Posts classified under: Alumni

Greg Gedman

Michelle Gibbs

I grew up in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio and received my Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Miami University in Ohio.  I received my PhD in Microbiology from Ohio State University in the lab of Dr. Kurt Fredrick.  My PhD research focused on characterizing roles of conserved GTPases in ribosome assembly.  I was awarded an NIH-funded T32 predoctoral fellowship for my research and a departmental teaching award for excellence in teaching undergraduates. Before coming to UCLA, I worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the National Institutes of Health under Dr. Alan Hinnebusch and Dr. Jon Lorsch, studying how regulatory proteins in yeast alter translation in response to nutrient starvation.  At UCLA, I am performing research in Dr. Guillaume Chanfreau’s lab, studying regulation of translation in response to metal starvation. I plan to pursue a faculty career that combines life science research with teaching at the university level.

Jesse Bateman

Jesse Bateman

I grew up in rural New York. Years spent scrambling over rocks and rooting through leaves looking for salamanders fostered in me a deep love for the natural world and a curiosity about the processes that shape it. For college, I traveled to the rocky coasts of New England to pursue a degree in Geology–Biology at Brown University. At Brown I worked in a terrestrial biogeochemistry lab exploring plant–soil interactions, focusing particularly on seedling uptake of the plant-important nutrient phosphorus. I earned my PhD from Stanford University’s Earth System Science Department working with Dr. Peter Vitousek. In my doctoral work I investigated climatic controls on soil development and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Currently I am a postdoctoral scholar working with Dr. Aradhna Tripati in the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. Dr. Tripati’s lab specializes in applying isotopic methods to understanding paleoclimates. I use my background in terrestrial ecosystems to investigate climatic controls on biological communities. For this work, I use a combination of isotopic climate proxies, paleopollen records, and geomorphological studies. In addition to my scientific pursuits, I volunteer with the Center for Diverse Leadership in Science focusing on scientific outreach in the broader Los Angeles community.

I aim to pay forward the support and encouragement that I received from my teachers and mentors over the years. To achieve this, I want to become a professor at an institution where I can support undergraduate and graduate education, and provide students from underrepresented groups in STEM with opportunities to pursue scientific research.

Azeez Aranmolate

Azeez Aranmolate

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Biology (2006) and Master’s degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology (2008) from Brandeis University. I have worked in both pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. I also obtained my PhD in Molecular & Cellular Biology (2017) from Stony Brook University. My PhD research focus was in the field of Neuroscience (glial development and degeneration), where I determined a new role for the protein, Dystrophin, in myelination of the Central Nervous System and helped identify a potential cause for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)-associated brain defects. In addition to my passion for science, I also enjoy beaches, riding motorcycles, fitness, trying new foods and traveling with friends. Lastly, as a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics at UCLA, I am currently studying mechanisms of infection between Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) and human host cells in-vitro and in-vivo.

So far, my career has been an amalgamation of numerous STEM related experiences. Accordingly, in addition to my academic life, I have also managed to work in both pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Consequently, due to the multifaceted nature of my experiences, my ideal career will combine my passion for scientific research, mentoring and teaching. Therefore, regardless of which path I take in the future (i.e. academia, government or industry), I plan to continue inspiring younger scientists to overcome higher education barriers and improve their community through STEM research & mentorship.

Kristen N. Holbrook

Kristen N. Holbrook

I am interested in the molecular details of how subcellular organization leading to compartmentalized / organelle function is established, and how the environmental and physiological factors modify these processes. My PhD research in the laboratory of Dr. Barry Bruce at the University of Tennessee has provided me with excellent training and experience in several life science disciplines, including biochemistry, structural analysis, molecular biology and microbiology. For my postdoctoral research in Dr. Sabeeha Merchant’s group at UCLA, I am building on my previous training to investigate metal uptake, metabolism and sequestration, which will allow me to address new questions about organelle function and subcellular organization. Together, my sponsor, research project and the IRACDA training plan will build a solid foundation to reach my goals.

My long-term career goal is to develop an independent research program in an academic environment. As an educator I want transfer my enthusiasm, perseverance, and training to help build the next generation of scientists.

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