Meaghan Jankowski is a former Lab Technician for the Hurley Lab, now pursuing a PhD in Biology at RPI with the support of an NIH Training Fellowship. Originally trained in Canada, she completed a Bachelor of Science at Mount Allison University and a Master of Science at Dalhousie University, studying whale social networks. Here at RPI, she is now focused on how the circadian clock regulates the cellular output of the model organism, Neurospora crassa. Meaghan enjoys collaborating with other Hurley Lab members, as well as with scientists at Dartmouth College and the Pacific Northwest National Labs, as they pursue new ways of analyzing multi-omics data to better understand clock regulation.
Gretchen Clark is a Ph.D. candidate in the Hurley Lab. Her work focuses on investigating the link between circadian regulation and disruption of the immune system and Alzheimer’s disease. She is supported by RPI’s NIH-NIA training program in Alzheimer’s Disease research. Prior to attending RPI, she received her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of North Texas. There, she studied the synergistic antibacterial effect of high intensity blue light and hydrogen peroxide, and was awarded the Davidson Honors Scholar award for outstanding research in the physical sciences. Outside of the lab, Gretchen enjoys hiking, planning parties, and watching RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Iswarya Muthukumarasamy is a Ph.D. candidate in the Hurley Lab. She joined RPI in January 2019 to pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering. She earned her bachelor’s in chemical engineering from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. Her undergraduate research focused on utilization of ceramic membranes to remove dye particles from textile industry waste effluents. During the later phase of her undergraduate, her focus shifted towards the field of biotechnology, which led her to be a part of my institute’s iGEM team where they worked on engineering E. coli to help reduce odor in public urinals. At RPI, her research is focused on understanding the influence of the circadian clock on the activation of NADPH oxidase enzyme in microglial cells. This might shed some light on the influence of immune cell response in the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Carmalena Cordi is a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology as a member of the Hurley lab. Her research focuses on exploring the relationship between circadian regulation, the immune system, and Alzheimer’s disease. Before attending RPI, she earned her A.S. in Biology from Hudson Valley Community College then transferred to the University at Albany where she graduated with a B.S. in Biology. There, she worked to characterize the angiocrine factor profile in salivary gland regeneration and was awarded the Sorrell Chesin Award for impactful research. In her spare time, Carm enjoys drift cars, video games, and horror movies.
Lucas Sutton is a graduate student in the Hurley lab pursuing a PhD in Biology. During his undergraduate program at the State University of New York at Geneseo, he earned a BS in Biology and a minor in Economics. Lucas was awarded the Edward Pettinella '73 Endowed Ambassadorship in Business to support researching a biological control for schistosomiasis at the University of Ghana, Legon. While attending Geneseo, he was a member of the varsity Cross Country and Track and Field programs, earning a spot in the SUNYAC Cross Country hall of fame. While at Rensselaer, he is interested in studying helicase characteristics in FRH. Lucas enjoys running, cycling, and watching Star Wars in his free time.
Sharleen Buel, formerly a lab technician in the Hurley Lab, is now pursuing a PhD in Biology at RPI. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY and worked as a research technician at SUNY Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University before coming to work at RPI. She is interested not only in how macrophages respond to antigens over the course of the circadian day, but also how differences in sex (female vs. male) affect macrophage circadian activities. Outside of the lab, she enjoys baking elaborate cakes, creating science-themed art, and knitting stuffed animals for her two children.
Noah Allen is a graduate student pursing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and is co-advised by Dr. Jennifer Hurley and Dr. Elizabeth Blaber. He attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts, graduating with a degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Physics. An interest in biology and engineering lead him to RPI in the fall of 2020. His studies at RPI are supported by the NIH-NIGMS Biomolecular Science and Engineering Training fellowship. Noah’s research focuses on understanding how spaceflight risk factors such as microgravity, radiation, and circadian disruption induce liver injury. Outside of the lab Noah enjoys spending time in the Adirondack’s where he hikes and camps in the summer and skis in the winter.
Joshua Chuah is a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Stony Brook University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and Applied Mathematics. He is currently supported by the NIA Training Grant in Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical and Translational Research, where he is co-advised by Dr. Juergen Hahn and Dr. Hurley. At RPI, he is studying methods to validate the robustness of biomarkers and applying these techniques to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Outside of the lab, Josh enjoys long walks on the beach and anything food related.
Sowmya Srinivasan is an undergraduate student studying Computational Biology. She began working in Dr. Hurley’s lab in 2020 and specializes in analyzing the circadian clock protein FREQUENCY utilizing various computational methods. In her free time, Sowmya plays flute as part of the Symphonic Band at RPI, is trained in classical piano, and enjoys playing intramural volleyball. She hopes to pursue graduate work in the field of epigenetics or epidemiology.
Steven Hepensteil is an undergraduate student majoring in biology. Steven hopes to pursue a higher degree at either graduate or medical school with the ultimate goal to conduct research of his own. Steven is eager to explore what a long-term career related to research could look like for him as he continues his undergraduate studies. Outside the classroom Steven enjoys playing golf and is a member of the RPI club ice hockey team.
Ava Herzog is an undergraduate student in the Accelerated Physician-Scientist (BS/MD) Program. She joined the Hurley Lab in the fall of 2021 and is exploring the involvement of Alzheimer’s pathology and immune responses with the circadian clock. Ava is a part of RPI’s Women’s Mentoring program, Indian Student Association, Greek Life, and loves to volunteer at local hospitals and organizations.
Meghana Lanka is an undergraduate student in the Physician-Scientist Program. She joined the Hurley Lab in the fall of 2022 and is investigating the interactions between Alzheimer's disease, circadian rhythms and immune responses. Outside of lab, Meghana is involved in RPI Rudras, Pi Beta Phi Sorority, and Indian Student Association.
