Notre Dame Science
Hummon Research Group
Dr. Susan Skube
Indiana University, 1999 B.S. in Biology, 2002 B.S. in Biochemistry
University of Notre Dame, 2005 M.S, 2011 Ph.D. in Biochemistry
Research: Probing the role of Prostate, Rectum and Colon (PRAC) gene in colon cancer
Muppet: Animal
Can make 6 bonds to Carbon
Enjoys the musical stylings of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem
Favorite number is 12
Group Members
Post Doctoral Fellows
Amanda B. Hummon
Amanda was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. She earned her A.B. in chemistry at Cornell University in 1999, where she did undergraduate research in the laboratory of Prof. James M. Burlitch, synthesizing copper phthalocyanine nanoparticles.
In the fall of 1999, she began her graduate studies in analytical chemistry at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, joining the laboratory of Prof. Jonathan V. Sweedler. Her thesis work focused on the development of mass spectrometric and bioinformatic strategies to predict and identify neuropeptides.
Following the completion of her Ph.D. in 2004, Amanda was invited to participate in the annotation of the newly sequenced honey bee genome as a post-doctoral fellow in the laboratories of Prof. Gene E. Robinson and Prof. Sandra L. Rodriguez-Zas at the University of Illinois. The focus of her research was constructing a methodology to utilize detected gene products, both mRNA and proteins, to decipher an unannotated genome.
In August of 2005, Amanda began her position as the Sallie Rosen Kaplen Post Doctoral Fellow at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas Ried. During her time in the Ried lab, she utilized RNA interference screening techniques followed by microarray analysis to elucidate genes that regulate the viability of colorectal cancer cells.
In the fall of 2009 she began her independent career as the Walther Cancer Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame. She has been recognized with a NSF CAREER award, a Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh Starter Grant Award, and a Rising Star Award from the American Cancer Society. Currently, Amanda is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and a member of the Harper Cancer Research Institute. She was elected to the Board of Directors for the American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) as the Member-at-Large for Publications.
Dr. Eric Weaver, Post-Doc
Rockhurst University, 2009, B.S. in Biochemistry
University of Notre Dame, 2016 Ph.D. in Biochemistry
Research: Developing MALDI mass spectrometry imaging techniques of 3D cell culture systems specifically focusing on the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and metastatic cells in Colorectal cancer.
Muppet: Statler
Started the Association for the Ethical Treatment of RNase-Free Purple Unicorns (AETRFPU). Avid fan of Spongebob Squarepants. I had four biscuits and then I ate one. Now I only had three. Not Guilty.
Has traveled through the 7 layers of the Candy Cane Forest on multiple occasions.
Lab Bestie of Jam Sack.
Knows what Notre Dame was like in 2006.
September 2016
Dr. Xin Liu, Post-Doc
Nankai University, 2011, B.S. in Biological Sciences
University of Notre Dame, 2017 Ph.D. in Biochemistry
Research: IMS of drug metabolites in 3D cell culture.
Muppet: Miss Piggy
Besides doing science, drawing Chinese painting, singing, and playing table tennis decorates my free time so that I can enjoy the beauty of life to my heart’s content. The world provides us these fascinating things, why not try them?
Graduate Researchers
Haohang Li, Chemistry Graduate Student
Tsinghua University, 2008, B.S. in Chemistry
University of Notre Dame, 2012 M.S.
Research: Visualization of proteins and peptides with MALDI-IMS.
Proteomics of cancer biomarkers.
Muppet: The Count
I’ll be really pleased if Photoshop can also do ISD as MALDI does.....
Spheroid cultivator extraordinaire.
Undergraduate Researchers
Paul Lambert, Biochemistry BS, Class of 2012, University of Notre Dame
Muppet: Rowlf
When not in lab, I'm probably studying like a good undergrad. But I also enjoy board games, books, basketball, tennis, biking, SCUBA diving, snowboarding, and trailblazing through the Pacific Northwest wilderness.
My spirit animal is a llama.
Currently: Attending medical school at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
Tanya Watts, Biology BS Class of 2013, University of Notre Dame
Muppet: Janice
Outside of lab I enjoy ND football, the OKC Thunder, and going to art galleries. Also, despite my love for Oklahoma culture, I refuse to say the word y’all.
Currently: 3rd year med student at Oklahoma University.
Alumni
Alissa Schunter, PhD Biochemistry 2016
University of Wyoming, 2009, B.S. in Chemistry,
Muppet: Telly
When not in lab: I like hiking, playing in the snow, eating Mexican food, and watching The Office and The Big Bang Theory.
Currently: Staff Proteomicist, Northwestern University
Josh Reavis, Biochemistry MS 2013, University of Notre Dame
Oklahoma State University, 2009, B.S. in Biochemistry
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 2010, M.S. Potions
Muppet: Waldorf
When not in lab, I enjoy hanging out with friends and going on random drives to small towns around the area.
Currently: Senior Chemist at ONEOK, Inc
Our Fearless Leader
Dr. Amanda Hummon
Research: All of the above
Muppet: Swedish Chef
I enjoy designing and constructing stained glass lamps and windows.
Leigh Weston, Biochemistry MS 2013, University of Notre Dame
Butler University, 2011, B.S. in Chemistry
Muppet: Scooter
I have a deep passion for photography and thoroughly enjoy sports and being outside. Avid fan of Spongebob Squarepants.
Currently: A Research Specialist in the Mass Spectrometry/Proteomics Facility at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Kevin Kastner, Biochemistry Graduate Student
Baylor University, 2006, B.S. in Bioinformatics
Baylor University, 2009, M.S. in Computer Science (Bioinformatics)
Currently: In the PhD program in Computer Science under the guidance of Dr. Jesus Izaguirre.
Joseph Maciuba Biochemistry BS, Class of 2010, University of Notre Dame
Currently: Attending the University of Rochester Medical School.
Sister Mary Andre (Laura Thelen), Biochemistry BS Class of 2012, University of Notre Dame
Muppet: Prairie Dawn
Outside of lab I enjoy playing board games, making artistic things, and being blissfully ignorant of movies, tv shows, and all things pop culture.
I don’t really watch movies........who is Christian Bale?
Currently: At the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist.
Sarah Herzog Biochemistry Major, Class of 2018
Research:
Muppet: Pepe the King Prawn
Mary Wickert, Chemistry Major, Class of 2015
Muppet: Zoe
Outside of lab, I like spending time with friends and family and playing sports or anything athletic (except running). I'm afraid of yogurt and prime numbers, but I really, really like coffee. The Office and How I Met Your Mother are my favorite TV shows.
“I don’t get it.”
Currently: University of Notre Dame ACE Program
Kate Ludwig Biochemistry Graduate Student
SUNY Geneseo, 2013, B.S. in Biochemistry
Research: The role of the microRNA cluster miR23a/27a/24 its effects on the colon cancer proteome.
Muppet: Rizzo
I like to culture floaty cells so my project is perfect for me. Outside of lab I enjoy hunting aardvarks and archery. I heart cats. Toonces is my favorite. Look him up.
“I never think about isoleucine.”
Reigning Horse Champion 2016-present
Gabe LaBonia, Analytical Chemistry Graduate Student
University of Mississippi, 2014, BS Forensic Chemistry
Research: Imaging Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Dynamically-Dosed Spheroids in a 3D-Printed Pharmacokinetic Device.
Muppet: Cookie Monster
What can I say, I am gABE. Am I being being serious? You tell me.
I have a high affinity for Taylor Swift. And that will never go out of style in your wildest dreams. “I wanna iKnife that scrapple.”
Reigning Stepan Chemistry Racquet Sports Champion.
Jessica Lukowski, Analytical Chemistry Graduate Student
Butler University, 2014, B.S. in Chemistry
Research: Analyzing Liposomal Drug-Delivery Systems.
Muppet: Gonzo
Outside of lab, I like all things sports...and cauliflower...just kidding...about the cauliflower. “It’s me, Jessica”. Missed the first annual Hummon lab FFL playoffs in a league of 6. Ugh. Lab bestie of Pooge Nugget.
Monica Schroll, Biochemistry Graduate Student
Gonzaga University, 2013, B.S. Biochemistry
Research: Proteomic Evaluation of Altered Autophagy in Colorectal Cancer.
Muppet: Crazy Harry
Pop culture enthusiast. That’s all I can think of. Except that I am deathly afraid of bread. There, I said it. Phew.
Also known as “Pauline.”
Evan Merryman, Biochemistry Major, Class of 2015
Muppet: Grover
I love working with my lab mates so much that I never leave lab. I thoroughly enjoy killing cancer cells and listening to those little suckers scream. I am a real man so I am not afraid to say that my favorite color is pink. BOOM!!!
Currently: Medical School at the University of Michigan
W. Temple Andrews, Biochemistry Graduate Student
Goucher College 2015, Biochemistry
Research:Magnetic bead-based peptide extraction methodology for tissue imaging.
Muppet: Big Bird
“Well, I’m a rapper sooooooo....” Professional zamboni rider; ice boy in training.
Currently on sabbatical touring as a Turquoise Jeep groupie.
“It’s ya boi Temptation, AKA Lil’ Scrapple.”
Dr. Xiaoshan Yue
Tsinghua University, 2004 B.S. in Biology
Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2010 Ph.D.
Muppet: Rosita
Out of lab, I enjoy reading novels, listening to classic music, and singing Chinese operas. I am learning the theories of traditional Chinese clothes and challenging making them also.
Currently: Staff scientist in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame.
C. Bruce Mousseau, Analytical Chemistry Graduate Student
University of South Carolina, 2016, B.S. in Chemistry
Research:
Muppet: Bobo the Bear
Canadian citizen and lifelong subscriber to Maple Syrup Bi-Quarterly. Dethroned Qate as the Horse champion of the lab. Athleticism of Gabriel Labonia with the demeanor of Eric Weaver. Still doesn’t have swipe access to the lab, can be found loitering in the hallways at night.
“The best first year I’ve EVER seen!” -Anonymous (Temple Andrews)
Emma Horwath Biochemistry Major, Class of 2019
Research:
Muppet:
Becca Georgiadis Biochemistry Major, Class of 2019
Research: Gene Expression in Cancer Cells Treated with Various Platinum Drugs
Muppet: TBD
Dog enthusiast. Amateur foodie. Avid hiker. Need I say more?
Emily Herring, Applied and Computational Math and Statistics Graduate Student
Arizona State University, 2016, Biomedical Engineering
Research:
Muppet: TBD
I recently got certified as a yoga instructor, my other hobbies are running, knitting and hanging out with my cat, Clover.
Peter Feist, PhD IBMS 2017
University of Notre Dame, 2012, Biochemistry
Research:The analysis of single 3D cultures and their layers by LC-MS/MS. Comparative quantification of the proteins between layers of the cultures.
Muppet: Lew Zealand
Outside of lab: Husband, card game enthusiast and utter nerd, orange, runner, and gardener/landscape artist. In that order.
Currently: Post Doc in Heather O’Leary’s lab at IUPUI
March 2011
May 2010
Group Photos Archive
May 2012
March 2012
September 2012
March 2013
October 2013
January 2014
June 2014
January 2010
December 2014
October 2015
