-- Department of Environmental Medicine --
.
Revised October 8, 2009 (vgl & gbi)
Recent Ph.D. Graduates
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 |
| 2009 | |
 |
Zhengyu Yin, Ph.D. Anhui Medical University, B.S. 2000. Fudan University, M.S. 2003 Advisor: Thomas Gasiewicz, Ph.D. Thesis Title: (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, Found in the Green Tea Extract, is a Novel Hsp90 Inhibitor. Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) |
 |
Jamie J. (O’Brien) Bernard, Ph.D. University of Rochester, B.S. 2004 Advisor: Richard Phipps, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Mechanisms of Megakaryopoiesis and Platelet Production: Implications for Inflammation and Disease. Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, San Diego |
 |
Sara Saperstein, Ph.D. SUNY Binghamton, B.S. 2003 Advisor: Jacob Finkelstein, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Modulation of TNF-α-mediated Acute Lung Inflammation: A Role for IL-1β and Soluble TNF Receptors. Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Vanderbilt University |
 |
Fang (Sophia) Fang, Ph.D. Zhongshan (Sun Yat-Sen) University, B. S. 2000 Advisor: Ned Ballatori, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Functional Characterization of the Heteromeric OSTα-OSTβ Transporter, a Potential Steroid Hormone Conjugate Transporter in the Adrenal Gland and Brain. Current Position: Pharmacist in Seattle, WA |
 |
Brent Kobielush, Ph.D. Bethel College, B.S. 2004 Advisor: Thomas Gasiewicz, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Serine 395, a Site Important for Regulating Transcriptional Activity of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), is Phosphorylated by Protein Kinase A. Current Position: Manager of Toxicology, General Mills |
 |
Heather Ferguson, Ph.D. St. Lawrence University, B.S. 2001 Advisor: Patricia Sime, Ph.D. Thesis Title: PPAYγ ligands have potent anti-fibrotic activity: Mechanisms of action and implications for therapy of pulmonary fibrosis. Current Position: Toxicologist, Abbott Laboratories |
 |
Suzanne M. Krance-Hevery, Ph.D. Juniata College, B.S. 2002 Advisor: Ned Ballatori, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Glutathione Homeostasis during Terminal Human Leukemia-60 Cell (HL-60) Differentiation. Current Position: Science Writer |
 |
Rosemarie Marchan, Ph.D. N. Carolina Central University, B.S. 2002 Advisor: Ned Ballatori, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Role of the Multidrug Resistance-associated Proteins (MRP/ABCC) in Glutathione Transport During Apoptosis. Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Leibniz Res. Ctr., Germany |
 |
Julian Castaneda, Ph.D. University of Florida, B.S/B.A. 2002 Advisor: David Pearce, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Characterization of the Humoral Autoimmune Response in Batten Disease and the Cln3-/- Murine Model. Current Position: Veterinary Student, Cornell University |
 |
Sean C. Gehen, Ph.D. Brigham Young University, B.S. 2002 Advisor: Michael O’Reilly, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Novel Mechanisms of Cell Cycle Checkpoint Activation and Maintenance in Hyperoxia. Current Position: Senior Toxicologist at Dow Agro Sciences. |
 |
John P. Norman, Ph.D. SUNY-Fredonia, B.S. 2002 Advisor: Harris Gelbard, M.D. Thesis Title: The HIV-1 Neurotoxin Tat Rapidly Induces the Unfolded Protein Response and Mitochondrial Hyperpolarization: A Unifying Mechanism for Neuropathogenesis and Treatment Current Position: Toxicologist, ExxonMobil |
 |
Peter F. Vitiello, Ph.D. Lafayette College, B.S. 2002 Advisor:Michael O’Reilly, Ph.D. Thesis Title: P21 Regulation of Cell Survival and Death in Response to Hyperoxic Stress Current Position: Research scientist at Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, SD |
 |
Zhihui (Gerald) Zhong, Ph.D. Nanjing University, B.S. 1999, M.S. 2001 Advisor: Berislav Zlokovic, M.D. Thesis Title: Neurovascular and Neuronal Protective Activities of Protein S and Activated Protein C in Models of Acute or Chronic Disorders of the Nervous System Current Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Rochester |
 |
David G. Farrer, Ph.D.
Brigham Young University, B.S. 2001 Advisor: Michael McCabe, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Target Cells and Key Mediators in Lead-Induced Immune Modulation Current Position: Public health toxicologist, Oregon Office of Public Health |
 |
Yu (Agnes) Luo, Ph.D. Nanjing University, M.S. 1999 Advisor: Howard Federoff, M.D., Ph.D. Thesis Title: Function and Mechanisms of Nurr1 in the Midbrain Dopaminergic System Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow at NIH |
 |
Geniece McCollum-Lehmann, Ph.D. St. John Fisher College, B.A. 1998 Advisor: Michael McCabe, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Function and Mechanisms of Nurr1 in the Midbrain Dopaminergic System Current Position: Toxicologist, U.S.E.P.A. |
 |
Elizabeth P. Ryan, Ph.D. Bowling Green State University, B.S. 1996 Advisor: Richard Phipps, Ph.D. Thesis Title: B Lymphocyte Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2: Implications for Humoral Immunity and Cancer Current Position: Research Assistant Professor at Colorado State University |
 |
Carissa R. Filbrandt Childs, Ph.D. Eckerd College, B.S. 1999 Advisor: Thomas Gasiewicz, Ph.D. Thesis Title: The Blood Brain Barrier as a Target of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin Toxicity Mediated by the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor Current Position: Patent Agent, Nixon Peabody LLP |
 |
Russell Garrett, Ph.D. Univ. of SW Louisiana, B.S. 1997 Advisor: Tom Gasiewicz, Ph.D. Thesis Title: A Role of the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor in Hematopoietic Precursors: Consequences to the Knockout Phenotype and 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin Exposure Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Pennsylvania |
 |
Donna Wai Ling Lee, Ph.D. UC Santa Cruz, B.A. 1999 Advisor: Lisa Opanashuk, Ph.D. Thesis Title: PCB Neurotoxicity: Oxidative Stress as a Mechanism for Neurodegeneration and Compromised Behavioral Function Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow at the Buck Institute |
 |
David M. Lehmann, Ph.D. Colorado State University, B.S. 2000 Advisor: Harold Smith, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Role of Phosphorylation of Apobec-1 Complementation Factor, ACF, in Ethanol-stimulation of ApoB mRNA Editing Current Position: Senior Research Scientist, Bausch & Lomb |
 |
Jason M. Roper, Ph.D. Western Michigan University, B.S. 1997 Advisor: Michael O’Reilly, Ph.D. Thesis Title: The Response of Alveolar Type II Epithelial Cells to Oxidative Stress from Hyperoxia Current Position: Senior Toxicologist, Inhalation Toxicology, WIL Research Laboratories, LLC |
 |
Madhuri Singal, Ph.D. SUNY-Syracuse, B.S. 1998 Advisor: Jacob Finkelstein, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Mechanism of Aerosil200 Particulate-induced Inflammatory Gene Expression in Alveolar Epithelial Cells Current Position: Manager, Respiratory Sciences Program, Research Institute for Fragrance Materials |
 |
Mary A. Williamson, Ph.D. Stony Brook University, B.S. 1996 Advisor: Lisa Opanashuk, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor Expression in Cerebellar Granule Neurons: Implications for Development and Neurotoxicity Current Position: Director of Hospital Operations, U. Mass. Memorial Hospital |
 |
Christopher Helt, Ph.D. Penn State University, B.S. 1997 Advisor: Michael O’Reilly, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Activation and Role of the p53/p21 Pathway during Hyperoxic Stress Current Position: Senior Research Scientist at Colgate-Palmolive Company |
 |
Gary Minsavage, Ph.D. Kings College, B.S. 1999 Advisor: Tom Gasiewicz, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Identification and Characterization of Phosphorylated Sites that are Required for Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) DNA Binding and Transactivation Current Position: Senior Toxicologist at ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences |
 |
Christine Palermo, Ph.D. SUNY Geneseo, B.S. 1999 Advisor: Tom Gasiewicz, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Identification and Mechanism of Action of Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor Inhibitors in Green Tea Extract Current Position: Senior Toxicologist, ExxonMobil |
 |
Amber Wyman, Ph.D. University of Washington, B.S. 1998 Advisor:Tom Gasiewicz, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Identification and cCharacterization of Murine Bone Marrow Cellular Targets for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) Current Position: Biology Instructor at Finger Lakes Community College |
 |
Tenea Watson, Ph.D. Mary Baldwin College, B.S. 1998 Advisor: Jacob Finkelstein, Ph.D. Thesis Title: An Immunoregulatory Role for Clara Cell Secretory Protein Current Position: Assistant Dean for Graduate Education, Stanford University School of Medicine |
 |
Junguo Zhou, Ph.D. W. China University of Medicine, B.S. 1993 Advisor: Tom Gasiewicz, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Mechanistic Studies of Species- and Gene-specific Activities of the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Current Position: Senior Toxicologist at Johmson and Johnson |
 |
Thomas K. Lee, M.D., Ph.D. University of Rochester, B.S. 1995 Advisor: Ned Ballatori, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Role of Glutathione in Hepatic Transport of Xenobiotics Current Position: Pathology Fellow at Stanford University School of Medicine |
 |
Raymond C. Rancourt, Ph.D. Cook College, B.S. 1990 Advisors: Peter Keng, Ph.D. / Michael O’Reilly, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Characterization of the Growth, Arrest and Toxicity in Lung Epithelial Cells Exposed to Hyperoxia Current Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate at National Jewish Medical Center |
 |
Huei-Ju Ting, Ph.D. National Taiwan University, B.S. 1993 Advisor: Chawnshang Chang, Ph.D. Thesis Title: The Cloning and Characterization of Androgen Receptor Coregulators, Supervillin and Gelsolin Current Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Rochester |
 |
Larry J. Jolievette, Ph.D. Southern University, B.S. 1995 Advisor: M. W. Anders, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Computational Modeling of the Microsomal Glutathione Transferase-I-catalyzed Reaction of Glutathione with Halogenated Alkenes Current Position: Head Investigator at GlaxoSmithKline |
 |
Francis G. Murante, Ph.D. St. John Fisher, B.S. 1981 Advisor: Tom Gasiewicz, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Characterization of Alterations to Hematopoietic Stem Cells by TCDD Current Position: Scientist at Vaccinex |
 |
Daniel A. Nazarenko, Ph.D. University of Scranton, B.S. 1994 Advisor: Tom Gasiewicz, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Determination of the Developmental Expression and Activation of the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor in TCDD-responsive LacZ Transgenic Mice Current Position: Associate Director at Fulcrum Pharmaceutical Developments Inc. |
 |
Elizabeth A. Lipscomb Nazarenko, Ph.D. Wittenberg University, B.A. 1993 Advisor: Robert Freeman, Ph.D. Thesis Title: The Role of SM-20 in Neuronal Cell Death Current Position: Staff Toxicologist at Integrated Laboratory Systems |
 |
Patrick D. Sarmiere, Ph.D. Ithaca College, B.A. 1996 Advisor: Robert Freeman, Ph.D. Thesis Title: The Role of SM-20 in Neuronal Cell Death Current Position: Research Scientist, Spinal Cord Societ Research Center |
 |
Steven D. Dertinger, Ph.D. Rochester Institute of Technology, B.S. 1998 Advisor: Thomas Gasiewicz, Ph.D. Thesis Title: : Influence of Aryl hydrocarbon-mediated Events on the Genotoxicity of Cigarette Smoke Constituents Current Position: Director of Research at Litron Laboratories |
 |
Gregory Mango, Ph.D. University of Rochester, B.A. 1994 Advisor: Barry Stripp, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Role of Clara Cells in Prevention of Oxidant-induced Lung Injury: Importance of Clara Cell Secretory Protein Current Position: Criminalist at Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Central Laboratory |
 |
Sang-ki Park, Ph.D. Seoul National University, M.S. 1992 Advisor: Tom Gasiewicz, Ph.D. Thesis Title: : Role of Phosphorylation in Proper DNA Binding Conformation and Transactivation of Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor Current Position: Toxicologist, U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Penelope A. Rice, Ph.D. Florida State University, M.S. 1993 Advisor: Susan Stevens, Ph.D. Thesis Title: Modulation of Bacterial Infections by the Sympathetic Nervous System Current Position: Toxicologist at U.S. Food and Drug Administration |