I am a senior from Troy, Michigan, majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Public Health, currently on a pre-dental track. I’m actively involved in the Cardiolipin research group, where I focus on developing a novel tafazzin-deficient rat myoblast cell model. Outside of academics and research, I enjoy expressing my creativity through painting and staying active by lifting weights.
Brandon Opalewski
hk6740@wayne.edu
Mentor: Tyler Ralph-Epps
I am from Metamora, Michigan, and I am currently a third-year biological sciences major. In addition, I minor in global health and social medicine and focus on the pre-med track. In the lab, I am a part of the Cardiolipin (CL) research project, where I work to create a new model organism of CL deficiency.
Dania Jabbar
hk6575@wayne.edu
Mentor: Chisom Onu
I am a junior majoring in biology, with aspirations to pursue a PhD in the future. In the lab, my research explores the energy demands on cells caused by the overlap between glycolytic and inositol biosynthesis pathways under VPA treatment. Beyond science, I enjoy losing myself in a good book or recharging with yoga.
Kalon Boilore
hk8844@wayne.edu
Mentor: Mohamed Chakkour
I am from Owosso, Michigan, pursuing a double major in Biological Sciences and Neuroscience on the pre-med track, with plans to graduate in May 2025. In the lab, I am contributing to the inositol project, focusing on the role of energy metabolism in inositol synthesis. Outside of research, I work on campus as a resident advisor (RA) and part-time as an EMT.
Katelin Chau
hk3798@wayne.edu
Mentor: Mohamed Chakkour
I am from Clinton Township, MI, and am currently a biology junior at Wayne State University. I am on the pre-Physician Assistant (PA) track and work as a medical assistant in internal medicine. In the lab, I am part of the inositol research group, where my work examines the interaction between the inositol synthesis regulator, IP6K1, and phosphatidic acid (PA) in the plasma membrane.
Troy Kiet
hh6143@wayne.edu
Mentor: Michael Adu
I am from Huntington Beach, California, and I’m in my senior year as a Biological Sciences Major at Wayne State. I am seeking to graduate in the winter semester of 2025. I am part of the inositol research group in the lab, and I am particularly interested in understanding how inositol deprivation affects cellular processes.
Angelina Essa
Post Bacchelorate
angessa01@gmail.com
Mentor: Vikalp Kumar
I am from Clarkston, Michigan. I earned my bachelor’s in Human Biology from Michigan State University in 2023. Currently, I am exploring the role of cardiolipin, a mitochondrial membrane lipid, in myogenesis. When I’m not unraveling science mysteries, you’ll find me hitting the greens for a round of golf or vibing to my favorite tunes.
Resham Chawdhory
Work Study Student
hv6084@wayne.edu
I’m a freshman from Canton, Michigan, pursuing a double major in Public Health and Biological Sciences on the pre-med track. In the lab, I support graduate students by assisting with daily tasks and managing lab inventory to ensure smooth operations. Outside the lab, I work as a medical assistant and a swim instructor. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places and staying active through weightlifting.
