Biomedical Sciences

Graduation Year:

2018

Email:

Cooper.lauren2@gmail.com

Current Bio:

Scientific Affairs Clinical Project Lead at BD Biosciences

Degree and research experience prior to enrollment in the BMS program:

Bachelor of Sciences in Biomedical Sciences from Grand Valley State University, Master of Public Health from University of Michigan.

BMS program, mentor, and thesis topic:

Mentor at BMS: Dr. Joseph Wade Research

Topics: My work involved using mutation of bacterial strains to identify mechanisms for pathogenesis. I did extensive research with the E. coli system to study the mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas immunity, including the Cascade protein complex and its role in primed adaption.

Preparation from BMS for current role: 

After my PhD program I went into a Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Fellowship through the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), called CPEP. This fellowship was designed to train PhD level microbiologists to become clinical microbiology lab directors and provide eligibility for those individuals to sit for their medical board (ABMM) exam. The fellowship process is a competitive one but there are several things that the BMS program provided that made me a viable candidate. First, the Wadsworth Center is celebrated for their innovation in diagnostic assay development, their state-of-the-art public health laboratory resources, and their renowned lab directors. Having the ability to do laboratory rotations in the public health diagnostic labs and the ability to learn and utilize those unique resources (such as whole genome sequencing) gave me hand-on experience that set me apart from many other candidates. In addition, having world-celebrated scientists as professors, mentors, and friends, provided me not only with great networking capabilities, but they also served as great sounding boards to discuss my career development strategy. Lastly, the geographical proximity of these diagnostic laboratories, as well as Albany Medical Hospital, allowed me to job shadow lab directors, attend clinical laboratory rounds, and attend meetings and conferences centered on diagnostic microbiology.

As mentioned previously, the Wadsworth Center has many unique and powerful resources and technologies available that, when learned, can really set you apart from other scientists. However, it is one thing to have the resources and another to be able to apply them in a meaningful manner. Joe and I had many discussions regarding my career trajectory, and generally, the trajectory of diagnostic medicine. From these discussions he made it a point to incorporate and expose me to as many technologies as possible to gain skillsets that many diagnostic laboratorians did not yet have but would likely be needed in the future. This, in itself, was an invaluable resource.

After my fellowship and serving as a clinical lab director for two different laboratories, I was shown how my skillsets could be utilized to make a larger impact on clinical diagnostics by joining “industry”. Currently, I am working in Scientific Affairs for a large medical technology company where I am part of a team that performs, analyzes data, and prepares reports from clinical trials for regulatory bodies (i.e., the FDA), partners with doctors and clinical laboratorians to generate real-world evidence of diagnostic technologies in the form of studies, educates clinicians on diagnostic stewardship, and I also serve a role in influencing business decisions for my company, including innovation initiatives, which drives the advancement of diagnostic assays around the world.

Current Bio:

Research Scientist 2, Special Projects Unit (SPU), Laboratory of Viral Diseases, Wadsworth Center, NYSDOH As a research scientist with SPU, my current position involves research and development projects in the laboratory. This includes development and optimization of new molecular technologies, evaluation of new instrumentation, implementation of new assays for viral whole genome sequencing, and, with the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, in vitro replication and growth studies of new and emerging variants.

Degree and research experience prior to enrollment in the BMS program:

I came into the BMS program with a BS in Clinical Laboratory Science. In 2003 I came to Wadsworth as a CDC/APHL Emerging Infectious Disease Fellow.  I joined the Lab. of Viral Diseases (LVD) and my primary project was the development of a real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection of human metapneumovirus in respiratory samples. In 2004 I was hired as a research scientist in the lab, and from there worked on numerous grant-funded applied research projects. These included whole-genome sequencing of influenza viruses and development of high and low-density viral microarrays for viral detection.

BMS program, mentor, and thesis topic:

I received an MS in Biomedical Sciences, with an emphasis in Infectious Disease and Immunology Mentor: Dr. Alexander Ciota, Arbovirus Laboratory Thesis topic: Ribavirin-Resistant St. Louis Encephalitis Virus Populations Display Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of High-Fidelity RNA Polymerase Variants.

Preparation from BMS for current role:

The BMS program gave me the tools to think critically and independently about science. The courses were challenging, yet expanded my knowledge of biology and infectious disease, and gave me a new perspective on scientific research as a whole. The skills I gained in the laboratory during my thesis project were crucial to the successful research I am performing here in the virology lab.

Other information:

I was a non-traditional MS student. Because I was working full-time in the Lab of Viral Diseases, I completed my course work part-time in BMS.  When I began my thesis work with Dr. Ciota, I switched and worked part-time with LVD, dedicating my full-time to thesis studies.

Graduation Year:

2015

Connect with William on:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter: @wlainhart

Current Bio:

Associate Professor of Pathology and Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, the Medical Director of the Clinical and Molecular Microbiology laboratory at Banner - University Medical Center Tucson, and a Clinical Director of Infectious Diseases for Sonora Quest Laboratories and Laboratory Sciences of Arizona.

Degree and research experience prior to enrollment in the BMS program:

I began my education doing a BS in Biological Sciences at Cornell University. I then continued to do an MS in Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo where I studied predator-prey interactions between Tetrahymena thermophila and pathogenic, Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli. I also earned an MS in Epidemiology, also at the University at Buffalo where I studied infectious disease epidemiology and completed thesis work focused on using a school absenteeism-based surveillance system to predict increases in cases of 2009 H1N1 Influenza the community during the influenza pandemic.

BMS program, mentor, and thesis topic:

I was in the Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases track. My dissertation work, under the supervision of Dr. Jan Conn, explored the effects of landscape on Neotropical vectors of malaria, and his research included multiple field work trips to Panama and Peru.

Preparation from BMS for current role:

My time in the BMS program and my exposure to the amazing work done at the Wadsworth Center helped me truly understand the public health importance and impact of infectious diseases, and how those infections are diagnosed. The faculty in the BMS program helped me develop my mental framework for approaching, thinking about, and addressing problems or issues in the laboratory.

Other information:

After finishing my PhD in Biomedical Sciences, I went on to a post-doctoral fellowship in Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Wadsworth Center, and a second post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical and Public Health Microbiology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Today, I am a Clinical Microbiologist with board certification by the American Board of Medical Microbiology. Clinical Microbiology is a fast-paced and very impactful career. I encourage anyone with interest in Clinical Microbiology to reach out to me for more information!

Graduation Year: 2004

Current Bio:

Associate Professor, Dept. of Molecular and Systems Biology and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College.

Degree and research experience prior to enrollment in the BMS program:

I performed one year of honors thesis research as an undergraduate at UCONN, for which I received course credit (3 hours per semester), and for which I wrote a thesis (3 hours credit).

BMS program, mentor, and thesis topic:

PhD Mentor: Anne Messer

Thesis: Immunization and single-chain Fv intrabody gene therapies for Huntington’s Disease

Preparation from BMS for current position:

The BMS program provided me with molecular biology research training in preclinical models of human diseases. This training qualified me to enter a post-doctoral fellowship that leveraged skills acquired in graduate school.

Graduation Year:

2014

Current Bio:

Biochemist and Assistant Professor at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research

Degree and research experience prior to enrollment in the BMS program:

Bachelor of Technology, Biotechnology from Heritage Institute of Technology

BMS program, mentor, and thesis topic:

My graduate work involved a detailed kinetic characterization of error prone DNA polymerases belonging to the Y-family and replicative DNA polymerase members of the C-family. I have worked with archaeal, bacterial and eukaryotic proteins, specifically, protein expression and purification, designing biochemical assays and high-resolution structure determination by X-ray crystallography.

Preparation from BMS for current position: My time at BMS was very productive. Other than my own PhD advisor, Dr. Janice Pata, I was lucky to receive mentorship and guidance from several other departmental faculty. I had always thought of pursuing a career in research but was unsure of which direction would be best suited to my natural aptitude. Within BMS, faculty use various techniques to answer questions ranging from fundamental cellular functioning to complex disease biology. As a graduate student I found that being exposed to this diversity in research was particularly exciting and gave me the opportunity to learn about advances in various fields that were distant from my own PhD work. The departmental faculty are friendly and approachable, and provided me mentorship throughout my time there and even afterwards. In all, my experiences helped me grow as a scientist and a mentor in my own right.

Graduation Year:

2019

Email:

catharine.prussing@health.ny.gov

Current Bio:

Research Scientist at the Wadsworth Center

Degree and research experience prior to enrollment in the BMS program:

Bachelor of Science from McGill University, Master of Health Sciences, Infectious Disease Epidemiology from John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; APHL Bioinformatics Fellow

BMS program, mentor, and thesis topic:

Mentor at BMS: Dr. Jan Conn

Research Topics: My dissertation work focused on studying the effect of human-mediated environmental changes on mosquitoes that transmit malaria in Latin America. I investigated the association of long-lasting insecticidal net distributions with malaria vector biting behavior, and the effect of environmental factors including deforestation and the creation of artificial water bodies on malaria vector larval ecology. She also used genomic data to study the population genetics of malaria vectors across different biting behaviors and forest cover levels.

Preparation from BMS for current role:

By giving me the opportunity to take classes from and interact with scientists across both clinical and research laboratories at the Wadsworth Center, I came out of the BMS program with an understanding of the Center’s public health, clinical testing, and applied research activities, which prepared me well to participate in these activities on graduation. In addition, through my dissertation research I was able to build a skillset in bioinformatics, which I use daily in my current position.

Graduation Year:

2021

Current Bio:

Scientist, Bacterial Immunology – Infectious Diseases at Moderna.

Degree and research experience prior to enrollment in the BMS program:

Bachelor of Science, Biology, Ithaca College. Prior to joining the BMS program, I was a lab manager of a cardiovascular sciences research lab at Albany Medical College.

BMS program, mentor, and thesis topic:

Mentor at the BMS program: Nicholas Mantis, PhD

Research focus at UAlbany: Immunology & Infectious Diseases

Thesis title: Passive immunization against invasive Salmonella enterica

Preparation from BMS for current position:

My time in the BMS program taught me how to be resourceful and collaborate with other scientists and institutions to push our scientific objectives forward. Most importantly, the incredible mentorship and guidance of Dr. Nicholas Mantis set a strong foundation for my success in industry following graduation.

Current role:

I am currently a product manager at a biotech company.  

Degree and research experience prior to starting the BMS program:

I went to UAlbany directly after graduating with a BA in Biology. The lab experience I had was obtained through courses and a short project that never really got off the ground.

BMS program and research: 

I joined as an MS student in the Biomedical Sciences program through the Wadsworth Center. I completed my thesis in the lab of Dr. Jim Dias where I used synthetic peptides and molecular modeling to isolate a pancreatitis associated protein for use in assay development for the Newborn Screening Program.

Preparation from BMS for current role:

The BMS program (and the job experience after) gave me the skills to return to school to complete my PhD. I was able to apply the knowledge I gained to be ahead of the curve, receive fellowships and an NSF grant for my dissertation research. These opportunities led to others, such as internships and conference travel, which were instrumental in completing my PhD and getting a job after.

Advice to students:

It can be difficult to navigate the scientific community, especially if you are a URM student. Find organizations and diversity programs in your field. It brings with it shared experiences and camaraderie that can fuel you and your research. Also, don't self deny. Apply for funding and opportunities when you have the chance because the worst that happens is the answer will be no.

Graduation Year: 2004

Current Bio: Dr. Eric Yager is an Associate Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS). At ACPHS, Dr. Yager instructs several courses in the life sciences (Immunology, Virology, Microbiology Lab, Biomedical Laboratory Techniques, Introduction to Flow Cytometry) and serves as Program Director of the College’s Pre-Pharmacy Program. As a faculty member of the College’s Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET), Dr. Yager is involved with student instruction, the development of workshops for workforce training, and helping to identify opportunities for partnerships and collaborations in industry and academia. Dr. Yager has over 20 years of experience in the areas of virology, immunology, antibody-based therapies, antivirals and vaccines. He received his PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University at Albany and conducted extensive postdoctoral research at The Trudeau Institute and Albany Medical College. His doctoral work revealed mechanisms by which antibodies mediate in protection against the obligate intracellular pathogen Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the causative agent of the tick-borne disease ehrlichiosis in humans. As a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Yager made novel findings into the impacts of aging on the cellular immune response to influenza and played a key role in an academia-industry cooperative research program focused on the development a DNA-based universal flu vaccine. His research interests include the impacts of aging on immunity; the virology and pathogenesis of enveloped human RNA viruses including COVID-19, influenza, Zika; and vaccine development. Currently, Dr. Yager and his collaborators are investigating how these viruses can co-opt host cell biosynthetic pathways to facilitate their replication with the hope that their findings will lead to the development of improved therapeutics. Dr. Yager has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, has given invited talks at several regional and national scientific conferences, and has been interviewed by several media outlets including CNN and NBC News. Dr. Yager is also enthusiastic about educating individuals on viruses and vaccines, as demonstrated by his continuing guest spot on talk radio to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and his public webinars on the 1918 flu pandemic.

Degree and research experience prior to enrollment in the BMS program:

Prior to joining the BMS program, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). During the summer between my junior and senior year at RIT I was fortunate to get the opportunity to work in the laboratory of a BMS faculty member (Dr. William Lee). This valuable experience provided me with an understanding of the research process, opportunities to learn some laboratory techniques, and introduced me to the BMS program. It also increased my interest in biomedical research as a career path. I excitedly applied to the BMS program following the conclusion of the summer program. BMS program, mentor, and thesis topic: I graduated from the PhD program in biomedical sciences. My dissertation mentor was Dr. Gary Winslow.  The topic of my PhD research project was identifying the mechanisms by which antibodies mediate in protection against the obligate intracellular pathogen Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the causative agent of the tick-borne disease ehrlichiosis in humans.

Preparation from BMS for current role:

The BMS program provided me with the knowledge and skills I utilize today as a faculty member at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. My course instructors were recognized experts in the fields of molecular biology, cell biology, and immunology. My instructors took great care to ensure that I became well-versed in these fields by learning about seminal discoveries and discussing current discoveries/advances. Under the careful guidance of my mentor, I was able to learn how scientists work on problems, how to use appropriate lab techniques to test hypotheses, and how to collect and analyze data. I also learned how to manage my time, work independently, to persevere through obstacles, and be confident in my abilities. As an instructor, I work to mirror the traits that my instructors and mentor exhibited- show enthusiasm for science and scientific research, patience, being a good listener, value diversity in opinions, being respectful to my students and peers, empower students with honest and constructive feedback, having a positive outlook on life, and always looking for opportunities to learn. My time in the program introduced me to the concept that, by its nature, science is the best way to develop reliable information. Through empirical evidence and collective observations, science provides reliable knowledge and explanations people can use to make decisions and/or gain a better understanding of the world they live in. With this, I’ve also learned that communication is an essential part of being a scientist. My time in the BMS program taught me the importance of conveying complex information and approaches for communicating and engaging with various audiences (peers, students, general public, etc.). My instructors and mentor taught me ways to connect with my audience in a meaningful way by telling an engaging story (what am I researching), finding common meaning (why this research important), and breaking down complex scientific ideas in a manner that is understandable and inclusive. Effective scientific communication and scientists being seen as a trusted sources of information are key in combating the growing distrust in, and denial of science.

jennifer.yates@health.ny.gov

Prior degrees:

Bachelor of Science in Biology from Union College

Mentor at BMS:

Dr. Gary Winslow Current job: Research Scientist in the Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory at the Wadsworth Center

How did BMS prepare you for your career?

The BMS department provides a rigorous, collaborative, and supportive environment for the training of new scientists. The ability to communicate effectively through writing and oral presentations is essential to a career in science. The BMS department provided me with many opportunities to build effective communication skills through grant writing courses, poster presentations, oral presentations, and attendance at local, national, and international conferences.