Alumni & Giving
Make a pledge to support our valuable work. Whether you choose to make a one-time gift, an annual gift, a bequest or legacy gift, you will help make a lasting impact on the lives of millions.
How to give
Your generosity plays a crucial role in advancing the mission of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. By giving, you help support cutting-edge research, enhance educational programs and provide valuable resources for students, faculty and residents. Contributions of any size directly impact our ability to innovate and improve patient care, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of medical education.
There are many ways to give, whether through annual donations, endowments or planned giving. Your support helps fund scholarships, research grants and the development of state-of-the-art facilities. By investing in the future of pharmacology, you are helping shape the next generation of leaders in health care and making a lasting difference in our community and beyond.
Checks payable to the University of Louisville Foundation. In the memo, include the gift allocation (e.g. A specific school/college, scholarship etc).
Alumni Resources
Stay connected with the Department of Pharmacology through alumni resources and continuing medical education opportunities that support your lifelong learning and professional growth.
Our Alumni
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| Yu (Nancy) Tian | M.S. | Andrew Gibb, Ph.D. | Mitochondrial-to-cytosolic metabolic communication coordinates myofibroblast formation via the malate-aspartate shuttle |
| Kasey R. Kropp | M.S. | Robert A. Mitchell, Ph.D. | Metabolic reprogramming of macrophages by targeting Nit2 in the tumor microenvironment |
| Oluwanifemi Esther Bolatimi | Ph.D. | Banrida Wahlang, Ph.D. | Same chemicals, different outcomes: how dioxin mixtures impact hepatic and metabolic health |
| Leighton Avera | M.S. | Brian P. Ceresa, Ph.D. | High glucose slows corneal re-epithelialization |
| Ashly Bailey | M.S. | Zhao-hui (Joe) Song, Ph.D. | The endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target in alcohol-associated liver disease |
| Nicolli Butzke de Souza | M.S. | John P. Wise, Sr., Ph.D. | Transcriptomic analysis reveals aneuploidy-related pathway disruption following particulate hexavalent chromium exposure |
| Samantha A. McFall | Ph.D. | Sanjay Srivastava, Ph.D. | Mechanisms of benzene-induced endothelial activation |
| Wendy Cecil | Ph.D. | Nobuyuki Matoba, Ph.D. | Preclinical development of epicertin, a mucosal healing biotherapeutic candidate for ulcerative colitis |
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor(s) | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| Raphael Jigo | Ph.D. | Geoffrey J. Clark, Ph.D. | Small molecule based RalGEF inhibition suppresses lung cancer stem cell development and tumorigenesis |
| Samuel T. Vielee | Ph.D. | Johnny Wise, Jr., Ph.D. | Characterizing hexavalent chromium neurotoxicity across laboratory models |
| Daniel C. Gomes | Ph.D. | Timothy O’Toole, Ph.D. | Exposure to PM2.5 and aging |
| Jimmy Fernando Cifuentes Jimenez | M.S. | Nobuyuki Matoba, Ph.D. | Preclinical studies to develop EPICERTIN, a biotherapeutic candidate for ulcerative colitis |
| Riley Freudenberger | M.S. | Zhao-Hui (Joe) Song, Ph.D. | Evaluation of the effects of non-hallucinogenic psychedelic tabernanthalog on the BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism spectrum disorder |
| Kate Laise | Ph.D. | Brian P. Ceresa, Ph.D. | CBL regulation of c-Met signaling in corneal epithelial cells |
| Jacob Hahn | M.S. | Kenneth E. Palmer, Ph.D. & Nobuyuki Matoba, Ph.D. | Avaren-FC’S effects on lymphoma cells |
| Morgan Delnicki | M.S. | Jamie L. Wise, Ph.D. | A tale of two toxicants: Investigating the interaction between hexavalent chromium and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid |
| Paxton M. Brizendine | M.S. | Matthew C. Cave, M.D. & Walter H. Watson, Ph.D. | Effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in a mouse model of alcohol associated liver disease |
| Gabrielle C. Griffin | M.S. | Jamie L. Wise, Ph.D. | Exploring hexavalent chromium exposure and lipid accumulation in liver disease |
| Dana Hammouri | Ph.D. | Leah J. Siskind, Ph.D. | Immunopathogenic crosstalk between cancer and the kidney: a central role for macrophages as potential mediators |
| Aggie W. Brownell | Ph.D. | John P. Wise, Sr., Ph.D. | Mechanisms of particulate hexavalent chromium-induced inhibition of homologous recombination repair: Targeting the BCDX2 complex considered through a one health perspective |
| Lucy J. Sloan | Ph.D. | Shirish Barve, Ph.D. | The effects of ethanol and tributyrin on Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis in 3×TG-AD mice |
| Idoia Meaza Isusi | Ph.D. | John P. Wise, Sr., Ph.D. | Translation of the carcinogenic DNA breakage-repair inhibition mechanism for hexavalent chromium to its key targets: Lung epithelial cells, lung tissue and impacts on the genome |
| Dianet Sanchez Vega | M.S. | Leah J. Siskind, Ph.D. | Therapeutic potential of SGLT2 inhibitors in a repeated low dose cisplatin model |
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| Disha Nagesh Moholkar | M.S. | Ramesh Gupta, Ph.D. | Exosomal cannabidiol: A promising candidate for targeted oral delivery against breast cancer |
| Katarina L. Mayer | M.S. | Nobuyuki Matoba, Ph.D. | Investigation of avaren-Fc's therapeutic potential against ovarian cancer |
| Wendy Kittle | M.S | Nobuyuki Matoba, Ph.D. | EPICERTIN's preclinical path to mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis |
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor(s) | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| Oluwanifemi Esther Bolatimi | M.S. | Jamie L. Wise, Ph.D. | Investigating the effects of subchronic dietary zinc supplementation on diet-induced metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease |
| Kennedy M. Walls | Ph.D. | David W. Hein, Ph.D. & Kyung U. Hong, Ph.D. | Investigation of heterocyclic amines and N-acetyltransferase 2 genetic polymorphism in the dysregulation of hepatic energy homeostasis: A gene-environment approach |
| Sarah H. Shrader | Ph.D. | Zhao-Hui (Joe) Song, Ph.D. & Gregory N. Barnes, M.D., Ph.D. | Cannabidiol, behavior & the immune system in idiopathic autism spectrum disorder |
| Tyler C. Gripshover | Ph.D. | Matthew C. Cave, M.D. | The impact of environmental pollutants on alcohol-associated liver disease pathogenesis |
| Caitlin C. Wilkerson | M.S. | Walter H. (Bert) Watson, Ph.D. | Ethanol dysregulates Sirt1-mediated lipogenic signaling pathways through α4*-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in hepatocytes |
| Samuel T. Vielee | M.S. | Johnny Wise Jr., Ph.D. & John P. Wise, Sr., Ph.D. | Using a toxic aging coin to assess hexavalent chromium-induced neurotoxicity |
| Daniel C. Gomes | M.S. | Timothy O'Toole, Ph.D. | Environmental exposures and aging |
| Dakota D. Cathey | M.S. | Lu Cai, M.D., Ph.D. & Jiapeng Huang, M.D., Ph.D. | Study of the effects of chronic cadmium exposure on the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension |
| Raphael Jigo | M.S. | Geoffrey J. Clark, Ph.D. | Inhibition of RALGDS as a therapeutic approach in NSCLC |
| Dana Hammouri | M.S. | Tamer M.A. Mohamed, Ph.D. | KDM5B as a potential epigenetic regulator of cardiomyocyte regeneration and cell cycle activation |
| Ngozi V. Adiele | M.S. | Matthew C. Cave, M.D. | The effects of environmental pollutants on liver disease: role of the gut-liver axis |
| Jeffrey B. Warner | Ph.D. | Irina A. Kirpich, Ph.D. | Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition: A novel therapeutic strategy for alcohol-associated liver disease |
| Micaela A. Reeves | Ph.D. | Nobuyuki Matoba, Ph.D. | EPICERTIN: preclinical development of a novel mucosal healing agent |
| Andrew J. Orwick | Ph.D. | Leah J. Siskind, Ph.D. & Levi Beverly, Ph.D. | Lung cancer-kidney crosstalk prevents protection from 5-hydroxytryptamine 1F receptor agonist in repeated low dose cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity |
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor(s) | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| Sean M. Raph | Ph.D. | Matthew A. Nystoriak, Ph.D. | Voltage gated potassium channel dependent mechanisms of cardiovascular adaptation to chronic exercise |
| Nagwa El-Baz | Ph.D. | Martin G. O'Toole, Ph.D. | The impact of pegylation on cellular uptake and in vivo biodistribution of gold nanoparticle MRI contrast agents |
| Breandon S. Taylor | M.S. | Sanjay Srivastava, Ph.D. | The impact of volatile organic compound exposure on subclinical biomarkers of cardiovascular injury |
| Mariam R. Habil | Ph.D. | David W. Hein, Ph.D. | Investigation of human N-acetyltransferases (NAT1 and NAT2) genetic polymorphisms in susceptibility to aromatic amine and alkylaniline genotoxicity |
| Samantha A. McFall | M.S. | Sanjay Srivastava, Ph.D. | The effect of volatile organic compounds on endothelial function and atherogenesis |
| Kate Tarvestad | M.S. | Brian P. Ceresa, Ph.D. | HGF-mediated c-Met signaling in human corneal epithelial cells |
| Haiyan Lu | Ph.D. | John P. Wise, Sr., Ph.D. | Translating particulate hexavalent chromium-induced chromosome instability from human lung cells to experimental animals, human lung tumors, and whale cells |
| Alyssa S. Aebersold | Ph.D. | Zhao-hui (Joe) Song, Ph.D. | Application of cannabidiol to occular pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics |
| Andre D. Richardson | Ph.D. | Daniel J. Conklin, Ph.D. | Tobacco-derived aldehydes, platelets and thrombogenicity: Role of transient receptor potential ankyyrin-1 |
| Jennifer H. Toyoda | Ph.D. | John P. Wise, Sr., Ph.D. | Molecular mechanisms of hexavalent chromium-induced centrosome amplification |
| Hunter A. Miller | Ph.D. | Hermann B. Frieboes, Ph.D. | A modeling platform to predict cancer survival and therapy outcomes using tumor tissue derived metabolomics data |
| Aaron G. Whitt | Ph.D. | Chi Li, Ph.D. | The roles of PON2 in mitochondrial physiology, lung tumor cell proliferation, and lung tumorigenesis |
| Mengwei Jiang | Ph.D. | Wenke Feng, Ph.D. | Extracellular vesicles from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG protect against alcohol-induced liver injury through suppression of intestinal miR194 and subsequent activation of FXR in mice |
| Aggie R. Williams | M.S. | John P. Wise, Sr., Ph.D. | Particulate hexavalent chromium inhibits homologous recombination repair by targeting RAD51 paralogs in human lung fibroblasts |
| Lucy J. Sloan | M.S. | Zhao-hui (Joe) Song, Ph.D. & Shigeo Tamiya, Ph.D. | Cannabinoids and retinal fibrotic disorders |
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor(s) | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| Angeliki Lykoudi | M.S. | J. Christopher States, Ph.D. | Assessing the role of arsenic exposure and miRNA-186 in skin tumorigenesis and chromosomal instability |
| Matthew W. Dent | Ph.D. | Nobuyuki Matoba, Ph.D. | Preclinical development of Avaren-FC: A novel lectin-FC fusion protein targeting cancer-associated high-mannose glycans |
| Nicholas A. Hoffman | M.S. | Leah Siskind, Ph.D | The role of sphingolipids in AKI and the progression to CKD: potential therapeutic targets |
| Idoia Meaza Isusi | M.S. | John P. Wise, Sr., Ph.D. | Translating particulate Cr(VI)-induced chromosome instability, loss of homologous recombination repair and targeting of RAD51 from human lung fibroblasts to bronchial epithelial cells |
| Sophia M. Sears | Ph.D. | Leah Siskind, Ph.D. & Levi Beverly, Ph.D. | Characterizing the role of macrophages in cisplatin-induced kidney injury and progression to chronic kidney disease |
| Marc M. Dwenger | Ph.D. | Matthew A. Nystoriak, Ph.D. | Pyridine nucleotide redox potential in coronary smooth muscle couples myocardial blood flow to cardiac metabolism |
| Srineil Bodduluri | M.S. | Shirish Barve, Ph.D. | Histone deacetylases in alcohol associated liver disease |
| George Z. Wei | Ph.D. | Scott R. Whittemore, Ph.D. & Michal Hetman, M.D., Ph.D. | Oligodendrocyte responses after spinal cord injury |
| Tyler C. Gripshover | M.S. | Matthew C. Cave, M.D. | Investigating the effects of perfluorooctanoic sulfonate (PFOS) and ethanol on fatty liver disease using a modified NIAAA model |
| Andrew J. Orwick | M.S. | Leah Siskind, Ph.D. & Levi Beverly, Ph.D. | The role of PGC-1α in repeated low-dose cisplatin-induced kidney injury and the progression to chronic kidney disease |
| Kennedy M. Walls | M.S. | David W. Hein, Ph.D. & Kyung U. Hong, Ph.D. | Heterocyclic amines and arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 polymorphism in pathogenesis of insulin resistance |
| Austin M. Krueger | M.S. | Leah Siskind, Ph.D. & Levi Beverly, Ph.D. | Characterizing the role of Src in NSCLC cell and fibroblast migration on 3D cell-derived matrix |
| Micaela A. Reeves | M.S. | Nobuyuki Matoba, Ph.D. | Preclinical development of Epicertin, a novel biotherapeutic for the treatment of ulcerative colitis |
| Mohamed A. Elnagdy | M.S. | Leila Gobejishvili, Ph.D. | PDE4 inhibition: A novel therapeutic strategy of liver fibrosis |
| Sean M. Raph | M.S. | Matthew A. Nystoriak, Ph.D. | Myocardial blood flow control by oxygen sensing vascular KVβ proteins |
| Christine Kim | Ph.D. | Brian P. Ceresa, Ph.D. | Assessing the role of arsenic in the EGFR signaling axis |
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor(s) | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| Jamie L. Young | Ph.D. | Lu Cai, M.D., Ph.D. | The effects of whole life, low dose cadmium exposure on high fat diet-induced NAFLD and the role of zinc |
| Jian (Joseph) Jin | Ph.D. | Matthew C. Cave, M.D. | Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor |
| Jeffrey B. Warner | M.S. | Irina A. Kirpich, Ph.D. | Soluble expoxide hydrolase inhibition: A novel therapeutic strategy in alcoholic liver disease |
| Rachel M. Speer | Ph.D. | John P. Wise, Sr., Ph.D. | Mechanisms of chromate-induced suppression of RAD51: A one environmental health approach |
| Mariam R. Habil | M.S. | David W. Hein, Ph.D. | N-Acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) genotype polymorphism in cryopreserved human hepatocytes and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells |
| Desmond R. Harrell Stewart | Ph.D. | Geoffrey J. Clark, Ph.D. | A novel role for RASSF1A in the regulation of RAS activation |
| Shuhan (Ellen) Meng | Ph.D. | Chi Li, Ph.D. | Exosomes from embryonic stem cells as a prophylactic vaccine against lung cancer |
| Jordan B. Lynch | Ph.D. | Daniel J. Conklin, Ph.D. | Tobacco product-derived aldehydes: Effects on circulating angiogenic cells & implications for cardiovascular disease |
| Fengyuan (Linda) Li | Ph.D. | Wenke Feng, Ph.D. | Dual role of antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin in alcohol-associated liver disease |
| Lexiao (Monica) Jin | Ph.D. | Daniel J. Conklin, Ph.D. | The cardiovascular effects of tobacco product-derived aldehydes: Contribution of Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin-1 |
| Yuxuan Zheng | Ph.D. | Walter H. Watson, Ph.D. | The role of Slc7a11 in controlling extracellular and intracellular redox environments of lung fibroblasts - potential targets for intervention in aging and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis |
| Yihong (Summer) Li | Ph.D. | Shao-yu Chen, Ph.D. | Sulphorophane protects against ethanol-induced apoptosis and teratogenesis through epigenetic modulation of anti-apoptotic genes |
| Andre D. Richardson | M.S. | Daniel J. Conklin, Ph.D. | Tobacco-derived aldehydes: Platelet activation, thrombosis and the role of TRPA1 |
| Adrienne Bushau-Sprinkle | Ph.D. | Eleanor Lederer, M.D. | Mechanistic insight of the role of NHERF1 in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury |
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor(s) | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| Al Hassan Kyakulaga | Ph.D. | Ramesh C. Gupta, Ph.D. | Therapeutic potential of Withaferin A against non-small cell lung cancer |
| Joshua M. Royal | Ph.D. | Nobuyuki Matoba, Ph.D. | A recombinant cholera toxin B subunit variant with a endoplasmic retention KDEL motif (CTB-KDEL) exhibits unique colon mucosal healing effects that have therapeutic implications for inflammatory bowel disease |
| Kevin M. Tyo | Ph.D. | Jill Steinbach-Rankins, Ph.D. | Electrospun fibers and nanoparticles for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections |
| Sarah H. Shrader | M.S. | Zhao-Hui (Joe) Song, Ph.D. | Discovery of novel molecular targets for endogenous and phytocannabinoids |
| Sophia M. Sears | M.S. | Leah J. Siskind, Ph.D. | Characterizing the roles of neutral ceramidase in cisplatin-induced kidney injury |
| Aditya S. Barve | Ph.D. | Levi Beverly, Ph.D. | Characterization of a more clinically relevant human leukemia xenograft model to examine perturbation of MET/SAM metabolism as a novel paradigm for MLL-R leukemia in vivo |
| Douglas J. O. Saforo | Ph.D. | Levi Beverly, Ph.D. & Leah J. Siskind, Ph.D. | Characterizing the role of extracellular matrix in non-small cell lung carcinoma metastasis using a 3D microenvironment mimetic in-vitro culture system |
| Christine E. Dolin | Ph.D. | Gavin E. Arteel, Ph.D. & Michael L. Merchant, Ph.D. | Novel mechanisms and biomarkers in alcohol-induced organ injury |
| Mohamed Y. Mahmoud | Ph.D. | Jill M. Steinbach-Rankins, Ph.D. & Donald R. Demuth, Ph.D. | Development of BAR-peptide nanoparticles and electrospun fbers for the prevention and treatment of oral biofilms |
| Matthew W. Dent | M.S. | Nobuyuki Matoba, Ph.D. | Development of a lectin-FC fusion protein with antiviral and anti-cancer activity |
| Aaron G. Whitt | M.S. | Chi Li, Ph.D. | Paraoxonase 2 is critical for non-small cell lung carcinoma proliferation |
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor(s) | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| Shanice V. Hudson | Ph.D. | Gavin E. Arteel, Ph.D. & Hermann B. Frieboes, Ph.D. | Innate immunity, the extracellular matrix, and liver injury: mathematical modeling of metastatic potential and tumor development in alcoholic liver disease |
| Fengyuan (Linda) Li | M.S. | Wenke Feng, Ph.D | The role of cathelicidin in the regulation of gut microbiota and inflammasome activation in alcoholic liver disease |
| Jamie S. Rush | M.S. | Brian P. Ceresa, Ph.D. | Epidermal growth factor-like ligands regulate dimer selection |
| Liya (Leah) Chen | Ph.D. | Juliane I. Beier, Ph.D. | The role of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 in liver injury caused by vinyl chloride and high-fat diet |
| Ashley M. Mudd | Ph.D. | Ramesh C. Gupta, Ph.D. | Influence of bilberry-derived anthocyanidins on key regulators of colorectal cancer development |
| Christine Kim | M.S. | Brian P. Ceresa, Ph.D. | Assessing the role of arsenite in disrupting the EGFR signaling axis |
| Qian (Zoe) Lin | Ph.D. | Yi Tan, M.D., Ph.D. | A novel fibroblast growth factor 1 variant reverses nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes |
| Harshulkumar M. Pandit | Ph.D. | Robert C.G. Martin II, M.D., Ph.D. | WNT/β-catenin mediated cancer stem cell activation in hepatocellular carcinoma |
| Jennifer H. Toyoda | M.S. | John P. Wise, Sr., Ph.D. | Particulate hexavalent chromium does not induce centrosome amplification in sperm whale and bowhead whale cells |
| Samantha M. Carlisle | Ph.D. | David W. Hein, Ph.D. | Deciphering the role of human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 in breast cancer cell metabolism using a systems biology approach |
| Hunter A. Miller | M.S. | Hermann B. Frieboes, Ph.D. | Evaluation of nanoparticle transport and effect in heterogeneously vascularized tumor tissue |
| Nagawa El-Baz | M.S. | Martin G. O'Toole, Ph.D. | A cancer targeted gold nanoparticles based MRI contrast agent |
| Ryan C. McAllister | Ph.D. | Jessie Roman, M.D. | Perinatal nicotine with or without early life influenza infection leads to lung dysfunction with age |
| Julie A. Gosney | Ph.D. | Brian P. Ceresa, Ph.D. | EGFR signaling from the early endosome |
| Cierra N. Sharp | Ph.D. | Leah J. Siskind, Ph.D. | A clinically relevant mouse model of cisplatin-induced kidney injury |
| Alyssa S. Laun | M.S. | Zhao-Hui (Joe) Song, Ph.D. | A study of GPR3, GPR6, and GPR12 as novel molecular targets for cannabidiol |
| Hongxue Shi | Ph.D. | Matthew C. Cave, M.D. | The effects of polychlorinated biphenyls exposure on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor |
| Anna L. Lang | Ph.D. | Juliane I. Beier, Ph.D. | Vinyl chloride enhances diet-induced liver injury via metabolic dyshomeostasis: Critical role of mitochondria |
| Joshua M. Royal | M.S. | Nobuyuki Matoba, Ph.D. | Therapeutic potential of a plant-made cholera toxin B subunit variant for the treatment of ulcerative colitis |
| Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle | M.S. | Eleanor Lederer, M.D. | Loss of the Na+ H- exchange regulatory Factor 1 results in increased susceptibility to cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury |
| Jamie L. Young | M.S. | Gavin E. Arteel, Ph.D. | A model to study the effects of whole life chronic exposure to arsenic or cadmium on the development of adult metabolic syndrome: Initial characterization of hepatic changes |
| Marc M. Dwenger | M.S. | Bradley B. Keller, M.D. | Maturation of human induced pluripotent stem cell derived engineered cardiac tissues using channel rhodopsin transfection and chronic optical pacing |
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor(s) | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| J. Caleb Greenwell | Ph.D. | Jessie Roman, M.D. | Age-related host factors regulate lung cancer progression |
| Marcus W. Stepp | Ph.D. | David W. Hein, Ph.D. | Role of human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 in tumorigenesis and cancer biology |
| Lauren G. Poole-Hardy | Ph.D. | Gavin E. Arteel, Ph.D. | Novel insight into the liver-lung axis in alcohol-enhanced acute lung injury |
| Zimple D Kurlawala | Ph.D. | Levi J. Beverly, Ph.D. | UBQLN1: A multi-domain protein with multiple functions |
| Tuo Shao | Ph.D. | Wenke Feng, Ph.D. | The role of HIF-1α in intestinal epithelial barrier function in alcoholic liver disease |
| Laila Al-Eryani | Ph.D. | J. Christopher States, Ph.D. | miRNA expression changes in arsenic-induced skin cancer in vitro and in vivo |
| J. Mason Hoffman | M.S. | J. Christopher States, Ph.D. | Targeting the major regulator of mitosis |
| Ashley M. Mudd | M.S. | Ramesh C. Gupta, Ph.D. | Prevention and treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis and colorectal cancer by bilberry-derived anthocyanidins |
| Divya Karukonda | M.S. | Ramesh C. Gupta, Ph.D. | Advances in tumor-targeted therapy using nanomedicine |
| Rachel M. Speer | M.S. | John P. Wise, Sr., Ph.D. | The comparative cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of hexavalent chromium in humans and sea turtles |
| Tess V. Dupre | Ph.D. | Leah J. Siskind, Ph.D. | Sphingolipids in models of kidney injury and disease |
| Elizabeth M. Hollis | M.S. | Ayman El-Baz, Ph.D. | Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing graft dysfunction: a non-invasive alternative to renal biopsies |
| Al Hassan Kyakulaga | M.S. | Ramesh C. Gupta, Ph.D. | Withaferin A synergistically enhances the effect of paclitaxel against lung cancer |
| Stephan L. Wechman | Ph.D. | Kelly M. McMasters, M.D., Ph.D. | Characterization of a mutant oncolytic adenovirus and the role of JNK in enhancing virotherapy |
| Nicole M. Jackson-Santerre | Ph.D. | Brian P. Ceresa, Ph.D. | Identifying the signaling mechanisms of EGFR-mediated apoptosis |
| Jaspreet S. Grewal | Ph.D. | Jason A. Chesney, M.D., Ph.D. | Targeting the glucose metabolism of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to stimulate cancer immunity |
| Christine E. Dolin | M.S. | Juliane I. Beier, Ph.D. | The effects of moderate alcohol consumption and inflammation on the hepatic matrisome and the renal cortex proteome |
| Christopher P. Shidal | Ph.D. | Keith R. Davis, Ph.D. | Combating malignant melanoma with the multifaceted soy-derived peptide lunasin |
| Aaron M. Neely | Ph.D. | Chi Li, Ph.D. | The interaction of homoserine lactones and paraoxonase 2 modulates cell death signaling and cell proliferation |
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor(s) | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| Gretchen E. Holz | M.S. | Igor S. Lukashevich, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc. | Proinflammatory cytokines promote viral replication and cell cycle mediators in arenavirus-induced hepatitis |
| Glenn W. Vicary | Ph.D. | Jesse Roman, M.D. | The role of nicotine, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and extracellular matrix remodeling in pulmonary fibrosis |
| Aditya S. Barve | M.S. | Levi J. Beverly, Ph.D. | Establishing a clinically relevant mouse model of human AML to test novel transmethylation inhibitors |
| Kevin M. Tyo | M.S. | Jill Steinbach-Rankins, Ph.D. | Multipurpose tenofovir disoproxil fumarate electrospun fibers for the prevention of HIV-1 and HSV-2 infections |
| Justin L. Hallgren | Ph.D. | Michal Hetman, M.D., Ph.D. | The role of the nucleolus in neurodegeneration |
| Anna L. Lang | M.S. | Juliane I. Beier, Ph.D. | Vinyl chloride-diet interactions in liver disease: potential roles of autophagy and energy management |
| Wei-Yang (Jeremy) Chen | Ph.D. | Swati Joshi-Barve, Ph.D. & Craig McClain, M.D. | Acrolein is a critical mediator of alcohol-induced liver and intestinal injury in alcoholic liver disease |
| Jordan B. Finch | M.S. | Daniel J. Conklin, Ph.D. | Air pollution, pulmonary oxidative stress, and the endothelin system in the development of cardiovascular injury |
| Julie A. Gosney | M.S. | Brian P. Ceresa, Ph.D. | Isolation of EGFR-containing early endosomes |
| Cierra N. Sharp | M.S. | Leah J. Siskind, Ph.D. | Developing a more clinically-relevant mouse model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity |
| Dominique Z. Jones | Ph.D. | La Creis R. Kidd, Ph.D. & Geoffrey J. Clark, Ph.D. | MicroRNA-186 and metastatic prostate cancer |
| Diana V. Avila | Ph.D. | Shirish Barve, Ph.D. & Leila Gobejishvili, Ph.D. | Role of phosphodiesterase-4 in alcohol-induced organ injury |
| Aaron M. Neely | M.S. | Chi Li, Ph.D. | Modulation of cell death signaling and cell proliferation by the interaction of homoserine lactones and paraoxonase 2 |
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor(s) | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| Hridgandh Donde | Ph.D. | Shirish Barve, Ph.D. | Mechanisms and intervention strategies for alcohol and HIV-antiretroviral therapy-induced liver injury |
| Keegan J. Baldauf | Ph.D. | Nobuyuki Matoba, Ph.D. | Studies on the impacts of a plant-made recombinant cholera toxin B subunit on the gastrointestinal tract |
| Pritesh P. Kumar | Ph.D. | Zhao-Hui (Joe) Song, Ph.D. | Searching for novel ligands for the cannabinoid and related receptors |
| Zimple D. Kurlawala | M.S. | Levi J. Beverly, Ph.D. | Regulation of receptor tyrosine kinases by UBQLN1 |
| Stephen L. Wechman | M.S. | Kelly M. McMasters, M.D., Ph.D. | Improved oncolytic virotherapy by increasing virus spread within tumors |
| Lauren G. Poole | M.S. | Gavin E. Arteel, Ph.D. | Alcohol-enhanced acute lung injury: Role of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and the transitional extracellular matrix |
| Harshulkumar M. Pandit | M.S. | Robert C.G. Martin II, M.D., Ph.D. | Identifying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells with cancer stem cell-like properties |
| Nicole M. Jackson | M.S. | Brian P. Ceresa, Ph.D. | The regulation and mechanisms of EGFR-mediated apoptosis in MDA-MB-468 cells |
| Tess V. Dupre | M.S. | Leah J. Siskind, Ph.D. | Identifying novel renoprotective strategies for cisplatin-induced AKI |
| Samantha M. Carlisle | M.S. | David W. Hein, Ph.D. | Investigating pathway changes associated with varying levels of human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) activity |
| Tareq Al-Maqtari | Ph.D. | Aruni Bhatnagar, Ph.D. & Kyung Hong, Ph.D. | Promoting differentiation and survival of human c-kit+ cardiac progenitor cells ex vivo |
| J. Caleb Greenwell | M.S. | Jesse Roman, M.D. | Role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in lung cancer |
| Graduate | Degree | Mentor(s) | Dissertation/Thesis Title |
| Veronica L. Massey | Ph.D. | Gavin E. Arteel, Ph.D. | Extracellular matrix proteins and the liver-lung axis in disease |
| Christopher G. England | Ph.D. | Hermann B. Frieboes, Ph.D. | Study of novel nanoparticle transport and drug release for cancer treatment |
| Banrida Wahlang | Ph.D. | Matthew C. Cave, M.D. | Evaluating the effects of polychlorinated biphenyls in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease |
| Christopher P. Shidal | M.S. | Keith R. Davis, Ph.D. | Lunasin reduces the melanoma stem cell population in-vitro and inhibits tumor proliferation in-vivo |
| Dominique Z. Jones | Ph.D. | La Creis R. Kidd, Ph.D. | The role of inflammatory and immune response-related sequence variants and miR-186 in prostate cancer |
| Diana V. Avila | M.S. | Shirish Barve, Ph.D. & Leila Gobejishvili, Ph.D. | Pathogenic role of PDE4 in the development of alcohol induced hepatic steatosis |
| Wei-Yang (Jeremy) Chen | M.S. | Craig J. McClain, M.D. | The pathogenic role of acrolein in alcoholic liver disease |
| Marcus W. Stepp | M.S. | David W. Hein, Ph.D. | Inducible tumor difference between rapid and slow rat Nat2 congenic Fischer 344 rats administered methyl-nitrosourea |
| Morgan L. Stathem | M.S. | Levi J. Beverly, Ph.D. & Leah J. Siskind, Ph.D. | Building a metabolic bridge between glycolysis and sphingolipid biosynthesis: Implications for cancer |
| Christopher L. Barton | Ph.D. | Kenneth E. Palmer, Ph.D. | Evaluation of the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of the broad spectrum antiviral lectin griffithsin |
| Ryan C. McAllister | M.S. | Colleen B. Jonsson, Ph.D. | Development of models for the study of the molecular mechanisms of host restriction and adaptation of hantaviruses |
| Zachary J. Pritchard | M.S. | Uma Sankar, Ph.D | Bone strength and architecture: pharmacological targeting of CaMKK2 as a method for enhancing bone quality |
| Laila Al-Eryani | M.S. | Matthew C. Cave, M.D. | The role of pesticides in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) |
| Melissa E. Skibba | M.S. | Lu Cai, M.D., Ph.D. | Preventive effect of non-mitogenic acidic fibroblast growth factor on diabetes-induced testicular cell death |
| Justin L. Hallgren | M.S. | Michal Hetman, M.D., Ph.D. | The role of the nucleolus in neurodegeneration |