DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY GRADUATES

RAPHAEL AYEGBA AGBALI

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Applied Health Sciences

Dissertation:

A Roadmap to a Comprehensive Telemedicine Assessment Toolkit (TAT) for the Assessment of Audiovisual Telemedicine Encounters

"Well done Raphael! The high quality results you have obtained during your dissertation work will be valuable to the research community for many years to come. Congratulations for this wonderful accomplishment!"

~Gianluca De Leo, Ph.D., Major Advisor

CARYN LISHELE BIRD

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Molecular Medicine

Dissertation:

Anti-Tumor T Cell Responses are Enhanced by Local Complement Secreted by Dendritic Cells

"Caryn has overcome many obstacles and challenges to earn the title of Dr. Bird. With her compassion and commitment to service, she will make a lasting impact in her career. I wish her success and fulfillment in all her pursuits!"

~Theodore S. Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., Major Advisor

WENDY JANDA BURNETT

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Applied Health Sciences

Dissertation:

An Analysis of Productivity Trajectories and Collaboration Practices of Biomedical Researchers Leading to Nobel Prize-Winning Discoveries

"Wendy Burnett loves research, and she is good at it. In dealings with data, she is always meticulous. Her assessments take into account every available source of information."

~Andrew Balas MD, Ph.D., Major Advisor

Rebecca Delisio

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Biochemistry and Cancer Biology

Dissertation:

Increasing Efficacy of Immunotherapies Through the Modulation of HSF1 Expression

"'Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.' (Pele) Dr. Delisio, so proud of all you have accomplished!"

~Jennifer Sullivan, Ph.D., Dean, The Graduate School

CASSANDRA C. DERELLA

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Physiology

Dissertation:

Resveratrol Differentially Improves Endothelin-B Receptor and Skeletal Muscle Function in Males and Females with Type 1 Diabetes

"Casey has become a talented clinical and translational scientist. Stay focused, keep the irons in the fire, and remember that words have meaning.”

~Ryan Harris, Ph.D., Major Advisor

Wonjo Jang

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Neuroscience

Dissertation:

An Inactive Receptor-G Protein Complex Maintains the Dynamic Range of Agonist-Induced Signaling

"Wonjo was more colleague than student - exceptionally creative and hardworking and a fantastic presence in the lab. He's an outstanding scientist and a great guy to boot. I'm sure going to miss him!"

~Nevin Lambert, Ph.D., Major Advisor

KAREN ARLENE MASSIAH

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Nursing

Dissertation:

Ethnicity, Transition Time Span, Social Support, Coping Behaviors and Mental Health Outcomes in Latino/a Immigrant College Students: A Prospective Observational Study

"Karen, you are a model of tenacity and determination, and your research has great significance for mental health support and prevention of poor mental health outcomes in at-risk, first-generation immigrants. You made your father proud as you “never gave up,” and it was my honor and pleasure to help you (and him) realize that dream. Congratulations! "

~Elizabeth NeSmith, Ph.D., Major Advisor

Yanyan Xu

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Genomic Medicine

Dissertation:

Mild Circadian Rhythm Disruption and Healthy Aging: A Population Study

"Congratulations Yanyan! It has been a pleasure to watch you grow in the field of population research! You have impressed me with your strong will, persistence and determination. These characteristics have been rewarded and will always be rewarded!”

~Xiaoling Wang, MD, Ph.D., Major Advisor