Besma Abbaoui

            Salam, Bonjour and Hello!  I was born in Algiers, Algeria and moved to New Jersey when I was six years of age.  My family and I moved to Columbus when I was a senior in high school.  Subsequently, I studied Biochemistry at Miami University and then two years of medical school at The University of Cincinnati.  I am now looking forward to a few research years as part of OSU’s IBGP!  My ultimate career goal is to work in an academic setting teaching and doing research.  My research interests include Alzheimer’s, Cancer and Natural Therapeutics.  Besides research and teaching, I have a passion for cooking and if I am not in the lab, you can find me either in the kitchen, or watching the Food Network!

Rodney Britt

            I was born and raised in Columbia, Maryland.  I graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in 2006 with a B.S. in Chemistry.  While briefly being unemployed, I was able to figure out what I wanted as a career.  I decided Biomedical Sciences was the best for me because of my interest in understanding human diseases. While I ‘m interested in translation research, I am unsure what I would like to research.  Thankfully, The Ohio State University will provide me with the resources and direction I need to be a great biomedical scientist.  Being able to study disease and contributing to a treatment or cure for those that are affected is my ultimate motivation.  Aside from school, I enjoy basketball, football, skiing, attempting golf, and there is a special place in my heart for traveling.

Patrick Burns

            After obtaining my veterinary degree from The University of Queensland Australia in 1992, I went into private practice for five years.  I then started my institutionalized career at The University of Queensland as a clinical registrar at the small animal teaching hospital for the following five years.  During this time, I earned two memberships of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in emergency medicine and anesthesia.  In 2002, I crossed “the pond” to start a residency in veterinary anesthesia at the University of Pennsylvania.  I successfully completed my specialist qualifications in veterinary anesthesia in 2006.  After a brief stint as a clinical assistant professor at North Carolina State University, my partner Yvonne, and I traveled north to this fine city to begin our positions at the Veterinary School.  Currently I am working in Dr. Jay Zweier’s lab investigating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury using magnetic resonance imaging to interrogate the site of injury.  I enjoy walking with my dog ‘Bear’ along the Scioto river and photography.  I am happy to call Columbus, my home.

Joshua Cyktor

            My name is Joshua Cyktor.  I was born in Tampa, Florida but raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  I graduated in 2006 with a B.S. in Biology from California University of Pennsylvania.  After graduation, I began a position as a Research Technician at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.  I was housed in the Lung Immunology and Host Defense laboratory of the hospital’s research center.  I primarily studied Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the lungs of mice, and correlated my findings to children with Cystic Fibrosis, of which P. aeruginosa infection is a prevalent morbidity and mortality agent.  The comprehensive and diverse availability of career research options provided by the IBGP, in addition to everyone’s welcoming and helpful attitude made me decide that this program was right for me.

Christopher Garton

            I grew up in a small town in West Virginia, where I cultivated a love of science and books, among other things.  I went to college at West Virginia Wesleyan, a small liberal arts school not far from my home town, where I majored in Biology and Chemistry, and completed a minor in English.  I have done research in a few different areas, one of them involving proteins found in the exosporium of Bacillus anthracis.  I have not narrowed down what field of study I wish to pursue very much yet, and I look forward to taking advantage of the opportunities I believe the IBGP will provide me with.

Lucas Greder

            I am originally from Maple Grove, Minnesota a suburb of Minneapolis. I graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in the Spring of 2007 with a B.S. in Cell Biology. My past research experience included work in a Microbiology lab and also a Molecular Biology lab. The Ohio State was attractive to me because of the variety of research opportunities that IBGP provided. My research interests include Pharmacology, Gene Therapy and Therapeutics.

Reeva Gupta

            I grew up in Chandigarh, India.  This beautiful town is the home of Punjab University, where I did my bachelor’s and masters in biophysics.  Upon graduation, I attended Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), Buffalo, NY for my Ph.D.  As life takes it turns, I moved to Columbus with  my husband and took a transfer to IBGP.  I am excited to be an OSU grad and about the work at Children’s

            I am fond of cooking, love to dance, travel, shop and spending free time with my family.  I love watching football games with my husband.

Sara Hockenheimer

            While I was born in Columbus and grew up in Dayton, I spent the last four years in Indiana where I attended Indiana Wesleyan University and majored in Biology.  My past research includes a project in pulsed laser deposition of thin films, the role of stress, religion and fatigue in the immune function of breast cancer patients, cytokines and recovery of cognitive function in Ugandan children with cerebral malaria, and characterization of a rat retinal progenitor cell line.  My current research interests involve retrovirology and I hope to do research in HIV.

Cristina Jaime-Ramirez

           I was originally born in El Paso, Texas and lived there until I was 17.  After graduating from high school, a year early, I enlisted in the Marine Corps.  During my four years in the Marines, I was stationed all over the United States as well as Okinawa, Japan.  Once discharged, I continued my education and gave birth to my son, JD.  I completed my B.S. in the spring of 2007 at California State University San Marcos while being married to a Marine, a mother and working in a lab full-time.  I am excited about working on my Ph.D. at The Ohio State University and look forward to the challenge.

Asia Johnson

        Hi, my name is Asia Johnson.  I’m originally from southern California, but grew up around the Cleveland, Ohio area.  I graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2006 with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.  Following graduation I moved to Fort Myers, Florida and worked as a laboratory technician at Edison College.  Although I enjoyed my job there, I always knew that my true passion was in research.  That is how I ended up in the IBGP!  I’m so proud to be a part of the Ohio State University community and I look forward to enjoying everything that the city of Columbus has to offer

Peter Jukkola

            I was raised in Aliquippa, PA, a small town northwest of Pittsburgh.  After graduating with a B.S. in biology from Geneva College in 2000, I worked in a neurophysiology research laboratory at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh for nearly six years.  These things helped to whet my appetite for more advanced studies in biomedical science, and I was excited to learn of the opportunities available through the IBGP.  I am looking forward to gaining knowledge and experience that will prepare me for a career in neuroimmunology, the field in which I hope someday to have my own lab.  I am also looking forward to finding out what interesting activities Columbus may have to offer my family, and to being involved in activities at the North Columbus Baptist Church, where my wife and I were married.

Jill Laisure

            I grew up in a small northwest Ohio town called Antwerp, Ohio.  I am sure no one has heard of it.  I graduated from Bowling Green State University in December 2006 with a B.S. in microbiology and chemistry minor.  I am interested in human genetics, molecular neurobiology, and general immunology.  I joined the IBGP program because of the wide range of possibilities I can pursue at OSU.  I am a huge Ohio State fan and am proud I can finally call myself a Buckeye!  OH-IO!!

Sean Little

            I grew up in the small town of Bristolville, Ohio.  I graduated from Hiram College with a B.S. in chemistry in 2006.  During school I was on the varsity golf team and I was also involved with biodiesel research and the engineering of test carts for emission studies.  After graduation I worked in industry for a year as a chemist before starting here in the IBGP.  I am looking forward to starting a new career in biomedical research along with many other adventures.

Christopher Lucas

            I grew up just east of Columbus in Pataskala, Ohio.  I went to Newark Catholic High School and was very fortunate to be a member of some outstanding sports teams.  I graduated with a degree in Biochemistry from The Ohio State University in 2007.  My main areas of research interest are immunology, pharmacology, and translational research.  In the long run, I would love to work in a clinical laboratory.  When I am not in the lab, I’m either in the woods or on the water.  I am an avid outdoorsman.  I am also looking forward to starting the IBGP and going to Buckeye football games.

Carolyn Marion

            I was raised in Sagamore Hills, which is a southern suburb of Cleveland.  After leaving Ohio for Pennsylvania, I received a B.S. in Biology in 2006 and an M.S. in Forensic Science in 2007 at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.  While there, I worked on bacterial genetics and translational veterinary research which solidified my interest in microbial pathogens.  I am excited to be back in my home state pursuing a research career through the IBGP here at Ohio State.

Gina Mavrikis

             I graduated from Youngstown State University in 2006 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.  My undergraduate research explored chemical and immunotherapies as a substitute for antibiotics in S. aureus infections.  Also, while at Youngstown State, I was a track and field athlete for four years.  At present, my research interests include immunology and pharmacology.  In my free time, I enjoy running and cooking.

Samantha McCarty

Caroline Padro

            I was born and raised in New Philadelphia, Ohio.  In May 2007 I graduated from a small liberal arts college, Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Neuroscience and minors in chemistry and biology.  I decided to move an hour down the highway  (I-70) to be in the IBGP program because it seemed like the right fit for me.  I am interested in the neurobiology of disease and possible roles of the immune system in neurodegenerative diseases.  In my spare time I like exercising and hanging out with my boyfriend, Ben.

Richard Price

            Richard Price was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio.  After attending high school at Centerville High School, he obtained his undergraduate degree in Molecular Genetics at The Ohio State University with minors in General Business and International Studies.  While at Ohio State he researched under the direction of Gustavo Leone.  After graduating with honors and distinction in 2006, Richard was awarded a Fulbright Research Grant in Spain.  While in Spain he studied with Mariano Barbacid, the director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Center.  He will continue cancer research upon returning to Ohio State to pursue a dual MD/PhD degree.

Daniel Rabe

            I grew up in rural Oklahoma, outside of Norman.  The last two years of high school I went to the Oklahoma School of Science and Math, and then escaped to Chicago.  In 2007, I graduated from the University of Chicago with a BS in Biological Chemistry and a BA in Chemistry.  My research interests vary from genetics to structural biology and biochemistry, but I hope to tie my interests together by working in cancer biology.  My previous project involved creating transgenic mice to test whether non-coding sequences had regulatory function.  Outside the lab, there are just as many…no wait…more things that I am interested in. At the University of Chicago, I worked as the LGBTQ Programming Intern and was the president of Q&A, the largest LGBTQ student organization on campus.  I am very politically active and enjoy going to rallies, lectures, political actions, or volunteering.  On a more fun note, I love listen to and play music; go to concerts, plays, or theatre; watch movies; and have long…and sometimes pointless…discussions. On an actually fun note, I love to go out, shop, and have useless fun…THE END…or is it?

Ira Racoma

I came to Ohio from Las Vegas, Nevada where I have lived since I was about 10 years old. In 2005 I graduate from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a B.S. in Biochemistry. After college I decided to take some time off from school. I worked for about a year and a half as a research chemistry intern at the Southern Nevada Water Authority, where I learned more than I ever wanted to know about the water treatment process (it's actually pretty interesting!). Although this work was very much analytical chemistry, I knew that I really wanted to be researching diseases, but more specifically, disease treatment and drug development, which is what drew me to IBGP.

Although Columbus is quite different from Las Vegas (to say the least), I absolutely love it here and I am looking forward to the next few years in IBGP.

Sarwish Rafiq

            I am originally from Long Island, New York.  In 2007, I graduated from Hunter College in New York City with a BA and MA in Molecular Biology. During my undergraduate years I studied mainly biology and painting, my two passions.  I came to the IBGP at Ohio State University to get a change of pace from NYC and to take advantage of the numerous, varied biomedical topics  offered here.  I am very interested in translational cancer research but am excited to explore the many other possibilities IBGP has to offer.

Porsha Smith

            I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia.  After graduating from Georgia State University with a B.S. in Chemistry, I decided it was time for a change of scenery.  After much thought, I looked towards the Midwest for my new home.  I have finally settled into life in Ohio and I am looking forward to the IBGP.  My research interests are virology and microbial pathogenesis.  In my free time I love to read and internet shop.

Justin Staubli

            I grew up in Cambridge, Wisconsin and attended undergraduate school at University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point where I majored in biology with minors in chemistry and writing.  Even though I am a red-blooded Badger fan (no worries, I still plan on rooting for OSU MOST of the time), I cannot be more excited to attend IBGP this summer and begin this new chapter of my life.  My research interests lie primarily in cancer biology, cancer immunology and protein marker identification, especially in regards to breast cancer.  When I’m not in the lab, you can usually find me running around Columbus training for a marathon, playing disc golf somewhere, getting involved around the campus or community, or just enjoying the outdoors in general.

Fatemeh Talebian

Sharda Thakral

            I grew up in Lombard, Illinois.  I graduated in 2007 from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a BS in biology.  My past research projects have been in the regulation of muscle contraction and in foraging ecology.  I am excited about starting life as a graduate student and having so many opportunities here at OSU.  I am looking forward to meeting my fellow Buckeyes!

Michael Trimarchi

            I grew up in North Olmsted, Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University in June 2006 with a major in microbiology and a minor in chemistry.  In the year between graduation and my enrollment in the IBGP in June 2007 I worked and volunteered while I applied for both graduate schools and medical schools.  In the end I decided that a Ph.D. would be the best route to pursue a career in biomedical research.  The IBGP was my first choice of graduate programs, and I was very excited to be accepted.  My interests in the field of biomedical research include microbiology, immunology, pathology, neuroscience and cancer biology.

Sara Vartanoff

            My name is Sara Vartanoff and I am originally from Taylor, MI.  I graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in April 2007 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology. During my undergrad, I worked in a  lab that studies plant metallothioneins, and I also did an internship as an analytical chemist.  My research interests are in cancer biology, immunology, and translational research, so the IBGP was a perfect fit for me.  When I am not in the lab, I enjoy running, playing tennis and soccer, watching the English Premiership, traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with my family and friends.

Sarah Williamson

            I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in my hometown of Indiana, PA with a BS in Biology and a minor in History.  I did undergraduate research in microbiology and microbial genetics as well as was a teaching assistant in human physiology.  I chose IBGP because I really liked the idea of an integrated approach to my Ph.D. and because the research here was so diverse and exciting.

2005 IBGP Students

Rebecca Allen

I’m originally from West Virginia , but I’ve been a Georgian for most of my life. I graduated from Columbus State University in Columbus , GA , with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychology in 2004. I’m most interested in immunology and infectious disease research and I’m glad to be a part of OSU’s IBGP because its “Biology of Human Disease” emphasis fits perfectly with my research interests and goals.

Christopher Alvarez-Breckenridge

“Buckeyes bleed scarlet and gray” – as the son of a 27-year Ohio State employee, as the recipient of a BA and BS from The Ohio State University (in Classics and Biology), and as a current MD/PhD student, I am proud to call myself a Buckeye. As a result, I have seen first hand the tremendous opportunities that this great University has to offer, the friendships it can foster, and the mark it has made in the lives of so many people. While my undergraduate years were likely some of the most memorable of my life, I am eager to see where the continuation of the Buckeye journey takes me.

I grew up in Blacklick , Ohio which is on the outskirts of Columbus . As I graduated from St. Charles Preparatory High School , I enrolled into Ohio State ’s Early Admissions Pathway for medical school. While in undergrad, I worked on lipid signaling in the laboratory of Dr. Charis Eng, was extensively involved with various activities in Honors & Scholars Program, and was an active member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. As I start my graduate studies, I am eager to broaden my scientific horizons into the realms of neuroscience and behavioral medicine, while continuing to embrace the Ohio State experience.

Amanda Beltramini

Acceptance into the IBGP program marked the beginning of a new chapter in Amanda’s life. She is eager to spend the next several years pursuing a Ph.D. degree as a Buckeye – though her undergraduate career has made her a loyal Illini fan.

While microbial pathogenesis is her main career interest, to fit in with the rest of society she spends time performing improve comedy, blowing glass, and traversing the Midwest visiting friends and family. She tries to learn as much as possible each day and per her mother’s suggestion, to “live each day like a field trip.”

Sasha Beyer

I grew up in the small town of Cumberland , Maryland . This past spring, I graduated from Saint Mary’s College of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology. It was here that I gained an appreciation for research while completing my senior thesis. I look forward to becoming a part of the IBGP and pursuing a career in cancer research.

Hui-Zi Chen

My name is Huizi and I graduated with a B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology from Cornell University (in Ithaca , NY ). I am a first-year IBGP and IMSP student, and I look forward to being a Buckeye. My research interests are in the fields of cancer biology and autoimmunity.

Stephanie Cush

My name is Stephanie Cush. I graduated from Miami University in 2003 with a B.A. in Microbiology and a minor in Molecular Biology. Following graduation, I worked as a research assistant at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Pulmonary Biology. My interests are very broad, and I believe that the Integrated Biomedical Science Graduate Program at OSU will allow me to pursue my diverse research interests within the program. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and hanging out with family and friends.

Amy Dworkin

I am originally from the Columbus area ( Gahanna to be exact), and both my parents were Buckeyes. Naturally, not wanting to follow in their footsteps, I left Columbus for North Carolina . At Elon University I received my BS in Biology. After four long years of being away from “Buckeye Country”, I decided to return and join the IBGP program. My interests are in immunology and cardiology. In my free time I love to cook, play volleyball, and watch Buckeye football!

Anna Eiring

My name is Anna Eiring and I am from a small Ohio town located about two hours north of Columbus . I graduated from OSU with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After graduation, I worked in the lab of Ginny Bumgardner, MD, Ph.D., for nearly three years here at the OSU Medical Center . In her lab I studied the immunogenicity of transplanted hepatocellular and pancreatic parenchymal cells. Extending the valuable experience obtained in Dr. Bumgardner’s laboratory, I am now interested in pursuing a career in leukemia/lymphoma research, but may also explore the possibility of teaching graduate and/or undergraduate students somewhere down the line. I am very excited to be a part of the IBGP…GO BUCKS!!!

Patrick Grierson

I am originally from Marshfield , Wisconsin and grew up as the youngest of three brothers. I graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry from UW-Madison in 2005. Outside of the classroom I enjoy weightlifting and bicycle riding.

Amanda Haidet

I grew up in Canton , Ohio and attended Miami University in Oxford , Ohio where I earned a B.A. in Microbiology and a minor in Mathematics. I chose the IBGP because I have very broad interests including gene therapy, cancer biology, and neuroscience which I hope to explore at Ohio State.

Jayson Hardcastle

I am originally from California where I graduated from California State University , Bakersfield in 2002 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. I worked for a year at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda , MD. On HIV, After leaving the NIH I worked in the Research and Development department for LifeNet®, the organ and tissue donation bank of Virginia based in Virginia Beach . After working there for a year and half I decided I wanted to go to graduate school and OSU had everything I was looking for…..except an ocean.

Tiffany Hughes

I grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from The Ohio State University in 2003 with a B.S. in Biology. Some of my goals as a student in the IBGP include learning more about human cancer genetics and broadening my base of scientific knowledge, especially in the fields outside of cancer. I chose the IBGP because of its large number of amazing faculty.

Kristin Keen

I graduated with a degree in Life Sciences from Otterbein College . After my undergrad, I worked in industry for a short time, and then spent a year in Korea as an English teacher. I’m glad to finally be back in my field! My primary interests include virology, vaccine development, women’s reproductive issues, and cancer.

Jeremy Keirsey

Hi, my name is Jeremy Keirsey.  I grew up in small town Ohio where I developed a love for science as well as Buckeye and Steeler football.  Fortunately, after graduating from Wright State University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences I was given the opportunity to continue pursuing both of my passions at The Ohio State University.  My science interests are biochemistry and genetics, otherwise I love spending time with my wife and kids; playing tennis, poker, foosball, pool, collecting useless information, and delving into the absurd.  My research experience is in DNA repair but I am open-minded to the various research opportunities that are available in the IBGP.

Sohee Kim

Though I was born in Korea , I spent most of my childhood in College Station , Texas . I graduated Korea University with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Biomedical Science. I joined the IBGP program because of it’s integration and variety of research in this field. In my spare time, I love hanging out with friends and family, cooking, and participating in outdoor sports.

Bethany Mundy

My name is Bethany Mundy and I am originally from Knoxville , Tennessee . I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Biology in 2002, and then headed over to Columbus . I had been working at Ohio State in research labs for three years prior to joining the IBGP program. My research interests are currently in immunology and tumor biology, with Buckeye football a close third personal interest.

Joshua Oaks

After finishing my bachelors in dietetics I came to Columbus to complete my internship. It was during this time that, after spending several weeks on the hospital floors, I became frustrated with the lack of available treatments to a variety of diseases. IBGP provides me with the opportunity to develop new treatments that are currently lacking in medical science.

David Ravneberg

As a Columbus native of 22 years, I never had the pleasure of calling The Ohio State University “home” – until now. I graduated in 2005 with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University ( Cleveland , Ohio ) and am pursuing a Ph.D. in either neurology or infectious diseases. Once I have that degree in hand, I plan on winning all the Nobel prizes in a single year and buy my own private island in my ultimate plan for world domination…..but maybe I should start with smaller, more immediate goals, like getting OSU Football tickets. Go Bucks!

Susan Richards

I grew up in Reynoldsburg , Ohio , and graduated from OSU in June 2005 with a B.S. in microbiology. As an undergrad, I worked in a microbiology lab. I am interested in microbial pathogenesis, virology, and immunology.

Leszek Rybaczyk

I went to OU where I double majored in neurobiology and psychology. I have a cat (Calyle), 2 dogs (Maggie and Monomer)) and a bunny (Tumps). My wife and I were married January 2004 in Detroit , MI , and we own a home in Blacklick that is perpetually being renovated. My interests are in women’s health.

Susan Schmidt

An Ohio native, I graduated from OSU in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in molecular genetics. I decided to stay at Ohio State for my MD and PhD because of the opportunity to integrate my medical and research studies into one comprehensive program. My main interests include molecular genetics and cancer biology. In my spare time I enjoy watching movies, reading, and spending time outdoors

Nicholas Sullivan

I was born and raised in Kettering , Ohio (just south of Dayton ) and have lived almost all of my years in Ohio . Four of those years were spent at Ohio University where I earned my undergraduate degree in microbiology. Next, I spent about a year and a half working at the Cleveland Clinic followed by a move to Columbus . Before beginning this great chapter of my life I was a Med Tech at the OSU Med Center and a part-time student in the Pathology Master’s Program. Beyond talking about ho “I need to learn how to play my guitar, “ I enjoy spending time with my wife, Jenn, running, reading, painting and camping.

Inimary Toby

My name is Inimary Toby. I am originally from West Africa , but have lived in both the USA and Great Britain . My undergraduate studies included dual programs in Chemistry and Environmental Sciences with a certificate in Medical Studies. I have also had work experience in industry, primarily within Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. I am mainly interested in infectious disease pharmacology with clinical applications. This program at OSU is very excellent in that it enables one to received training in overlapping areas while at the same time having specific knowledge about specific “areas of emphasis”. I am not only excited about the program, but am looking forward to getting the most out of it in order to be a leader in the new face of medical science.

Shante’ Williams

I am a native of Charlotte , North Carolina . I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Winston Salem State University . My research interests include Pharmacogenomics, Cancer and Diabetes. My future goals include working internationally to promote women and children’s health. My extra curricular activities include fashion design, shopping, running and most of all, football! Go Buckeyes!

Bill Willis

I graduated with a B. S. in chemistry here at OSU in 2004. Spending the last few years as the head personal trainer at a large gym here in Columbus , I realized that my true calling was in medicine and research. I chose IBGP because of its innovative approach to graduate education. I think that this program will eventually serve as the template from which all future graduate programs in biomedical research will be modeled after; it is for this reason that I am both excited and honored to be a part of the program. My primary interest is in translational research, particularly in cancer treatment. Outside of academia, I enjoy weight training, competitive bodybuilding, and all things outdoors.

Dan Xu

I have been to Montral , Canada for a year as an exchange undergrad. Upon graduating with a B.Sc. in Biotechnology in Beijing , I worked in Chinese Academy of Sciences for 2 years right before I joined IBGP. With zest for immunology, as well as the intensive and extensive training from IBGP, hopefully I could develop certain vaccines against obstinate virus.

2003 IBGP Students

Victoria Best

My name is Victoria Velaquez Best and I am originally from Canton, Ohio, graduating in 2003 from Kent State University with a B.S. in Biology/Pre-Medicine. My scientific interests are those concerning infectious disease, especially those diseases currently dominating in underdeveloped nations – such as HIV or malaria. Upon shopping around for programs giving me access to this type of research, I have chosen the Integrated Biomedical Science Graduate Program for my Ph.D. I feel that this program is one of very few that offers its graduate students real variety in choosing a research topic that they genuinely care about – with training that is versatile to any field.

Jun-Hyeong Cho

I graduated from College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea in 1999.  I worked as a physician for four years in Korea.  I then became interested in basic biomedical research and joined IBGP at OSU.  My research interest is the cellular and molecular mechanism of neuronal apoptosis in neurodegenerative disease.

Corey Clay

I received a B.S. in 2000 from the University of Notre Dame and an M.S. in 2003 from the University of Cincinnati. Southlake, TX (Dallas) is where I call home; but I have also lived in Denver, New York, Annapolis, Seattle and Rome. I am a recent Cincinnati Reds convert and anticipate the World Cup and ND football games. The IBGP and MSP attracted me because of the focus on collaboration between traditional disciplines.

Jason Dahlman

My name is Jason Dahlman and I’m from Rochester, NY. I graduated from Ashland University in 2003 with B.S. in biology. While at Ashland I did cataracts research which got me interested in the biomedical science field. I am currently interested in studying tumor suppressor genes and AIDS. Outside interests of mine are pole-vaulting, running, and coaching track and field.

Cheng Ding

I graduated from Shandong University (China) with an M.D. degree. Being an IBGP student, I will receive training encompassing all aspects of biomedical research. The depth, breadth and flexibility will surely meet my academic needs. This program will best prepare me for the next stage of my life.

Mindy Dunn

I graduated from Randolph Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg Virginia with a B.S. in Biology and concentration in chemistry. My research interest is infectious disease and pathogenesis. In my “spare” time, I enjoy drag racing and scuba diving for the police department. Well, actually, I would more likely be found playing Pictionary or watching Spongebob with my kids.

Na Tosha Gatson

I graduated from Indiana University as a biology-psychology major with minor concentrations in ethics and sociology. My research interests are in immunology and molecular genetics. I am also a student in the MD/PhD program here at OSU, and hope to focus my clinical practice on the dermatological manifestations of autoimmune disease. It is my goal to have an impact on making curative advancements in the field. In my leisure time, I enjoy writing, public speaking, and family-time.

Lisa Henning

I graduated from Miami University in 2001 with a B.A. in Microbiology. Throughout my life, my curiosity about human diseases has grown significantly. I am not only interested in how diseases affect people, but also how we can learn to treat and cure diseases. After receiving my Ph.D. from OSU, I want to specifically focus on a prevalent disease, improve treatments, and be involved in the search for a cure.

Nitisha Hiranandani

I graduated from the Gandhi Medical College Bhopal (India) with a Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery in 2000. I chose the IBGP program because of its disease-based approach towards biomedical science, wide array of faculty and diversity in research. My research interests are in neurobiology, cancer and physiology.

Andrew Johnson

I graduated from Pen n State University in 1998 with a B.S. in Biology (Vertebrate Physiology). In five subsequent years I did research published and presented in areas within Molecular Genetics and Neuroscience. My research interests include pharmacogenomics, multigenic associations, mutations and expression variation, lab automation and in silico methods. I started the Biotechnology Interest Group (http://biotech.org.ohio-state.edu/) to promote OSU students in their future careers. For fun I juggle, road trip, homebrew and canoe.

Holly Johnson

I graduated from Capital University in the spring of 2003 with a B.S. in Biological Science.  During my junior year, I was fortunate enough to gain lab experience here at OSU, investigating the molecular mechanisms behind Huntington's Disease.  Through my experiences, I became very interested in basic science research, and have chosen to extend my academic career in the IBGP program.  The program's emphasis on human disease is unique, and I anticipate being able to continue research on neurodegenerative diseases as I pursue my Ph.D.

Aaron Kithcart

I graduated in the spring of 2003 from the University of Iowa with a B.S. in Microbiology. I became interested in the Integrated Biomedical Science Graduate Program, and the associated Medical Scientist Program, after hearing about it from my undergraduate advisor Dr. Larry Schlesinger, who at that time had just accepted a position here at OSU. While I am originally from a small rural town in Iowa, Columbus has been a perfect fit for me as I prefer tall buildings over corn any day! I look forward to spending the next several years in the Buckeye State and attending many football games at Ohio Stadium!

Marcus Pezzolesi

I graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1994. Upon graduating, I worked in a research laboratory in Boston, MA studying the genetics of type II diabetes mellitus. Through this work, I developed a strong interest in the genetic basis of human disease. This interest played a major role in my decision to attend The Ohio State University and join the IBGP. While at OSU, I plan to apply my experience to the study of other complex diseases, while further developing my skills and learning new laboratory techniques.

Sanjida Saklayen

Initially from Dayton , Oh, I got my B.A. from Case Western Reserve University in 2003, with majors in Biochemistry and Psychology. I had started out pre-med, but after one summer of working in a neuropharmacology lab, I got hooked on research as well. During junior and senior years, I worked on studies in Parkinson’s Disease, prolactinoma and schizophrenia, respectively. I even got to go to Florida and Colorado to present those projects! I knew I was Ph.D. bound after that. Now that I’m at OSU in the IMSP program, I’m interested in anything and everything related to the brain. I’ve joined a neuroscience lab led by Dr. Karl Obrietan and look forward to future work with circadian rhythms and synaptic plasticity. As for what I do when I’m not in “science-mode”, I love dancing and learning about different cultures. In fact, I was raised bilingual (Bengali and English) and studied German for 7 years. I also enjoy playing violin, collecting inspirational quotes, reading, writing poetry and spending time with my cat, Roxanne.

Alan Smith

I graduated from Brigham Young University with a B.S. in Zoology. I am interested in neuroimmunology. I was impressed by the research opportunities