Arianne Elizabeth Rodriguez

Saint Mary’s College, 2012

Cellular/Molecular Biology

Arianne is a rising senior at St. Mary’s College researching in the field of microbiology. Arianne is interested in microbiology, parasitology, cell biology, and pathology, and enjoys swimming, ceramics, history, painting, and running in her free time. Upon graduation, she hopes to work with the CDC or NIH, with the possibility of working overseas in Africa or South America, and has the eventual goal of obtaining a teaching position at a strong research-oriented university.

Robert McMickle

Loyola Marymount University, 2012

Biology & Music Theory/Composition

I am a rising senior at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. This summer I am studying the role of the protein kinase SGK-1 in the metabolic rescue of breast cancer cells detached from their normal extracellular matrices. I hope to pursue an MD/PhD following graduation, specializing in cancer cell biology.

Eunice L. Lozada-Delgado

University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, 2012

Microbiology

Eunice is a rising senior at her home university in Puerto Rico. She is currently working in the Schafer Lab, studying cancer cell biology. Eunice enjoys playing volleyball, singing, and going to the gym. Eventually, Eunice hopes to obtain a PhD in molecular biology and become a university professor heading her own lab.

Pat O’Hayer

University of Notre Dame, 2013

Biological Sciences

This summer I worked in the Hyde lab studying neuronal regeneration in zebrafish.  My work focused on identifying a TNFa receptor which functions to initiate adult stem cell division within the retinal regeneration response.  I plan to pursue an MD/PhD and work in either cancer research or stem cell therapy.

Kekai Avilez

University of Hawaii at Manoa,

BS-Molecular Cell Biology, BA-Hawaiian Language

This summer Kekai is studying Mycobaterium tuberculosis using Mycobacterium marinum as a model organism. Outside of the lab, Kekai enjoys volleyball, hula, Hawaiian music, and cooking. Post-graduation, he hopes to pursue professional and/or graduate school.

Catherine Kemme

Pensacola Christian College, 2013

Biological Sciences

My name is Catherine Kemme. I am from West Chester, Ohio, which is a half hour north of Cincinnati. I am presently studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida. When I finish my degree at Pensacola Christian, I intend to enroll in a master’s or Ph.D. program, preferably in zoology. This summer I had the opportunity to come here to Notre Dame and research with Dr. Duman, who studies the antifreeze proteins of freeze avoidant beetles. It is believed that these antifreeze proteins may open up a new method for preserving donor organs, mammalian cells, and producing freeze tolerant crops for farmers. Besides school and research, I enjoy ice skating, horseback riding, soccer, and basketball. I also love playing the piano and guitar, drawing, painting (watercolor), and photography.

Madeline Twiss

Clarkson University, 2012

Biological Sciences

I worked in the Hollocher lab this summer, where our research focuses on genetic mechanisms underlying speciation, evolution, and development in the Drosophila dunni subgroup.  More specifically, my project focused on comparing levels of the yellow gene between two species of the dunni subgroup and its relation to abdominal phenotypic variation. My non-scientific pursuits include yoga, snowboarding, knitting, fishing and hosting my own radio show. Post-graduation, I plan on pursuing graduate studies in evolutionary biology or public health.

Kristen Laricchia

University of Notre Dame, 2012

Biological Sciences

My name is Kristen and I am a senior biology major at the University of Notre Dame.  My research is in the field of plant genetics and I am specifically working on a project to determine the chloroplast diversity and biogeographical distribution of the American butternut tree.  My hobbies include horseback riding, rock climbing, and running.  After I graduate from Notre Dame I plan to attend graduate school for a Ph.D.

Danielle Chisolm

Bethune-Cookman University, 2012

Biological Sciences

This summer Danielle worked in the Lee lab with Jennifer Hashimoto studying infectious diseases. When not in lab, Danielle enjoys relaxing, hanging out with friends, listening to music, and playing the saxophone. She hopes to eventually work for a government agency doing research on infectious diseases.

Jennifer K. Hashimoto

University of Hawaii at Hilo, 2012

Biological Sciences

I am currently in the process of trying out for medical school.  After working all summer in the Lee Lab at Notre Dame I have found a passion to learn about infectious diseases.  So my ultimate future goal is to become either an infectious disease doctor or acquire a PHd and work as a researcher studying infectious diseases.  I have learned throughout my time at Notre Dame that there is no limit when it comes to exploring the world of science.   When I am not doing school work I love to go to the beach and ride the waves, fish, soak up the sun, and have fun there.

Caitlin Arens

University of Notre Dame, 2012

Biological Sciences

Caitlin’s research interests include the virulence of infectious diseases and the interactions between a pathogen and its host. Caitlin sings in the Notre Dame Chorale and enjoys reading, baking, and watching movies with friends. Eventually, Cailtin hopes to get a PhD and do research at a government agency or a university.