The Department of Cellular Biology proudly honors the exceptional achievements of our graduating Ph.D. and master's students. Through their innovation, ambition, and creativity, these scholars have advanced our understanding of cellular and molecular systems. Their work exemplifies the intellectual excellence and collaborative spirit that define our department, and we are excited to see the impact they will make as they move forward as tomorrow’s leaders in scientific discovery. Let’s dive into each of their research, specialties, and future plans. Katie Moen (Ph.D.) Pictured: Moen and image of protein she researched. Moen conducted her research in the Moreno Lab, where she investigated the roles of ER redox enzymes in Toxoplasma gondii. Her work focused on how these enzymes contribute to the proper folding and processing of secretory proteins and how redox balance in the ER is coordinated with calcium signaling. By identifying key players in this cross-talk, Moen’s research sheds light on fundamental processes essential for parasite survival and pathogenicity. Her dissertation work has been submitted to mBio and is available on bioRxiv. She plans to continue exploring calcium signaling in parasitic organisms. Melissa Inal (Ph.D.) Pictured: Inal and neurons she researched. Inal carried out her doctoral research in the Kamiyama Lab, studying how neurons identify and select their correct synaptic partners during development. Using Drosophila embryos as a model, she focused on the role of filopodia-thin, actin-rich cellular projections-at the neuromuscular junction. She developed and optimized super-resolution imaging tools to capture filopodial dynamics and early synaptic contacts in vivo, which has led to three publications. Her findings revealed that even brief contacts with non-target cells play a role in shaping neural circuits, challenging the assumption that filopodia behave randomly. Melissa is interested in building new imaging and genetic tools to further investigate filopodia across diverse developmental systems. Chinkyu Lee (Ph.D.) Pictured: Lee and intracellular pattern formation he researched. Lee performed his research in the Gaertig lab, studying intracellular pattern formation in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. His goal was to understand how organelle number and positioning are controlled along cell polarity axes. He identified CdaH, an ortholog of the Fused/Stk36 kinase, as a key player in anterior-posterior patterning, with mutants showing shifted oral apparatus and division defects. His work suggests CdaH performs multiple functions depending on its location in the cell. He further showed that Hpol guides left-right patterning and acts as a barrier to ensure proper placement of oral structures. Lee's research provides insights into the spatial organization of organelles in single cells. Lee will join Yonsei University, South Korea, as a postdoctorate to work on the alignment of the cells constituting blood vessels. Poulomi Das (Ph.D.) Pictured: Das and vivo imaging of PKD2 she analyzed. Das completed her doctoral research in the Lechtreck lab, studying targeting of PKD2 channel complexes in Chlamydomonas cilia. Using in vivo imaging, BioID, and CRISPR-Cas9, she identified four novel PKD2 binding proteins: SIP, MST3, PPI, and PLPL While SIP is required for the assembly of all ciliary PKD2 complexes, MST3 and PPI direct PKD2 to the distal and proximal cilium, respectively. Her work provides new insights how transmembrane proteins are targeted to specific subciliary regions and reveals that both Chlamydomonas and metazoan PKD2 partner with PKD2-like proteins possessing extensive ectodomains. Das's passion for science was inspired by childhood stories of scientists and a lifelong curiosity about how life works. Riddhi Roy (M.S.) Pictured: Roy and Drosophila embryo she analyzed. Roy completed her Master’s in Cellular Biology at UGA, conducting research under Drs. Kamiyama and Avraham. Coming from a Forensic Science background, she quickly adapted and mastered challenging techniques like dissecting Drosophila embryos during late embryogenesis, which requires precision and patience. Through phenotypic analysis of mutants, she identified two genes responsible for dendrite formation, marketing an important milestone in her research and contributing to the understanding of neural development. Roy plans to continue her career in research and development in academia or industry. Congratulations to our graduates! Your ambition, creativity, and curiosity have shaped an inspiring journey, and we’re proud of all you’ve accomplished. We believe in your success and wish you the best moving forward. Type of News/Audience: Alumni Graduate students Undergraduate students Faculty Staff
