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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Sahida Afroz2018-2024Dan Dixon

1

  
Catherine Kerr2018-2024Anthony Fehr

7

Postdoc, Design-Zyme LLC, Lawrence, KSPostdoc, Design-Zyme LLC, Lawrence, KS
Parker Sperstad2018-2024Richter/Holmstrom

3

Postdoc, KUPostdoc, KU

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2024

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Morgan Bertolino2021-2024Xu/Y. Azuma

0

MSResearch Technician II
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO
Alicia Brown2020-2024Josie Chandler

0

MS 
Maggie Schedl2022-2024Rob Unckless

0

MSMolecular 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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Baid, Srishti2017-2023Scott Hefty

4

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of MichiganPostdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan
Hooper, Kelsey2018-2023Erik Lundquist

0

Genome Analyst, GenDXAssociate Clinical Variant Scientist, GeneDx
Ikujuni, Paul2018-2023Joanna Slusky

4

Sr. Scientist, Analytical R&D,  Merck, Philadelphia, PASr. Scientist, Analytical R&D,  Merck, Philadelphia, PA
Jenkinson, Cory2017-2023Berl Oakley

2

  
Kim, Haeyoung2016-2023Mizuki Azuma

2

Postdoctoral Scientist, Eli LillyPostdoctoral Scientist, Eli Lilly, Indianapolis, IN
Klages, Joan2016-2023Susan Egan

1

Assistant Professor, Washburn UniversityAssistant Professor, Washburn University, Topeka, KS
Koirala, Pratik2017-2023Josie Chandler

4

Research Fellow, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MAResearch Fellow, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
LaBrie, Scott2015-2023Scott Hefty

5

Postdoc, Fred Hutchinson Cancer CenterPostdoc, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Shakya, Sudeep2014-2023Mizuki Azuma/Lisa Timmons

2

  
Zhang, Qi2018-2023Liang Xu

4

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute & Harvard Medical SchoolPostdoctoral Researcher
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
 

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2023

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Khattabi, Reem2021-2023Ronak Tilvawala/Anthony Fehr

1

MS

 
Sleem, Doha2021-2023Roberto De Guzman

1

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

 

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Guha Biswas, Pallavi2015-2022Roberto De Guzman

1

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Maryland, BaltimorePostdoctoral Fellow, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Dhar, Rik2016-2022Joanna Slusky

6

Postdoctoral Researcher, KUPostdoctoral Research Associate, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Goyal, Priyanka2016-2022Mark Richter

2

Scientist, QiagenScientist, Qiagen
Hill, Latavia2016-2022Susan Egan

0

Analytical Bioassay Scientist, Eurofins PSS Insourcing SolutionsAnalytical Bioassay Scientist, Eurofins PSS Insourcing Solutions
Ly, Cindy2017-2022David Davido

2

Scientist II, Molecular Virologist and Cell Biologist, Millipore SigmaScientist II, Molecular Virologist and Cell Biologist, Millipore Sigma
Mahadik, Snehal2016-2022Erik Lundquist

3

  
Massengale, Molly2015-2022Brian Ackley

0

Data Scientist-Biologist at Advanced Testing Laboratory, Indianapolis, INData Scientist-Biologist at Advanced Testing Laboratory, Indianapolis, IN
Mullinax, Sarah2016-2022Rob Unckless

1

Consulting Safety Officer, Safety Partners, Inc., Boston, MAConsulting 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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Abisado-Duque, Rhea2016-2021Josie Chandler

3

Assistant Professor in biology, Ateneo de Manila University, PhilippinesAssistant Professor in biology, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines
Alhadyian, Haifa 2014-2021Robert Ward/Rob Unckless

2

Independent Consultant, FreelancePostdoctoral Research Associate, University of Liverpool, UK
Chakravarty, Amritangshu2015-2021Roberto De Guzman

2

Scientist, KCAS, Bioanalytical and Biomarker Services, Olathe, KSScientist II - Principal Investigator, KCAS, Bioanalytical and Biomarker Services, Olathe, KS
Deay III, Dwight2013-2021Mark Richter/Joanna Slusky

5

  
Ingham, David2016-2021Chris Gamblin/Erik Lundquist

2

Senior Research Associate, University of Kansas Medical CenterSenior Research Associate, University of Kansas Medical Center
Kante, Anupama2014-2021Eric Deeds/Roberto De Guzman

2

 Associate Scientist, Avid Bioservices, LA, CA
Keffeler, Erica2016-2021Lynn Hancock

1

Research Scientist, Ceva Animal Health, Lenexa, KSResearch Scientist, Ceva Animal Health, Lenexa, KS
Sundararajan, Sanjana2016-2021Yoshiaki Azuma

1

Postdoctoral Researcher, NIHPostdoctoral Researcher, NIH

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2021

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Anderson, Jaden2017-2021Joanna Slusky

0

MS

Senior Associate Scientist II, Catalent Pharma Solutions
Bowman, Alex2015-2021Mark 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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsPosition after graduationCurrent Position
Bhatta, Anuja2013-2020Steve Benedict and Susan Egan

2

Research Scientist, CRL Labs, Overland Park KSResearch Scientist, UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX
Chiremba, Thelma2014-2020Kristi Neufeld

1

Postdoc, Stowers InstitutePostdoc, Stowers Institute
Dimond, Zoe2016-2020Scott Hefty

8

Postdoc, NIH (NIAID) Rocky Mountain LaboratoryBusiness Development Manager at Yecuris Corporation, Portland, OR
Gomez, Christian2013-2020Kristi Neufeld

1

IRACDA Fellow, KUAssistant Professor, Baker University, Baldwin City, KA
Hassebroek, Victoria2015-2020Yoshiaki Azuma

2

Postdoc, Stowers Institute, Kansas City MOHead of  Genome Engineering, Stowers Institute, Kansas City, MO
Klaus, Jennifer2014-2020Josie Chandler

3

Animal Health Biology Discovery Scientist, Bovine R&D, MerckAnimal Health Biology Discovery Scientist, Bovine R&D, Merck
Kurland, Meagan2015-2020Brian Ackley

1

Senior Scientist, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Lancaster, PASenior Scientist, Data Review Trainer,  Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Lancaster, PA
Ochs, Matthew2015-2020Erik Lundquist

2

QC Analytical Development Scientist, Catalent Pharma, Houston, TXAnalytical Scientist, Alcami Corporation
Parthasarathy, Srivatsan2015-2020Lynn Hancock

2

Postdoctoral Researcher, KU Center for GenomicsPostdoctoral Researcher, KU Center for Genomics
Parker, Taybor2015-2020Kristi Neufeld

2

Scientist, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Kansas City MOScientist, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Kansas City MO
Rudeen, Aaron2015-2020Kristi Neufeld

2

Senior Scientist I, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Lawrence KSSenior Scientist I, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Lawrence KS
Soules, Katelyn2015-2020Scott Hefty

2

Research Scientist, MerckResearch Scientist, Merck
Tachiyama, Shoichi2016-2020Bill Picking

2

Postdoc, Yale School of MedicinePostdoct, Yale School of Medicine
Yang, Zhe2013-2020Matthew Buechner

2

Postdoc, Stower Institute for Medical ResearchPostdoc, Stower Institute for Medical Research

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2020

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*DegreeCurrent Position
Hernandez-Aquino, Dianarys2015-2020Stuart Macdonald

0

MS

Clinical Laboratory Scientist Coordinator, Eurofins Viracor, Lees Summit, MO
Murali, Shivani Jagannathan2015-2020Mizuki 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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Bai, Nan2014-2019John Karanicolas and Liang Xu

2

Postdoc, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia PAPrincipal Scientist, Amgen, Los Angeles, CA
Kenjic, Nikola2014-2019Audrey Lamb

1

Postdoc, Department of Biochemistry, UC RiversideSenior Scientist, Terray Therapeutics, Pasadena, CA
Khowsathit, Jittasak (Jake)2011-2019John Karanicolas and Mark Richter

4

Postdoc, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia PALecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
McFarlane, Jeff2015-2019Audrey Lamb

5

Assistant Professor, Fort Lewis College, Durango COAssistant Professor, Fort Lewis College, Durango CO
Pandey, Nootan2014-2019Yoshiaki Azuma

2

Postdoc, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PAPostdoc, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2019

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*DegreeCurrent Position
Dunbar, Amanda2012-2019Stephen Benedict

1

MA

Senior Associate Scientist II, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Kansas City
Megan McKinney2015-2019Scott 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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Al Hashimi, Hikmat2010-2018Matthew Buechner

3

Senior Scientist I, Deciphera, Inc.Research Scientist III, Eurofins
Evans, Kara2013-2018Josie Chandler

3

Genomics and Microbiome Scientist at DuPont, Madison, WIScientist at IFF Health and Biosciences
Gujar, Mahekta2011-2018Erik Lundquist

5

Postdoc, Duke-NUS Medical School, SingaporeSenior Postdoc, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
Liang, Lingfei2013-2018Liang Tang and Susan Egan

3

Assistant Research Fellow, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesAssistant Research Fellow, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Paolillo, Vitoria2012-2018Berl Oakley

3

Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, KUGenomic Laboratory Analyst, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2018

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*DegreeCurrent Position
Bhattacharya, Reshma2016-2018Chris Gamblin

0

MA

Operations Manager at Celldex Therapeutics
Massa, Nicole2015-2018Lynn 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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Harrison, Kelly2015-2017Scott Hefty

1

Postdoc, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Oklahoma State UniversityAssistant Professor, Oklahoma State University
Mutreja, Yamini2011-2017Chris Gamblin

3

Postdoctoral Fellow, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple UniversityScientist III, Lentivirus Upstream Process development, Eurofins, PA

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2017

 
NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*DegreeCurrent Position
Grotemeyer, Elizabeth2015-2017Chris Gamblin

0

MA

Scientist II, Catalent Pharma Solutions
Guo, Yuxiao2013-2017Liang Xu

0

MA

Senior Software Engineer, Google, Mountain View CA
Yadava, Sanjay2013-2017Roberto 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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Arizmendi, Olivia2012-2016Wendy Picking (Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry)

3

Postdoc, Higuchi BiosciencesSenior Epidemiologist, Immunization Branch at California Department of Public Health, San Diego, CA
Fowler, Angie2008-2016David Davido

1

Postdoc, Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CADirector of Postdoctoral Affairs at Indiana University School of Medicine
Highfill,Chad2012-2016Stuart Macdonald

3

Postdoc, North Carolina State UniversitySenior Computational Biologist, Essex, a Veridix AI Company, Chicago, IL
 
Josephson, Matthew2011-2016Erik Lundquist

3

Postdoc, University of Bern, SwitzerlandResearch Scientist II, The Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT), CA
Kaur, Kawaljit2011-2016Roberto De Guzman

5

Postdoc, Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, KUSenior Scientist, Merck Pharmaceuticals, Vaccine Analytical R&D, West Point, PA
McShan, Andrew2010-2016Roberto De Guzman

6

Postdoc, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, UC Santa CruzAssistant Professor, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
Sridharan, Vinidhra2008-2016Yoshiaki Azuma

3

Postdoc, National Cancer InstitutePrincipal Scientist, Bristol Myers Squibb
Swartzlander, Denny2010-2016Jennifer Gleason (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology)

0

Lecturer, KU Undergraduate BiologyDirector of Laboratories (Physiology), KU Undergraduate Biology
Yoshida, Makoto2010-2016Yoshiaki Azuma

2

Postdoc, RIKEN, Wako, JapanPostdoc, RIKEN, Wako, Japan

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2016

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Alhadyian, Haifa2014-2016Robert Ward

0

MA

PhD at KU obtained in 2021, Postdoc, University of Liverpool
Bae, KyeongMin2014-2016Mark Richter

1

MA

Laboratory Manager, Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Suderman, Erin2012-2016Robert Ward

0

MA

Regulatory Specialist,University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Wenger, Luke2013-2016Mizuki Azuma

1

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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Hall, Sonia2011-2015Robert Ward

2

Postdoc, University of Massachusetts Medical School, MA 
Hartin, Samantha2008-2015Brian Ackley

1

STEM Educator, Ideaventions, Reston, VAScientific Support Specialist II, Revvity, CO
Paranjape, Smita2010-2015Chris Gamblin

2

Postdoc, University of North Carolina Medical School, NCProcess Development Scientist I, Cell Line Development, KBI Biopharma, NC
Smith, Amber2010-2015Liang Xu

3

Postdoc, Stanford University Medical School, CADirector of Biobanking, Rare Cancer Research Foundation, North Carolina

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2015

 

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Egan, Chet2008-2015John Karanicolas

1

MA

 
Lewin, Seth2012-2015Mizuki Azuma

1

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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Al-Ani, Gada2007-2014Chris Fischer (Department of Physics and Astronomy)

4

Postdoc, Cancer Biology, KU Medical CenterSenior Principal Investigator, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, KC
Asad, Nadeem2008-2014Lisa Timmons

2

Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Forman Christian College, Lahore, PakistanResearch Associate, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University, WV
Caylor, Raymond C.2007-2014Brian Ackley

1

Research Assistant, Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy HospitalAssociate Director, Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Greenwood Genetic Center, SC
Hinkelman, Amy Steve Benedict

2

Postdoc, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VAAssociate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, Campbell University, NC
Lanfranca, Mirna Perusina2007-2014David Davido

3

Postdoc, University of Michigan School of MedicineResearch Scientist Tumor Immunology, University of Virginia
Mostafa, Heba H.2008-2014David Davido

8

Postdoc, Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research HospitalAssociate Professor of Pathology and Division Director of Medical Microbiology, John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 
Sundararajan, Lakshmi2008-2014Erik Lundquist

4

Postdoc, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterLead, Portfolio Strategy, Astellas Gene Therapies, CA
Varahan, Sriram2010-2014Lynn Hancock

4

Postdoc, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, IndiaSenior Scientist & DBT-Wellcome Trust IA Early Career Fellow, CSIR-CCMB, India
Xia, Yan2007-2014John Karanicolas 

2

Masters Program, Department of Machine Learning, Carnegie Mellon UniversityTech Lead Manager, Meta, Menlo Park CA

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2014

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Balcomb, Blake2011-2014Audrey Lamb

0

MABeamline Scientist, XChem, Oxford, UK
Galdos-Garreta, Mauricio2010-2014Justin Blumenstiel (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology)

1

MAData Engineer / Software Developer, GroupSense
Leal, Paulo2010-2014Robert Ward

0

MALaboratory Manager, Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Restivo, Keasha2012-2014Scott Hefty

1

MAQuality Assurance Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Lenexa, KS
Xu, Zaikun2011-2014Eric Deeds

0

MACEO, 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

 

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Abbey, Ichie2007-2013Scott Hefty

4

Field Application Scientist, LI-COR BiosciencesSr. Manager, Channel Sales, 908 Devices, Boston
Chatterjee, Srirupa2008-2013Roberto De Guzman

4

Postdoc, Washington University School of MedicineTPLC Reviewer (Biologist), FDA, Silver Spring, MD
Chaudhury, Sukanya2008-2013Roberto De Guzman

4

Postdoc, Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infection, Georgia State UniversityClinical Trial Leader, Translational Clinical Oncology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Basel, Switzerland
Combs, Ben2008-2013Chris Gamblin

5

Postdoc, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State UniversityAssistant Professor, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Grussendorf, Kelly2007-2013Matthew Buechner

1

Assistant Professor of Genetics, Minnesota State University, MankatoAssociate Professor, Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dubuque, IA
Jo, Sunhwan2008-2013Wonpil Im/ Roberto De Guzman

13

Postdoc, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of ChicagoDirector of Computational Chemistry, Stealth Biotech, LA, CA
Kemege, Kyle E2007-2013Scott Hefty

4

Teaching Professor, Louisiana Tech UniversitySenior Lecturer, Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University
Kettle, Bria2007-2013Susan Egan

2

Microbiologist, Bayer Crop Sciences, Kansas City, MONA Biosafety Manager, Bayer Crop Sciences, Kansas City, MO
Koppolu, Veerendra2008-2013Susan Egan

2

Scientist, Metaclipse TherapeuticsSenior Principal Scientist, Cell & Gene Therapy, Johnson and Johnson, Philadelphia, PA
Smith, Miles C.2005-2013David Davido

4

Research Assistant, Department of Molecular Biosciences, KUBioinformatics Scientist, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2013

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Balwalli, Namita2011-2013Scott Hefty

0

MA

Life Sciences and Pharma Consulting Lead, GAVS Technologies, Mumbai, India
Basu, Anindita2010-2013Audrey Lamb

0

MA

Associate Manager Scientific writing, Indegene
Merkes, Chris2010-2013Mizuki 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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Dotson, Abby L2004-2012Steve Benedict

5 (+2 not on PubMed)

Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, KUAssociate Professor Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University and Director, Oregon POLST Registry, Portland, OR
McNeil, Casey L.2008-2012Stuart Macdonald

3

Assistant Professor of Biology, Newman University, Wichita KSFamily Medicine Physician, St. Luke Clinic and Hospital, Marion, KS
Najarro, Elvis H.2007-2012Brian Ackley

3

Postdoc, Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford School of MedicineScientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific, San Francisco, CA
Olucha, Jose2007-2012Audrey Lamb

5

Postdoc, The Scripps Research Institute Staff Product Manager, Twist Bioscience, San Diego, CA
Sudharsan, Raghavi2006-2012Yoshiaki Azuma

2

Postdoc, University of Pennsylvania Research Assistant Professor, Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Williams, Kelli M.2003-2012Steve Benedict

2

Postdoc, Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Center, University of ChicagoClinical Nurse at Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA
Zeineldin, Maged2006-2012Kristi Neufeld

6 (+1 not on PubMed)

Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, KUResearch Associate, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2012

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Deckert, Katelyn2009-2012John Karanicolas

2

MA

Laboratory Planner and Interior Designer, CRB, Kansas City, MO
Gdowski, Courtney2008-2012Steve Benedict

1

MA

 
Skredenske, Jeff2005-2012Susan Egan

5

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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Demarco, Rafael S.2006-2011Erik Lundquist

5

Postdoc, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San DiegoAssistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Louisville, KY
Devore, Natasha M2008-2011Emily Scott 

5

Postdoc, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, KUAssistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Missouri State University, MO
Estrada, D. Fernando2006-2011Roberto De Guzman

4

Postdoc, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, KUAssociate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Buffalo, NY
Hickey, John M2006-2011Scott Hefty

7

Postdoc, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KUScientific Associate Director, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KU
Mattingly, Brendan C.2004-2011Matthew Buechner

1

Lecturer, Undergraduate Biology Program, KU (Edwards Campus)Program Director, KU Edwards, Applied Biological Sciences 
Norris, Adam D.2006-2011Erik Lundquist

3

Postdoc, Center for Systems Biology, Harvard UniversityAssistant Professor, University of California, Riverside
Parthasarathy, Sudharsan2004-2011Krzysztof Kuczera

2

Postdoc, University of PennsylvaniaData Scientist, ZS Business Consulting, Philadelphia
Spears, Erick2005-2011Kristi Neufeld

1

Postdoc, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterAssistant Professor, Biology, Belmont University, Tennessee
Voss, Kellen R2006-2011Chris Gamblin

6

Postdoc, Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, University of South FloridaDirector, Global Field Medical Affairs at Lundbeck | Neurology and Rare Disease, Chicago, IL
Xu, Jiang2002-2011Robert Cohen 

2

Senior Research Associate, Tsinghua University, Beijing, ChinaSenior Research Associate, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
Zhang, Lisha2004-2011Edina Harsay

2

  

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2011

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Damasceno, Bruno2008-2011Mark Richter

0

MA

 
Ernlund, Amanda2008-2011Kristi Neufeld

0

MA

Senior Scientist 1, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Hackett, Jennifer2008-2011Jennifer Gleason (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology)

0

MA

Core Director, Genome Sequencing Core
Nordhues, Bryce2008-2011Roberto DeGuzman

2

MA

Instrument Sales Specialist, Eppendorf North America
Ouellette, Andrew2008-2011Audrey Lamb

1

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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Dyer, Jamie O2005-2010Erik Lundquist

3

Postdoc, Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchAssociate Professor of Biology, Department of Biology, Rockhurst University
Lan, Lan2004-2010Robert Cohen (now at Clemson University)

3

Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, KUScientist, Catalent Pharma Solutions
Lu, Jingping2004-2010Mark Richter and Qi-Zhuang Ye

4

Postdoc, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of MedicineSenior Scientist, Novartis, North Carolina
Ryu, Hyunju2006-2010Yoshiaki Azuma

6

Postdoc, NICHD, National Institutes of HealthPostdoc, NICHD, National Institutes of Health
Wang, Xiaochen2004-2010Robert Ward

1

Postdoc, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesCoordinator of International Affairs in Research, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2010

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Lunney, Charles2005-2010Steve Benedict

0

MA

Biology Instructor, Olathe Public Schools
Rivera, Laticia2008-2010Lisa 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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Luo, Qianyi2003-2009Audrey Lamb

5

Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern UniversitySenior Scientist, Bioanalytical Method Development, B2S Life Sciences, Indiana
Sarthy, Jay F.2005-2009Michael Crawford (Department of Anthropology)

3

Medical program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineAssistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine and Attending Physician at Seattle Children's Hospital
Sun, Qian2003-2009Chris Gamblin

5

China Regulatory Technical Manager, Alltech, Beijing, ChinaDirector, Portfolio Project Management, Beijing
Wang, Yang2004-2009Kristi Neufeld

3

Postdoc, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterClinical Laboratory Director at Natera, Atlanta
Wang, Yu2004-2009Roberto De Guzman

7

Postdoc, NHLBI, National Institutes of HealthDirector, Injectable Drug Development, Alexion, New York City
Zhang, Liang2003-2009Robert Ward

2

Postdoc, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIHPostdoc, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH
Zhang, Lingling2005-2009William Picking (Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry)

4

Postdoc, UT Southwestern Medical CenterPrincipal Scientist, Ventus Therapeutics, Boston

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2009

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Lindsey Spedding Finch2006-2009Scott 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

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Cai, Sumin2002-2008Krzysztof Kuczera

6

Postdoc, Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, KUSenior Advisor, TS/MS at Eli Lilly and Company, IN
Cunningham, Jamie2002-2008Kristi Neufeld

1

Lecturer, Johnson County Community CollegeAssociate Professor of Science, Johnson County Community College, Kansas City, KS
He, Feng2001-2008Mark Richter

5

Postdoc, Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, KUCo-founder and COO, Escugen Bio, Shanghai
Funke, Todd2004-2008Ernst Schonbrunn (now at University of South Florida)

7

Postdoc, Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of ChicagoDirector of Laboratories, Undergraduate Biology Program, KU
Suryanarayana, Srividya2003-2008Mark Richter

4

Postdoc, Medical College of WisconsinDirector, Analytical Development/ Quality Control, Spyre Therapeutics, North Carolina

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2008

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Christina Terry2005-2008William Picking

2

MA

 

*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation

PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2007

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Han, Wang2001-2007Lisa Timmons

3

Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, KUTechnical Director Bioengineering, CP-Bio, Beijing
Lu, Jiamiao2001-2007Erik Lundquist

2

Postdoc, Stanford University School of MedicinePrincipal Scientist, Amgen
Meneely, Kathy M.2002-2007Audrey Lamb

5

Postdoc, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, KULab Manager, Department Of Chemistry, University of Texas, San Antonio
Samra, Hardeep S.2001-2007Mark Richter

6

Postdoc, Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, KUGlobal Head, Drug Development Advisory Services, Regulatory Affairs and Drug Development Solutions, IQVIA, Washington DC
Sundaram, Prema2001-2007Lisa Timmons

3

Postdoc, Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaInterim Director, Pre-award Research Administration at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, PA
Tong, Sherry2001-2007Matthew Buechner

1

Senior Clinical Research Associate, Iovance Biotherapeutics, San Carlos, CASenior Clinical Trial Manager at Adverum Biotech, CA

MS/MA STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2007

NameYears in the programMentor(s)PublicationsDegreeCurrent Position
Kasuya, Tatsuo2005-2007Fusao Takusagawa

1

MA

 

*"Publications" in the table refers to the number of publications the student generated as part of their dissertation

PHD STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2006

NameYears in the programMentor(s)Publications*Position after graduationCurrent Position
Barkus, Kristin M.1995-2006Rick Dobrowsky (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology)

1

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology, Baker University, Baldwin City, KSScience Teacher, Lawrence Public Schools
Boschek, Curt B2001-2006Diana Bigelow (now at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

6

Postdoc, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland WAPostdoc, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland WA
Grigsby, Ross J.1996-2006Robert Palazzo (now Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham)

2

Postdoc, Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteScientist, Drug Delivery, CIMA Labs
Kenjale, Roma2001-2006William Picking (Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry)

8

Postdoc, Duke UniversityMedical Scientist, Syneos Health, North Carolina
Kolin, Ana2001-2006Susan Egan

4

Postdoc, Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda MAUS 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

NameDegree YearPositionLocation 
Gilmore, Josh2005Scientist IIStowers Institute for Medical Research 
Harrington, Amanda2005Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Director, Clinical Microbiology LaboratoryVA Puget Sound Health Care System 
Enright, Patricia2005Program Director, Global Project ManagementCelerion, Lincoln NE 
Hoffman, Bryce2005Physician, Emergency MedicineShenandoah Medical Center, IA 
Jennifer Hueston2005Director of LaboratoriesBiology Department, University of Kansas 
Jiang, Ke2005Lead ConsulantQ&C Services, Ontario 
Parker, Nathan2005Deceased (2012)  
Wickstrum, Jason2005ResearcherKwansei Gakuin University, Japan 
Yang, Yieyie2005Lawyer, Law Firm PartnerFinnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP  (Washington, DC) 
Jevtic, Visnja2004Technical AssistantMax-Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Germany 
Bartlett, Ryan2004Chief Technology OfficerPairwise, NC 
Box, Andrew2004Data and Analytics ConsultantCreative Planning Financial, Missouri 
Cheng, Qinyi2004Senior BiostatisticianPPD Clinical Research, NJ 
Gauthier, David (MA)2004Senior Global Product ManagerBio-Rad Laboratories 
Kohlmeier, Jake2004Associate ProfessorEmory University 
Tyburski , John2004Principal ScientistNelson Scientific Lab LLC 
Wang, Menmeng (Bessie)2004Senior Principal ScientistPfizer 
Dollar, Gretchen2003Operations ClerkAmerican Eagle Outfitters 
Harlan-Williams, Lisa2003Associate Professor of EducationDepartment of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Cancer Center 
Jin, Hong2003 Associate DirectorNovartis, San Diego 
Kenjale, Himanshu2003Senior Physicians AssistantUNC Cary Orthopedics Spine Surgery, NC 
Maher, Brady2003Associate ProfessorJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine 
Osiecki, John2003Director of medical and scientific affairs Roche Diagnostics, IN 
Purinton, Gina2003Research TechnicianUniversity of North Carolina Medical School 
Sciascia-Zirger, Sandra A.2003Patent AgentBallard Spahr 
Wacker, Mike2003Senior Associate Dean and ProfessorUniversity of Missouri, Kansas City, Medical School 
Wei, Jianning2003Associate ProfessorFlorida Atlantic University 
Hein, Raymond2002Field PartnerMolecular at Roche Diagnostics 
Hoffmann, Kam2002ScientistCell Signaling Technology 
Huang, Yafei2002Development EngineerCytiva, Sweden 
Komoto, Junichi2002Post Doctoral FellowUniversity of Kansas 
Omoike, Obe2002PharmacistAxion, Kansas City 
Robson, Kristina2002Executive Director and Head, Precision MedicineRegeneron 
Song, Lin2002Director Regulatory Affairs & LabelingStryker Orthopaedics, NJ 
Teague, Ryan2002ProfessorSt. Louis University 
Yuan, Chao2002Scientific Director LCMSQuest Diagnostics, TX 
Bhende, Prasanna2001Clinical Operations Manager - RegulatoryExecuPharm 
Bode, Claudia2001Education, Outreach and Diversity Director at Kansas NSF EPSCoRUniversity of Kansas 
Gupta, Mohan2001Associate ProfessorIowa State University 
Mammarappallil, Joseph2001Associate Professor of RadiologyDuke University School of Medicine 
Tucker, Ward2001Director Of Research And DevelopmentBioSentinel Pharmaceuticals 
Davis, Kathleen2000Associate ProfessorThe University of Kansas Health System 
Elliott, Michael2000ProfessorUniversity of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center 
Holcroft, Carolyn2000College Professional Development CoordinatorFoothill College 
Hsu, Jeff2000Research AssociateThe Scripps Research Institute 
Jones, Terry2000Associate ProfessorEast Carolina University 
MacKinnon, Roger2000NeurophysiologistSpecialityCare, Inc. 
Sollars, Vincent2000Associate Professor and Director of the Flow Cytometry CoreMarshall University, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine 
Chirathaworn, Chintana1999Associate ProfessorChulalongkorn University School of Medicine 
Hu, Yongbo1999Associate Research DirectorTakeda Pharmaceuticals, MA 
Negash, Sewite1999Head of Research and DevelopmentVitalQ, Long Beach CA 
Rusconi, Jamie1999Senior Manager, CMC Program ManagementRegeneron 
Tibbetts, Scott1999ProfessorUniversity of Florida Medical School 
Yin, Dan1999Senior Director, Formulation and Process DevelopmentGilead, San Francisco 
Hermone, Ann1998Computational ChemistNebraska 
Marshall, Andrew1998Financial AdvisorAndrew Marshall Financial LLC 
Saunders, Carol1998Division Director, Clinical & Laboratory Genetics & Genomics and Professor of PathologyChildren's Mercy Hospital & University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine 
Schnackenberg, Brad1998Associate Director, Office of Scientific CoordinationUS FDA/National Center for Toxicological Research 
Daggett, Melissa1997Laboratory Manager/InstructorThe University Of Kansas Lawrence Edwards Campus 
Ferrington, Deborah1997Chief Scientific OfficerDoheny Eye Institute, CA 
Gaeddert, Kenneth1997ProfessorHutchinson Community College 
Hamill, Danielle1997ProfessorOhio Wesleyan University 
Mejillano, Marisan1997Research AssociateNorthwestern University Medical School 
Wang, Yalin1997Post Doctoral FellowCold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
Wu, Xingyong1997Senior Manager, Reagent DevelopmentCytek Biosciences 
Gao, Fei Philip1996Adjunct ResearcherUniversity of Kansas 
Strange, John1996Chief Practice Management OfficerBaker Botts LLP, TX 
Benson, Beverly1995Vice President and Head of Clinical ScienceNurix Therapeutics, San Francisco 
Brisch, Ellen1995Chairperson and ProfessorMinnesota State University 
Felzien, Lisa1995ProfessorRockhurst University 
Li, Qingwen1994PresidentWizz Consulting, Beijing 
Katz-Amburn, Sue1984Emeritus ProfessorRogers State University 
Ogden, Gary1983Associate Dean for Planning and Operations and Professor of Biological SciencesSt. Mary's University 
Dreyfus, Lawrence1982Professor Division of Cell Biology and BiophysicsUniversity of Missouri, Kansas City