Each year, we recruit a new cohort of U-RISE Fellows during their Junior year. Below you can see each cohort and learn a little about them.
Junior COHORT:
Kevin Bryan
Mentor: Dr. Kwangwon Lee
About: I’m currently involved in Mycology research, particularly in the area of Circadian rhythms. My career goals are to keep expanding my knowledge of microbiology either as a whole or in this specific area. I’ve also been a musician for about a decade as well as a writer.
Zarah Bacchus
Mentor: Dr. Brian Corbett
About: I’m an undergraduate researcher in the Corbett Lab at Rutgers University–Camden, investigating how the G-protein receptor S1PR3 interacts with galanin and TNF-α to mitigate stress-induced neuroinflammation. I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience with a focus on neuroimmunology. Outside of research, I can usually be found yapping or doodling random flowers and abstract designs on Post-its, sticking them around the lab on walls, old computers, really wherever they’ll stay.
Tiffany Chan
Mentor: Dr. Susy Kohout
About: I study the voltage-sensing phosphatase (VSP), a protein that converts changes in membrane voltage into chemical signals that regulate cell activity. I hope to pursue an MD/PhD in neuroscience, combining experimental and computational approaches to understand how the brain processes electrical and chemical information. Beyond research, I enjoy mentoring high school students and peers, helping them see that science can be creative, exciting, and welcoming. What makes me unique is my persistence and empathy. I find joy in encouraging others to explore their curiosity and confidence through learning.
Jacob Oblander
Mentor: Drs. David B. Weiner and Ebony Gary
About: Bio coming soon as Jacob finishes onboarding at the Wistar Institute!
Senior COHORT:
Sophia LaPorta
Mentor: Dr. David Salas-de la Cruz
About: My research in Dr. Salas’ lab involves studying the properties of clay when mixed with glycerol and hydroxyethyl cellulose at different concentrations, with the goal of improving the material for use in multiple fields. My research career goals include being accepted into a PhD program and eventually working in the material research field with an aim of improving a material’s strength and durability under fire conditions. Outside of research, I am a volunteer firefighter and a part of the RUC Women’s Volleyball team and the Indoor/Outdoor Women’s Track and Field team.
Angel Keifner
Mentor: Dr. Maria De La Encarnacion Solesio Torregrosa
About: I am involved in research regarding the effects of inorganic polyphosphate on the mitochondrial physiology. Currently I am working with a polyphosphate model to test the effects of long chain polyP. My research career goals are to publish my own paper, and refine my research skills and techniques. What is unique about me is that I have strong drive to complete goals that I set for myself.
Flynn Semenuk
Mentor: Dr. Eric Klein
About: I am currently involved with researching bacteria cells in Dr. Klein’s Lab. My research career goals are to find better ways to treat diseases in people, so would want to help conduct more research in the medical field to help those in need. What is unique about myself is that I am always eager to dive deep and learn as much as I can about a research project and will stay positive even when the research ends up in a rough patch. I always try to push through these rough patches because there’s always more information to be gained whether the research results are exactly what you wanted or the complete opposite.
Renuka Kumar
Mentor: Dr. Brian Corbett
About: I am currently studying how sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) influences hippocampal activation and behavior in mice. My project focuses on how S1PR3 affects c-Fos expression and estradiol signaling in the dentate gyrus and CA3 subregions, which are important for memory and stress resilience. I use confocal microscopy to analyze neuronal activation patterns and compare differences between male and female mice. This work builds on my summer research at the University of Pennsylvania (Machado Lab), where I studied neuromuscular junctions using alpha-bungarotoxin labeling and advanced imaging to visualize muscle connectivity.
Ahn Ly
Mentor: Dr. Brian Corbett
About: My research focuses on identifying the mechanisms behind fluctuations in the gut microbiome during stress. We’ve identified a drug that may inhibit the sympathetic nervous system and increase sociability in stressed mice. My current work explores whether this improvement also translates to gut microbiome stability. My goals are to continue learning and eventually pursue a PhD. What’s unique about me is that I’m highly teachable and reliable.
Alan Rozenblit
Mentor: Dr. Nir Yakoby
About: The Yakoby Lab studies mechanisms underlying cell fate determination by cell signaling in Drosophila melanogaster. My research specifically investigates 1) the expression of T-box transcription factor genes Mid and H15 across Drosophila species, and 2) the developmental consequences of deleting the Ventral Leg Enhancer in D. melanogaster. After graduation, I plan to immediately pursue PhD studies that match my interests in cancer and molecular biology, genetics, and immunology, while challenging myself in my efforts to become a biomedical scientist. Outside of classes/lab, I aim to read more, learn cooking, and see new things!