Ying Ruan, M.S.

7/2007-10/2010, Dr. Alan Howe’s lab
Thesis Defense October 25, 2010

“Identification of 14-3-3 epsilon as a novel in vivo substrate”

Matthew Nystoriak, Ph.D.

7/2005-10/2010, Dr. George Wellman’s lab
Thesis Defense August 30, 2010

“Role of voltage-dependent calcium channels in subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced constriction of intracerebral arterioles”

Matt is currently a Postdoctoral Associate in the laboratory of Dr. Fernando Santana (http://web.mac.com/fernando_santana/Lab_website/Home.html) in the Department of Physiology & Biophysics at the University of Washington, following his Postdoctoral Associate position here in the laboratory of Dr. George Wellman in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Vermont.

Rachael Hannah, Ph.D. (Neuroscience)

9/2007-5/2010, Dr. Mark Nelson’s lab
Thesis Defense March 10, 2010

“Prominent influence of potassium channel activity on brain arteriolar diameter”
Rachael is currently an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Mark Nelson here in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Vermont. In January 2011, she will begin her Assistant Professor position in the Department of Biology at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, Presque Isle, ME.

Kara Held, Ph.D. (Cell & Molecular Biology)

9/2005-5/2010, Dr. Wolfgang Dostmann’s lab
Thesis Defense March 23, 2010

“Characterization of the spatiotemporal regulation of cyclic guanosine-3’,5’-monophosphate in vascular smooth muscle cells”

Kara is currently a Postdoctoral Associate in the laboratory of Dr. William Sessa (http://info.med.yale.edu/pharm/sessa/index.html) in the Department of Pharmacology at Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.

Bernhard Nausch, Ph.D.

1/2004-2/2010, Dr. Mark Nelson’s lab
Thesis Defense January 28, 2010

“Regulation of Urinary Bladder Smooth Muscle Function by Muscarinic Receptors and Ion Channels”

Bernhard is currently a Postdoctoral Associate in the laboratory of Dr. Gary Mawe in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology here at the University of Vermont.

Megan Doczi, Ph.D. (Neuroscience)

9/2004-11/2009, labs of Drs. Deborah Damon and Anthony Morielli
Thesis Defense November 11, 2009

“Subcellular distribution of a voltage-gated potassium channel: the effect of localization on channel function”

Megan is currently a Postdoctoral Associate in the laboratories of Drs. Cynthia Forehand and Rodney Parsons in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology here at the University of Vermont

Emilee Connors, Ph.D.

9/2003-9/2009, Dr. Anthony Morielli’s lab
Thesis Defense August 21, 2009

“Positive Trafficking Pathways of a Voltage Gated Potassium Channel”

Emily is currently a Postdoctoral Research fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Richard Lewis (http://iti.stanford.edu/profiles/Richard_Lewis) in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology at Stanford University, Stanford, CA.

Shiv Kumar Raidas, M.S (Cell & Molecular Biology Program)

9/2003-8/2008, Dr. Wolfgang Dostmann’s lab
Thesis Defense January 5, 2009

“The interactions of cGMP-dependent protein kinase with novel peptidic substrates and inhibitors”
Shiv is currently a Research Associate in Analytical Chemistry, Protein Chemistry Sciences, at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY.

Lee Stirling, M.S.(Cell & Molecular Biology Program)

Dr. Anthony Morielli’s lab
Thesis Defense (2009)

“Dual roles for RhoA/Rho-kinase in the regulation trafficking of a voltage-sensitive potassium channel”
Lee is currently a Client Relations Specialist in the Business Development & Outreach office of Laboratory Services at Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, VT.

Phani Gummadidala, M.S.

9/2004-1/2009, Dr. Karen Lounsbury’s lab
Thesis Defense January 30, 2009

“Role of nuclear factor κB in regulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and angiogenesis”
Phani is currently a lab research technician in the lab of Dr. Mercedes Rincon in the Department of Immunobiology here at the University of Vermont.

Jaclyn teRiele, M.S.

9/2003-3/2008, Dr. Deborah Damon’s lab
Thesis Defense March 24, 2008

“The contribution of artemin and ephrinA signaling to sympathetic vascular innervation”

Jackie is currently a Counselor in the North Country Science & Technology Entry Program at SUNY Potsdam, Potsdam, NY, and the Laboratory Manager for the Biology Department at St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY.

Sarah Hale, Ph.D. (Cell & Molecular Biology)

9/2002-4/2008, Dr. Karen Lounsbury’s lab
Thesis Defense February 15, 2008

“Effects of Erythropoietin and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 on Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α”

Sarah is currently a Research Associate in the laboratory of Dr. George Osol in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences here at the University of Vermont, following her Postdoctoral Associate position here in the laboratory of Dr. Karen Lounsbury in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Vermont.

Lydia Nausch, Ph.D.

9/2004-12/2007, Dr. Wolfgang Dostmann’s lab
Thesis Defense December 15th, 2007

“Novel insights into PKG activation and cGMP signaling in response to nitric oxide and atrial natriuretic peptide in vascular smooth muscle cells”

Lydia is currently an American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellow here in the laboratory of Dr. Mark Nelson in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Vermont.

Patricia Rose, Ph.D.

9/2001-6/2007, Dr. Karen Lounsbury’s lab
Thesis Defense August 27, 2007

“Gene Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle: Models of Hypertension and Angiotensin II Signaling”

Pat is currently an Assistant Professor in the Hofstra School of Medicine, Hempsted, NY, following her NIH Postdoctoral Fellow position here in the laboratory of Dr. Karen Lounsbury in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Vermont.

Jeff Layne, Ph.D.

9/2003-5/2007, Dr. Mark Nelson’s lab
Thesis Defense May 4, 2007

“The Role of the Transcription Factor NFAT in the Regulation of UBSM Contractility”

Jeff is currently a Senior Research Scientist at Phenomenex, Inc., Torrance, CA, following his NIH Postdoctoral Fellow position here in the laboratory of Dr. Mark Nelson in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Vermont.

Sharon Cawley, Ph.D. (Cell & Molecular Biology)

9/2001-5/2007, Dr. Wolfgang Dostmann’s lab
Thesis Defense March 5, 2007

“The Intracellular Dynamics of Guanosine-3’,5’-monophosphate (cGMP)in Vascular Smooth Muscle”

Sharon is currently a Research Fellow (http://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/profiles/profile/person/86238) in Medicine (EXT) in the Department of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Research at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.

Jonathan Markey, M.S.

9/2004-5/2006, Dr. Anthony Morielli’s lab
Thesis Defense August 16th, 2006

“Analysis of Kv1.2-cortactin interactions using FRET-based microscopy”

Jonathan is currently working for Dow Chemical as a Chemist II in the Coatings R&D unit. He is also an adjunct professor at Saginaw Valley State University, where he is teaching an Introductory biology lecture and lab course, as well as a senior level Biochemistry laboratory course.

Edmund Nesti, Ph.D.

9/2001-10/2006, Dr. Anthony Morielli’s lab
Thesis Defense August 14th, 2006

“Kv Channel Regulation Via Ubiquitin Dependent Endocytosis”

Edmund is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Gail Mandel (http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/research/centers-institutes/vollum/faculty/mandellab.cfm) in the Vollum Institute at the Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.

Christy Barlow, Ph.D. (Cell & Molecular Biology)

9/2002-5/2006, Dr. Karen Lounsbury’s lab
Thesis Defense August 2, 2006

“Role of Oxidant and Asbestos-induced CREB Activation in the Pathogenesis of Lung Disease”

Christy is currently a Postdoctoral Associate in the laboratory of Dr. Richard Anderson (http://molpharm.wisc.edu/people/faculty/anderson/anderson.html) in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.

Renee Pulver-Kaste, Ph.D.

9/2000-5/2005, Dr. Karen Lounsbury’s lab
Thesis Defense January 21st, 2005

“Calcium-Dependent Gene Modulation in Vascular Smooth Muscle”

Renee is currently a Clinical Scientist in the Virology and Immunology Clinical Research department at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Danbury, CT.

Carolyn Sawyer, Ph.D.

9/1998-5/2005, Dr. Wolfgang Dostmann’s lab
Thesis Defense May 13, 2005

“Construction of fret-based cGMP indicators and their use to reveal the spatial and temporal dynamics of cGMP in vascular smooth muscke cells”

Carolyn is currently Associate Director of Scientific Communications at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA.

Kristen Pavelock, Ph.D.

9/1996-6/2003, Dr. Victor May’s lab
Thesis Defense September 16, 2002

“Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Receptor Expression, Regulation and Function in Vascular and Neuronal Networks”

Kristen is currently a pharmacist at Shaw’s Osco, Colchester, VT.

JodiAnne (Hale) Wood, Ph.D.

9/1997-9/2001, Dr. John McCormack’s lab
Thesis Defense August 3, 2001

“Analytical and Pharmacokinetic Studies with Cytochlor and Tachpyr,
Two Novel Anti-Cancer Agents”

Jodi is currently a Senior Research Scientist in the Center for Drug Discovery at Northeastern University, Boston, MA.

Gerald Herrera, Ph.D. (Molecular Physiology and Biophysics)

9/1997-5/2001, Dr. Mark Nelson’s lab
Thesis Defense March 28, 2001

“Regulation of Urinary Bladder Smooth Muscle Function By Subcellular Calcium Signals and Calcium-Dependent Potassium Channels”

Gerry is currently the Vice President of Research and Development at Med Associates, Inc., St. Albans, VT, and is President of Catamount Research & Development, Inc., St. Albans, VT. In addition, he is an Adjunct Assistant Professor here in the Pharmacology Department at the University of Vermont.

Andrá Stevenson, Ph.D.

9/1997-5/2001, Dr. Mark Nelson’s lab
Thesis Defense April 10, 2001

“Dynamic Regulation of Calcium-Dependent Transcription Factors by Differential Calcium Signaling Modalities in Smooth Muscle”

Andrá is currently a Senior Research Scientist in Pharmacology at Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ.

Laura (Cartin) Jaggar, Ph.D.

2/1995-7/1998, Dr. Mark Nelson’s lab
Thesis Defense December 16, 1999

“Coupling of Ca2+ to CREB Activation and Gene Expression in Intact Cerebral Arteries from Mouse: Roles of Ryanodine Receptors and Voltage-Dependent Ca2+ Channels”

Laura is currently a Secondary School Science Teacher in Memphis, TN, after a Postdoctoral Associate position in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Tennessee, Memphis.

Lynne M. Robertson, Ph.D.

9/1994-6/1999, Dr. John McCormack’s lab
Thesis Defense June 10, 1999

“Development of a Monolithic Transdermal Drug Formulation”

Lynne is currently President of Gwen Ryan Solutions, LLC, Bridgewater, NJ, and a regulatory consultant at Novaquest.

David Hill-Eubanks, Ph.D.

2/1995-7/1998, Dr. Mark Nelson’s lab
Thesis Defense July 24, 1998

“Molecular Aspects of Adriamycin Action: Evidence for a Functionally Inducible Temperature-sensitive p53 Mutant in a Murine Lymphocytic Leukemia Cell Line”

David is currently a Research Assistant Professor here in the laboratory of Dr. Mark Nelson in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Vermont following his Postdoctoral Associate position here in Dr. Nelson’s lab.

PHARMACOLOGY ALUMNI/AE (1961-1997)

Kory Engelke, Ph.D.

11/1990-3/1997, Dr. Miles Hacker’s lab
Thesis Defense March 14, 1997

“Mechanistic Studies on a Novel Class of Anti-Cancer Agents: The Aza-Anthrapyrazoles

Kory is currently launching the Product Development and Consulting Services at AVANZA Laboratories, Gaithersburg, MD.

Kai-Ming Chou, Ph.D. (Cell & Molecular Biology)

1993-1997, Dr. Miles Hacker’s lab
Thesis Defense November 7, 1997

“Structural Studies on Drug-Target Interactions and Intracellular Distribution”

Kai-Ming is currently Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN.

Todd Rossignol, Ph.D. (Cell & Molecular Biology)
Thesis Defense September 5, 1997

“Modulation of Cloned K Channels by Muscarinic Receptors”

Laura Shostak , Ph.D.

9/1992-6/1997, Dr. John McCormack’s lab
Thesis Defense August 29, 1997

“Biochemical and Analytical Characteristics of Phosphorothioate Oligodeoxynucleotides”

Laura is currently a Regional Medical Scientist at GlaxoSmithKline, Rochester, NY.

Regent Laporte, Ph.D.

1989-1995, Dr. Ismail Laher’s lab
Thesis Defense July 10, 1997

“The Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Modulates Vascular Contraction Due to Calcium Influx”

Regent is currently Associate Director of In Vivo Pharmacology, Ferring Research Institute, Inc., San Diego, CA.