Home

CHEMISTRY-BIOLOGY INTERFACE TRAINING PROGRAM  

Recent Trainees and their Mentors (Departments)

Mariam Aghajan - Jing Huang (Medical & Molecular Pharmacology)

Mariam Aghajan is a second year graduate student in Jing Huang's lab in the department of Medical & Molecular Pharmacology. She was an undergraduate at UC Berkeley and graduated in 2004 in Molecular & Cell Biology. Her research entails using chemical genomics and proteomics to study the effects of Soraphen A, a small molecule, on adipogenesis. When not in the lab, she likes to watch movies, attend concerts, & explore LA.

Jason DeChancie - Kendall Houk (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Jason is currently working toward his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry under the direction of K.N. Houk. His research projects involve the use of state-of-the-art quantum mechanical methods to explore biological catalysis and receptor binding. Before coming to UCLA he earned his bachelors of science degree from the University of Pittsburgh (2003) in Chemistry. Jason carried out his undergraduate research at Duquesne University under Jeff Evanseck. There he developed his interest in computational chemistry and organic reaction mechanisms by studying asymmetric catalysis involving bis(oxazoline)-Cu(II) complexes. Jason loves watching Steeler football games, but if they are losing, he turns the TV off in protest (just for a few seconds). He also likes to run with his dog, Wilson.

Sam Hasson - Carla Koehler (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Sam Hasson is currently working towards a Ph.D. in Biochemistry under the mentorship of Dr. Carla Koehler. Using high-throughput chemical genetics, the aim is to identify and categorize novel proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. As a junior in high school, Sam made his start in bioscience research at the Vollum Institute (OHSU). While continuing work at OHSU in the summers, he attended Pitzer College (Claremont Colleges). After graduating with a B.A. in Molecular Biology, Sam completed a post-baccalaureate research fellowship at the NIH under Dr. Richard Maraia. To learn more, please visit his web page. In his free time, Sam enjoys Kendo (Japanese fencing), high power rocketry, and hanging out with friends. He is currently trying to get PADI-certified for scuba diving in the next year.

Christopher Henry - Ohyun Kwon (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Chris Henry is a 3rd year graduate student in Chemistry and Biochemistry, doing research in the lab of Ohyun Kwon. He received a bachelors degree with concentration in Chemistry and Biology from The College of William and Mary, where he performed undergraduate research with Robert J. Hinkle. Chris is currently investigating and developing new phosphine catalyzed reactions for the synthesis of biologically relevant molecules. When not in the lab, he enjoys playing cello, swimming and basketball.

Karina Heredia - Heather Maynard (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Karina Heredia is a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry in the laboratory of Heather Maynard. She received her B.S. in 2003 in Chemistry from Cal Poly Pomona. Her current research focuses on controlled radical polymerization to synthesize protein-polymer conjugate. In particular, she is developing a methodology to polymerize directly from protein-initiators to form the bioconjugates in situ. When not in the lab, Karina enjoys going to the beach, watching movies, and cooking.

Herman Lelie - Joan Valentine (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Herman Lelie is a graduate student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the lab of Joan Valentine. He was an undergraduate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he did bio-inorganic work with Catherine Drennan involving the enzyme Ribonucleotide Reductase. He is glad to be back in his native Southern California where his current work is proteomic investigations on the aggregates found in the spinal cords of mutant CuZn superoxide dismutase transgenic mice as it relates to the disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. When not working with spinal cords, he hangs out with his local human friends whose spinal cords he can leave alone.

Tracy Mitchell - James Bowie (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Tracy Mitchell is a graduate student in Chemistry and Biochemistry, doing research in the lab of Jim Bowie. She was an undergraduate at the University of San Diego. Her research involves the use of large protein tags to study folding and unfolding energetics in order to gain insight on how membrane proteins fold in their restricted lipid environment. When not in the lab, she loves wakeboarding, running, and making jewelry.

Jennifer Murphy - Michael Jung (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Jennifer Murphy is currently working towards her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry under Michael Jung. She obtained her B.S. in Chemistry at Santa Clara University in 2005. Her doctoral research involves the total synthesis of antitumor agent Dichlorolissoclimide, as well as developing a general synthetic route towards this class of dihalogenated terpenes. Her hobbies include traveling, snowboarding, wakeboarding, hiking, biking, tennis, and cooking.

Ramin Salehi-Rad - Michael E. Jung (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Ramin Salehi-Rad is a 4th year M.D./Ph.D. student conducting research in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry under Professor Michael E. Jung. He obtained his bachelors degree in Biochemistry from UCLA, where he conducted research with Robert W. Armstrong. His doctoral research involves total synthesis of cytotoxic reagents, Auripyrones A and B, via the Non-Aldol Aldol methodology. His hobbies include soccer, lobster diving, scuba diving, and traveling.

Kevin Sea - Joan Valentine (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Kevin Sea is a second year graduate student in Joan Valentine's lab in the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He was an undergraduate at Whitworth College in Spokane, WA and received his M.S. in Enology from UC Davis, after which he worked in the wine industry. He came to UCLA to pursue research sparked by his interest in yeast metabolism. His current work characterizes in yeast and humans the function of the intrasubunit disulfide bond in superoxide dismutase, a major antioxidant enzyme. When not in the lab, he enjoys bicycling, photography, walking the dog and drinking wine.

Adam Smith - Kendall Houk (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Adam Smith is an M.D./Ph.D. student currently doing research in the lab of Kendall Houk, in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His research involves the application of computational chemistry techniques to biochemical problems. Projects include determination of the active conformation of an antineoplastic agent, epothilone, and the modeling and design of enzyme active sites. Adam enjoys hiking, cooking, and creating the world's greatest music never heard on his computer.

Joann Um - Kendall Houk (Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Joann Um is working towards her Ph.D. under the direction of Ken Houk. She received her B.A. in Biochemistry at Columbia University, where she synthesized retinal analogs in Koji Nakanishi's research group. She received her M.S. in Chemistry at UC Berkeley, where she studied physiological iron chelation in Kenneth Raymond's group. In addition, Joann worked as a Process Chemist for Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ, and as a Medicinal Chemist for Genentech in South San Francisco. In her spare time, Joann likes to run, hike, and play piano.