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University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine Dept. of Environmental Medicine Other Basic Science PhD Programs UR Career Center: Info for Postdocs Life in Rochester
Dept. Environmental Medicine Home       — Toxicology PhD Home       — EHS Center Home
Environmental Medicine Faculty EHSC Faculty Tox PhD Program Faculty
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Recent Toxicology Ph.D. Graduates
2011
Jennifer Head
Potsdam University, B.S. 2006
Jennifer_head@urmc.rochester.edu
Advisor: B. Paige Lawrence, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Role of the aryl hydrocarbon
receptor (AhR)
in immune system suppression in the lung.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Duke University
Sarah Latchney
St. Lawrence University, B.S. 2006
Sarah_latchney@urmc.rochester.edu
Advisor: Lisa Opanashuk, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor
in mediating neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Ming Kung
Syracuse U. College of Environmental Science, B.S. 2002
Ming_kung@urmc.rochester.edu
Advisors: Regis O’Keefe, M.D., Ph.D. / Michael Zuscik, Ph.D.
Thesis title: The effect of cigarette smoke on bone growth and fracture healing
Current Position:Exxon Mobil
Johnathan Holz, Ph.D.
Washington University in St. Louis, B.S. 2004
Jonathan_holz@urmc.rochester.edu
Advisor: Edward Puzas, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Reactive oxygen species mediate lead
effects in the genesis of osteoarthritis
Current Position: Visiting Assistant Professor, St. John Fisher College
Fanny Casado, Ph.D.
Michigan Technological University, M.S. 2006
Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Lima, B.S. 2002
Advisor: Thomas Gasiewicz, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling by 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) alters cell function
and pathway-specific gene modulation of hematopoietic
stem/progenitor cells.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, McMaster University.
Michael Madejczyk, Ph.D.
Alfred University, B.S. 1999
Advisor: Ned Ballatori, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Identification and characterization of
manganese transport mechanism.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, U. of Rochester

2010
David Adenuga, Ph.D.
University of Agriculture, Nigeria, B.S. 2004.
Advisor: Irfan Rahman, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Cigarette smoke regulates lung epithelial
hdac2 via serine phosphorylation by a protein
kinase ck2-dependent mechanism: implications for steroid resistance.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Dow Chemical

Samuel Caito, Ph.D.
University of Rochester, B.S. 2005.
Advisor: Irfan Rahman, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Molecular mechanisms of cigarette
smoke-induced down-regulation of sirtuin1 deacetylase.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Vanderbilt University

2009
Randi Benson, Ph.D.
Allegheny College, B.S. 2003
Advisor: Patricia Chess, M.D.
Thesis Title: Mechanical ventilation-induced
inflammatory responses in the lung: importance
of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory
mediator signaling.

Xianglu Han, Ph.D.
University of Georgia, M.S. 2004
Advisor: Günter Oberdörster, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: The Role of Response-metric in Nanoparticle Toxicology.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Dow Chemical

Sujie Shi, Ph.D.
University of Georgia, M.S. 2004
Advisor: Günter Oberdörster, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: The Role of Response-metric in Nanoparticle Toxicology.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pittsburgh

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
EnvironmentalHealth 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


2008
Na Li, Ph.D.
Tianjin University, B. S. 2002
Advisor: Ned Ballatori, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Mechanism and Significance of the
Interactions between the Two Subunits of
the Organic Solute and Steroid Transporter,
Ostα–Ostβ.
Current Position: Pharmacy Student, St. John Fisher College

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


2007
Erik K. Rushton, Ph.D.
Tufts University, B.S. 1998
Advisor: Jacob Finkelstein, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Nanoparticle Toxicity and Oxidative
Stress Assessed through Pulmonary Cell Models.
Current Position: Toxicologist, ExxonMobil
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
Julían Castañeda, D.V.M., 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 Medicine Resident,
Dept. of Comparative Medicine, University of Rochester
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: Assistant Professor,
National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation,
Sichuan University
2006
Tara L. Arndt, M.D., Ph.D.
University of Washington, B.S. & B.A. 2001
Advisor: Patricia Rodier, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Eyeblink Conditioning in Autism
and Fetal Valproate Syndrome
Current Position: Resident, Children’s Hospital, Philadelphia
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.


2005
Pheona Radcliffe, Ph.D.
Boston University, B.A. 1992
Advisor: William Tank, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: The Transcriptional Regulation of Tyrosine
Hydroxylase Gene Expression in Midbrain
Dopaminergic Neurons
Current Position: Senior Research Scientist, Colgate-Palmolive
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
First Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, U. of Pennsylvania [Deceased, 2010]
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 Scientist / Pioneer Hi-Bred International
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


2004
Christine Hammond, Ph.D.
Allegheny College, B.S. 1998
Advisor: Ned Ballatori, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Mechanisms and Physiological Significance of
Glutathione Export During Apoptosis
Current Position: Research Assistant Professor, U. of Rochester
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: Assistant Professor at Finger
Lakes Community College


2003
Ruth Reeves, Ph.D.
University Massachusetts, Amherst, B.S. 1996
Advisor: Deborah Cory-Slechta, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Mechanisms of TriadimefonŠinduced Behavioral
Sensitization and Neurotoxicity in Adult
and Developmental Mouse Models
Current Position: Safety Pharmacologist at Sepracor, Inc.
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


2002
Kyung Hong, Ph.D.
University of California–Davis, B.S. 1996
Advisor: Barry Stripp, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Cell lineage relationships within conducting airway epithelium
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Medicine,
U. of Louisville School of Medicine
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 U. 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 U. of Rochester


2001
Kevin J. French, Ph.D.
Lehigh University, B.S. 1996
Advisor: Barry Goldstein, M.D.
Thesis Title: Cytochrome P450cam as a Biocatalyst:
Studies on the Benign Synthesis of 2-ethylhexanoic Acid
Current Position: Safety Assessment at GlaxoSmithKline
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


2000
Dawn Clifton, Ph.D.
Northeast Missouri State University, B.S. 1995
Advisor: Lee Ann Sporn, Ph.D.
Thesis Title: Host Cell Responses to Infection with the
Obligate Intracellular Parasite Rickettsia rickettsii
Current Position: Scientist, National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Revised April 3, 2012 (vgl & gbi)