What are our former lab members up to now???
Embedded Files
Dr. Surangi Perera graduated from UWG in 2011. She received a fellowship from the University of Cambridge, UK for graduate studies. She received her MPhil. in October 2014 and Ph.D. in Developmental Biology in 2019 from the University of Cambridge, UK. She worked as a post-doc at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NDCR) at NIH from 2019-2023. She studied differentiation of neural crest cells at Dr. Laura Kerosuo's lab at NIH/NIDCR. In May 2023, Surangi started a new position as a senior Scientist in Translational Biology at Tome Biosciences (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tome-biosciences/ ), a programmable gene insertion company that specializes in genomic medicine. Currently she is the principal scientist at Cellular Intelligence (formerly Somite AI).
Dr. Surangi Perera graduated from UWG in 2011. She received a fellowship from the University of Cambridge, UK for graduate studies. She received her MPhil. in October 2014 and Ph.D. in Developmental Biology in 2019 from the University of Cambridge, UK. She worked as a post-doc at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NDCR) at NIH from 2019-2023. She studied differentiation of neural crest cells at Dr. Laura Kerosuo's lab at NIH/NIDCR. In May 2023, Surangi started a new position as a senior Scientist in Translational Biology at Tome Biosciences (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tome-biosciences/ ), a programmable gene insertion company that specializes in genomic medicine. Currently she is the principal scientist at Cellular Intelligence (formerly Somite AI).
Dr. Kathryn Lankford (our former lab member with co-authorship in 2 peer-reviewed research articles and, one research award competing with research students at the R1 institutions!) graduated from UWG with a Biology major in 2013. After graduation she joined the History of Science at Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing as a Ph.D. student. She graduated with a Ph.D. degree in History of Science in Fall 2021 from MSU. After graduation, she accepted an Assistant Professor-Fixed Term position for next term at Lyman Briggs College, which is a residential, science-focused college at Michigan State University. In January 2024, Dr. Lankford joined Arizona State University as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the School of Applied Sciences and Arts. In this role, Kathryn offers history and interdisciplinary courses in-person at the Polytechnic campus and online. Some of her courses include HST 280: History of Science, Technology, and Innovation; HST 318: History of Engineering; and IDS 313: Sex and Sexuality Across Time and Space. She also maintains a research agenda. Kathryn is currently revising and expanding her work on the field trials of oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices (IUDs) that occurred in Puerto Rico during the 1950s and 1960s.
Dr. Tai Truong, graduated from UWG in spring 2015. He joined SUNY Upstate University at New York, in Fall 2015. In 2019, he received his MD. He did his residency in the Internal Medicine program at Dartmouth- Hitchcock Medical Center NH. Currently he is working on his nephrology fellowship project at UC, Irvine.
Dr. Tai Truong, graduated from UWG in spring 2015. He joined SUNY Upstate University at New York, in Fall 2015. In 2019, he received his MD. He did his residency in the Internal Medicine program at Dartmouth- Hitchcock Medical Center NH. Currently he is working on his nephrology fellowship project at UC, Irvine.
Dr. Tashana Haye graduated from UWG in fall 2014. She joined Medical School, University of Florida Gainesville in Fall 2015. In 2019, she graduated as a doctor. After finishing her residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the program of Emergency Medicine, she has started working at Emory-Decatur & Emory-Hillandale in GA.
Dr. Tashana Haye graduated from UWG in fall 2014. She joined Medical School, University of Florida Gainesville in Fall 2015. In 2019, she graduated as a doctor. After finishing her residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the program of Emergency Medicine, she has started working at Emory-Decatur & Emory-Hillandale in GA.
Mr. Brennan Marshall Ross was an Advanced Academy of Georgia student at UWG and graduated from High school in spring 2010. He then went to pursue a Biology major degree at UCLA, and graduated in 2014. He then joined the Physician Assistant program at Penn State College of Medicine and graduated in 2018. Dr. Ross specializes in physician assistant in Hershey, PA. He is affiliated with numerous hospitals in Pennsylvania including Milton S Hershey Medical Center.
Mr. Brennan Marshall Ross was an Advanced Academy of Georgia student at UWG and graduated from High school in spring 2010. He then went to pursue a Biology major degree at UCLA, and graduated in 2014. He then joined the Physician Assistant program at Penn State College of Medicine and graduated in 2018. Dr. Ross specializes in physician assistant in Hershey, PA. He is affiliated with numerous hospitals in Pennsylvania including Milton S Hershey Medical Center.
Mr. Chidoze Ukpabi graduated from UWG in 2011 and in 2013 he joined Mercer University, School of Pharmacy to pursue Doctor of Pharmacy- Pharm D. Chris graduated from Mercer University in 2017. He is currently a Clinical Pharmacist at Emory University Hospital.
Mr. Chidoze Ukpabi graduated from UWG in 2011 and in 2013 he joined Mercer University, School of Pharmacy to pursue Doctor of Pharmacy- Pharm D. Chris graduated from Mercer University in 2017. He is currently a Clinical Pharmacist at Emory University Hospital.
Dr. Daniel Foster graduated from UWG in fall 2012. He joined Mercer University, School of Medicine, in Fall 2013. He completed Internal Medicine residency at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX in summer 2020 and have started a three-year fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care at the Brooke Army Medical Center.
Dr. Daniel Foster graduated from UWG in fall 2012. He joined Mercer University, School of Medicine, in Fall 2013. He completed Internal Medicine residency at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX in summer 2020 and have started a three-year fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care at the Brooke Army Medical Center.
Miss Edna Esumei graduated from UWG in fall 2010. Then she joined the Pharm D program at the South University School of Pharmacy, Savannah, GA and graduated in 2014. She is currently a Clinical Pharmacist at Wellstar Health System in Atlanta.
Miss Edna Esumei graduated from UWG in fall 2010. Then she joined the Pharm D program at the South University School of Pharmacy, Savannah, GA and graduated in 2014. She is currently a Clinical Pharmacist at Wellstar Health System in Atlanta.
Miss Yakema Sheats graduate from UWG in spring 2011. Then she started working in 2014 as a Post Market Surveillance Specialist at ALKU Quality, Waltham, MA. While working a full time job, she pursued a MS degree in Public Health from East Tennessee State University. She received her MS degree in 2019.
Miss Yakema Sheats graduate from UWG in spring 2011. Then she started working in 2014 as a Post Market Surveillance Specialist at ALKU Quality, Waltham, MA. While working a full time job, she pursued a MS degree in Public Health from East Tennessee State University. She received her MS degree in 2019.
Dr. Darryel Wilson graduated from UWG in 2013 and joined Georgia Regents University Medical School as a Medical student. He graduated from Georgia Regents University in 2017. Dr. Darryel Wilson is a family medicine specialist in Augusta, GA. He currently practices at the Medical College of Georgia.
Dr. Darryel Wilson graduated from UWG in 2013 and joined Georgia Regents University Medical School as a Medical student. He graduated from Georgia Regents University in 2017. Dr. Darryel Wilson is a family medicine specialist in Augusta, GA. He currently practices at the Medical College of Georgia.
Mrs. Kelsey Gaston graduated from UWG in 2011 with a Biology major degree. After graduation she worked for two years as a Research Specialist at the Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Emory-Children's Center (2011- 2013). Now she is a homemaker, a super-happy mom with two super cute little daughters.
Mrs. Kelsey Gaston graduated from UWG in 2011 with a Biology major degree. After graduation she worked for two years as a Research Specialist at the Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Emory-Children's Center (2011- 2013). Now she is a homemaker, a super-happy mom with two super cute little daughters.
Mr. Justin Puckett was an Advanced Academy of Georgia student at UWG. He then joined University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a BS in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. Last time we heard from him, he was working as a data analyst (Bioinformatics and Biostatistics) at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Justin Puckett was an Advanced Academy of Georgia student at UWG. He then joined University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a BS in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. Last time we heard from him, he was working as a data analyst (Bioinformatics and Biostatistics) at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Phillip Grovenstein received his B.S and MS degree in Biology from UWG. He worked as a Research Associate at Algenol (Bio-tech company) located at Fort Myers, Florida, from July 2013- February, 2017. He then worked as an instructor at Perimeter College (Georgia State University) (September 2017- present). Mr. Phillip Grovenstein, started a new chapter in his career in August, 2022. Phillip has joined the Translational Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University. 1. . In 2025, Phillip has been awarded the prestigious predoctoral fellowship grant (F31) of $89,658 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop Universal Flu Vaccine. https://news.gsu.edu/2025/09/05/biomedical-sciences-ph-d-student-awarded-89658-predoctoral-fellowship-grant-to-develop-universal-flu-vaccine/
Mr. Phillip Grovenstein received his B.S and MS degree in Biology from UWG. He worked as a Research Associate at Algenol (Bio-tech company) located at Fort Myers, Florida, from July 2013- February, 2017. He then worked as an instructor at Perimeter College (Georgia State University) (September 2017- present). Mr. Phillip Grovenstein, started a new chapter in his career in August, 2022. Phillip has joined the Translational Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University. 1. . In 2025, Phillip has been awarded the prestigious predoctoral fellowship grant (F31) of $89,658 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop Universal Flu Vaccine. https://news.gsu.edu/2025/09/05/biomedical-sciences-ph-d-student-awarded-89658-predoctoral-fellowship-grant-to-develop-universal-flu-vaccine/
Miss Kasey Swilley graduated with a BS degree in Biology from UWG in 2016. In June 2016, she joined Dr. Brad Olson's lab in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the Kansas State University as a MS student. She graduated from Kansas State University with a MS degree in Biology in 2018. Currently, she is a Claims Analyst at Greenway Health.
Miss Kasey Swilley graduated with a BS degree in Biology from UWG in 2016. In June 2016, she joined Dr. Brad Olson's lab in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the Kansas State University as a MS student. She graduated from Kansas State University with a MS degree in Biology in 2018. Currently, she is a Claims Analyst at Greenway Health.
Dr. Jean Lormensky started working in our research lab with Dr. Brennan Marshall (Advanced Academy of West Georgia student) when Dr. Mitra joined UWG as a faculty in fall 2009. Jean graduated in 2011 from UWG with a Chemistry major degree and a Biology minor degree. He joined the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the Mercer University in 2012. In 2017 he graduated from the Mercer University with a Pharm D degree. Currently he is a Pharmacist Consultant at Anthem, Inc. at Atlanta.
Dr. Jean Lormensky started working in our research lab with Dr. Brennan Marshall (Advanced Academy of West Georgia student) when Dr. Mitra joined UWG as a faculty in fall 2009. Jean graduated in 2011 from UWG with a Chemistry major degree and a Biology minor degree. He joined the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the Mercer University in 2012. In 2017 he graduated from the Mercer University with a Pharm D degree. Currently he is a Pharmacist Consultant at Anthem, Inc. at Atlanta.
Dr. Rashidat Omowumi Odewalea, a former undergraduate research student (summer 2010- spring 2011) at the Mitra lab. She joined UWG in fall 2009. She graduated in 2013 from UWG with a BA in Chemistry and a minor in Biology. She joined Mercer University College of Pharmacy in 2014 and graduated in 2018 with Pharm D. She has been working at Emory St. Joseph hospital since 2018.
Dr. Rashidat Omowumi Odewalea, a former undergraduate research student (summer 2010- spring 2011) at the Mitra lab. She joined UWG in fall 2009. She graduated in 2013 from UWG with a BA in Chemistry and a minor in Biology. She joined Mercer University College of Pharmacy in 2014 and graduated in 2018 with Pharm D. She has been working at Emory St. Joseph hospital since 2018.
Miss Paula Martinez-Feduchi is from Spain and joined UWG as an Advanced Academy of Georgia student. Then she joined UWG as an undergrad (Bio major) in Fall 2014. She worked as a research assistant in our research lab from 2015 till summer of 2016. In 2016 she transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology. She graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in May 2019 with a B.S. in Biology and a B.S. in Neuroscience. She is currently working at Emory University as a Research Specialist and lab manager in a neuro-epigenetics lab to get additional research experience before applying to Ph.D. programs in universities in USA.
Miss Paula Martinez-Feduchi is from Spain and joined UWG as an Advanced Academy of Georgia student. Then she joined UWG as an undergrad (Bio major) in Fall 2014. She worked as a research assistant in our research lab from 2015 till summer of 2016. In 2016 she transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology. She graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in May 2019 with a B.S. in Biology and a B.S. in Neuroscience. She is currently working at Emory University as a Research Specialist and lab manager in a neuro-epigenetics lab to get additional research experience before applying to Ph.D. programs in universities in USA.
Mr. Betkens Tristan Senesca was a research student (a Biology major) at Dr. Mitra’s research lab from spring 2014 - summer 2016. He then transferred to UGA, (Franklin College of Arts and Sciences) in 2016. He received his Bio major degree from UGA in spring 2018. In early 2023, he graduated from the PA MS program at the CUNY school of Medicine at New York. He is currently preparing for Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) for certification.
Mr. Betkens Tristan Senesca was a research student (a Biology major) at Dr. Mitra’s research lab from spring 2014 - summer 2016. He then transferred to UGA, (Franklin College of Arts and Sciences) in 2016. He received his Bio major degree from UGA in spring 2018. In early 2023, he graduated from the PA MS program at the CUNY school of Medicine at New York. He is currently preparing for Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) for certification.
Miss Sovi-Mya Doan Wellons was a high school student from the Heritage School (Newnan, GA). She joined our lab in 2019 as a research student. She is a co-author in one published educational research article from the Mitra lab titled: Engaging inexpensive hands-on activities using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (a green micro-alga) beads to teach the interplay of photosynthesis and cellular respiration to K4 - K16 Biology students. In 2021, she joined the Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire as an undergrad.
Miss Sovi-Mya Doan Wellons was a high school student from the Heritage School (Newnan, GA). She joined our lab in 2019 as a research student. She is a co-author in one published educational research article from the Mitra lab titled: Engaging inexpensive hands-on activities using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (a green micro-alga) beads to teach the interplay of photosynthesis and cellular respiration to K4 - K16 Biology students. In 2021, she joined the Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire as an undergrad.
Miss Taylor Berry was a high school student from the Carrollton High School. She conducted research in 2018-2019 at Dr. Mitra’s lab. She is a co-author in three microbiology research articles from the Mitra lab. She graduated from the Carrollton High school in spring 2019 and joined University of North Georgia as an undergrad. She is majoring in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry at UNG. At UNG she has been working on isolation of new bacteriophages and determining its effect on antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Miss Taylor Berry was a high school student from the Carrollton High School. She conducted research in 2018-2019 at Dr. Mitra’s lab. She is a co-author in three microbiology research articles from the Mitra lab. She graduated from the Carrollton High school in spring 2019 and joined University of North Georgia as an undergrad. She is majoring in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry at UNG. At UNG she has been working on isolation of new bacteriophages and determining its effect on antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Miss Amanda Morgan was a research student at Dr. Mitra’s lab. She graduated from UWG with BS degree in Biology in 2012. In 2015 she enrolled as an undergrad in the Marine Science program at Coastal Carolina University and graduated in 2018. Last time we heard from her, she was working as a Fisheries Biologist at North Pacific Groundfish Observer for National Marine Fisheries Service whose parent agency is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Miss Amanda Morgan was a research student at Dr. Mitra’s lab. She graduated from UWG with BS degree in Biology in 2012. In 2015 she enrolled as an undergrad in the Marine Science program at Coastal Carolina University and graduated in 2018. Last time we heard from her, she was working as a Fisheries Biologist at North Pacific Groundfish Observer for National Marine Fisheries Service whose parent agency is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Dr. Rigoberto Segovia, a Chemistry major, was an undergrad research student at Dr. Mitra’s lab from fall 2014 – summer 2015. He joined the Pharm D. program at the University of Georgia in 2016, after finishing undergraduate pre-professional (prerequisite) coursework at UWG. He graduated with a Pharm D. from UGA in 2020. He has been working as a PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida since September 2020.
Dr. Rigoberto Segovia, a Chemistry major, was an undergrad research student at Dr. Mitra’s lab from fall 2014 – summer 2015. He joined the Pharm D. program at the University of Georgia in 2016, after finishing undergraduate pre-professional (prerequisite) coursework at UWG. He graduated with a Pharm D. from UGA in 2020. He has been working as a PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida since September 2020.
Miss Rachel Massingill, a Biology major and a former undergraduate research student from our research lab will be graduating from UWG in spring 2022. Rachel joined the MPH degree program in Epidemiology at the Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in Fall 2022.
Miss Rachel Massingill, a Biology major and a former undergraduate research student from our research lab will be graduating from UWG in spring 2022. Rachel joined the MPH degree program in Epidemiology at the Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in Fall 2022.
Mr. Kevin Nguyen, a Biology major and a Chemistry minor, who graduated from UWG in December 2018. Kevin is a co-author in three Microbiology research articles published in a peer-reviewed open access international journal from our research lab. We are very proud of the fact that Kevin defied academic norms! He did not follow a traditional stereo-typed career path expected of a Biology major and, dared to pursue his true calling. After graduation from UWG, he joined the Mechanical Engineering program at Kennesaw State University (KSU). He has graduated in spring 2022 from KSU with a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Electrical Engineering. Kevin is currently working as a green sustainability project engineer at Altium Packaging (one of the largest plastic container companies and suppliers of rigid plastic packaging).
Mr. Kevin Nguyen, a Biology major and a Chemistry minor, who graduated from UWG in December 2018. Kevin is a co-author in three Microbiology research articles published in a peer-reviewed open access international journal from our research lab. We are very proud of the fact that Kevin defied academic norms! He did not follow a traditional stereo-typed career path expected of a Biology major and, dared to pursue his true calling. After graduation from UWG, he joined the Mechanical Engineering program at Kennesaw State University (KSU). He has graduated in spring 2022 from KSU with a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Electrical Engineering. Kevin is currently working as a green sustainability project engineer at Altium Packaging (one of the largest plastic container companies and suppliers of rigid plastic packaging).
Miss Danielle Au is a Chemistry major at UWG and a former research student at Dr. Mitra’s lab. Danielle worked in out lab from summer – early fall 2021. Danielle also has a BS in International Business, Economics and Management with a minor in Chinese studies from the University of South Carolina. Danielle graduated in spring 2022. She joined the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Regis University in Denver, Colorado, which offered her maximum scholarship. Regis University is a private university and is ranked in the top 25 best Physical Therapy programs in the country.
Miss Danielle Au is a Chemistry major at UWG and a former research student at Dr. Mitra’s lab. Danielle worked in out lab from summer – early fall 2021. Danielle also has a BS in International Business, Economics and Management with a minor in Chinese studies from the University of South Carolina. Danielle graduated in spring 2022. She joined the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Regis University in Denver, Colorado, which offered her maximum scholarship. Regis University is a private university and is ranked in the top 25 best Physical Therapy programs in the country.
Miss Ellye Puckett graduated from UWG with a double major in Biology & Chemistry in spring 2022. She received full fellowship in spring 2022 to conduct biomedical graduate research in the Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology at the School of Medicine in the University of Kentucky (UK). Ellye decided not to join the UK grad program in summer. Instead in 2022, she went to work as a Manufacturing Operations Associate-Cell Therapy at Dendreon, a biopharmaceutical company located at the Union City, GA. In 2023 she joined Universal Environmental Services as an Analytical Chemist. In 2024, she is working in her current position and pursuing an online MS program in Regulatory Science at the Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs. This program covers drug development, clinical trial management, international standards in regards to managing laboratories, how to advise corporations on becoming internally certified, and how to turn companies' ideas into intellectual property. Her current company is looking for an advisor who can advise the lab manager on the regulations and procedures that he/she needs to follow so the company can meet international regulations. Ellye is planning on using her MS in Regulatory Science degree from Johns Hopkins University to further her career as an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Administrator/ Advisor for private corporations.
Mr. Isaiah Clinton, is an academic norm- defier and on the path to achieving his dream. Isaiah was a research student at my lab from summer 2010- spring 2011. He changed his major from Biology to Theater around 2013. He did not complete his degree in Theater and left UWG in 2015. From 2012-2020, he worked as a Veterinary Technician at Carroll county Animal Hospital. Currently he is a Vet-Assistant at Banfield Animal Hospital at Buckhead, GA. Banfield Animal hospital is paying for his online schooling at Penn Foster College to help him become a certified Veterinary Technician. Isaiah is genuinely a good kid and a “curious George”. We wish him the very best in future.
Mr. Isaiah Clinton, is an academic norm- defier and on the path to achieving his dream. Isaiah was a research student at my lab from summer 2010- spring 2011. He changed his major from Biology to Theater around 2013. He did not complete his degree in Theater and left UWG in 2015. From 2012-2020, he worked as a Veterinary Technician at Carroll county Animal Hospital. Currently he is a Vet-Assistant at Banfield Animal Hospital at Buckhead, GA. Banfield Animal hospital is paying for his online schooling at Penn Foster College to help him become a certified Veterinary Technician. Isaiah is genuinely a good kid and a “curious George”. We wish him the very best in future.
Mr. JaVon Swint, a Biology major, is not following traditional career path expected of a Bio major. He is a norm-defier. He joined UWG fall 2014 and graduated with a Bio major May 2019. He worked in my research lab from fall 2015 – spring 2018. He is currently working for GardaWorld security services as a Truck gate Officer at HelloFresh. This day job helps him to pay his the bills. His real passion is researching and investing in cryptocurrencies. He is making money by trading bitcoins and other cryptocurrency network like Cardano. He believes that investing in cryptocurrencies will be very profitable for him, and he will hopefully be able to retire from his job one day comfortably. Request to Ja'Von: When you get rich do not forget UWG or the Mitra Lab!
Mr. JaVon Swint, a Biology major, is not following traditional career path expected of a Bio major. He is a norm-defier. He joined UWG fall 2014 and graduated with a Bio major May 2019. He worked in my research lab from fall 2015 – spring 2018. He is currently working for GardaWorld security services as a Truck gate Officer at HelloFresh. This day job helps him to pay his the bills. His real passion is researching and investing in cryptocurrencies. He is making money by trading bitcoins and other cryptocurrency network like Cardano. He believes that investing in cryptocurrencies will be very profitable for him, and he will hopefully be able to retire from his job one day comfortably. Request to Ja'Von: When you get rich do not forget UWG or the Mitra Lab!
Dr. Alisha Contractor is a Former research student from the UWG Mitra lab. She graduated from UWG with a Chemistry major and Biology minor in spring 2013. As an undergrad, she co-authored a research article from our research lab. She joined the Ph.D. program in Chemical Biology at UC Berkeley in Fall 2013 and graduated from UC Berkeley in spring 2018. After graduation, Dr. Contractor joined Seattle Children's at Seattle at Washington as a postdoctoral fellow. In October 2020, she started working as a Patent Technical Specialist at Dentons in San Diego, California. In January 2022 she joined Alston & Bird at Raleigh (North Carolina) as a Technical patent specialist. In December 2023, Alisha started a new position as Patent Agent at Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP in Boston. Currently she is working as a patent agent at Benesch Law
Dr. Alisha Contractor is a Former research student from the UWG Mitra lab. She graduated from UWG with a Chemistry major and Biology minor in spring 2013. As an undergrad, she co-authored a research article from our research lab. She joined the Ph.D. program in Chemical Biology at UC Berkeley in Fall 2013 and graduated from UC Berkeley in spring 2018. After graduation, Dr. Contractor joined Seattle Children's at Seattle at Washington as a postdoctoral fellow. In October 2020, she started working as a Patent Technical Specialist at Dentons in San Diego, California. In January 2022 she joined Alston & Bird at Raleigh (North Carolina) as a Technical patent specialist. In December 2023, Alisha started a new position as Patent Agent at Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP in Boston. Currently she is working as a patent agent at Benesch Law
Miss Katherine Smith was a research student at Dr. Mitra’s research lab from 2013-2016. She graduated from UWG with a BS in Biology and Honors distinction. She was trained as a veterinarian technician at Carroll county animal hospital from 2012- 2016. Since 2016 Katherine has been working as a veterinarian technician at the Fair Oaks Veterinarian Hospital in Marietta, Georgia. . Since 2018, she has been working as a flight attendant with SkyWest airlines. She is training to be an airline pilot since 2022!
Miss Katherine Smith was a research student at Dr. Mitra’s research lab from 2013-2016. She graduated from UWG with a BS in Biology and Honors distinction. She was trained as a veterinarian technician at Carroll county animal hospital from 2012- 2016. Since 2016 Katherine has been working as a veterinarian technician at the Fair Oaks Veterinarian Hospital in Marietta, Georgia. . Since 2018, she has been working as a flight attendant with SkyWest airlines. She is training to be an airline pilot since 2022!
Mr. John Cooper was a research volunteer in Dr. Mitra’s lab in Fall 2013. John received his BS degree in Biology with a minor in Physical Science from Piedmont College in 1996. He was Science Teacher at Hallie Turner private school a year (2003-2004). He worked for about 9 years (1996- 2005) at Columbus Water Works as a laboratory analyst and as a manager of Water Quality Monitoring. He then worked for 13 years (2005-2018) at Georgia Water and Wastewater Institute located at UWG campus, as a training specialist and as an onsite manager. Since 2018 he is the owner of the company Ennoble Training Solutions. This company trains water treatment professionals and laboratory analysts.
Mr. John Cooper was a research volunteer in Dr. Mitra’s lab in Fall 2013. John received his BS degree in Biology with a minor in Physical Science from Piedmont College in 1996. He was Science Teacher at Hallie Turner private school a year (2003-2004). He worked for about 9 years (1996- 2005) at Columbus Water Works as a laboratory analyst and as a manager of Water Quality Monitoring. He then worked for 13 years (2005-2018) at Georgia Water and Wastewater Institute located at UWG campus, as a training specialist and as an onsite manager. Since 2018 he is the owner of the company Ennoble Training Solutions. This company trains water treatment professionals and laboratory analysts.
Mr. Taylor Box graduated from UWG with a Biology Major and Chemistry minor in fall 2020. Taylor was an undergrad research student in my lab from 2018- 2020. He is a co-author in three Microbiology research articles that were published from our lab in 2020. Last time we heard from him, he was working as quality assurance tech for Ken's Foods Inc.
Mr. Taylor Box graduated from UWG with a Biology Major and Chemistry minor in fall 2020. Taylor was an undergrad research student in my lab from 2018- 2020. He is a co-author in three Microbiology research articles that were published from our lab in 2020. Last time we heard from him, he was working as quality assurance tech for Ken's Foods Inc.
Miss Monica McGauley was a research student in Dr. Mitra’s lab in 2012. Monica graduated in 2013 from UWG with a BS in Chemistry and minor in Biology. She joined the Pharmaceutical Chemistry graduate program at University of Florida in 2016 and graduated in 2018, with a MS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Currently she is working as a Technical Chemist at Kraton Corporation at Savannah, Georgia.
Miss Monica McGauley was a research student in Dr. Mitra’s lab in 2012. Monica graduated in 2013 from UWG with a BS in Chemistry and minor in Biology. She joined the Pharmaceutical Chemistry graduate program at University of Florida in 2016 and graduated in 2018, with a MS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Currently she is working as a Technical Chemist at Kraton Corporation at Savannah, Georgia.
Mr. Jonathan Mincey worked in Dr. Mitra’s lab from 2012-2013. He graduated from UWG in 2015 with a Biology major degree. He is a co-author in one research article published from our lab. Since 2016, he has been working at the Georgia Department of Agriculture. His job involves doing food safety inspections as well as prevention, outbreak investigation, and public education work related to food borne illness.
Mr. Jonathan Mincey worked in Dr. Mitra’s lab from 2012-2013. He graduated from UWG in 2015 with a Biology major degree. He is a co-author in one research article published from our lab. Since 2016, he has been working at the Georgia Department of Agriculture. His job involves doing food safety inspections as well as prevention, outbreak investigation, and public education work related to food borne illness.
Mr. Zachary Nofs was a research student at Dr. Mitra’s lab from 2014-2015. He joined UWG as a Chemistry major in 2014. He graduated from UWG in 2018 with a BS in Chemistry. Since March 2019, he has been working as a research and development chemist at Kimoto tech Inc. at Cedartown, Georgia.
Mr. Zachary Nofs was a research student at Dr. Mitra’s lab from 2014-2015. He joined UWG as a Chemistry major in 2014. He graduated from UWG in 2018 with a BS in Chemistry. Since March 2019, he has been working as a research and development chemist at Kimoto tech Inc. at Cedartown, Georgia.
Mr. Seth Hamby was a research student at the Mitra lab from fall 2018 - spring 2019. He is also a co-author in two peer-reviewed published microbiology research articles. He graduated with a Biology major in spring 2019. Currently he works as a scribe at Georgia Bone and Joint at Newnan, GA, an orthopedic company. Seth is currently in the third stage of the interview process for a medical device company called Globus, which enables surgeons to promote healing in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
Mr. Seth Hamby was a research student at the Mitra lab from fall 2018 - spring 2019. He is also a co-author in two peer-reviewed published microbiology research articles. He graduated with a Biology major in spring 2019. Currently he works as a scribe at Georgia Bone and Joint at Newnan, GA, an orthopedic company. Seth is currently in the third stage of the interview process for a medical device company called Globus, which enables surgeons to promote healing in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
Mrs. Jacqueline M Smith received her BS in Microbiology in 1993 from Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff, AZ. She had extensive experiences of working in lab settings university research labs and worked as a laboratory manager at the University of Arizona. We were lucky to have her as a research volunteer in at UWG Mitra lab from summer 2011– spring 2012. She is a co-author in a chlorophyll biosynthesis research article published by the Mitra lab in 2013. In 2012 she moved back to Arizona with her husband. She has a professional Class A (commercial) Driver’s license. Currently she is freelancing as a professional driver and looking for work opportunities at companies.
Mrs. Jacqueline M Smith received her BS in Microbiology in 1993 from Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff, AZ. She had extensive experiences of working in lab settings university research labs and worked as a laboratory manager at the University of Arizona. We were lucky to have her as a research volunteer in at UWG Mitra lab from summer 2011– spring 2012. She is a co-author in a chlorophyll biosynthesis research article published by the Mitra lab in 2013. In 2012 she moved back to Arizona with her husband. She has a professional Class A (commercial) Driver’s license. Currently she is freelancing as a professional driver and looking for work opportunities at companies.
Mrs. Erika Vargas Cordero worked in Dr. Mitra’s research lab in 2011. She took a break from UWG in 2013 and graduated from UWG in 2021 with a BS in Biology. In 2014 she founded the company Caseco Team LLC, a Commercial Janitorial company that has allowed her to run a lucrative business and grow professionally. She has contracts with Kroger & Winn Dixie supermarkets, previously with Floor & Decor, FedEx Grounds, & Orange Theory, Bass Pro Shops, among others.
Mrs. Erika Vargas Cordero worked in Dr. Mitra’s research lab in 2011. She took a break from UWG in 2013 and graduated from UWG in 2021 with a BS in Biology. In 2014 she founded the company Caseco Team LLC, a Commercial Janitorial company that has allowed her to run a lucrative business and grow professionally. She has contracts with Kroger & Winn Dixie supermarkets, previously with Floor & Decor, FedEx Grounds, & Orange Theory, Bass Pro Shops, among others.
Miss Kiana Brown worked in Dr. Mitra’s lab in 2014. She graduated from UWG in 2016 with a BS in Biology. She worked at Georgia division of Family and Children services from December 2016 – September 2020 as a Customer service representative 2. Since October 2020, Kiana has been working as a Covid19 investigator: Epidemiology team; at Georgia Department of Public Health at Macon, GA.
Miss Kiana Brown worked in Dr. Mitra’s lab in 2014. She graduated from UWG in 2016 with a BS in Biology. She worked at Georgia division of Family and Children services from December 2016 – September 2020 as a Customer service representative 2. Since October 2020, Kiana has been working as a Covid19 investigator: Epidemiology team; at Georgia Department of Public Health at Macon, GA.
Joel Page III (Biology major) joined our research lab as a sophomore in fall 2016. He graduated from UWG in fall 2020. As an undergraduate researcher he and two undergraduate research students from our lab won a third place at the NSF-funded GA-AL-LSAMP Symposium held at the Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA on April 16th 2016. He is currently working as a lab analyst at the Electron Microscopy Service Laboratories. We wish him the very best in life.
Miss Sara Broom was an undergraduate research assistant at our lab. She graduated from UWG in spring 2019 with a Biology major degree. Sara was co-author in a teaching and research integration article centered on using algae bead bracelets that change color in the light and dark to teach the interplay of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in a fun way to K16 students. After graduation, Sara joined the Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in Fall 2023 with Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Mr. Chavar Sinclair, is attending the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Georgia campus, beginning summer 2026. In 2014, Chavar graduated from UWG with a Biology major degree. He never gave up his dream of joining Medical School. We admire him for his perseverance and hardwork.
Miss Delight Okere graduated from UWG in spring 2025 with a Biology major and a Chemistry minor (summa cum laude and an Honors distinction). She has joined CenExel in July 2025 as a research assistant. CenExel specializes in Phase I to Phase IV complex clinical trials. CenExel’s specialty areas of research at their sites include Psychiatry, Acute Post Op Pain, Asian Bridging, Dermatology, GI, and Neurology. While working as a research assistant at CenExel, Delight is also pursuing a future profession in Medical Science.
Mr. Chavar Sinclair has been accepted at the Osteopathic Medical School and will be attending the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Georgia campus, beginning summer 2026. In 2014, Chavar graduated from UWG with a Biology major degree. He never gave up his dream of joining Medical School. We admire him for his perseverance and hardwork. Go Chavar.
Congratulations to our former undergraduate research student, Mr. Logan Chastain, a Biology major and a Psychology minor, who graduated from UWG in spring 2025 with summa cum laude and an Honors distinction. Logan has started his medical career in Fall 2026 as a DO student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) South Georgia. Logan worked in our research lab from 2023- 2025. He presented his research poster at the Georgia State Capitol and also at the Scholars’ Day in spring 2025. He is currently a co-author in a protocol publication in Protocols.io and his research work will be included in a peer-reviewed journal. Logan has agreed to share his career journey in spring 2027 with our current STEM students. Go Logan.
Mr. Kenneth Kim was a research student in my research lab and graduated from UWG with a BS in Biology in 2020. As an undergraduate research student at UWG, Kenneth received the prestigious Summer Undergraduate Research fellowship from the American Society of Plant Biologists to conduct research in my lab. After graduation (May 2020), he obtained his surgical tech license/cert. He got a job at Northside Hospital as a surgical tech. After 1 year, he was given an amazing opportunity at Johnson & Johnson as a medical tech consultant, where he worked for 2 years. In 2025, he is working as a surgical assistant/tech at the Emory Hospital in the cardiac and orthopedic unit.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse