4. Platform Party
• David Weiss, PhD, Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS)
• Nicquet Blake, PhD, Grand Marshall and Associate Dean, GSBS
• William Henrich, MD, President, UT Health San Antonio
• Kenneth Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, Professor and Chair of Endodontics, Commencement Speaker
• Timothy Raabe, PhD, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, GSBS
• Robert Hromas, MD, FACP, Dean, School of Medicine and Vice President for Medical Affairs
• Peter Loomer, DDS, PhD, Dean, School of Dentistry
• Jacqueline Mok, PhD, Vice President for Academic Faculty and Student Affairs
• Sara Gill, PhD, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, School of Nursing
• Adriana Segura, DDS, Associate Dean for Academic Faculty and Student Affairs, School of
Dentistry
• José Cavazos, MD, PhD, Assistant Dean for the M.D./Ph.D. Program
• Christopher Frei, PharmD, MS, BCPS, FCCP, Assistant Professor, representing the College of
Pharmacy – UT Austin
11. Thesis Title: Hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta
analyzed by micro-computed tomography
Research Interests: Enamel, Biomineralization,
Genetics
Aaron will practice periodontics at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
Aaron Agirre
Master of Science in Dental Science
Mentor Name: Yong-Hee P. Chun, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.
12. Thesis Title: Micro – computed tomography analysis
of amelogenesis imperfecta caused by deficient
enamel proteinase and impaired protein trafficking
Research Interests: Enamel, Periodontics
Notable Awards: John. F. Prichard Research Finalist
Kyle plans to join a private practice group specializing in periodontics in his
hometown of Topeka, Kansas.
Kyle Patrick Trobough
Master of Science in Dental Science
Mentor Name: Yong-Hee P. Chun, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D
13. Thesis Title: The effect of plaque on in – vitro detection
of initial demineralization using photothermal
radiometry and modulated luminescence system
Research Interests: Orthodontics
Hala plans to work at Princess Nourah University in her hometown of Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia.
Hala Abdullah AlSalman
Master of Science in Dental Science
Mentor Name: Peter Gakunga, B.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.
14. Mentor Name: Peter Gakunga, B.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.
Catalina Zambrano Martínez
Master of Science in Dental Science
Thesis Title: Estimation of tooth size and shape
discrepancies among dental malocclusion groups
using geometric morphometrics
Research Interests: Orthodontics
Notable Awards: 1st Place winner for Dental
Resident/MS Candidate Poster Presentation, Annual
UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry Dental
Science Symposium
Catalina plans to work at a private practice dental clinic in Austin, Texas.
15. Thesis Title: Treating allergic asthma with a novel
STING agonist, 2’3’-cGAMP
Research Interests: Allergy Immunotherapy
Gema plans to work in the Central Texas Region and live her best life.
Gema Barrera
Master of Science in Immunology & Infection
Mentor Name: Xiao-Dong Li, Ph.D., M.D.
16. Thesis Title: Dental hygienists’ awareness of
probiotic use to improve gingival health
Research Interests: Probiotics and oral health
Tanya plans to continue working in a private dental practice in Sugar
Land, Texas.
M
Tanya Saenz Buentello
Master of Science in Dental Hygiene
Mentor Name: Melanie Taverna, MSDH, RDH
17. Thesis Title: Behavioral management instruction in
the dental hygiene curriculum revisited
Research Interests: Dental Anxiety
Radhika plans on staying in San Antonio.
Radhika Singh
Master of Science in Dental Hygiene
Mentor Name: Melanie Taverna, MSDH, RDH
18. Mentor Name: Carol A. Nguyen, R.D.H., M.S.
Christine Clowe
Master of Science in Dental Hygiene
Thesis Title: Relative dentin abrasivity toothpaste survey:
Are dental hygienists making evidence-based
recommendations?
Research Interests: Dental Hygiene, Dentistry
Notable Awards: Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor
Society Member, ADHA Institute for Oral Health General
Scholarship, Dentsply Sirona Travel Award to the ADHA
Annual Conference
Christine plans to work in the pharmacovigilance industry as a Drug Safety
Specialist in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
19. Thesis Title: The role of parkin protein in
Parkinson's disease
Research Interests: Neuroscience
Mina plans to pursue her education as M.D./Ph.D student in neuroscience.
Mina Daraei Ahwazi
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Mentor Name: Jean C. Bopassa, M.S., Ph.D., FAHA
20. Thesis Title: A cadaveric study on the persistence of
the median artery
Candice plans to continue to pursue her interest in science by applying to
medical school.
Candice Devora
Master of Science in Cell Systems and Anatomy
Mentors Name: Rekha Kar, Ph.D. and Omid B Rahimi, Ph.D.
21. Thesis Title: The role of transglutaminase 3 in colitis
and colorectal cancer
Research Interests: Host-Pathogen Interactions,
Infectious Disease Research
Notable Awards: Travel Award to the 2018 National
SACNAS Conference
Marija plans to work in San Antonio and give back to her community.
Marija Djurkovic
Master of Science in Immunology & Infection
Mentor Name: Peter H. Dube, Ph.D.
22. Thesis Title: Analysis of B cell receptor repertoires in malaria
naïve and malaria exposed people
Research Interests: Infectious Diseases and Public Health
Notable Awards: UT Health Interprofessional Leadership
Scholars Program, SACNAS National Diversity in STEM
Conference Travel Award, MIMG Travel Award, Nature-
branded Career Expo Travel Award
Melissa was accepted into the Ph.D. in Epidemiology Program at UT Health
School of Public Health in Houston. She will serve her San Antonio
community as a leader integrating her knowledge in public health and
biological sciences.
Melissa Nuñez
Master of Science in Immunology & Infection
Mentor: Evelien Bunnik, Ph.D.
23. Thesis Title: Evaluation of healing at molar
extraction sites with and without ridge preservation:
A three-arm histologic analysis
Research Interests: Periodontics
Notable Awards: John F. Prichard Graduate
Research Competition Finalist
Mylinh plans to work in private practice in San Antonio, Texas.
Mylinh Duong
Master of Science in Dental Science
Mentor Names: Guy Huynh-Ba, D.D.S, M.S. and Brian Mealey, D.D.S, M.S.
24. Thesis Title: Alveolar ridge preservation using
bovine versus porcine xenograft
Research Interests: Alveolar bone loss; bone
resorption; alveolar bone grafting; dental implants
Notable Awards: Prichard finalist
Veronica will be joining a periodontics practice in Westminster, Colorado.
Veronica Lai
Master of Science in Dental Science
Mentor Name: Brian Mealey, D.D.S., M.S.
25. Thesis Title: Role of transcriptional regulators and
histone deacetylases in controlling C. Albicans
morphology and virulence-related properties
Research Interests: Immunology and Mycology
Notable Awards: South Central Medical Mycology
Meeting 2018 Travel Award
Alegre plans to work as a Research Assistant at UT Health San Antonio
and apply for medical school.
Alegre Elizondo
Master of Science in Immunology & Infection
Mentor Name: David Kadosh Ph.D.
26. Thesis Title: A cadaveric study investigating the
applicability of skeletal guidelines
Research Interests: Anatomy, Anatomical
Education, Dentistry
Kathylin plans to attend dental school in the future.
Kathylin Mei Li Hester
Master of Science in Cell Systems & Anatomy
Mentor Name: Haley L. Nation, Ph.D.
27. Thesis Title: Effect of tooth position and CBCT
settings on image artifact and contrast-to-noise ratio
generated by 4 types of root-end filling materials
Research Interests: Oral and Maxillofacial
Radiology
Josh plans to change the world one Cone Beam Computed Tomography
(CBCT) scan at a time.
Joshua Kats
Master of Science in Dental Science
Mentor Name: S. Thomas Deahl, D.M.D., Ph.D.
28. Thesis Title: Implementation of a modified quality
assurance protocol for CBCT machines within UT
Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
Research Interests: Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Arezou plans to work in private practice.
Arezou Shahbazi Moghaddam
Master of Science in Dental Science
Mentor Name: S. Thomas Deahl, D.M.D., Ph.D.
29. Thesis Title: Anti-tumor effects of thymol in oral
squamous cell carcinoma
Research Interests: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma,
Thymol, TRP channels
Notable Awards: John F. Prichard Graduate
Research Competition 1st place winner
Debbie plans to work at Ramstein Air Base, Germany as a Periodontist,
treating active duty military members and their families.
C
Debbie Lee
Master of Science in Dental Science
Mentor Name: Cara B. Gonzales, D.D.S., Ph.D.
30. Thesis Title: Thymol modulation of androgen
receptor in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Research Interests: Oral Squamous Cell
Carcinoma, Androgen Receptor, Thymol
Mandy plans to work at Ramstein Air Base, Germany as a Periodontist.
Mandy Miller
Master of Science in Dental Science
Mentor Name: Cara B. Gonzales, D.D.S., Ph.D.
31. Thesis Title: Role and mechanism of bone
morphogenetic protein 2 in formation of acellular
cementum and associated attachment of the
periodontal ligaments
Research Interests: alpha SMA, Bmp2, cementum,
lineage tracing, PDL, Periodontium
Notable Awards: John F. Prichard Graduate
Research Competition Winner
Steve plans to work at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona as a
periodontist.
Seung “Steve” Lee
Master of Science in Dental Science
Mentor Name: Stephen E, Harris, Ph.D.
32. Thesis Title: Age-associated changes in thymic B cell
phenotype and spatial organization in mice
Research Interests: Immunology
Notable Awards: Congressman Henry Bonilla Health
Professions Scholarship
Stephanny plans to work in San Antonio for a year and then pursue a Ph.D.
Stephanny Lizarraga
Master of Science in Immunology & Infection
Mentor Name: Ann V. Griffith, Ph.D.
33. Thesis Title: The effects of thymic catalase deficiency
on T cell recovery after irradiation and bone marrow
transplant
Research Interests: Immunology/ T cell development
Martin plans to work in San Antonio for a year and is currently applying to
medical school.
Martin Sandoval
Master of Science in Immunology & Infection
Mentor Name: Ann V. Griffith, Ph.D.
34. Thesis Title: Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated
transformation system of Candida auris
Research Interests: Microbiology, Immunology, and
Molecular Genetics
Victoria has been accepted into the Medical Laboratory Science Program
at the Houston Methodist Hospital. She will begin in August 2019.
Victoria Lozano
Master of Science in Immunology & Infection
Mentor Name: Brian Wickes, Ph.D.
35. Thesis Title: Caspase-2 in osteoclasts: A tale of
deletion and overexpression
Research Interests: Osteoporosis, Caspase-2,
Apoptosis, Autophagy, Oxidative Stress
Macie will be attending Tufts University School of Dental Medicine to
pursue her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree.
Macie Nicole Mattila
Master of Science in Cell Systems & Anatomy
Mentor Name: Ramaswamy Sharma, Ph.D.
36. Thesis Title: A three-dimensional model of the
pterygopalatine fossa significantly enhances the
learning experience
Research Interests: Anatomy
Jordan is pursuing scribing and shadowing opportunities while applying
to medical school.
Jordan Tanner
Master of Science in Cell Systems & Anatomy
Mentor Name: Ramaswamy Sharma, Ph.D.
37. Thesis Title: miR-146a selectively downregulates
class-switch DNA recombination to IgA by targeting
Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4 transcripts
Research Interests: Molecular and cellular
components of the immune system
Grecia plans to pursue a career in one of the nation’s foremost
biotech/biopharma hotspots, Boston, Massachusetts.
Grecia Morales
Master of Science in Immunology & Infection
Mentor Name: Paolo Casali, M.D.
38. Thesis Title: Influence of CD11c+ T-bet+ B cells on
liver immunology during obesity
Research Interests: Forensic Science Research, Cell
Biology
Vanessa plans to work in a research laboratory over the next year and will
pursue her Ph.D. in the near future.
Vanessa Ortega
Master of Science in Immunology & Infection
Mentor: Elizabeth Leadbetter, Ph.D.
39. Thesis Title: Screening and characterization of
Mycoplasma pnuemoniae CARDS toxin specific
monoclonal antibodies
Research Interests: Microbiology and Immunology
Notable Awards: Charlie Gauntt Award
Ileana plans to work in the scientific community before she pursues further
education.
Ileana Pedraza
Master of Science in Immunology & Infection
Mentor Name: Thirumalai R. Kannan, Ph.D.
40. Thesis Title: Post – surgical flap placement following
osseous surgery
Research Interests: Dentistry, Periodontics
Notable Awards: 2019 John F. Pritchard Graduate
Research Competition Winner
Jeff plans to work at a private practice periodontics clinic in Nashville,
Tennessee.
Jeffrey Penner
Master of Science in Dental Science
Mentor Name: David Deas, D.M.D., M.S.
41. Thesis Title: Development of an antimicrobial
composite using a difunctional oxirane and a
multifunctional acrylate
Research Interests: Composite, antimicrobial
Jessica plans to work at as a periodontist in the United States Air Force
and will be stationed at Yakota Air Base, Japan.
Jessica Sathissarat
Master of Science in Dental Science
Mentor Name: Kyumin Whang, Ph.D.
42. Thesis Title: Bridging the evidence gap: A novel method to
update the 2015 American Heart Association statement on
cardiac arrest in pregnancy
Research Interests: Maternal Mortality, Gestational
Diabetes, Medical Education
Notable Awards: GSBS Spring 2019 Travel Award, 2017
American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology District X
Mentor of the Year Award
Andrea plans to continue her work as a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist
and Associate Professor with the Baylor College of Medicine at the
Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.
Andrea D. Shields
Master of Science in Clinical Investigation and Translational Science
Mentor Name: Patrick Ramsey, M.D., M.S.
43. 13 OTHER MASTER OF SCIENCE
GRADUATES ARE BEING CONFERRED
THE DEGREE IN ABSENTIA.
45. Dissertation Title: Practice quality improvement: A
simplified total body irradiation scatter dose
calculation
Research Interests: Radiation Biology
Rodrigo will be working for a consulting medical physics company in
Houston, Texas.
Nestor Rodrigo Astorga
Doctorate of Medical Physics - Therapy
Mentor Name: Karl Rasmussen, Ph.D.
46. Dissertation Title: Practice quality improvement
project: evaluation of couch overrides using Elekta
hexapod
Research Interests: Radiation Based Cancer Therapy
Renil plans on working in a hospital based radiation oncology clinic in
Ocean City, Maryland.
Renil George
Doctorate of Medical Physics
Mentor Name: Karl Rasmussen, Ph.D., DABR
48. Practice Interests: Geriatrics
Notable Awards: Student Clinical Skills Award
Karen will be completing a PGY1 residency at St. David’s Medical Center
in Austin, Texas.
Karen E. Aymá
Doctor of Pharmacy
49. Practice Interests: Clinical Trials, Clinical
Pharmacy/Critical Care, Nuclear Pharmacy
Melissa plans to stay in San Antonio and pursue a career in clinical trials.
Melissa Brumbalow
Doctor of Pharmacy
50. Practice Interests: Oncology with a focus on
hematologic malignancies and BMT
Notable Awards: Rho Chi, Phi Lambda Sigma
Hannah will be a PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at the University of
Washington Medical Center/Harborview Medical Center in Seattle,
Washington.
Hannah Bustillos
Doctor of Pharmacy
Mentor Names: Kelly Reveles, Pharm.D., Ph.D., BCPS |Rebecca Moote, Pharm.D., M.Sc, BCPS
51. Practice Interests: Health System Pharmacy
Administration, Process Improvement, Operations
Management
Notable Awards: Lester Entrepreneurial Scholar,
Glenn Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Recipient
Christian will be completing a three year Health-System Pharmacy
Administration residency/fellowship at the University of Michigan, where he
will also be earning his Masters in Business Administration.
Christian Carlson
Doctor of Pharmacy
52. Participated: Project Collaborate Health Screenings
Simone plans to work at a community/retail pharmacy after graduation.
Simone Donnelly
Doctor of Pharmacy
53. Practice Interests: Medication abuse and misuse
Victor has accepted a position as a staff pharmacist for H-E-B Pharmacy in
San Antonio, Texas.
Victor Gabriel Encarnacion
Doctor of Pharmacy
Mentor Name: Christopher R. Frei, Pharm.D., M.Sc, BCPS, FCCP
54. Practice Interests: Infectious Disease
Notable Awards: CPNP Defining the Future
Research Grant Recipient
Brian will be attending his PGY1 residency at Methodist Hospital in San
Antonio, with future plans to PGY2 in infectious disease.
Brian Frescas
Doctor of Pharmacy
55. Practice Interests: Ambulatory Care, Pediatrics,
Oncology
Daryl will be working in a hospital or specialty pharmacy setting.
Daryl Kevin Gaspar
Doctor of Pharmacy
56. Practice Interests: Psychiatry, Pediatrics, &
Nutrition
After graduation, Celeste will be joining H-E-B as a Pharmacist in Austin,
Texas.
Celeste Green
Doctor of Pharmacy
57. Practice Interests: Infectious Disease and Naloxone
Access
Notable Awards: UT Health Student
Research/Scholarship Award, UT Health Student
Leadership Award, AACP Walmart Scholar
Lindsey will be a PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at The Ohio State University
Wexner Medical Center.
Lindsey Groff
Doctor of Pharmacy
Mentor Name: Christopher R. Frei, PharmD, MSc, BCPS, FCCP
58. Practice Interests: Compounding, Transitions of
Care, Critical Care, Diabetes
Research Publication Title: A cross-sectional study
of national outpatient gastric acid suppressant
prescribing in the United States between 2009 and
2015
Notable Awards: Phi Lambda Sigma
Kelsey plans to work in community practice with Brookshire Brothers
Pharmacy in the Waco, Texas area.
Kelsey Leer
Doctor of Pharmacy
Mentor Name: Kelly Reveles, Pharm.D., Ph.D., BCPS
59. Practice Interests: Infectious Disease
Notable Awards: Phi Lambda Sigma, TSHP Poster
Competition Honorable Mention
Elijah plans to work as a PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident at Banner University
Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.
Elijah Martin
Doctor of Pharmacy
Mentor Name: Grace Lee, Pharm.D., Ph.D.
60. Practice Interests: Internal Medicine, Infectious
Disease, Emergency Medicine
Sherry will be starting a PGY1 residency program at CHRISTUS Trinity
Mother Frances in Tyler, Texas.
Sherry Mathew
Doctor of Pharmacy
61. Practice Interests: Psychiatry, Community
Daniel plans to work at H-E-B Pharmacy in the Central Texas North
Region.
Daniel A. Naranjo
Doctor of Pharmacy
62. Mentor Name: Carolyn Brown, Ph.D.
Judith Rendon
Doctor of Pharmacy
Practice Interests: Residency and Ambulatory Care
Pharmacy
Notable Awards: Research Honors
Judith plans to complete a PGY1 pharmacy residency at Santa Rosa-
Westover Hills in San Antonio, Texas.
63. Mentor Name: Grace Lee, Pharm.D., Ph.D., BCPS
Andrew Rubio
Doctor of Pharmacy
Practice Interests: Infectious Diseases
Andrew is going to begin his pharmacy residency this June at Methodist
Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital of South Texas – San
Antonio.
64. Practice Interests: Infectious Diseases, Oncology,
Cardiology
Notable Awards: UT Austin Distinguished College
Scholar, Rho Chi, Phi Lambda Sigma
Tiffany will be a PGY1 resident at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Hospital & Health Sciences System.
Tiffany Wu
Doctor of Pharmacy
Mentor Name: Christopher R. Frei, Pharm.D., M.Sc, BCPS, FCCP
65. 19 OTHER PHARM D GRADUATES ARE
BEING CONFERRED THE DEGREE IN
ABSENTIA.
67. Dissertation Title: The modulatory role of trigeminal
sensory innervation in apical periodontitis
Research Interests: Endodontics, Neuroscience, bone
biology, inflammation, pulp biology, stem cell biology
Notable Awards: AAE Foundation research grant award,
best poster award, best scientific paper award
Obadah plans to return home and join the Department of Endodontics at King
Abdulaziz University in his hometown of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Obadah Austah
Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Science
Mentor Name: Anibal Diogenes, D.D.S., Ph.D.
68. Dissertation Title: Physiological implications of
neuron-oligodendrocyte interaction
Research Interests: Neuroscience
Notable Awards: John M. Johnson Distinguished
Student Award, Graduate Student Travel Award,
First Place Graduate Student Poster – CBN Retreat,
Outstanding Graduate Student Poster – Physiology
Symposium
Tara will begin a postdoctoral position at Stanford University in June, as she
plans to pursue a career in academia.
Tara Barron
Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Biomedical Sciences
Mentor Name: Jun Hee Kim, Ph.D.
69. Dissertation Title: The analytical hierarchy process
as a tool for treatment plan quality analysis in
radiation therapy
Research Interests: Radiation therapy dosimetry,
quality analysis and quality improvement
Notable Awards: CONACYT – Government of
Mexico fellowship
Amy will be starting a residency in Medical Physics at the University of
Kansas Cancer Center.
Amy Brito Delgado
Doctor of Philosophy in Radiological Sciences
Mentor Names: Karl Rasmussen, Ph.D. & Alonso Gutiérrez, Ph.D., M.B.A.
70. Dissertation Title: Radiation oncology ideal plan
assistant and plan quality assessment toolkit
Research Interests: Radiation, Machine Learning,
Big Data, Artificial Intelligence
Notable Awards: Cancer Prevention and Research
Institute of Texas Predoctoral Fellowship
Chris plans to continue his research as a postdoctoral fellow in Radiation
Oncology at UT Health San Antonio.
Christopher Kabat
Doctor of Philosophy in Radiological Sciences
Mentor Name: Sotirios Stathakis, Ph.D., DABR
71. Dissertation Title: Sex differences in longevity and
lifespan-extending drug efficacy in genetically
heterogeneous mice: age-specific effects and gonadal
contributions
Research Interests: Anti-Aging Interventions,
Survival Analysis, Sex and Gender Differences
Notable Awards: Glenn Foundation Fellowship
Catherine plans to continue postdoctoral research in the Aging Interventions
Testing Program and serve as an Entrepreneurial Lead in the National
Science Foundation Innovation Corps.
Catherine Cheng
Doctor of Philosophy in Cellular & Structural Biology
Mentor Names: James Nelson, Ph.D. and Jonathan Gelfond, M.D., Ph.D.
72. Dissertation Title: Utility of magnetic nanoparticles for
targeted corneal endothelial cellular therapy
Research Interests: Tissue Engineering, Nanomedicine,
Military Medicine
Notable Awards: Texas Business Hall of Fame Future Texas
Business Legend Award, Military Health System Research
Symposium Young Investigator Award, Tissue Engineering
and Regenerative Medicine Student Scientist Award(s)
Lauren plans to continue working in military medicine while pursuing the advancement of
her company, NovoThelium. She will also participate in a part time fellowship with the FDA.
Lauren Cornell
Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Science
Mentor Name: Randolph Glickman, Ph.D.
73. Dissertation Title: Novel mechanisms of microtubule
targeting agents
Research Interests: Cancer Pharmacology and
Regenerative Medicine
Notable Awards: NIDCR F30 4-year Fellowship
Award, Maria Yeung Student Research Award, Frank
Dehotes Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Travel Award.
Following his graduation, Nick will be joining a local private practice as an
Associate Dentist in San Antonio. Nick is in the D.D.S./Ph.D. program.
Nicholas Dybdal-Hargreaves
Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology
Mentor Name: Susan L. Mooberry, Ph.D.
74. Dissertation Title: Drug discovery for subtypes of
triple-negative breast cancer
Research Interests: Pharmacology, natural product
drug discovery, gut microbiome
Notable Awards: 2017 American Society of
Pharmacognosy Student Travel Award
Corena accepted a Postdoctoral Researcher position at The Ohio State
University investigating the effects of mammary tumors on the gut
microbiome and behavior.
Corena V. Grant
Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Biomedical Sciences
Mentor Name: Susan L. Mooberry, Ph.D.
75. Dissertation Title: Interphase effects of microtubule
targeting agents
Research Interests: Cancer Biology
Notable Awards: Presidential Ambassador Scholar
Award, Aspen Cancer Fellow, GSS Outstanding
Poster Presentation, Avon-AACR International
Scholar-in-Training Travel Award
Roma is headed to Harvard Medical School to pursue a postdoctoral
fellowship.
Roma Kaul
Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Biomedical Sciences
Mentor Name: Susan L. Mooberry, Ph.D.
76. Dissertation Title: Role of transient receptor potential
vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and oxidation in a rodent model of
nerve growth factor-induced persistent pain
Research Interests: Pain, Endodontics, Stem Cell Biology
Notable Awards: Dean’s Excellence Award, OKU
Sophomore Research Award, Maria Yeung Student
Research Award
Michael was accepted into the Advanced Education Program in Endodontics at
UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry and will do a combined residency-
postdoctoral fellowship. Michael is in the D.D.S./Ph.D. program.
Michael Eskander
Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology
Mentor Name: Kenneth M. Hargreaves, D.D.S., Ph.D.
77. Mentor Name: Pei Wang, Ph.D.
Ming Gao
Doctor of Philosophy in Cellular & Structural Biology
Dissertation Title: Investigating the role of large
tumor suppressor kinase 1 and 2 in mouse pancreas
Research Interests: Cancer Biology, Translational
Research
Notable Awards: CPRIT Predoctoral Research
Training Award, GSBS Travel Award, Young
Investigator Award from The American Pancreatic
Association
Ming currently is working as a Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
78. Dissertation Title: The role of brain-derived
neurotrophic factor in modulating
neuroinflammation
Research Interests: Psychiatric illness, genetic
models
Notable Awards: Best poster award, travel award
Allison plans to explore her career in the biotech industry in the
Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Allison Garrison
Doctorate of Philosophy in Pharmacology
Mentor Name: Jason O’ Connor, Ph.D.
79. Dissertation Title: Young hematopoietic stem cells
ameliorate age-associated phenotypes and extend
lifespan in mice
Research Interests: Biology of Aging, Stem Cell
Therapy, Gene-editing
Notable Awards: T32 Fellowship
Michael is currently building a start up venture to develop stem cell
therapies.
Michael Guderyon
Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Biomedical Sciences
Mentor Name: Senlin Li, M.D.
80. Dissertation Title: Defining the role of the onco-
protein EWS RNA binding protein-friend leukemia
integration 1 in regulating subpopulation dynamics
by single-cell profiling
Research Interests: Translational research, stem cell
research, regenerative medicine, drug discovery
Roxane plans to lead her own research laboratory in the future and help
understand and treat complex human diseases.
Roxane Khoogar
Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Medicine
Mentor Name: Peter Houghton, Ph.D.
81. Dissertation Title: Chlamydia muridarum overcomes
innate lymphocyte-derived interferon gamma to
establish long-lasting colonization in the gut
Research Interests: Virology, Vaccines, Immunology
John Koprivsek
Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology
Mentor Name: Guangming Zhong, M.D., Ph.D.
John will work in the field of biomedical sciences.
82. Dissertation Title: Characterizing the neural signature
of metabolic syndrome
Research Interests: Neuroimaging, Endocrinology and
Diabetology
Notable Awards: NCATS Institutional Translational
Scientist Training Grant (TL1) & Burroughs Welcome
Fund Trainee Award from the Association for Clinical
and Translational Science
Eithan is in the South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program at UT Health
San Antonio and will return to medical school to complete his final two years.
Eithan Kotkowski
Doctor of Philosophy in Radiological Sciences
Mentor Name: Peter Fox, M.D.
83. Dissertation Title: Illness representations in older
adults with multiple chronic conditions
Research Interests: Aging, chronic diseases,
Chronic disease self-management, theoretical
approaches to chronic disease self-management
Notable Awards: Recipient of Sigma Theta Tau
International research grant, Student poster finalist
award
Ayomide plans to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship in aging research.
Ayomide Okanlawon Bankole
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science
Mentor Name: Carrie Jo Braden, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
84. Dissertation Title: Immune exclusion as a potential
protective mechanism against HIV
Research Interests: Virology, Mucosal Immunology
Notable Awards: 3rd Place Oral Presentation, 6th
Annual VDCOSA Conference and 2nd Place
Graduate Student Poster, 2019 Texas Biomed
Research Symposium
Hanna plans to pursue her research interests in academia or industry.
Hanna Scinto
Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology
Mentor Name: Ruth Ruprecht, M.D., Ph.D.
85. Dissertation Title: Efficient inhibition of simian
immunodeficiency virus replication with virus specific
ribonucleic acid guided nuclease variants
Research Interests: Viral therapeutic development
Notable Awards: 2015, 2016, and 2017 NHP Young
Investigator Scholarship Travel Award, First Place Best
Oral Presentation Award at the MIMG Spring Retreat
2016
Lisa will pursue her medical degree at Texas Tech University Health Science Center
Paul L. Foster School of Medicine this summer.
Lisa Smith
Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology
Mentor Name: Luis Giavedoni, Ph.D.
86. Dissertation Title: Form and function of large-scale
brain networks: A transdiagnostic and independent
evaluation
Research Interests: Magnetic Resonance Imaging,
Computational Neuroscience
Notable Awards: 2017 Julio Palmaz Travel Award,
2018 GSBS Travel Award
Thomas plans to work as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University
of Wisconsin – Madison.
Thomas Vanasse
Doctor of Philosophy in Radiological Sciences
Mentor Name: Peter Fox, M.D.
87. Dissertation Title: Novel therapeutics in translational
research for the prevention and treatment of neurotrauma
after stroke
Research Interests: Translational Science, Technology
Commercialization & Biotechnology
Notable Awards: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research
Service Award (NRSA) TL1 Fellowship, National ACTS
Conference 2017- Top Ranked Poster Award
Rafa is a current Postdoctoral Fellow at UT Health San Antonio and plans to
work at a medical device startup company- Vascular Perfusion Solutions, Inc. as
their Senior Scientist.
Rafael J. Veraza
Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Science
Mentor Names: Mark Shapiro, Ph.D & Leonid Bunegin, B.S.
88. Dissertation Title: The Separation of Mitophagy and
Lifespan from Muscle Function
Research Interests: Aging, Metabolism, Mitochondria,
Degenerative Disease
Notable Awards: F31 Predoctoral Training Grant (NIH),
IMSD Training Grant Recipient, Gordon Research
Conference Travel Award, Cold Spring Harbor Travel Award,
Keystone Symposia Travel Award, CeAging Travel Award
Phillip will be starting a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Michigan
studying inflammation in adipose tissue during diabetes and obesity.
Phillip Webster
Doctor of Philosophy in Cellular and Structural Biology
Mentor Name: Alfred Fisher M.D., Ph.D.
89. 7 OTHER DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
GRADUATES ARE BEING CONFERRED
THE DEGREE IN ABSENTIA.
