2015-2016, GAUSSI Fellows

Adam Heck

Adam Heck is a third year graduate student in the Cell and Molecular Biology PhD program. His work in Dr. Carol Wilusz and Dr. Jeff Wilusz’s lab deals with the effects of RNA methylation on mRNA stability and gene expression. Specifically, he is utilizing human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells as models to examine the differences in RNA methylation that drives cell differentiation. Prior to attending CSU, Adam earned his BS in Biology and a minor in Chemistry at the University of Sioux Falls.

Zachary Fox

Zack has an interest in data-driven modeling of gene regulation. Specifically focusing on two different cells of the same population that behave heterogeneously. Often times average, population level dynamics of gene expression do not provide sufficient information to identify underlying molecular mechanisms of gene transcription. By incorporating single-cell, single-molecule data into mathematical models, we make quantitative predictions about how cells behave in response to different stimuli.

Julia Labadie

Julia Labadie is a DVM/PhD student in the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences pursuing her PhD in cancer epidemiology. Her research focuses on understanding genetic and environmental risk factors for canine lymphoma. Prior to attending CSU, Julia earned her MSPH in Epidemiology at Emory University and her BS in Biological Sciences at UC Davis.

 

Mark Heim

After finishing my bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics at CSU, Mark transitioned to a graduate program to begin working with Dr. Christina Boucher. He joined GAUSSI in his second year of graduate school and is modeling the genetics of endangered species for conservation biologists through the use of randomized simulations with parallel, distributed, and web-based computing technologies.

Stacy Willett

Stacy joined GAUSSI as a second year Master of Science student in the school of Biomedical Engineering at Colorado State University working as a research associate in Dr. Tobet’s lab. She is collaborating with the Departments of Chemistry and Electrical Engineering to better integrate CMOS microchip electrode electrochemistry and living tissue neurotransmitter chemical detection in murine adrenal slices.

Rachel Feeny

Rachel Feeny is a sixth year graduate student in the Chemistry Ph. D. program working for Dr. Chuck Henry. Her research focuses on understanding how chemical gradients drive biological processes, such as cellular communication and cancer metastasis. The aim of her work is to develop a platform using a high-density electrode array and microfluidic devices to generate electrochemical images of biomarkers being released from live tissue slices with resolution in space and time.