Alexis Corrado
I am a PhD student in the Biochemistry department. I perform crystallographic analyses on immune regulatory molecules. In WNG, I have helped plan board member meetings and hosted holiday events.
Interests: Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Immunology
alexis.corrado@einsteinmed.edu
Megan Demouth
I am a Micro/Immuno PhD student. I'm developing an antibody display platform using vaccinia virus. I have helped plan Coffee and Bagel events for WNG.
Interests: Viruses, Immunology, Therapy Development
megan.demouth@einsteinmed.edu
Reanna Doña
I am an MSTP student in the Department of Genetics. I'm studying changes in CD4 T cell subtypes between older and younger individuals. As part of the WNG, I have developed the community outreach committee working with other institutions in NYC to foster a community of women scientists.
Interests: Genetics, Genomics, Systems Biology, Stem Cells
reanna.dona@einsteinmed.edu
Nadege Gitego
I am a PhD student in the Biochemistry department. I study the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and activating it for cancer therapeutics. In WNG, I was on the planning committee of our Women in Science Day 2021.
Interests: Cancer, Drug development, Public Health
nadege.gitego@einsteinmed.edu
Denise Haslwanter
I am a postdoctoral fellow in M&I. I work on COVID-19 and flaviviruses, focusing especially on virus entry mechanisms, vaccines, and antibodies. I have organized socials and meetings for the WNG board members.
Interests: Viruses, Mechanisms, Immunology
denise.haslwanter@gmail.com
Elise Ishida
I am a Micro/Immuno PhD student in Clinical Investigation (PCI). I characterize antibody responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in humans and nonhuman primates. I spearhead the recruitment of WNG board members and faculty advisors.
Interests: Microbiology, Immunology, Antibodies
elise.ishida@einsteinmed.edu
Helen Jung
I am a Biochemistry MSTP student. I investigate structure-based vaccine designs and antibody therapy that elicit broad B cell response against dengue and Zika viruses. I am part of the community outreach committee of WNG and manage WNG's online presence on LinkedIn, Instagram, and this website.
Interests: Biochemistry, B cell response, Protein-based therapies
helen.jung@einsteinmed.edu
Ilana Karp
I am a PhD student in the Developmental and Molecular Biology Department. I study alternative splicing and its impact on hematopoietic stem cell development in zebrafish. On WNG, I co-chaired Women in Science Day 2022 along with Erica. I am extremely excited to continue this amazing annual event.
Interests: Stem Cells, Splicing, Molecular Biology
ilana.karp@einsteinmed.edu
Maryl Lambros
I am a Systems & Comp Bio PhD student. My studies use mathematical modeling and RNA sequencing to investigate mechanisms of metastatic cancer cells. I co-chaired with Erica for WIS Day and have organized our Coffee & Bagels events.
Interests: Evolutionary Biology, Computational Biology, Metastasis
Mericka McCabe
I am a Biochemistry/DMB PhD student. My studies focus on small molecule modulators of chaperone-mediated autophagy. I plan WNG Coffee & Bagels events including a docu-screening of Picture a Scientist.
Interests: Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy, Cancer
mericka.mccabe@einsteinmed.edu
Erica Moore
I am a Micro/Immuno MSTP student and I study the role of T cells in neuropsychiatric lupus. I co-chaired for planning Einstein's Women in Science Day in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Interests: Rheumatic Diseases, Neuroimmunology, T Cell Biology
April Mueller
I am an MSTP student in M&I. My research focuses on reinvigorating exhausted CD8+ T cells with the goal of finding a functional cure for HIV. I am new to the WNG team!
Interests: Viruses, Immunology, T cell response
april.mueller@einsteinmed.edu
Joan Song
I am a Neuroscience MSTP student. For research, I use MRI to study repetitive subconcussive head impacts in soccer players. I am new to the WNG board and have been involved in hosting networking events.
Interests: Neuroscience, Imaging, Cognitive Performance
joan.song@einsteinmed.edu
Christina Darco
I am a postdoctoral fellow in the departments of Pediatrics and Micro/Immuno. I study a herpes simplex virus vaccine candidate and its protective cytotoxic antibody response.
Interests: Viruses, Immunology, Therapy Development
Rabia Khawaja
I am a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Ana Maria Cuervo’s lab in the Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology. My current research is focused on defining the role of chaperone-mediated autophagy in regulating calcium homeostasis in the aging brain. Along with a passion for research, I enjoy reading and traveling.
Interests: Autophagy, Neurodegeneration, Aging, Drug Development
rabia.khawaja@einsteinmed.org
Ujunwa Cynthia Okoye-Okafor, PhD
I am a Research Associate in the Department of Cell Biology, working in the Lab of Dr. Britta Will and a lead scientist in the Cancer Stem Cell Pharmacodynamics Unit (CSCPD). As a hematology-oncology researcher, my current interests are focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of novel and standard therapeutic agents in the context of aging related hematologic malignancies like myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Through uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to contribute to improvement of therapy options/uses and patient outcomes.
Interests: Hematology and Oncology, Hematologic Stem Cells, Immune Signaling, Therapeutic Improvement and Discovery, Drug Development, Science Communication
Kassidy Lundy
I am a third year graduate student in John Greally’s lab in the genetics department. Greally's lab focuses on understanding how age and different disease phenotypes alter gene expression. I am also interested in broadening the conversations about women and minorities in science. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and exploring the hidden gems of NYC.
Interests: Genetics, Computational Biology, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
kassidy.lundy@einsteinmed.org
Brenda Gonzalez
I am a fifth year PhD candidate in Yousin Suh’s lab researching rare and naturally occurring genetic variations associated with human longevity which may provide key mitochondrial, metabolic, and bioenergetic proteins or pathways involved in healthy human aging. I am a first generation American born to parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Spain in the 1960’s. Having been the only member in my immediate family to pursue higher education after high school, I am passionate about science and medical communication, education, and equal opportunities for all in STEM careers.
Interests: Genetics, Geroscience, Mitochondria, Science Communications, Science Outreach
Alyssa Casill
I am a fifth year PhD candidate in Dr. Matt Gamble's lab in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology. My research focuses on how transcription regulates RNA processing in normal cells, and how this process is dysregulated in cancer.
Interests: RNA processing, Transcription, Cancer, Genomics, Drug Development
Alison Johnson
I am a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Steven Porcelli’s lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. My current research focuses on defining the CD4 T cell response critical in the defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Studies will inform the design of more effective vaccines against tuberculosis.
Interests: Immunology, Vaccines, Science Outreach, Science Policy
Renee Symonds
I am a fifth year PhD candidate in Dr. Elyse Sussman's lab in the Department of Neuroscience. I study the brain’s ability to make sense of the complex sound environments of day-to-day life and how people process necessary and unnecessary sounds differently when performing auditory tasks.
Interests: Auditory Processing, Data Visualization, Science Outreach, Science Communication
Maria Praggastis
I am a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Steven Walkley's lab in the Department of Neuroscience. My scientific research uses mouse models of rare lysosomal storage diseases to characterize neurological impairment in these conditions, and discover targets for therapeutic development.
Interests: lysosomal storage diseases, therapeutic discovery, autophagy, oxidative stress, science outreach, science communication