Current Students
Arianna Daniel, PhD Candidate (4th Year)
Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group
adaniel11@ucmerced.edu
B.S. in Biology, minor in Psychology, Southern Oregon University 2021
Adeola Fagbayibo, PhD Candidate (3rd Year)
Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group
afagbayibo@ucmerced.edu
Project: My project is focused on understanding the interactions between the host microbiome and Coccidioides. We aim to investigate how these interactions influence the immune response and ultimately disease outcomes.
B.S in Microbiology and Immunology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria 2019
Jesica Calderon, PhD Student (2nd Year)
Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group
jcalderon27@ucmerced.edu
My name is Jesica Calderon and I am a Quantitative and Systems Biology graduate student at the University of California, Merced. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Global Disease Biology from the University of California, Davis. My research interests include understanding microbial communities and host-pathogen interactions as it relates to human health. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, going to concerts, and paddle boarding.
Alumni
Dr. Christi Turner
Current Position: Post-doctoral Fellow at City of Hope (Duarte, CA)
Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group
My research is focused on understanding how CXCR5+ CD8 T follicular cells shift their dynamics in response to systemic lupus erythematosus. We are interested in understanding their phenotypic expression in response to tolerance and dysfunction. A second part of my research is focused on better understanding CXCR5+ CD8 Tfc cells and other immune cell responses after checkpoint blockade therapy and how these cells might be leading to the development of immune related adverse events. Our hope is to unveil insightful mysteries that lead to better treatment outcomes for patients.
Fun fact: I truly enjoy the outdoors and am an avid “fisherwoman."
M.S. in Biomedical Science, Western University of Health Sciences 2016
B.S. in Biology, Oral Roberts University 2009
Dr. Nadia Delgadillo Miranda
Current Position: Scientist at Amgen
Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group
Project: I am investigating immunological memory and granuloma formation in Valley fever patients. Our goal is to understand the differences between acute and chronic patients after diagnosis.
Fun fact: I have a first-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and another black belt in Arnis. I also like to play video games with my lab mates in my spare time.
CSU San Marcos, Bachelor's of Science in Biotechnology 2019
Dr. Susana Tejeda-Garibay
Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group
Project: I study how the interface between the lung, Coccidioides, and the microbiome influences host innate and adaptive immune responses. Because of poor testing strategies 60-80% of patients are treated with antibiotics prior to accurate diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis. This potentially depletes bacteria with symbiotic relationships within the lung microenvironment and promotes susceptibility to invasion by Coccidioides. These findings could shape the way physicians assess prescription of antibiotics prior to fungal diagnosis.
Fun fact: I played soccer for 6 years and coached for 2.
B.S. in Human Biology, minor in Psychology, UC Merced 2019
Current Undergraduate Researchers
Vikram Senthil
Julia (Jay) Cornish
Maya Perez
Past: Undergraduate Researchers
Maria Pimentel
B.S. in Human Biology and Chemical Sciences (May 2024)