Background:

BS Chemistry, Gannon University, Erie PA
MS Toxicology (Forensic), Duquesne University, Pittsburgh PA
PhD Toxicology (Inhalation), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA; Advisor: Yves Alarie, PhD
Postdoc, Graduate School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA; Advisors: Bruce Pitt, PhD/Song Li, MD, PhD

Annette’s previous research includes: Development of lipidic and polymeric anti-viral vectors for the in vitro and in vivo targeted delivery of small molecules to pulmonary vasculature both for potential therapeutics and study of mechanisms of disease at the University of Pittsburgh (Pharmaceutical Sciences and Environmental & Occupational Health). Development of in vitro and in vivo models to study mechanisms of the inflammatory processes in IBD and acute pancreatitis at the University of Pittsburgh (Gastroenterology). Clinical and gnotobiotic mouse studies to elucidate the relationship of the targeted (short chain fatty acids and bile acids) and global metabolome and gut microbiome with colon cancer risk and how the diet influences colon cancer risk at the University of Pittsburgh (Gastroenterology). Annette joined the Kaufman Lab in 2022.

Research Interests:

Annette’s current research project is studying the effect of psychological stress on plasma and serum cell free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) using a high throughput platform for the extraction and analysis of the DNA collected from heathy normal human volunteers. The plasma and serum DNA will also be isolated by sequential centrifugation to determine if the stress-induced cf-mtDNA may be found in different cellular components. In addition, Annette continues to be interested in small molecule delivery using different vectors and targeted delivery to specific cells.

Personal Interests: Gardening, photography, astronomy, nutrition and microbiome, hiking, biking, spending time with family.

Contact: aswilson@pitt.edu

Background:

Penn State University B.S. Biomedical Engineering 2017-2021

Minor-Engineering Leadership & Development 2017-2021

National Defense Science and Engineering Fellow (NDSEG)

T-32 Trainee – Cardiovascular Bioengineering Training Program

Throughout her undergraduate degree, Lily worked as a research assistant in Dr. Yang’s transformative biomaterials and biotechnology tissue engineering laboratory. The main focus of her research was studying the degradation of citrate-based biopolymers for bioimplants. The data gathered from her degradation studies assisted in the design of biopolymer neural catheters. Aside from research, Lily interned at Biomagnetic Solutions to learn about magnetic cell separation techniques and their relevance to gene therapy. As an intern, her main goal was to design a device to automate the process. Lily created a device using CAD and 3D printing.
Lily also interned at Merck where she authored a critical review on the recent advances in isoelectric focusing of proteins and peptides published in the Journal of Chromatography A. Lily joined the Kaufman lab in the fall of 2021 as a graduate student researcher at the University of Pittsburgh.

Research Interests:

Lily has several research interests such as biomaterials, women’s health, cancer, and gene therapy development. Her current research is centered around the mechanisms and involvement of mitochondrial DNA in human disorders. Under the guidance of principal investigator Brett Kaufman, she plans to study peptide nucleic acids (PNA) as a method for targeting mitochondrial DNA. Her long-term goal is to leverage modified PNAs to modulate mitochondrial nucleic acid biology.

Personal Interests: Baking, being outside, and playing with her cat.

Contact: lif52@pitt.edu

Background:

University of Oklahoma B.S. Biology 2016-2019
Johns Hopkins University M.S. Biotechnology 2020-2022

Research Interests:

Brian is a PhD student at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Interdisciplinary Biomedical Graduate Program with focus on regenerative therapies and translational research.

Contact: brianchew@pitt.edu

Background:

Background : University of Pittsburgh B.S Bioengineering 2022 – Present
Minors–Chemistry
Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine

Research interests:

Lyric is interested in mitochondrial immunology and mito-nuclear crosstalk, as well as neural engineering, biomaterials & tissue engineering, and gerontology. Her current project is focused on increasing activity of DNA glysocylases in the mitochondrial for mitochondrial protection in disease models. 

Personal interests: Spending time with family and writing & reading.

Contact: ljz22@pitt.edu

Background: University of Pittsburgh B.S Molecular Biology: 2023 – present

Minors – Chemistry and Business

Research interests: Priya is passionate about exploring the intersection of molecular biology and medicine, especially through research on mitochondrial biology, protein design, and cardiovascular diseases.

Personal interests: Journaling, hiking, biking, reading, music, dancing, trying out new things

Contact : prv32@pitt.edu