2008 Graduates
Mellisa Baralt : I attended Montclair State University, where I received my bachelor’s degree in biology in 2001. Once I received my B.S, I was introduced to the Bridges Program for minorities which allowed me to further my studies and receive a Master’s Degree from MSU and UMDNJ. Once in the Master’s Program, I began a rotation in the laboratory of Dr. Muriel Lambert. This rotation led to my interest in DNA damage and repair. I am currently working on my PhD thesis project in this lab. My work focuses on the interactions between some of the proteins involved in DNA repair pathways, in particular the Fanconi anemia pathway and its related proteins. I am also the President of the Graduate Student Association and am eager to work with incoming students. Please feel free to email me regarding any information that may be of assistance to you. Thank You and I look forward to hearing from you... Melissa
Pinky Kukreti is a Graduate Student in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. She graduated in 2000 from the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi, India with a major in Physics. During her studies, Pinky successfully carried out research on the topic of “Optical and structural characterization of In203 nanoparticles”. She elected to attend UMDNJ because of the vast variety of Ph.D. programs offered. Pinky is currently working in Dr. Mukund Modak’s lab where they are primarily focused on investigating molecular and structural events involved in the process of template-dependent DNA synthesis using E. coli DNA polymerase I as a model system. Pinky is working toward her Ph.D. with a goal of contributing to the field of bioengineering and bioinformatics technology.
“What I enjoy most is learning new techniques and teaching new students.”
Kenneth Wannemacher is a Graduate Student in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 2003 with a major in Medical Technology. While attending the University of Delaware Kenneth assisted in research on preventing tumor metastasis and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Kenneth chose to attend UMDNJ because of the diversity of ongoing research within the labs in the Department of Biochemistry. He is currently working towards his Ph.D. in Dr. Richard Howells’s lab to determine the molecular mechanisms responsible for opioid receptor up-regulation following chronic treatment with opioid receptor antagonist. His ultimate goal is to work for a pharmaceutical company to develop new drugs. Kenneth was the 2008 recipient of the Dr. S.C. Joseph Fu Endowed Scholarship.
“The diverse research interests within the department provide a multitude of resources to aid in the research process.”