Former Graduates Students
More than a hundred scholars have received their graduate degrees from the Department of Molecular Biosciences since 2006. A master degree usually takes 2 years to complete and students may publish one manuscript. For Ph.D. degrees, the average completion time is 5-6 years with around 70% of students completing their degree in less than 6 years. Ph.D. students publish, as part of their dissertation, an average of 3-4 manuscripts with around 2 first author publications. These students have gone on to prestigious postdoctoral fellowships, to become assistant professors or have successful careers in industry.
LAST UPDATES: January 14, 2025.
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PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN SPRING 2024
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahida Afroz | 2018-2024 | Dan Dixon | |||
| Catherine Kerr | 2018-2024 | Anthony Fehr | Postdoc, Design-Zyme LLC, Lawrence, KS | Postdoc, Design-Zyme LLC, Lawrence, KS | |
| Parker Sperstad | 2018-2024 | Richter/Holmstrom | Postdoc, KU | Postdoc, KU |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2024
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan Bertolino | 2021-2024 | Xu/Y. Azuma | 0 | MS | Research Technician II Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO |
| Alicia Brown | 2020-2024 | Josie Chandler | 0 | MS | |
| Maggie Schedl | 2022-2024 | Rob Unckless | 0 | MS | Molecular and Genomics Consultant, Occidental College |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2023
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baid, Srishti | 2017-2023 | Scott Hefty | Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan | Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan | |
| Hooper, Kelsey | 2018-2023 | Erik Lundquist | 0 | Genome Analyst, GenDX | Associate Clinical Variant Scientist, GeneDx |
| Ikujuni, Paul | 2018-2023 | Joanna Slusky | Sr. Scientist, Analytical R&D, Merck, Philadelphia, PA | Sr. Scientist, Analytical R&D, Merck, Philadelphia, PA | |
| Jenkinson, Cory | 2017-2023 | Berl Oakley | |||
| Kim, Haeyoung | 2016-2023 | Mizuki Azuma | Postdoctoral Scientist, Eli Lilly | Postdoctoral Scientist, Eli Lilly, Indianapolis, IN | |
| Klages, Joan | 2016-2023 | Susan Egan | Assistant Professor, Washburn University | Assistant Professor, Washburn University, Topeka, KS | |
| Koirala, Pratik | 2017-2023 | Josie Chandler | Research Fellow, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA | Research Fellow, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA | |
| LaBrie, Scott | 2015-2023 | Scott Hefty | Postdoc, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center | Postdoc, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center | |
| Shakya, Sudeep | 2014-2023 | Mizuki Azuma/Lisa Timmons | |||
| Zhang, Qi | 2018-2023 | Liang Xu | Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute & Harvard Medical School | Postdoctoral Researcher Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2023
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khattabi, Reem | 2021-2023 | Ronak Tilvawala/Anthony Fehr | MS | ||
| Sleem, Doha | 2021-2023 | Roberto De Guzman | MS | MBA Graduate student, University of the Cumberlands, San Diego, CA |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2022
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guha Biswas, Pallavi | 2015-2022 | Roberto De Guzman | Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Maryland, Baltimore | Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Maryland, Baltimore | |
| Dhar, Rik | 2016-2022 | Joanna Slusky | Postdoctoral Researcher, KU | Postdoctoral Research Associate, Northeastern University, Boston, MA | |
| Goyal, Priyanka | 2016-2022 | Mark Richter | Scientist, Qiagen | Scientist, Qiagen | |
| Hill, Latavia | 2016-2022 | Susan Egan | 0 | Analytical Bioassay Scientist, Eurofins PSS Insourcing Solutions | Analytical Bioassay Scientist, Eurofins PSS Insourcing Solutions |
| Ly, Cindy | 2017-2022 | David Davido | Scientist II, Molecular Virologist and Cell Biologist, Millipore Sigma | Scientist II, Molecular Virologist and Cell Biologist, Millipore Sigma | |
| Mahadik, Snehal | 2016-2022 | Erik Lundquist | |||
| Massengale, Molly | 2015-2022 | Brian Ackley | 0 | Data Scientist-Biologist at Advanced Testing Laboratory, Indianapolis, IN | Data Scientist-Biologist at Advanced Testing Laboratory, Indianapolis, IN |
| Mullinax, Sarah | 2016-2022 | Rob Unckless | Consulting Safety Officer, Safety Partners, Inc., Boston, MA | Consulting Safety Officer, Safety Partners, Inc., Boston, MA |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2021
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abisado-Duque, Rhea | 2016-2021 | Josie Chandler | Assistant Professor in biology, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines | Assistant Professor in biology, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines | |
| Alhadyian, Haifa | 2014-2021 | Robert Ward/Rob Unckless | Independent Consultant, Freelance | Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Liverpool, UK | |
| Chakravarty, Amritangshu | 2015-2021 | Roberto De Guzman | Scientist, KCAS, Bioanalytical and Biomarker Services, Olathe, KS | Scientist II - Principal Investigator, KCAS, Bioanalytical and Biomarker Services, Olathe, KS | |
| Deay III, Dwight | 2013-2021 | Mark Richter/Joanna Slusky | |||
| Ingham, David | 2016-2021 | Chris Gamblin/Erik Lundquist | Senior Research Associate, University of Kansas Medical Center | Senior Research Associate, University of Kansas Medical Center | |
| Kante, Anupama | 2014-2021 | Eric Deeds/Roberto De Guzman | Associate Scientist, Avid Bioservices, LA, CA | ||
| Keffeler, Erica | 2016-2021 | Lynn Hancock | Research Scientist, Ceva Animal Health, Lenexa, KS | Research Scientist, Ceva Animal Health, Lenexa, KS | |
| Sundararajan, Sanjana | 2016-2021 | Yoshiaki Azuma | Postdoctoral Researcher, NIH | Postdoctoral Researcher, NIH |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2021
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson, Jaden | 2017-2021 | Joanna Slusky | 0 | MS | Senior Associate Scientist II, Catalent Pharma Solutions |
| Bowman, Alex | 2015-2021 | Mark Richter | 0 | MA | Associate Researcher, KU |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2020
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhatta, Anuja | 2013-2020 | Steve Benedict and Susan Egan | Research Scientist, CRL Labs, Overland Park KS | Research Scientist, UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX | |
| Chiremba, Thelma | 2014-2020 | Kristi Neufeld | Postdoc, Stowers Institute | Postdoc, Stowers Institute | |
| Dimond, Zoe | 2016-2020 | Scott Hefty | Postdoc, NIH (NIAID) Rocky Mountain Laboratory | Business Development Manager at Yecuris Corporation, Portland, OR | |
| Gomez, Christian | 2013-2020 | Kristi Neufeld | IRACDA Fellow, KU | Assistant Professor, Baker University, Baldwin City, KA | |
| Hassebroek, Victoria | 2015-2020 | Yoshiaki Azuma | Postdoc, Stowers Institute, Kansas City MO | Head of Genome Engineering, Stowers Institute, Kansas City, MO | |
| Klaus, Jennifer | 2014-2020 | Josie Chandler | Animal Health Biology Discovery Scientist, Bovine R&D, Merck | Animal Health Biology Discovery Scientist, Bovine R&D, Merck | |
| Kurland, Meagan | 2015-2020 | Brian Ackley | Senior Scientist, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Lancaster, PA | Senior Scientist, Data Review Trainer, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Lancaster, PA | |
| Ochs, Matthew | 2015-2020 | Erik Lundquist | QC Analytical Development Scientist, Catalent Pharma, Houston, TX | Analytical Scientist, Alcami Corporation | |
| Parthasarathy, Srivatsan | 2015-2020 | Lynn Hancock | Postdoctoral Researcher, KU Center for Genomics | Postdoctoral Researcher, KU Center for Genomics | |
| Parker, Taybor | 2015-2020 | Kristi Neufeld | Scientist, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Kansas City MO | Scientist, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Kansas City MO | |
| Rudeen, Aaron | 2015-2020 | Kristi Neufeld | Senior Scientist I, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Lawrence KS | Senior Scientist I, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Lawrence KS | |
| Soules, Katelyn | 2015-2020 | Scott Hefty | Research Scientist, Merck | Research Scientist, Merck | |
| Tachiyama, Shoichi | 2016-2020 | Bill Picking | Postdoc, Yale School of Medicine | Postdoct, Yale School of Medicine | |
| Yang, Zhe | 2013-2020 | Matthew Buechner | Postdoc, Stower Institute for Medical Research | Postdoc, Stower Institute for Medical Research |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2020
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hernandez-Aquino, Dianarys | 2015-2020 | Stuart Macdonald | 0 | MS | Clinical Laboratory Scientist Coordinator, Eurofins Viracor, Lees Summit, MO |
| Murali, Shivani Jagannathan | 2015-2020 | Mizuki Azuma | 0 | MS | Research Associate II, Caris Life Sciences, Tempe AZ |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2019
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bai, Nan | 2014-2019 | John Karanicolas and Liang Xu | Postdoc, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia PA | Principal Scientist, Amgen, Los Angeles, CA | |
| Kenjic, Nikola | 2014-2019 | Audrey Lamb | Postdoc, Department of Biochemistry, UC Riverside | Senior Scientist, Terray Therapeutics, Pasadena, CA | |
| Khowsathit, Jittasak (Jake) | 2011-2019 | John Karanicolas and Mark Richter | Postdoc, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia PA | Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Chiang Mai University, Thailand | |
| McFarlane, Jeff | 2015-2019 | Audrey Lamb | Assistant Professor, Fort Lewis College, Durango CO | Assistant Professor, Fort Lewis College, Durango CO | |
| Pandey, Nootan | 2014-2019 | Yoshiaki Azuma | Postdoc, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA | Postdoc, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2019
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunbar, Amanda | 2012-2019 | Stephen Benedict | MA | Senior Associate Scientist II, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Kansas City | |
| Megan McKinney | 2015-2019 | Scott Hefty | 0 | MS | Product Management Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2018
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Hashimi, Hikmat | 2010-2018 | Matthew Buechner | Senior Scientist I, Deciphera, Inc. | Research Scientist III, Eurofins | |
| Evans, Kara | 2013-2018 | Josie Chandler | Genomics and Microbiome Scientist at DuPont, Madison, WI | Scientist at IFF Health and Biosciences | |
| Gujar, Mahekta | 2011-2018 | Erik Lundquist | Postdoc, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore | Senior Postdoc, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore | |
| Liang, Lingfei | 2013-2018 | Liang Tang and Susan Egan | Assistant Research Fellow, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences | Assistant Research Fellow, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences | |
| Paolillo, Vitoria | 2012-2018 | Berl Oakley | Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, KU | Genomic Laboratory Analyst, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2018
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhattacharya, Reshma | 2016-2018 | Chris Gamblin | 0 | MA | Operations Manager at Celldex Therapeutics |
| Massa, Nicole | 2015-2018 | Lynn Hancock | 0 | MA | Grossing Technician, MAWD Pathology Group, Kansas City area |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2017
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison, Kelly | 2015-2017 | Scott Hefty | Postdoc, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Oklahoma State University | Assistant Professor, Oklahoma State University | |
| Mutreja, Yamini | 2011-2017 | Chris Gamblin | Postdoctoral Fellow, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University | Scientist III, Lentivirus Upstream Process development, Eurofins, PA |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2017
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grotemeyer, Elizabeth | 2015-2017 | Chris Gamblin | 0 | MA | Scientist II, Catalent Pharma Solutions |
| Guo, Yuxiao | 2013-2017 | Liang Xu | 0 | MA | Senior Software Engineer, Google, Mountain View CA |
| Yadava, Sanjay | 2013-2017 | Roberto De Guzman | 0 | MA |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2016
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizmendi, Olivia | 2012-2016 | Wendy Picking (Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry) | Postdoc, Higuchi Biosciences | Senior Epidemiologist, Immunization Branch at California Department of Public Health, San Diego, CA | |
| Fowler, Angie | 2008-2016 | David Davido | Postdoc, Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA | Director of Postdoctoral Affairs at Indiana University School of Medicine | |
| Highfill,Chad | 2012-2016 | Stuart Macdonald | Postdoc, North Carolina State University | Senior Computational Biologist, Essex, a Veridix AI Company, Chicago, IL | |
| Josephson, Matthew | 2011-2016 | Erik Lundquist | Postdoc, University of Bern, Switzerland | Research Scientist II, The Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT), CA | |
| Kaur, Kawaljit | 2011-2016 | Roberto De Guzman | Postdoc, Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, KU | Senior Scientist, Merck Pharmaceuticals, Vaccine Analytical R&D, West Point, PA | |
| McShan, Andrew | 2010-2016 | Roberto De Guzman | Postdoc, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, UC Santa Cruz | Assistant Professor, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta | |
| Sridharan, Vinidhra | 2008-2016 | Yoshiaki Azuma | Postdoc, National Cancer Institute | Principal Scientist, Bristol Myers Squibb | |
| Swartzlander, Denny | 2010-2016 | Jennifer Gleason (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) | 0 | Lecturer, KU Undergraduate Biology | Director of Laboratories (Physiology), KU Undergraduate Biology |
| Yoshida, Makoto | 2010-2016 | Yoshiaki Azuma | Postdoc, RIKEN, Wako, Japan | Postdoc, RIKEN, Wako, Japan |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2016
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alhadyian, Haifa | 2014-2016 | Robert Ward | 0 | MA | PhD at KU obtained in 2021, Postdoc, University of Liverpool |
| Bae, KyeongMin | 2014-2016 | Mark Richter | MA | Laboratory Manager, Stowers Institute for Medical Research | |
| Suderman, Erin | 2012-2016 | Robert Ward | 0 | MA | Regulatory Specialist,University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Wenger, Luke | 2013-2016 | Mizuki Azuma | MA | Research And Development Scientist, Eurofins Viracor BioPharma Services, Lenexa, KS |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2015
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hall, Sonia | 2011-2015 | Robert Ward | Postdoc, University of Massachusetts Medical School, MA | ||
| Hartin, Samantha | 2008-2015 | Brian Ackley | STEM Educator, Ideaventions, Reston, VA | Scientific Support Specialist II, Revvity, CO | |
| Paranjape, Smita | 2010-2015 | Chris Gamblin | Postdoc, University of North Carolina Medical School, NC | Process Development Scientist I, Cell Line Development, KBI Biopharma, NC | |
| Smith, Amber | 2010-2015 | Liang Xu | Postdoc, Stanford University Medical School, CA | Director of Biobanking, Rare Cancer Research Foundation, North Carolina |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2015
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egan, Chet | 2008-2015 | John Karanicolas | MA | ||
| Lewin, Seth | 2012-2015 | Mizuki Azuma | MA | Laboratory Manager, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2014
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Ani, Gada | 2007-2014 | Chris Fischer (Department of Physics and Astronomy) | Postdoc, Cancer Biology, KU Medical Center | Senior Principal Investigator, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, KC | |
| Asad, Nadeem | 2008-2014 | Lisa Timmons | Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan | Research Associate, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University, WV | |
| Caylor, Raymond C. | 2007-2014 | Brian Ackley | Research Assistant, Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital | Associate Director, Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Greenwood Genetic Center, SC | |
| Hinkelman, Amy | Steve Benedict | Postdoc, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA | Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, Campbell University, NC | ||
| Lanfranca, Mirna Perusina | 2007-2014 | David Davido | Postdoc, University of Michigan School of Medicine | Research Scientist Tumor Immunology, University of Virginia | |
| Mostafa, Heba H. | 2008-2014 | David Davido | Postdoc, Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | Associate Professor of Pathology and Division Director of Medical Microbiology, John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD | |
| Sundararajan, Lakshmi | 2008-2014 | Erik Lundquist | Postdoc, Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Lead, Portfolio Strategy, Astellas Gene Therapies, CA | |
| Varahan, Sriram | 2010-2014 | Lynn Hancock | Postdoc, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India | Senior Scientist & DBT-Wellcome Trust IA Early Career Fellow, CSIR-CCMB, India | |
| Xia, Yan | 2007-2014 | John Karanicolas | Masters Program, Department of Machine Learning, Carnegie Mellon University | Tech Lead Manager, Meta, Menlo Park CA |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2014
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balcomb, Blake | 2011-2014 | Audrey Lamb | 0 | MA | Beamline Scientist, XChem, Oxford, UK |
| Galdos-Garreta, Mauricio | 2010-2014 | Justin Blumenstiel (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) | MA | Data Engineer / Software Developer, GroupSense | |
| Leal, Paulo | 2010-2014 | Robert Ward | 0 | MA | Laboratory Manager, Stowers Institute for Medical Research |
| Restivo, Keasha | 2012-2014 | Scott Hefty | MA | Quality Assurance Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Lenexa, KS | |
| Xu, Zaikun | 2011-2014 | Eric Deeds | 0 | MA | CEO, Huagatech, Shanghai, China |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2013
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbey, Ichie | 2007-2013 | Scott Hefty | Field Application Scientist, LI-COR Biosciences | Sr. Manager, Channel Sales, 908 Devices, Boston | |
| Chatterjee, Srirupa | 2008-2013 | Roberto De Guzman | Postdoc, Washington University School of Medicine | TPLC Reviewer (Biologist), FDA, Silver Spring, MD | |
| Chaudhury, Sukanya | 2008-2013 | Roberto De Guzman | Postdoc, Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infection, Georgia State University | Clinical Trial Leader, Translational Clinical Oncology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Basel, Switzerland | |
| Combs, Ben | 2008-2013 | Chris Gamblin | Postdoc, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University | Assistant Professor, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine | |
| Grussendorf, Kelly | 2007-2013 | Matthew Buechner | Assistant Professor of Genetics, Minnesota State University, Mankato | Associate Professor, Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dubuque, IA | |
| Jo, Sunhwan | 2008-2013 | Wonpil Im/ Roberto De Guzman | Postdoc, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago | Director of Computational Chemistry, Stealth Biotech, LA, CA | |
| Kemege, Kyle E | 2007-2013 | Scott Hefty | Teaching Professor, Louisiana Tech University | Senior Lecturer, Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University | |
| Kettle, Bria | 2007-2013 | Susan Egan | Microbiologist, Bayer Crop Sciences, Kansas City, MO | NA Biosafety Manager, Bayer Crop Sciences, Kansas City, MO | |
| Koppolu, Veerendra | 2008-2013 | Susan Egan | Scientist, Metaclipse Therapeutics | Senior Principal Scientist, Cell & Gene Therapy, Johnson and Johnson, Philadelphia, PA | |
| Smith, Miles C. | 2005-2013 | David Davido | Research Assistant, Department of Molecular Biosciences, KU | Bioinformatics Scientist, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2013
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balwalli, Namita | 2011-2013 | Scott Hefty | 0 | MA | Life Sciences and Pharma Consulting Lead, GAVS Technologies, Mumbai, India |
| Basu, Anindita | 2010-2013 | Audrey Lamb | 0 | MA | Associate Manager Scientific writing, Indegene |
| Merkes, Chris | 2010-2013 | Mizuki Azuma | 0 | MA | Geneticist, US Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, WI |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2012
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dotson, Abby L | 2004-2012 | Steve Benedict | 5 (+2 not on PubMed) | Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, KU | Associate Professor Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University and Director, Oregon POLST Registry, Portland, OR |
| McNeil, Casey L. | 2008-2012 | Stuart Macdonald | Assistant Professor of Biology, Newman University, Wichita KS | Family Medicine Physician, St. Luke Clinic and Hospital, Marion, KS | |
| Najarro, Elvis H. | 2007-2012 | Brian Ackley | Postdoc, Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford School of Medicine | Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific, San Francisco, CA | |
| Olucha, Jose | 2007-2012 | Audrey Lamb | Postdoc, The Scripps Research Institute | Staff Product Manager, Twist Bioscience, San Diego, CA | |
| Sudharsan, Raghavi | 2006-2012 | Yoshiaki Azuma | Postdoc, University of Pennsylvania | Research Assistant Professor, Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia | |
| Williams, Kelli M. | 2003-2012 | Steve Benedict | Postdoc, Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Center, University of Chicago | Clinical Nurse at Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA | |
| Zeineldin, Maged | 2006-2012 | Kristi Neufeld | Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, KU | Research Associate, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2012
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deckert, Katelyn | 2009-2012 | John Karanicolas | MA | Laboratory Planner and Interior Designer, CRB, Kansas City, MO | |
| Gdowski, Courtney | 2008-2012 | Steve Benedict | MA | ||
| Skredenske, Jeff | 2005-2012 | Susan Egan | MA | Associate Director, Bioconjugation, Mersana Therapeutics, Boston Area |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2011
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demarco, Rafael S. | 2006-2011 | Erik Lundquist | Postdoc, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego | Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Louisville, KY | |
| Devore, Natasha M | 2008-2011 | Emily Scott | Postdoc, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, KU | Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Missouri State University, MO | |
| Estrada, D. Fernando | 2006-2011 | Roberto De Guzman | Postdoc, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, KU | Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Buffalo, NY | |
| Hickey, John M | 2006-2011 | Scott Hefty | Postdoc, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KU | Scientific Associate Director, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KU | |
| Mattingly, Brendan C. | 2004-2011 | Matthew Buechner | Lecturer, Undergraduate Biology Program, KU (Edwards Campus) | Program Director, KU Edwards, Applied Biological Sciences | |
| Norris, Adam D. | 2006-2011 | Erik Lundquist | Postdoc, Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University | Assistant Professor, University of California, Riverside | |
| Parthasarathy, Sudharsan | 2004-2011 | Krzysztof Kuczera | Postdoc, University of Pennsylvania | Data Scientist, ZS Business Consulting, Philadelphia | |
| Spears, Erick | 2005-2011 | Kristi Neufeld | Postdoc, Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Assistant Professor, Biology, Belmont University, Tennessee | |
| Voss, Kellen R | 2006-2011 | Chris Gamblin | Postdoc, Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, University of South Florida | Director, Global Field Medical Affairs at Lundbeck | Neurology and Rare Disease, Chicago, IL | |
| Xu, Jiang | 2002-2011 | Robert Cohen | Senior Research Associate, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China | Senior Research Associate, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China | |
| Zhang, Lisha | 2004-2011 | Edina Harsay |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2011
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damasceno, Bruno | 2008-2011 | Mark Richter | 0 | MA | |
| Ernlund, Amanda | 2008-2011 | Kristi Neufeld | 0 | MA | Senior Scientist 1, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab |
| Hackett, Jennifer | 2008-2011 | Jennifer Gleason (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) | 0 | MA | Core Director, Genome Sequencing Core |
| Nordhues, Bryce | 2008-2011 | Roberto DeGuzman | MA | Instrument Sales Specialist, Eppendorf North America | |
| Ouellette, Andrew | 2008-2011 | Audrey Lamb | MA | Research Chemist, NIMA, Pittsburg State University, Kansas |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2010
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyer, Jamie O | 2005-2010 | Erik Lundquist | Postdoc, Stowers Institute for Medical Research | Associate Professor of Biology, Department of Biology, Rockhurst University | |
| Lan, Lan | 2004-2010 | Robert Cohen (now at Clemson University) | Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, KU | Scientist, Catalent Pharma Solutions | |
| Lu, Jingping | 2004-2010 | Mark Richter and Qi-Zhuang Ye | Postdoc, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine | Senior Scientist, Novartis, North Carolina | |
| Ryu, Hyunju | 2006-2010 | Yoshiaki Azuma | Postdoc, NICHD, National Institutes of Health | Postdoc, NICHD, National Institutes of Health | |
| Wang, Xiaochen | 2004-2010 | Robert Ward | Postdoc, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences | Coordinator of International Affairs in Research, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2010
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunney, Charles | 2005-2010 | Steve Benedict | 0 | MA | Biology Instructor, Olathe Public Schools |
| Rivera, Laticia | 2008-2010 | Lisa Timmons | 0 | MA |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2009
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luo, Qianyi | 2003-2009 | Audrey Lamb | Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University | Senior Scientist, Bioanalytical Method Development, B2S Life Sciences, Indiana | |
| Sarthy, Jay F. | 2005-2009 | Michael Crawford (Department of Anthropology) | Medical program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine | Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine and Attending Physician at Seattle Children's Hospital | |
| Sun, Qian | 2003-2009 | Chris Gamblin | China Regulatory Technical Manager, Alltech, Beijing, China | Director, Portfolio Project Management, Beijing | |
| Wang, Yang | 2004-2009 | Kristi Neufeld | Postdoc, Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Clinical Laboratory Director at Natera, Atlanta | |
| Wang, Yu | 2004-2009 | Roberto De Guzman | Postdoc, NHLBI, National Institutes of Health | Director, Injectable Drug Development, Alexion, New York City | |
| Zhang, Liang | 2003-2009 | Robert Ward | Postdoc, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH | Postdoc, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH | |
| Zhang, Lingling | 2005-2009 | William Picking (Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry) | Postdoc, UT Southwestern Medical Center | Principal Scientist, Ventus Therapeutics, Boston |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2009
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lindsey Spedding Finch | 2006-2009 | Scott Hefty | 0 | MA | VP Commercial Operations, Indical Bioscience |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2008
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cai, Sumin | 2002-2008 | Krzysztof Kuczera | Postdoc, Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, KU | Senior Advisor, TS/MS at Eli Lilly and Company, IN | |
| Cunningham, Jamie | 2002-2008 | Kristi Neufeld | Lecturer, Johnson County Community College | Associate Professor of Science, Johnson County Community College, Kansas City, KS | |
| He, Feng | 2001-2008 | Mark Richter | Postdoc, Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, KU | Co-founder and COO, Escugen Bio, Shanghai | |
| Funke, Todd | 2004-2008 | Ernst Schonbrunn (now at University of South Florida) | Postdoc, Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago | Director of Laboratories, Undergraduate Biology Program, KU | |
| Suryanarayana, Srividya | 2003-2008 | Mark Richter | Postdoc, Medical College of Wisconsin | Director, Analytical Development/ Quality Control, Spyre Therapeutics, North Carolina |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2008
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christina Terry | 2005-2008 | William Picking | MA |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2007
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Han, Wang | 2001-2007 | Lisa Timmons | Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, KU | Technical Director Bioengineering, CP-Bio, Beijing | |
| Lu, Jiamiao | 2001-2007 | Erik Lundquist | Postdoc, Stanford University School of Medicine | Principal Scientist, Amgen | |
| Meneely, Kathy M. | 2002-2007 | Audrey Lamb | Postdoc, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, KU | Lab Manager, Department Of Chemistry, University of Texas, San Antonio | |
| Samra, Hardeep S. | 2001-2007 | Mark Richter | Postdoc, Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, KU | Global Head, Drug Development Advisory Services, Regulatory Affairs and Drug Development Solutions, IQVIA, Washington DC | |
| Sundaram, Prema | 2001-2007 | Lisa Timmons | Postdoc, Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia | Interim Director, Pre-award Research Administration at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, PA | |
| Tong, Sherry | 2001-2007 | Matthew Buechner | Senior Clinical Research Associate, Iovance Biotherapeutics, San Carlos, CA | Senior Clinical Trial Manager at Adverum Biotech, CA |
MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2007
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications | Degree | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kasuya, Tatsuo | 2005-2007 | Fusao Takusagawa | MA |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2006
| Name | Years in the program | Mentor(s) | Publications* | Position after graduation | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barkus, Kristin M. | 1995-2006 | Rick Dobrowsky (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology) | Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology, Baker University, Baldwin City, KS | Science Teacher, Lawrence Public Schools | |
| Boschek, Curt B | 2001-2006 | Diana Bigelow (now at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) | Postdoc, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland WA | Postdoc, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland WA | |
| Grigsby, Ross J. | 1996-2006 | Robert Palazzo (now Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham) | Postdoc, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Scientist, Drug Delivery, CIMA Labs | |
| Kenjale, Roma | 2001-2006 | William Picking (Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry) | Postdoc, Duke University | Medical Scientist, Syneos Health, North Carolina | |
| Kolin, Ana | 2001-2006 | Susan Egan | Postdoc, Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda MA | US Embassy in Macedonia |
*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation
STUDENTS GRADUATING PRIOR TO 2006
| Name | Degree Year | Position | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilmore, Josh | 2005 | Scientist II | Stowers Institute for Medical Research | |
| Harrington, Amanda | 2005 | Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Director, Clinical Microbiology Laboratory | VA Puget Sound Health Care System | |
| Enright, Patricia | 2005 | Program Director, Global Project Management | Celerion, Lincoln NE | |
| Hoffman, Bryce | 2005 | Physician, Emergency Medicine | Shenandoah Medical Center, IA | |
| Jennifer Hueston | 2005 | Director of Laboratories | Biology Department, University of Kansas | |
| Jiang, Ke | 2005 | Lead Consulant | Q&C Services, Ontario | |
| Parker, Nathan | 2005 | Deceased (2012) | ||
| Wickstrum, Jason | 2005 | Researcher | Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan | |
| Yang, Yieyie | 2005 | Lawyer, Law Firm Partner | Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP (Washington, DC) | |
| Jevtic, Visnja | 2004 | Technical Assistant | Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Germany | |
| Bartlett, Ryan | 2004 | Chief Technology Officer | Pairwise, NC | |
| Box, Andrew | 2004 | Data and Analytics Consultant | Creative Planning Financial, Missouri | |
| Cheng, Qinyi | 2004 | Senior Biostatistician | PPD Clinical Research, NJ | |
| Gauthier, David (MA) | 2004 | Senior Global Product Manager | Bio-Rad Laboratories | |
| Kohlmeier, Jake | 2004 | Associate Professor | Emory University | |
| Tyburski , John | 2004 | Principal Scientist | Nelson Scientific Lab LLC | |
| Wang, Menmeng (Bessie) | 2004 | Senior Principal Scientist | Pfizer | |
| Dollar, Gretchen | 2003 | Operations Clerk | American Eagle Outfitters | |
| Harlan-Williams, Lisa | 2003 | Associate Professor of Education | Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Cancer Center | |
| Jin, Hong | 2003 | Associate Director | Novartis, San Diego | |
| Kenjale, Himanshu | 2003 | Senior Physicians Assistant | UNC Cary Orthopedics Spine Surgery, NC | |
| Maher, Brady | 2003 | Associate Professor | Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | |
| Osiecki, John | 2003 | Director of medical and scientific affairs | Roche Diagnostics, IN | |
| Purinton, Gina | 2003 | Research Technician | University of North Carolina Medical School | |
| Sciascia-Zirger, Sandra A. | 2003 | Patent Agent | Ballard Spahr | |
| Wacker, Mike | 2003 | Senior Associate Dean and Professor | University of Missouri, Kansas City, Medical School | |
| Wei, Jianning | 2003 | Associate Professor | Florida Atlantic University | |
| Hein, Raymond | 2002 | Field Partner | Molecular at Roche Diagnostics | |
| Hoffmann, Kam | 2002 | Scientist | Cell Signaling Technology | |
| Huang, Yafei | 2002 | Development Engineer | Cytiva, Sweden | |
| Komoto, Junichi | 2002 | Post Doctoral Fellow | University of Kansas | |
| Omoike, Obe | 2002 | Pharmacist | Axion, Kansas City | |
| Robson, Kristina | 2002 | Executive Director and Head, Precision Medicine | Regeneron | |
| Song, Lin | 2002 | Director Regulatory Affairs & Labeling | Stryker Orthopaedics, NJ | |
| Teague, Ryan | 2002 | Professor | St. Louis University | |
| Yuan, Chao | 2002 | Scientific Director LCMS | Quest Diagnostics, TX | |
| Bhende, Prasanna | 2001 | Clinical Operations Manager - Regulatory | ExecuPharm | |
| Bode, Claudia | 2001 | Education, Outreach and Diversity Director at Kansas NSF EPSCoR | University of Kansas | |
| Gupta, Mohan | 2001 | Associate Professor | Iowa State University | |
| Mammarappallil, Joseph | 2001 | Associate Professor of Radiology | Duke University School of Medicine | |
| Tucker, Ward | 2001 | Director Of Research And Development | BioSentinel Pharmaceuticals | |
| Davis, Kathleen | 2000 | Associate Professor | The University of Kansas Health System | |
| Elliott, Michael | 2000 | Professor | University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center | |
| Holcroft, Carolyn | 2000 | College Professional Development Coordinator | Foothill College | |
| Hsu, Jeff | 2000 | Research Associate | The Scripps Research Institute | |
| Jones, Terry | 2000 | Associate Professor | East Carolina University | |
| MacKinnon, Roger | 2000 | Neurophysiologist | SpecialityCare, Inc. | |
| Sollars, Vincent | 2000 | Associate Professor and Director of the Flow Cytometry Core | Marshall University, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine | |
| Chirathaworn, Chintana | 1999 | Associate Professor | Chulalongkorn University School of Medicine | |
| Hu, Yongbo | 1999 | Associate Research Director | Takeda Pharmaceuticals, MA | |
| Negash, Sewite | 1999 | Head of Research and Development | VitalQ, Long Beach CA | |
| Rusconi, Jamie | 1999 | Senior Manager, CMC Program Management | Regeneron | |
| Tibbetts, Scott | 1999 | Professor | University of Florida Medical School | |
| Yin, Dan | 1999 | Senior Director, Formulation and Process Development | Gilead, San Francisco | |
| Hermone, Ann | 1998 | Computational Chemist | Nebraska | |
| Marshall, Andrew | 1998 | Financial Advisor | Andrew Marshall Financial LLC | |
| Saunders, Carol | 1998 | Division Director, Clinical & Laboratory Genetics & Genomics and Professor of Pathology | Children's Mercy Hospital & University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine | |
| Schnackenberg, Brad | 1998 | Associate Director, Office of Scientific Coordination | US FDA/National Center for Toxicological Research | |
| Daggett, Melissa | 1997 | Laboratory Manager/Instructor | The University Of Kansas Lawrence Edwards Campus | |
| Ferrington, Deborah | 1997 | Chief Scientific Officer | Doheny Eye Institute, CA | |
| Gaeddert, Kenneth | 1997 | Professor | Hutchinson Community College | |
| Hamill, Danielle | 1997 | Professor | Ohio Wesleyan University | |
| Mejillano, Marisan | 1997 | Research Associate | Northwestern University Medical School | |
| Wang, Yalin | 1997 | Post Doctoral Fellow | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory | |
| Wu, Xingyong | 1997 | Senior Manager, Reagent Development | Cytek Biosciences | |
| Gao, Fei Philip | 1996 | Adjunct Researcher | University of Kansas | |
| Strange, John | 1996 | Chief Practice Management Officer | Baker Botts LLP, TX | |
| Benson, Beverly | 1995 | Vice President and Head of Clinical Science | Nurix Therapeutics, San Francisco | |
| Brisch, Ellen | 1995 | Chairperson and Professor | Minnesota State University | |
| Felzien, Lisa | 1995 | Professor | Rockhurst University | |
| Li, Qingwen | 1994 | President | Wizz Consulting, Beijing | |
| Katz-Amburn, Sue | 1984 | Emeritus Professor | Rogers State University | |
| Ogden, Gary | 1983 | Associate Dean for Planning and Operations and Professor of Biological Sciences | St. Mary's University | |
| Dreyfus, Lawrence | 1982 | Professor Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics | University of Missouri, Kansas City |