Diverse national and international students are hosted by tenure-faculty from three departments among two colleges, science and engineering, and from the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
Manasa Nagesh Hegde
I aspire to pursue a postdoc after completing my Ph.D, and explore opportunities in industry or academia to contribute to research in the field of computational biology.
Besides science, I enjoy painting, gardening, photography, and traveling.
Boshra Rezvanian
I am from Tehran, Iran. I completed my master's degree in Chemical Engineering with concentration in Pharmaceutical Engineering from the University of Tehran. I started working with Dr. Jerome Baudry at The University of Alabama Huntsville to pursue a PhD in Biotechnology in 2021. My research interests are focused on using computational methods for protein modeling & design and drug discovery.
Besides research I mostly enjoy hiking and spending time with my kids.
Whitney Evans
I previously worked as a graduate student on the Mos1-mediated Single Copy Insertion (MosSCI) method to introduce transgenes, including fluorescent tags, into C. elegans, and I earned my master’s degree from UAH in 2012. For the past 13 years, I have taught secondary science, computer science, and math. I have now returned to UAH to complete my PhD, where I plan to focus on bioinformatics to connect biological research to computer science and statistics. My career goal is to work full-time in biological research and academia while serving as a liaison between public school systems and higher education.
I am especially passionate about encouraging undergraduate students to consider careers in science education, whether as secondary science teachers or as leaders of youth science programs. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and kayaking with my golden retriever, Radar, reading on my front porch, and training for sprint triathlons (emphasis on "sprint", because I’m not that crazy).
Thomas Bryan
My research is focused on plant-metal interactions and bioremediation potential of aquatic plants. I aim to continue work in research, ideally centered on plant rolls in space travel and colonization.
Besides science, I am working as a crew trainer (camp counselor) for Space Camp's Aviation Challenge. I also attend weekly HEMA courses, with a focus on basket-hilted sword combat. Finally, I am a regular blood donor.
Sarah Binas
I’m a Ph.D. student in Dr. Dean’s lab. I have a bachelor’s degree in Genetics and a Master’s in Biochemistry both from the University of Isfahan in Iran. I’m currently studying the molecular mechanisms behind anticipatory behavior in E. coli. I’ve always been curious about how cells sense and respond to their environment, and my future career goal is to become a researcher in molecular biology, focusing on cellular signaling and biochemical pathways.
In my free time, I am spending time in nature or watching movies, especially comedies that make me laugh. I also enjoy cooking and love sharing Persian dishes with my friends. I think it’s a fun way to be connected to my culture and relax after a busy week.
Aaron Newchurch
I want to do research in ophthalmology after I get my PhD in Biotechnology.
When I am not working in the lab, teaching, or taking classes, I like to workout and watch TV with my family.
Nabin Ghimire
I am working on the role of MKP-2 in metabolism, pancreas function, diabetes. My career goals are to do research on the therapeutic implications of MKPs and MAPKs.
My interests: Meditation, reading books on spiritual science, in search of the true goal of life, traveling, hiking.
Timley Watkins
Lifestyle and diet are major contributors to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but genetic variations dictate predisposed susceptibility to disease development. Currently, I am studying how different GWAS-determined variants affect the phenotype of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a human hepatocyte cell line, leading to putative targets for treatment. In addition, I will do a multi-omics data integration using UAH’s High Performance Computing cluster for network analysis and pathway enrichment to suggest further targets for treatment.
My career goal is simple: never stop learning and help how I can. Whether in industry, non-profit, or academia, I want to continue practical research that benefits the masses and I wish to contribute to providing educational opportunities where resources are scarce.
In addition to my lifelong love of all things science, I enjoy spending lots of time outdoors with my husband, Jeff, growing flowers and vegetables, playing with my border collie, Bella, and my three black cats, Sam, Greg, and King George. I like watching period piece movies, making sand castles on the beach, amateur figure skating, bargain hunting for vintage MCM furniture, flying box kites, fixing mechanical things, woodworking, and learning to paint with watercolors.
Lanie Briggs
For my career goals, I would like to pursue a career working in industry and, within a few years, secure a position as the head of departmental management.
When I am not studying or working on research, I enjoy traveling, and online gaming with friends.
Moses Adaji DAVID
My career goals encompass a passionate pursuit of innovative research that bridges cutting-edge biotechnological advancements with real-world applications, aiming to contribute meaningfully to the fields of healthcare and sustainability.
Outside the realm of science, I find solace in exploring the world through the lens of my camera, capturing the beauty of nature and diverse cultures. Additionally, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, finding parallels between the precision of scientific methodologies and the artistry of culinary creations.
Jane-Frances Chinenye Ojobor
As a scientist, my career goal is to contribute to cutting-edge research and innovations in biotechnology to improve healthcare.
Besides my passion for science, I thoroughly enjoy content creation as a creative outlet. I find fulfillment in sharing knowledge and sparking discussions on a wide range of topics, from technology advances to lifestyle trends, whether through crafting engaging media posts, producing informative videos, or designing visually appealing graphics.
James Wolfsberger
Career goals: Consultation and contract work in targeted metabolomics
Outside interests: Walking/jogging, billiards, reading, woodwork
Emily Hunt
I want to work in industry, either doing analysis or working on developing disease treatments.
My hobbies are reading, painting, and doing all sorts of other crafts.