Get to know some of the newest Ph.D. students at JAX

The Jackson Laboratory’s Cooperative Ph.D. Program provides training in mammalian genetics, neuroscience and genomic medicine through partnerships with degree-granting academic institutions: Tufts University School of Medicine, UConn Health and the University of Maine.

Through this unique training opportunity, students apply for admission into doctoral programs at one of our partner institutions, and follow their academic degree requirements, while performing research rotations and thesis research under the supervision of a JAX faculty member affiliated with the university program.

“Each year, we are fortunate to integrate new Ph.D. students into JAX through our Cooperative Ph.D. Program with partner institutions Tufts University School of Medicine, UConn Health, and the University of Maine. This year’s first cohort is particularly strong,” notes the JAX Director of Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Education Meredith Theeman, Ph.D. "The students are joining with significant research experience and academic success, which means that they can quickly dive into their coursework, take advantage of faculty expertise and leverage our rich ecosystem of scientific services."

Q&A with some of our newest Ph.D. Trainees

Lila Lyons

Before joining the Neuroscience & Neurogenetics track of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program at Tufts University, Lila Luna Lyons earned an undergraduate degree in Physics from the University of Connecticut.

Why did you choose the Neuro @ JAX Track Ph.D. program?

I chose the Tufts Neuro at Jax Ph.D. program to work with incredible faculty in a beautiful setting. JAX's growing interest in human-derived stem cell models, such as 2-dimensional neurons and cortical organoids, initially drew me to the program.

What are you most excited about?

I am excited to learn more about computational genetics and how machine learning can be used to advance our understanding of health and disease throughout my Ph.D. program.

Finish the sentence: “In 10 years, I want to…”

In 10 years, I want to be a positive force in the community and bring light to any situation.

Affan Shaikh

Affan Mohammed Shaikh earned a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Y.B. Chavan College of Pharmacy prior to entering the Biomedical Science Ph.D. program through the University of Maine Graduate School of Biomedical Science & Engineering.

Why did you choose the GSBSE @ JAX track Ph.D. program?

This Ph.D. program gave me the opportunity to pursue my scientific questions at one of the best mice genetics facilities in the world. The Jackson Laboratory had the perfect mix of labs that would lead to great collaborations for creating breakthroughs in my field.

What are you most excited about?

I look forward to connecting to the wide network of The Jackson Laboratory, which spans across America, connecting me to some of the most respected and impactful scientists in the field.

Finish the sentence: “In 10 years, I want to…”

In 10 years, I hope to be at the forefront of the battle to find cures to benefit mankind, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Xiyue Wang

Before joining the UConn Health Ph.D. program in Biomedical Science, Xiyue Wang earned an undergraduate degree in Clinical Medicine at Tongji University.

Why did you choose the Biomedical Science Ph.D. program at UConn Health?

The UConn Health Biomedical Science Ph.D. program in collaboration with JAX provides access to cutting-edge resources and expertise in genetics. Additionally, several labs within the program align closely with my research interests, making it an ideal fit for me.

What are you most excited about?

I'm excited to learn and apply new technologies to make novel discoveries, advancing our understanding of human biology and disease mechanisms.

Finish the sentence: “In 10 years, I want to…”
In 10 years, I want to contribute to medical science in a meaningful way.

Isha Walawalkar

Isha Walawalkar majored in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Boston University and earned an MPH prior to entering the UConn Health MD-PhD program.

Why did you choose the MD-PhD program at UConn Health?
I was drawn to this program due to the number of laboratories enthusiastic about exploring fundamental biological processes that remain understudied. Furthermore, the simultaneous emphasis on translational research is especially interesting to me as a future physician-scientist.

What are you most excited about?

I’m most excited about exploring my favorite topics in the fields of molecular biology and genomics under the mentorship of and in collaboration with scientific investigators who are pioneers in their respective areas of study.

Finish the sentence: “In 10 years, I want to…”
In 10 years, I want to combine my training in biomedical sciences, medicine and public health with my passion for community outreach to help develop strategies to reduce global health inequities.

Ali Burman

Before joining the Neuroscience & Neurogenetics track of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program at Tufts University School of Medicine, Ali Burman earned a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience, and an M.S. in Bioinformatics from Northeastern University.

Why did you choose the Neuro @ JAX Track Ph.D. program? 

I chose this program because of the amazing research in neuroscience and neurodegeneration being done at JAX, as well as the opportunities for new technologies and collaborative work.

What are you most excited about? 

I am excited to learn new techniques and collaborate with researchers and labs of different backgrounds during my graduate program.

 Finish the sentence: “In 10 years, I want to…” 

In 10 years, I want to be developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and making scientific research more accessible.

Tam Vo

Now a student in the Mammalian Genetics track of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Tufts University School of Medicine, Tam Vo earned an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University.

Why did you choose the Mammalian Genetics @ JAX Track Ph.D. program?

I want to understand how cancer cells become resistant to treatment utilizing genomics approaches and the available animal models, which I’ll be able to do through this program provided by Tufts University and The Jackson Laboratory.

What are you most excited about?

I am excited to learn about the most cutting-edge findings in cancer treatment and opportunities to collaborate with peers across different fields.

Finish the sentence: “In 10 years, I want to…”

In 10 years, I want to improve the treatment for cancer patients so that they can live longer with minimal side effects.

Joshua Lee

After double-majoring in Biological Science and Biochemistry at Rowan University, Joshua Lee joined the MD-PhD program at UConn Health.

Why did you choose the MD-PhD program at UConn Health?
I chose this program because of its strong integration with the UConn Health Hospital system. I have greater access to patient specimens and enhanced capabilities to research human diseases within an academic hospital setting.

What are you most excited about?
Earning my Ph.D. excites me most because it allows me to explore deep clinical partnerships in basic research. Through my work on endometriosis, I have the privilege of collaborating with exceptional physicians and physician-scientists who are dedicated to improving the lives of their patients. By earning my Ph.D., I am also excited to join a community of researchers who share a commitment to addressing the significant unmet need in women's health.

Finish the sentence: “In 10 years, I want to…”
In 10 years, I want to be continuing my clinical training in a research-oriented residency program.

Tuan Nguyen

Tuan Nguyen earned an M.Sc. from Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, and an M.D. from Hanoi Medical University before entering the Neuroscience & Neurogenetics track of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program at Tufts University School of Medicine.

Why did you choose the Neuro @JAX Track Ph.D. program?

I like studying the biology of neurological disorders, and my previous research experience was in genomics. This unique Ph.D. program focused on neurogenetics is a great fit for me.

What are you most excited about?

It is exciting to conduct rigorous science in an interdisciplinary environment while working towards my PhD.

Finish the sentence: “In 10 years, I want to…”

In 10 years, I want to fly around the world in business class! It would be even better if the travel is for sharing and promoting biomedical research.