Meet the PI
I was trained as an academic surgeon at the University of Minnesota, which means that research was part of my residency training. I liked research so much that I decided to get a PhD in cell biology during my surgical residency. Following my residency, I went on to complete a fellowship in transplantation. Since then, I have had a dual career as a surgeon and scientist. My current and past research interests can be found here. My clinical interests focus primarily on kidney transplantation, including: immunosuppression strategies, antibody-mediated rejection, and live kidney donation.
My goal for anyone entering the lab is to develop a curiosity for "finding things out" and then help them figure out the best approach for asking their scientific questions - all while not taking science too seriously. It's supposed to be fun!
My goal for anyone entering the lab is to develop a curiosity for "finding things out" and then help them figure out the best approach for asking their scientific questions - all while not taking science too seriously. It's supposed to be fun!
Meet our awesome lab members!
Prakash Prakash is a highly talented MD/PhD student looking at the impact of monomeric and dimeric IL-2 on smooth muscle cells. 
Saige
Saige is an undergrad who has already become our "go to" student for tissue processing and Westerns! |
Katie
Katie is a very impressive undergrad who is looking at the expression of IL-2 receptors on smooth muscle cells. 
Spencer
Spencer is a medical student and our resident expert in RT-PCR. He is looking at the expression of IL-2 receptors under various circumstances. |
Silpika
Silpika is a master's student who is working with us to learn additional techniques. She is determined to become the best "Western blotter" in the lab! |
Maan
Maan is a grad student who is keeping our smooth muscle cells happy. He is "the Man" when it comes to cell culture. |
Esteemed Alumni
Ashvin Iyer (2014-15) work study student who mastered cell culture. No contamination on his watch and beautiful smooth muscle cells! Ashvin is now pursuing a PhD.
Suzanne Clabaugh (2005 - 14) - masters student, research technician, lab manager, and true master of the Western blot (and a pretty good singer, too). Suzanne returned to her hometown to further her career as a clinical lab technologist.
Dr. John Miller (1999 - 2014) - biochemist, expert on glycosaminoglycans, and all around pro at getting experiments to work. John returned to his favorite part of the country, the Pacific Northwest, to continue his career in science.
Sultan Alhayyani (2013 - 14) - masters student, now completing his PhD in Australia (lucky dog!).
Mary Stuever (2013-14) - surgery resident, spend a year with us doing lots of great work on very tiny patients. She is now back on the wards seeing much bigger ones.
Gino Liu (2012 - 14) research technician and all around nice guy, transitioned to a commercial lab and shorter commute.
Lauren Dixon (2012-13) - undergrad who joined us as part of the WSU Grad-Prep program. Lauren is now pursuing graduate studies.
Deandra Smith (2003-2011) - research technologist, main lab organizer, second in command, and one of the best in the biz! Deandra continues her awesomeness as a research technician in Nebraska.
Suzanne Clabaugh (2005 - 14) - masters student, research technician, lab manager, and true master of the Western blot (and a pretty good singer, too). Suzanne returned to her hometown to further her career as a clinical lab technologist.
Dr. John Miller (1999 - 2014) - biochemist, expert on glycosaminoglycans, and all around pro at getting experiments to work. John returned to his favorite part of the country, the Pacific Northwest, to continue his career in science.
Sultan Alhayyani (2013 - 14) - masters student, now completing his PhD in Australia (lucky dog!).
Mary Stuever (2013-14) - surgery resident, spend a year with us doing lots of great work on very tiny patients. She is now back on the wards seeing much bigger ones.
Gino Liu (2012 - 14) research technician and all around nice guy, transitioned to a commercial lab and shorter commute.
Lauren Dixon (2012-13) - undergrad who joined us as part of the WSU Grad-Prep program. Lauren is now pursuing graduate studies.
Deandra Smith (2003-2011) - research technologist, main lab organizer, second in command, and one of the best in the biz! Deandra continues her awesomeness as a research technician in Nebraska.
