone, I'm Igor Müller. I am Brazilian and passionate about exploring the mechanisms underlying host/pathogen interactions. I completed both my undergraduate and Master's degrees in Brazil, where I studied mycobacterial cell wall lipids and its impact on pro-inflammatory response in the host. I am now a 2nd year PhD student in Dr. VanderVen's lab, which focuses on understanding how Mycobacterium tuberculosis survives and maintains infections in mammals, as well as identifying molecules that inhibit pathways essential to its survival.
Outside the lab, I enjoy running, exploring nature, and traveling as much as possible. I am also an enthusiast of transcultural experiences and volunteer work.

Ph.D. Student

My name is Marinel Ocasio-Rivera, a third-year graduate student at the Fowell lab minoring in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico – Ponce. I am currently studying the motility, positioning, and function of Th17 in Psoriasis. Outside of lab I like to cook, bake, do weightlifting training, and watch reality TV shows.

Ph.D. Student

Hi I’m Sunmi, I’m a second year PhD Student in the Lau lab. I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, then did my undergrad at Minerva University in San Francisco. Outside of lab, I am almost always *attempting* 
or watching gymnastics (I am indisputably Simone Biles’s biggest fan). I also enjoy traveling, reading and playing board games with friends.

Ph.D. Student - Dr. Andrew Flyak

My name is Katelyn Raney-Plourde, and I am a second year PhD student in Dr. Andrew Flyak's Lab. I am originally from Ventura County, California and completed my Bachelors at the University of California, San Diego in Microbiology, where I studied peroxisome generation in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. After undergrad, I shifted my focus to the intersection of cancer immunology and virology. Our lab studies Hepatitis C virus (HCV) from structural and immunological standpoints in vitro and in vivo models. Particularly, I am interested in how viruses, such as HCV, can induce or exacerbate conditions that lead to mutagenesis and promote cancer development. In my spare time, I sing, garden, crochet, and read with my four cats. I am also starting to explore a new passion in indoor rock climbing.

Ph.D. Candidate

Hi everyone! I am a 4th year PhD candidate in the Wiedmann lab where I study antimicrobial resistance. I am currently characterizing mobile colistin resistance genes in regards to their resistance phenotypes and their impacts on bacterial physiology and pathogenicity. Originally, I am from Moers, Germany and I received my B.S. in Molecular & Cellular Biology from the University of Maine. Outside of the lab, I enjoy the outdoors, especially hiking, camping, and paddleboarding, but I also love to travel to new places (both in & outside the US), run, or read.

Ph.D. Student, Mentor - Dr. Heidi Reesink 

Hi! I’m a third-year PhD student in Dr. Heidi Reesink’s laboratory. Our lab focuses on a variety of topics related to joint disease and fracture, particularly in horses but with crossovers to a variety of other species, including dogs and humans. I am interested in the intersection between immunology and orthopedic disease. My specific area of research is related to the changes in immune cell populations and lubricin, a glycoprotein involved in both immunology and boundary lubrication, which occur in the development of equine joint disease. I grew up in Vermont but attended Cornell for both my undergraduate and veterinary degrees. Following veterinary school, I completed a residency in equine surgery and spent 4 years as a private practice surgeon before returning to my alma mater for my PhD. Outside of the laboratory I enjoy trail running with my dog Annie, riding my horse Mocha, and hiking and cooking with my husband Andrew.

Ph.D. Student

Hi! I’m currently a second-year PhD student and recently joined Dr. Mandy McGeachy’s lab. Our research focuses on the interactions between various immune cells, particularly T cells and lymph node stromal cells. I grew up in South Korea and received my BS in Biotechnology from Korea University. Outside of the lab, I enjoy working out, doing yoga, playing squash, and listening to music.

I'm from Chile, the southernmost country in the world, known for its narrow shape and breathtaking landscapes. I love birdwatching and nature photography, capturing the beauty of wildlife and the outdoors. Traveling around by car is one of my favorite things to do! When I'm home, I enjoy spending time with my cats and organize the apartment.

Ph.D. Student

Hello, my name is Yining, and I am originally from Nanjing, China. I got my bachelor’s degree in veterinary science in China in 2021 and came to Cornell in the same year to pursue a master’s degree in public health (Infectious Disease Epidemiology concentration). Currently, I am a second-year PhD student in Bento Lab, studying arboviruses from molecular epidemiologic and evolutionary perspectives. I developed the hobby of hiking after I came to the US and my favorite place to hike so far is Sedona. Weirdly, I also enjoy fishing and snorkeling virtually in Animal Crossing, where a part of my knowledge of marine biodiversity comes from. ;)

Ph.D. Student

Hello everyone,
My name is Mohammad Amin Tavallaei, and I am a second-year graduate student in the lab of Dr. Tudorita Tumbar. I study skin and use mouse as the model and my project focuses on understanding the role of vasculature, blood and lymphatics, in controlling how the epidermis is organized and the resident stem cells function. Outside of the lab I love to hang out with my friends and go on hikes and walks around town. I enjoy staying active by running and playing soccer and one of my favorite ways to relax is to cook, I spend a lot of my time at home cooking and I’ve been told my cooking is a cure hahaha. If I can help in anyway, please don’t hesitate to reach out!  

DVM/Ph.D. Student, Mentor - Dr. Heidi Reesink

Hey there! I’m a fourth-year DVM/PhD student in Dr. Heidi Reesink’s laboratory. The Reesink Lab is broadly focused on osteoarthritis and joint disease in a wide variety of animal models, including horses, dogs, rats, and mice, and how this can apply to human and veterinary medicine. I am particularly interested in two key proteins, periostin and lubricin, and their impact on joint fibrosis and pain in osteoarthritis. I am from Lexington, South Carolina and went to the University of South Carolina for my undergraduate education, where I majored in biomedical engineering - Go Gamecocks! I love to be active and spend time outdoors, and some of my favorite activities outside of lab are going on runs with my friends (and labmates!), hiking with my dog, Jessie, and rock climbing.

Ph.D. Student, Mentor - Dr. Katharyn Mitchell 

My name is Beth Williams and I am a rising second-year PhD student. I grew up riding horses in rural Northern California and then attended Oregon State for undergrad and then UC Davis for veterinary school and a large animal internal medicine residency. Throughout my veterinary education, I have developed a passion for large animal cardiology and am now pursuing that interest in my PhD. My research focuses on investigating myocardial dysfunction and endothelial glycocalyx breakdown in sepsis and dehydration as well as investigating cardiac abnormalities in large animals. Outside of work I enjoy hiking, reading, horseback riding, and spending time with my husband and dogs.