Our Students & Trainees

“My love for genomic stability and DNA damage was born in Dr. Surtees’ lab. Working alongside her and other talented graduate students enabled me to find my niche and dig deeper into the research topic.”

Jumana Badar, MS ’18
Genetics, genomics and bioinformatics

Learn more about our students and trainees: their studies, their aspirations and what they appreciate about the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

“Collaboration here is great. There is so much that people are working on that they can offer insight with a different viewpoint.”
9/28/21
Alexandra Ruth Glathar
Doctoral student in biochemistry
“When interviewing for residency programs, I was looking for a place that felt like home. When interviewing with University at Buffalo, the staff and residents were so welcoming and seemed genuinely happy!”
12/8/22
Alicia Ryan
Pediatrics residency trainee
“Embarking on this master's program has provided me with the opportunity to pursue advanced studies in the biomedical field. It is equipping me and broadening my knowledge to become a remarkable future medical scientist. ”
5/2/24
Andrea Botchway, current student
“We’re merging the general knowledge of biology and biochemistry with engineering and artificial intelligence to study disease in a whole new way for the future of medicine.”
4/23/21
Briana Santo
Doctoral student in computational cell biology, anatomy and pathology
“The work I have completed and skill set I have learned in Dr. Estrada’s lab are perfect to pursue a career at a pharmaceutical company since it is focused on understanding the molecular basis by which a major family of drug metabolizing enzymes works.”
5/13/22
Chris Campomizzi
Doctoral student in biochemistry
Dr. Parker has a smaller research group and this fit well with my personality. His enthusiasm for his work really led me to seek a position in his lab.
11/5/24
Clayton Brady
MD-PhD student
“The Jacobs School has an amazing variety of student-run programs that are active in improving the health of Western New Yorkers. The community involvement here is second to none.”
6/7/22
Cody Kelso, MD ’22
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
The opportunity to work with exceptional mentors in an innovative research environment and gain clinical experience within Buffalo’s diverse hospital system attracted me to UB’s MD-PhD program.
11/5/24
Elliot Kramer
MD-PhD student
“The training you receive as a graduate student in microbiology and immunology is vigorous and sets you up to be a great scientist.”
4/23/21
Essi Tchalla
Doctoral student in microbiology and immunology
“It’s nice to be able to reach out to people in other labs. It’s great to get their help and bounce ideas off them.”
11/12/21
Garrett Sheehan
Doctoral candidate in the neuroscience program
“While here, I’ve learned a variety of applicable techniques, collaborated with scientists from a range of disciplines, and developed my ability to think critically about research questions.”
1/27/22
Haley Victoria Parker
Trainee in the doctoral program in biochemistry
“The things we can do with bioinformatics are unimaginable. We can use genomic sequences to find cures for diseases and improve agriculture for everyone’s benefit.”
3/8/22
Hasiba Asma
Doctoral candidate in genetics, genomics and bioinformatics
“The Jacobs School neuroscience program really has a perfect balance of research and a group of faculty within the program that will support you, drive you and encourage your research.”
11/22/21
Hope Nyarady
Master’s student in neuroscience
“During my time at the Jacobs School, I have learned what it means to be an independent scientist and have learned to ask questions to help me better understand what I’m doing.”
8/19/21
Isabella Lydia Ann Schember
Doctoral student in biochemistry
“When everyone is on your side and you’re on theirs, this environment is one you can thrive in.”
11/10/21
Jamal B. Williams
Doctoral student in neuroscience
“What’s more human than the human mind, in combination with the body? I thought that psychiatry was the perfect area of medicine that represents humanity.”
9/28/22
James Thompson, MD
Psychiatry residency trainee
Dr. Read’s RNA project made me decide to come to UB. She has been preparing me for the next step of establishing my own research program and I am grateful for her support and genuine mentorship.
4/23/21
Joseph Terrell Smith Jr., PhD
Postdoctoral fellow in microbiology and immunology
“The diversity of research and all the opportunities I’d have stood out to me with the Jacobs School.”
4/23/21
Katherine Sortino
Doctoral student in microbiology and immunology
“The opportunity to spend time with and learn from patients at some of their most vulnerable times is a true privilege.”
4/23/21
Kevin Intrieri, MD ’22
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
“The major draw for me was the incredible variety of research performed here, and the opportunities to explore and learn about different but similar fields such as bioinformatics.”
9/3/21
Luke Andrew Graser
Student in BS/MS dual degree program in pharmacology and toxicology
“The NSIM program has served as the perfect bridge between college and applying to medical school. During my time as a student in this program, I have grown so much – both academically and personally. Additionally, I have made lifelong friends in Buffalo who I will forever cherish. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to improve their understanding of natural sciences prior to applying to medical school. ”
5/2/24
Mackenzie Steen, current student
“UB taught me to look past the educational setting and learn what I need to do to become a better professional and independent researcher.”
4/23/21
Mohamed Sharif
Doctoral candidate in biochemistry
“The Jacobs School has given me the platform to hone my skills and improve my knowledge to become a better researcher. Participating in various conferences has given me public experience, which has made me a confident lady.”
12/8/22
Sana Qayum
Trainee in master’s in pharmacology and toxicology program
“I really enjoy the collaborative atmosphere, especially when you’re trying to solve a problem.”
12/8/22
Shirley Xu
Doctoral student in pharmacology and toxicology
“The Jacobs School has been a great fit for me. It’s been a great learning experience.”
4/23/21
Steven A. Lewis
Doctoral student in computational cell biology, anatomy and pathology
“My mentor has really helped me increase my scientific skills across a broad spectrum. He’s helped me become a better presenter and a better scientist.”
4/23/21
Taylor Glausen
Doctoral student in microbiology and immunology
The students and faculty in the MD-PhD program are very supportive of each other.
11/5/24
Yuhao (Tom) Shi
MD-PhD student