Students

2nd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Angela Haczku

Bio: Lauren is a graduate student in PTX and a member of the Haczku lab. Her research focuses on the intersection of environmental toxicants, mitochondrial health, and immune function and her favorite assay is Western Blot! In addition to her research, she likes video games, redwood forests, and her cat.

4th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Martine Therrien 

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3rd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Laura Van Winkle

Bio: Samuel's dissertation research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of lung injury and repair following acute inhalation to chemical threat agents chloropicrin and phosgene, with an emphasis on identifying cellular targets of damage and defining innate immune pathways involved in recovery, with the intention of informing potential clinical countermeasures.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy being outdoors and experiencing everything nature has to offer

4th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisors: Aijun Wang and YuanPei Li

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5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Johannas Hell

Bio: Ruben is a graduate student in the Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate Group (PTX) at UC Davis and a member of the Hell-Horne Lab in the Department of Pharmacology. Originally from Modesto, California, he earned his B.S. in Pharmacology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His research focuses on the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms underlying learning, memory, and animal behavior, with an emphasis on neuromodulatory signaling pathways and synaptic plasticity. Outside the lab, he enjoys spending time at the park with his dog. 

4th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Pamela Lein

Bio: My dissertation focuses on investigating the effects of particulate matter (PM) from traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on Alzheimer's disease neuropathology as well as investigate its potential neurotoxic effects on microglia function within an in vitro environment.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, watching movies and cooking/trying out new foods.

5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Mark Mascal

Bio: Trey is a Pharmacology and Toxicology (PTX) Ph.D. student at University of California, Davis. He received his undergraduate degree in pharmacology with minors in behavioral neuroscience and holistic health from Stockton University in NJ.  Trey has conducted research in serotonin agonist pharmacology, looking at associations between positive psychology, ego dissolution, and serotonergic drugs. He also worked at Unlimited Science conducting research on psilocybin in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University and at Rutgers University Plant Pathology Lab working on novel antifungal formulations, as well as with MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) and Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines. He is currently a researcher at the Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics and UC Davis in the lab of Dr. Mark Mascal, focused on phenethylamine and tryptamine synthetic chemistry and pharmacology, in the pursuit of new anti-Parkinson’s and anxiolytic drugs.

3rd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: John Newman

Bio: I am in the lab of Dr. John Newman at the Western Human Nutrition Research Center. My research focuses on examining the efficacy of a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor (sEHi) as a therapeutic target for chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). By using a prostate cancer mouse model, we aim to understand if there are synergistic anti-inflammatory effects from the consumption of a high omega-3 diet alongside treatment with an sEHi drug in mice with CIPN. 

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, playing softball, visiting National Parks, and playing with my cat named Chicken. 

2nd Year M.S. Student - [email protected]

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5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Aiming Yu

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3rd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Heike Wulff

Bio: Hello! I study how ion channels shape microglial function in neuroinflammation and how these signaling pathways contribute to disease progression. I'm driven by curiosity, passion, and a love of learning, which is what drew me to graduate school and continues to guide my work in the lab! I’m also drawn to teaching and mentoring because I love helping students engage with and get excited about science. This way of thinking is what motivates my interest in both research and teaching, and I hope to pursue a career that combines the two after graduate school. Outside of the lab, I enjoy listening to science podcasts, drawing, reading, playing video games, and spending time with (re: spoiling) my cat, Calamari.

3rd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Angela Gelli

Bio: Nancy’s dissertation research focuses on developing and optimizing novel antifungal peptide drugs to treat mycoses caused by opportunistic pathogens. Her work aims to expand the limited therapeutic options currently available for fungal diseases by improving the efficacy, selectivity, and safety of the antifungal peptides. Outside of lab research, she enjoys painting and playing video games. 

2nd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

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5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Kevin Xiang

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5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Heather Knych

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5+ Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Paramita Ghosh

Bio: Dontrel’s research focus centers around the reduction or prevention of biochemical recurrence mechanisms associated with the development and progression of metastatic Prostate Cancer.  1^st author publications include Rho Small GTPase Family in Androgen-Regulated Prostate Cancer Progression and Metastasis published in MDPI’s Cancers 2025, 17(22), 3680; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17223680 and The Oncometabolite 2-Hydroxyglutarate Is Upregulated in Post-Prostatectomy PSA Recurrence of Prostate Cancer: A Metabolomic Analysis in MDPI’s Molecules 2025, 30(16), 3316; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30163316 - 8 Aug 2025.  Prior to the PTX graduate program at UC Davis, his Biochemistry, A.S. degree was completed at Sacramento State.  In addition to personal drivers of wanting to assist with tasks that would benefit both family and community, his Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) interests and experience stemmed from work-related experiences gained through Johnson & Johnson and ALZA in Vacaville, CA as an EH&S Technician and Pharmaceutical Process Associate.

Outside of science, Dontrel is a father and husband dedicated to family and community building. The constant tinkerer, forever building or re-building while remaining actively an outoor enthusiast- athletics, camping, and beach infatuations.

2nd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

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3rd Year M.S. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Heather Knych

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4th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Heather Knych

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5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: David Olson

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4th Year M.S. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Mark Mascal

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4th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Gino Cortopassi

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5+ Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Swee Teh

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4th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Heather Knych

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2nd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Bio: Frank is originally from San Mateo in the San Francisco Bay Area and earned his B.S. in Biochemical Engineering from UC Davis. He was drawn to the UC Davis School of Medicine campus in Sacramento to pursue cancer drug research; his prior work on RNA cancer therapeutics and glioblastoma tumor microenvironment motivated him to continue in graduate training. His research interests center on functional studies of promising cancer therapeutics targeting liver cancer, with a strong emphasis on quantitative approaches, combining engineering principles with pharmacology. 

Outside of research, he enjoys camping, backpacking, and fishing, and is an avid enthusiast in cars and motorcycles. 

3rd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Laura Van Winkle

Bio: My research investigates the cytotoxic and genotoxic mechanisms underlying lung injury resulting from chronic naphthalene exposure. This work seeks to deepen our understanding of how naphthalene and related polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contribute to the progression from acute lung injury to long-term carcinogenesis. 

In my free time I enjoy cooking, being active, and traveling. 

4th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Pamela Lein

Bio: My research investigates how early-life exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl 28 – a contemporary environmental contaminant – disrupts normal neurodevelopment in vivo, and how different routes of maternal exposure influences neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. This work aims to advance our understanding of how these pollutants affect the developing brain and the extent to which route of exposure shapes those effects. 

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, indulging in crafts, reading, and appreciating nature. 

2nd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

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5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Pamela Lein

Bio: My dissertation research focuses on identifying novel therapeutic strategies for treating the neurological consequences of acute organophosphate intoxication. The goal of this research is to improve long-term outcomes in survivors of organophosphate poisoning.

Outside the lab I enjoy running, playing video games and taking pictures of my cat Katsu. I also love trying new foods and visiting coffee shops!

4th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Angela Gelli

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2nd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

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5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Pamela Lein & Laura Van Winkle

Bio: For my dissertation research, I study how traffic-related air pollution contributes to pulmonary fibrogenesis, systemic inflammation, and Alzheimer’s disease progression under the co-mentorship of Dr. Pamela Lein and Dr. Laura Van Winkle. My work involves analyzing gene, protein, and histological biomarkers to identify inflammation- and disease-relevant targets and pathways across brain, lung, and blood. I am driven to conduct research that advances scientific knowledge and contributes to the development of interventions that improve human health.

Other than science, I like coffee, listening to or reading books, and watching movies.

2nd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Eamonn Dickson

Bio: Hello! I’m originally from northern Virginia and an inorganic chemist. Since starting in the PTX PhD program, I now work in the best Neurophysiology lab with Dr. Eamonn Dickson as my principal investigator. My designated emphases is in translational research, so you can also find me in the clinic or hospital at times. I’m currently on fellowship for the Laurie Marie graduate award as well as the Schwall Medical Fellowship, but before all I am a dog mom and passionate baked good chef. 

5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Jorge Contreras

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3rd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Roy Ben-Shalom

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5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Bethany Cummings

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3rd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Lisa Miller

Bio: I am a graduate student in the laboratory of Dr. Lisa Miller at the California National Primate Research Center. My research is focused on the impact of inhaled wildfire smoke during development, using in vitro primate cells and in vivo mouse models. This work aims to analyze how early life exposures precede chronic lung disease, by investigating dysregulation in innate immunity and altered lung growth after exposure. In my free time I enjoy reading, playing video games, and trying new foods.

5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Brett Poulin

Bio: Mark's research focuses on metal emissions and human exposure to toxic elements from e-cigarettes, with a particular emphasis on modern disposable e-cigarettes. He is the lead author of a recent publication in ACS Central Science, “Elevated Toxic Element Emissions from Popular Disposable E-Cigarettes: Sources, Life Cycle, and Health Risks,” which revealed concerning levels of toxic metals including lead, nickel, and antimony in several of the most widely used disposable e-cigarette brands in the U.S. This work has received international attention and placed him at the forefront of research and public discussion on the health risks of metals in e-cigarettes.

5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Jeremy Chien

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5th Year Ph.D. Student - 

Advisor: Allen Gao

Bio: My research in Dr. Allen Gao’s laboratory focuses on identifying vulnerabilities that drive therapeutic resistance in advanced prostate cancer. I aim to uncover how these adaptations contribute to treatment evasion and to develop strategies that exploit these shifts as therapeutic targets. Previously I have worked at Shriners Hospitals for Children on neurodevelopmental pathology using transgenic mouse models, and later with Pfizer Oncology, where I contributed to in vivo efficacy and biomarker studies in preclinical leukemia models. 

Outside of the lab, I enjoy fermentation science, including brewing, breadmaking, and developing fermented sauces from home-grown peppers, as a creative extension of my scientific curiosity!

2nd Year M.S. Student - [email protected]

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2nd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

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3rd Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Heather Knych

Bio: I am studying veterinary clinical pharmacology in the Maddy Lab with Dr. Knych. The project I am currently working on involves studying both genetics and pharmacokinetics in a large population of horses. I am a part of the Veterinary Scientist Training Program (VSTP), which means that I am working on my DVM and PhD over the course of 7-8 years. I am currently in year 4, so I have been happy to see some new coffee shops opening in Davis this year. 

3rd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Colleen Sweeney

Bio: I research the effects of Traffic-Related Air Pollution (TRAP) on breast cancer, specifically how TRAP exposure may contribute to chemotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer. I am passionate about understanding how discoveries made at the bench can translate into tangible benefits for patients facing aggressive forms of breast cancer. Ultimately, I hope to apply our findings to better understand and overcome chemotherapy resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, cooking, reading, listening to music, and exploring new coffee and matcha shops.

3rd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

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3rd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Bethany Cummings

Bio: Madelynn is a PhD student in the laboratory of Dr. Bethany Cummings. She currently works on several projects that investigate pancreatic islet function through both a toxicologic and therapeutic lens. In one study, she is identifying possible mechanisms by which Traffic-Related Air Pollution (TRAP) increases risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Additionally, she is investigating how amino acid signaling impacts islet endocrine cell crosstalk; specifically, GLP-1-mediated insulin secretion. Through the combination of rodent modeling and in vitro techniques, she hopes that these studies will influence public health policy to mitigate TRAP exposure and overall enhance the field’s understanding of islet biology.

5th Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Pamela Lein

Bio: I am a Ph.D. student in the Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate Group at UC Davis. I graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and worked as a neuroelectrophysiology technician. This work introduced me to the world of neurotoxicology and epilepsy. I joined the Lein Lab in Spring 2023 to study the role of neuroinflammation following acute organophosphate intoxication and evaluate potential therapeutics to reduce long-term sequalae, emphasizing translational models and understanding of epileptogenesis.

Other than science, I love spending time at home with my wife and our fur family, hosting gatherings, reading, and enjoying homemade espresso, gardening, and the California sunshine.

5+ Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

Advisor: Aiming Yu

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2nd Year Ph.D. Student - [email protected]

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