Who We Are

Kierra Regis

Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology Representative

kierra.regis@emory.edu

Hi! My name is Kierra Regis, and I am a fifth-year MD/PhD student and second-year graduate student in the Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology (BCDB) program. Outside of research, I enjoy trying new restaurants,baking, strength training, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I currently serve as the BCDB DSAC representative, and I’m excited to help build community across the GDBBS programs by creating opportunities for students to feel connected, supported, and involved. 

Estefany Bocangel Gamarra

Cancer Biology Representative

ebocang@emory.edu

Hi everyone! I’m a third-year Cancer Biology PhD candidate working in Dr. Haydn Kissick’s lab. My research focuses on understanding the role of B cells in the anti-tumor immune response. I was born and raised in Cusco, Peru, and came to Indiana to attend Valparaiso University for my undergraduate studies. I graduated from Valpo in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science and a double major in Chemistry and Biology. After graduation, I spent three years working as a research assistant in Dr. Rafi Ahmed’s lab. I’m very excited to serve as the Cancer Biology representative and to be a voice for our program and, most importantly, for all of the students in it.I’m looking forward to working with everyone and helping make sure our students’ ideas, concerns, and perspectives are heard! 

Grace Brewer

Genetics and Molecular Biology Representative

grace.brewer@emory.edu

DSAC President.

I am a 3rd year PhD candidate in the Genetics and Molecular Biology (GMB) program working in the lab of Dr. Elizabeth Leslie-Clarkson, where I study the etiology of cleft lip using whole genome sequencing data and genetic association approaches. I currently serve as the President of DSAC and the representative for the GMB program. I grew up in northeast Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia in 2022 before spending two years as a Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Health. Over this next year, I look forward to working with fellow DSAC representatives to support my peers across all the GDBBS programs. 

Kaira Thevenin

Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis Representative

kaira.thevenin@emory.edu

Hi! My name is Kaira Thevenin and I am a 3rd year student in the Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis (IMP) program where I am studying tuberculosis in the laboratory of Dr. Rachel Kinsella. I am originally from Florida where I attended Stetson University. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new food and activity spots in Atlanta, cooking, and painting. I am happy to serve as the IMP DSAC representative and am looking forward to helping foster a supportive environment where all students feel heard and connected. 

Madaline Schmidt

Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Representative

madaline.schmidt@emory.edu

DSAC Secretary.

I am a 4th year PhD student in the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) program in Dr. Anice Lowen’s lab. My project focuses on the population dynamics of influenza A virus infection in swine and mallards. I am originally from Vermont and went to the University of Vermont for my B.S. in Microbiology and my Master of Public Health degrees. I worked for two years as a laboratory technician before joining the MMG program in 2023. I currently serve as the Secretary for DSAC and the MMG representative and am looking forward to helping build community for graduate students in GDBBS.  

Lauren Birschbach

Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Representative

lauren.birschbach@emory.edu

DSAC Treasurer.

I am a 3rd year student in the Molecular and Systems Pharmacology (MSP) Program within GDBBS. As a member of Dr. Eric Sundberg’s Lab, I perform research on antibody glycosylation patterns, combining techniques from glycobiology and protein engineering to structural biology and mass spectrometry. I completed my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering and Biology from the University of Alabama. As a second-year member and treasurer of DSAC, I am looking forward to representing student interests and providing opportunities for connection among our 8 GDBBS programs. 

Kevin Fuentes

Neuroscience Representative

kevin.fuentes@emory.edu

Hey everyone! I am in my second year of the Neuroscience (NS) program and am investigating molecular changes in the developing brain arising from mutations in TCF20 and PHF14, two high-risk autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genes, using human organoids. I am from Rockville, Maryland. I completed my undergraduate education at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and took on a post-bac research role at the NIH working under Dr. Diana Bianchi, the former director of NICHD, where I worked on establishing an in vitro model system using Neural Progenitor Cells (NPC) to identify safe and effective drugs for trisomy 21 (T21). In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants on Buford Highway, staying active by running or playing soccer, and making time for friends and family. I am excited to serve as one of the NS DSAC representatives and look forward to contributing to the efforts to make the GDBBS environment amazing and supportive. 

Tony Chung

Neuroscience Representative

tony.chung@emory.edu

Hey everyone! I am in my second year of the Neuroscience (NS) program and am investigating neuropathological hallmarks in neurodegenerative diseases. I completed my undergraduate education at Emory University focusing on Bachelors of Science in Biology. After graduation I worked as a research assistant for two years in the same lab that I am currently working as a PhD student. I am originally from South Korea but moved to Canda in elementary school. In my free time, I enjoy training for marathons and lifting. I am happy to serve as a NS DSAC representative and will help connect NS students to the broader GDBSS community. 

Alison Pagalilauan

Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution Representative

alison.pagalilauan@emory.edu

DSAC Vice President.

I am a 3rd year student in the Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution (PBEE) program. I am a member of Dr. Nicole Gerardo’s lab, where I use multi-omics and microbial assays to study theevolutionary ecology of an obligate mutualismbetween yeast-like fungi and Neotropical ants. Before coming to Emory, I spent some time as a lab technician at NIH, an instructor at a climbing gym, and a data analyst for Grand Teton National Park.I grew up in New Jersey and graduated from George Washington University in 2021. I am currently DSAC’s Vice President and PBEE representative, and I look forward to promotingcollaboration and community-building between all GDBBS programs. 

Samhita Padmanabhan

Georgia Tech/Emory Biomedical Engineering Representative

samhita.padmanabhan@emory.edu

My name is Samhita Padmanabhan (go by Sam!) and I am 2nd year PhD under the GT-Emory BME program working under Dr. Rabindra Tirouvanziam. My research is focused on studying the cell-cell and molecular signaling pathways related to innate immunity, chronic inflammation, and immunomodulation present in Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis and Diabetic foot Ulcers. I am also a member of the Women in Biology and Bioengineering & Bioscience Unified Graduate Student (BBUGs) organizations at Georgia Tech. The most enthusiastic part of being a BME student is having an opportunity to conduct translational studies and working closely with clinicians and patients who benefit from our research at lab! Samhita is a professional volleyball, badminton, handball player and also a classical dancer and singer! 

 Institutions: 

Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology 

Laney Graduate School, Emory University 

Children Healthcare of Atlanta