Meet the 2018-19 Fellows
Jenna Abyad
RISE Scholar: Summer 17
Program: Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program
Research Topic: Jenna is interested in ribosomal interactions of Shiga toxins (Stxs). Stxs are virulence factors produced by foodborne pathogens: S. dysenteriae and E. coli. Infection with these foodborne pathogens can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is the most common cause of acute renal failure in young children.
Current status in graduate program: Completed Master's in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, October 2021
Advice for prospective graduate students: Jenna wants prospective graduate students to know that Rutgers has allowed her to gain new scientific knowledge while taking part in cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment.
Angelica Barreto-Galvez
RISE Scholar: Summer 17
Undergraduate Studies: Pontifical Xavierian University in Colombia and New Jersey City University
Program: Ph.D. in Molecular Bioscience at Rutgers.
Thesis Advisor: *pending
Ph.D. Research Topic: *pending
Support post Super Grad Award, other notable Awards, fellowships, publications or accomplishments: *pending
Current status in graduate program/Expected graduation: Ph.D. student
Advice for prospective graduate students: *pending
Steven Clark
RiSE Scholar: Summer 17
Undergraduate Studies: Colorado School of Mines
Program: Ph.D. in Physics
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Eva Halkiadakis
Ph.D. Research Topic: Steven is a member of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) Collaboration. CMS is a particle detector located at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland. His project, which will eventually turn into his thesis, involves using Machine Learning to improve the way we detect photons and other particlesMore information about Steven and his research can be read at stevenvclark.com.
Support post Super Grad Award, other notable Awards, fellowships, publications or accomplishments: Steven was fortunate to receive the National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship after his first year which has allowed him to explore some outreach opportunities, such as instructing high-school students on the basics of Particle Physics during the Rutgers QuarkNet program.
Current status in graduate program/Expected graduation: Ph.D. student
Advice for prospective graduate students: Don’t forget to have fun! It’s important to remember to invest in yourself and still participate in hobbies you enjoy, so don’t be afraid to turn off the computer and go do something for yourself!
Jacqueline Saenz
RiSE/ Cellular Bioengineering Scholar: Summer 15
Undergraduate Studies: California State University-Northridge
Program: Ph.D. in Molecular Bioscience at Rutgers.
Thesis Advisor: * pending
Ph.D. Research Topic: *pending
Support post Super Grad Award, other notable Awards, fellowships, publications or accomplishments: *pending
Current status in graduate program/Expected graduation: Ph.D. student
Advice for prospective graduate students: *pending
Maricely Ramirez-Hernandez
RiSE Scholar: Summer 17
Undergraduate Studies: California State University-Northridge
Program: Ph.D. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Thesis Advisor: Prof. Tewodros Asefa
Ph.D. Research Topic: Mesoporous materials for biofilm mitigation and environmental remediation
Support post Super Grad Award, other notable Awards, fellowships, publications or accomplishments: 2019 GEM Associate Fellowship and a TechAdvance grant she helped co-author to bring her thesis research forward.
Current status in graduate program/Expected graduation: Ph.D. student
Advice for prospective graduate students: Get to know what professors at Rutgers around you do and you can possibly collaborate. I’ve had great discussions with different professors about what approach I can take towards my research.
Caitlyn Tobita
RiSE Scholar: Summer 16
Undergraduate Studies: Chaminade University
Program: Ph.D. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Jean Baum
Ph.D. Research Topic: Caitlyn is interested in collagen structure, interactions, and dynamics. Her current work focuses on studying collagen fibrils produced by mammalian cells via solid state NMR in order to study the fibril surface dynamics in the context of the extracellular matrix.
Support post Super Grad Award, other notable Awards, fellowships, publications or accomplishments: Since joining Rutgers, she has been an author on a paper regarding collagen interactions with a protein B-2m and received an NSF-GRFP honorable mention.
Current status in graduate program/Expected graduation: Ph.D. candidate
Advice for prospective graduate students: Find mentors and friends that you feel supported by—ones that will push you to be better, but can also understand personal circumstances.
Kurt Wagner
RiSE/Cellular Bioengineering REU Scholar: Summer 16
Undergraduate Studies: Rowan University
Program: Biomedical Engineering
Support post Super Grad Award, other notable Awards, fellowships, publications or accomplishments: *pending
Current status in graduate program/Expected graduation: Masters
Advice for prospective graduate students: *pending