Meet the Editors

Meet The Editors

Becky Schill is a 4th year post-doctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Ormond MacDougald. Becky’s research is focused on the disease Familial Partial Lipodystrophy Type 2 (FPLD2), which is caused by mutations in the gene LMNA. Using a combination of mouse models and human patient samples, Becky is working to better understand how mutations in LMNA alter the adipose tissue transcriptome with the goal of determining the cause of adipocyte loss in FPLD2. Outside the lab, Becky enjoys baking, gardening and spending time with her 2-year-old son, Jake.

Edith Jones Kiyabu is a PhD candidate in the laboratory of Dr. Daniel Beard and Dr. Brian Carlson, she studies matters of the heart: cardiovascular metabolism and hemodynamics, using biochemical and computational modeling approaches. Outside of the lab, she enjoys baking with her husband and friends, watching period dramas and dreams of mini farming (if she ever owns a single chicken, she will think herself a very accomplished farmer!).

Hannah Thompson is a 1st year graduate student in Molecular and Integrative Physiology that is currently rotating. Her research interests include metabolism, mitochondrial biology and electrophysiology. Hannah received her degree in Chemistry and Human Physiology from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 2020. Outside of her academic interests, she enjoys teaching and outreach, painting and enjoying game nights with her friends.

Irina Zhang is a second-year postdoc fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Leslie Satin. Her research interest is investigating the role of ER stress in pancreatic beta cells. Outside the lab, She enjoys baking, running and reading.

Jess Maung is a second year PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. Ormond MacDougald. She is currently studying the rare disease lipodystrophy in which patients lose their adipose tissue (AKA fat). She aims to understand the mechanism of why and how this adipose tissue loss happens. Outside of the lab, she enjoys playing tennis, baking bread, trying new restaurants, and camping.

Sarah Lawson has been working in the department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology for 17 years, in an Administrative Assistant position. In her time outside of work, Sarah enjoys volunteering within her community, spending time with family and running to and from various activities with her daughters, Olivia and Emily.

Sumeet Solanki is a postdoctoral research fellow in Dr. Yatrik Shah’s lab. He is working on nutrient sensing mechanisms in colon cancer, with the aim of using dietary interventions as adjuvant therapy in colon cancer. He like to play guitar and watch space documentaries in his spare time.