Page 3 - IBP In Focus Newsletter

t NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS
2022 IBP graduate student cohort - WELCOME!
Brian Akhaphong
I’m a Minnesota native and completed my B.A in Physiology at the University of Minnesota in 2017. During my undergraduate career, I have focused on the effects of preeclampsia on the beta-cell de- velopment and function in the offspring. I continued my post-baccalaureate career in Dr. Alejandro’s lab as a research technician to investigate the impacts of placental insufficiency in maternal program- ming of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In addition, I am collaborating with Dr. Regal’s lab at the Duluth campus to study the role of macrophages on beta-cell development of preeclampsia offsprings. This had led me to the interest of the interaction between placental inflammation and fetal metabolism. Outside of the lab I enjoy going to the gym, training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and discovering new foods.
Babatunde Anidu
I’m Babatunde Anidu, a Nigerian native. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from Lagos State University in Nigeria. I advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and I’m passionate about good health and wellbeing (SDGs3). My first-hand experience, coupled with my community ordeals, reinforced my ambition to pursue a career in combating cardio- vascular diseases, specifically Hypertension. My research interest lies in the pathophysiology of salt- sensitive (SS) hypertension, the involvement of epithelial sodium channels (ENaC), and the pathways implicated in the epigenomics of Hypertension.
Fallon, Katherine (MSTP)
After graduating with a degree in Physiological Science from Marquette University, I worked as a re- search assistant at Northwestern University in the lab of Dr. Elizabeth McNally where I developed an interest in muscular dystrophy research and a greater appreciation for the physician-scientist career route. I am currently a second year MD-PhD student who will be joining the Lowe and Ervasti Labs.
Nicholas Gomez
I received my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Florida. During my undergrad career, I was involved in medical chemistry research. I became a PREP Scholar at Albert Einstein Col- lege of Medicine, where I studied the mechanisms of cellular aging. I am interested in understanding the biology of aging.
Tracy Her
My name is Tracy Her and I grew up in the small town of Milroy, MN. I graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology and a minor in Biochemistry. Cur- rently, I am studying the decline of beta cell function in diabetes. I am interested in researching the physiological mechanisms of metabolic disorders, specifically diabetes and how fetal programming can affect the endocrine pancreas. In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors, playing with my dog, and drawing.
Eunice Oribamise
My name is Eunice Oribamise. Having completed my undergraduate education in Nigeria, where I was born and raised, I moved to Minnesota, obtained my MS degree and am excited to begin in the IBP PhD program. In the program, I look forward to improving my critical thinking skills and carrying out research that will greatly benefit patients in the coming years. Outside science, I am passionate about actively reaching my immediate community and developing nations, having grown up in one. I love to spend time with family, learn new things and make use of opportunities around me.
INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY & PHYSIOLOGY t 3