Ph.D. Students

Lujain Alaali
Advisor: Colleen Jackson-Cook, Ph.D.

Lujain Alaali
Advisor: Colleen Jackson-Cook, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. Genetics and Cell Biology, Washington State University, 2017;
M.S. Biotechnology/Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Technology, Johns Hopkins University, 2020
Year Entered: Fall 2023

Julia Altman
Advisor: J. Chuck Harrell, Ph.D.

Julia Altman
Advisor: J. Chuck Harrell, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, 2021
Year Entered: 2021

Victoria Ashton
Advisor: Colleen Jackson-Cook, Ph.D.

Victoria Ashton
Advisor: Colleen Jackson-Cook, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biology, University of Mary Washington, 2023
Year Entered: Fall 2023

Jessica Bell
Advisor: Not Assigned

Jessica Bell
Advisor: Not Assigned
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Neuroscience and Biology, Dickinson College, 2018
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Thomas Campbell
Advisor: Karolina Aberg, Ph.D.

Thomas Campbell
Advisor: Karolina Aberg, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, 2019; B.S. in Physics, St. John's University, 2016
Year Entered: Fall 2021

Jordan Chow
Advisor: Not Assigned

Jordan Chow
Advisor: Not Assigned
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Genetics, Minor in Psychology, Auburn University, 2024
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Saeed Farajzadeh Valilou
Advisor: Brien Riley, Ph.D.

Saeed Farajzadeh Valilou
Advisor: Brien Riley, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biology-Animal Sciences, University of Tabriz, 2015;
M.S. in Human Genetics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, 2018
Year Entered: Fall 2022

Ailen Garcia-Santillan
Advisor: Paula Bos, Ph.D.

Ailen Garcia-Santillan
Advisor: Paula Bos, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biotechnology, Minor in Statistics, James Madison University, 2018
Year Entered: Fall 2021

Alison Gaynor
Advisor: Nicholas Johnson, M.D.

Alison Gaynor
Advisor: Nicholas Johnson, M.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Public Health Science, University of Maryland, 2018
Year Entered: Fall 2020

Julia Hartman
Advisor: Nicholas Johnson, M.D.

Julia Hartman
Advisor: Nicholas Johnson, M.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 2019
Year Entered: Fall 2021 to MD/PhD program; Fall 2023 to HMG PhD Program

Nayyerehalsadat Hosseini
Advisor: Senthil Radhakrishnan, Ph.D.

Nayyerehalsadat Hosseini
Advisor: Senthil Radhakrishnan, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: M.S. in Genetics, Islamic Azade University, Mashhad Branch, 2018
Year Entered: Fall 2021

Ting-Xuan Lu
Advisor: Azeddine Atfi, Ph.D.

Ting-Xuan Lu
Advisor: Azeddine Atfi, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences, National Taiwan University, 2010;
M.S. in Pharmacology, National Taiwan University, 2016
Year Entered: Fall 2020

Natalie Luffman
Advisor: Hisashi Harada, Ph.D.

Natalie Luffman
Advisor: Hisashi Harada, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biology, College of William & Mary, 2022
Year Entered: Fall 2022

Alexandra Marrero Quiñones
Advisor: Nicholas Johnson, M.D.

Alexandra Marrero Quiñones
Advisor: Nicholas Johnson, M.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biology, Minor in Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013
Year Entered: Fall 2020

Mullins, Lanie
Advisor: Not Assigned

Mullins, Lanie
Advisor: Not Assigned
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, 2021; M.S.P.H. Genomics, University of South Florida, 2024
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Badí Quinteros E.
Advisor: Not Assigned

Badí Quinteros E.
Advisor: Not Assigned
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B. S. in Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology and B.S. in Bioinformatics, Brigham Young University, 2024
Year Entered: 2024

Walker Rogers
Advisor: Michael Miles, M.D., Ph.D.

Walker Rogers
Advisor: Michael Miles, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biology, Columbus State University, 2016
Year Entered: Fall 2020

Shanwei Shen
Advisor: Senthil Radhakrishnan, Ph.D.

Shanwei Shen
Advisor: Senthil Radhakrishnan, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: M.B. in Medicine, Wuhan University, 2006; M.S. in Molecular Medicine, Fudan University, 2009
Year Entered: Fall 2020

Madhurbain Singh
Advisor: Mike Neale, Ph.D. and Roseann Peterson, Ph.D.

Madhurbain Singh
Advisor: Mike Neale, Ph.D. and Roseann Peterson, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, 2013; Master of International Social and Health Policy, Oslo Metropolitan University, 2021
Year Entered: Fall 2021

Ian Sisto
Advisor: Not Assigned

Ian Sisto
Advisor: Not Assigned
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Molecular & Cellular Biology, with a minor in Russian Language, Stetson University, 2023; Post Bachelors research in the PREP program, University of South Carolina
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Zachary Tatom
Advisor: Michael Miles, M.D., Ph.D.

Zachary Tatom
Advisor: Michael Miles, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Microbiology & Public Health, Auburn University Montgomery, 2014
Year Entered: Fall 2019

Philip Vinh
Advisor: Michael Neale, Ph.D.

Philip Vinh
Advisor: Michael Neale, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. Chemistry and B.S. Biology, University of Connecticut, 2020
Year Entered: Fall 2020

Carson Walker
Advisor: J. Chuck Harrell, Ph.D.

Carson Walker
Advisor: J. Chuck Harrell, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology, Brigham Young University, 2020
Year Entered: Fall 2022

Madison Ward
Advisor: Senthil Radhakrishnan, Ph.D.

Madison Ward
Advisor: Senthil Radhakrishnan, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.A. in Biology and Spanish, Randolph-Macon, 2018; M.S. in Biology, James Madison University, 2020
Year Entered: Fall 2020
M.S. in Human Genetics Students

Pranjal Amin
Advisor: Not Assigned

Pranjal Amin
Advisor: Not Assigned
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Genetics, 2020, M.S. in Molecular Medicine, 2023
Entry: Fall 2024

Mahshid Arastonejad
Advisor: Hamid I. Akbarali, Ph.D.

Mahshid Arastonejad
Advisor: Hamid I. Akbarali, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: MEng in Electronic and Communication Engineering, University of Birmingham, 2010
Year Entered: Spring 2022

Gillian Fanning
Advisor: Scott A. Turner, Ph.D.

Gillian Fanning
Advisor: Scott A. Turner, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
B.S. in Bioinformatics: Genomics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2023
Year Entered: Fall 2023

Jensen Goulette
Advisor: Not Assigned

Jensen Goulette
Advisor: Not Assigned
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biology, Minor in Chemistry and Sociology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2023; Graduate Certificate in Clinical Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2024
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Emile Kachouh
Advisor: Zheng Fu, Ph.D.

Emile Kachouh
Advisor: Zheng Fu, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Education, American University Beirut, 2022
Year Entered: Fall 2022

Allison Molen
Advisor: Not Assigned

Allison Molen
Advisor: Not Assigned
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biochemistry, Minor in Chemistry, Minor in Interdisciplinary Engineering and Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 2016
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Bria Pierre
Advisor: Christopher D. Green, Ph.D.

Bria Pierre
Advisor: Christopher D. Green, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Bioinformatics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2023
Year Entered: Fall 2023

Stephen Vieno
Advisor: Brien P. Riley, Ph.D.

Stephen Vieno
Advisor: Brien P. Riley, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: Bachelor of Medicine (MB) of Surgery (BCh) and of Obstetrics (BAO), University of Galway, School of Medicine, 2022
Year Entered: Fall 2023
M.S. in Genetic Counseling
Second-Year Students

Nichole Alley
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Nichole Alley
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
B.S. in Diagnostic Genetic Sciences, University of Connecticut, 2022
Year Entered: Fall 2023

Journey Bly
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Journey Bly
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.A. in Anthropology, Minor in Integrative Human Biology, University of Utah, 2019
Year Entered: Fall 2023

Holly Byers
Advisor: Senthil Radhakrishnan, Ph.D.

Holly Byers
Advisor: Senthil Radhakrishnan, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biology, Minor in Psychology, Virginia Tech, 2014; M.A. in Science Education, Duke University, 2015;
Year Entered: Fall 2019

Elaine Conrad
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Elaine Conrad
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: M.S. in Clinical Research Management, Wake Forest University 2022;
B.S. in Biochemistry, B.A. in Chemistry, Minor in Music, Salem College, 2020
Year Entered: Fall 2023

Maya Derhake
Advisor: Lisa Shah, Ph.D., R.N.

Maya Derhake
Advisor: Lisa Shah, Ph.D., R.N.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biochemistry, Minor in Spanish, University of Missouri, 2022
Year Entered: Fall 2023

Margaret Fergusson
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Margaret Fergusson
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.A. in Biology, Minor in French, University of Virginia, 2021
Year Entered: Fall 2023

Elizabeth Gage
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Elizabeth Gage
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biology, James Madison University, 2021
Year Entered: Fall 2023

Rachel Hendricks
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Rachel Hendricks
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S in Biology, Minor in Data Science, Davidson College, 2021
Year Entered: 2023

Sage Hooten
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Sage Hooten
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Genetics, minor in Spanish, University of Georgia, 2020
Year Entered: Fall 2023

Shelby May
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Shelby May
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Neuroscience, West Virginia University, 2021
Year Entered: Fall 2023

Gufran Mohed
Advisor: Lisa Shah, Ph.D., R.N.

Gufran Mohed
Advisor: Lisa Shah, Ph.D., R.N.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences and B.S. in Psychology, Virginia Tech, 2019
Year entered: Fall 2023

Hope Wolf
Advisor: Timothy York, Ph.D.

Hope Wolf
Advisor: Timothy York, Ph.D.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry Track, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2014
Year Entered: Fall 2017
M.S. in Genetic Counseling
First-Year Students

Katie Bushing
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Katie Bushing
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biology, B.A. in Public Health, Hollins University, 2022
Year Entered: 2024

LeeAnn Dempsey
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

LeeAnn Dempsey
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biology and Health Studies, University of Richmond, 2022
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Keith Dickerson
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Keith Dickerson
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: A.S. in Science, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, 2018; B.S. in Biology, Minor in Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2020; Graduate Certificate in Clinical Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2023
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Morgan Klein
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Morgan Klein
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biology, Minor in Science Communication, The University of Texas at Austin, 2022
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Alyssa Knudson
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Alyssa Knudson
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.A. in Biology and Molecular Biology, Coe College, 2019
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Shelby Millar Flores
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Shelby Millar Flores
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S.A. in Biology, Minor in History, University of Texas at Austin, 2020
Year entered: 2024

Yesenia Pineda Reyes
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Yesenia Pineda Reyes
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Genetics, Minor in Psychology, North Carolina State University, 2021
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Katie Tanner
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Katie Tanner
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.A. in Biology, Randolph-Macon College, 2021
Year entered: 2024

Alanna Varca Gentile
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Alanna Varca Gentile
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. Psychology, Minor in Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2021; Certificate in Clinical Genetics, VCU, 2024
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Sophia Viola
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.

Sophia Viola
Advisor: Tahnee Causey, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Genetics and Biochemistry, Michigan State University, 2019; M.P.H. in Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, 2022
Year Entered: 2024
Certificate in Clinical Genetics Students

Josie Buhrow
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S. C.G.C.

Josie Buhrow
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S. C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Health Sciences with a concentration in Pre-Physician Assistant Studies, James Madison University, 2021
Year entered: Fall 2024

Annemarie Dickens
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.

Annemarie Dickens
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Chemistry, Virginia State University, 2023
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Ayden Heitmann
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.

Ayden Heitmann
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Biology, Minor in Chemistry and Exercise Science, Lyon College, 2024
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Luke Howard
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.

Luke Howard
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Genetics, Minor in Statistics, University of Georgia, 2023
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Hannah Marcin
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.

Hannah Marcin
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: BA in Biology, Minors in Psychology and Chinese Language, Wittenberg University, 2024
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Amanda Murphy
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.

Amanda Murphy
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Psychology, Old Dominion University, 2024
Year entered: Fall 2024

Evan Niehoff
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.

Evan Niehoff
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: B.S. in Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT) with a concentration in Applied Biotechnology, James Madison University, 2024
Year Entered: Fall 2024

Alexzane Taylor
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.

Alexzane Taylor
Advisor: Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C.
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Education: A.S. in General Studies with a Science Specialization, John Tyler Community College (Brightpoint Community College), 2018; B.S. in Biology, Minors in Psychology & Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2021
Year Entered: Fall 2022