Dr. Anna Duell
PhD, Portland State University
I earned my B.A in Biochemistry with a minor in Psychology from Willamette University. For my undergraduate thesis project, I synthesized compounds for cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel regulation, with the goal of developing a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. I also completed an internship at Legacy Research Institute and Oregon Health & Science University where I worked on developing a functional bionic artificial pancreas system for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. I earned my Ph.D. in Chemistry from Portland State University. My doctoral research primarily involved the systematic characterization of the thermal degradation chemistry of “e-liquids” in electronic cigarettes, largely by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. While at Portland State University, I also managed the NMR Spectrometer Facility for ~4.5 years. My interest in using chemistry/biochemistry to explore and solve public health-related problems led me to join the Cohen Laboratory.
PhD, Portland State University
I earned my B.A in Biochemistry with a minor in Psychology from Willamette University. For my undergraduate thesis project, I synthesized compounds for cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel regulation, with the goal of developing a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. I also completed an internship at Legacy Research Institute and Oregon Health & Science University where I worked on developing a functional bionic artificial pancreas system for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. I earned my Ph.D. in Chemistry from Portland State University. My doctoral research primarily involved the systematic characterization of the thermal degradation chemistry of “e-liquids” in electronic cigarettes, largely by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. While at Portland State University, I also managed the NMR Spectrometer Facility for ~4.5 years. My interest in using chemistry/biochemistry to explore and solve public health-related problems led me to join the Cohen Laboratory.
Dr. Sunil Sundalam
PhD, Portland State University
I pursued my Bachelors in Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Chemistry from Govt. City College in Hyderabad, India. As I explored these subjects, I found myself drawn more towards chemistry and I decided to pursue this interest through a Masters in Science from NIT Warangal, where I specialized in Organic Chemistry. During my Masters, I had the opportunity to work on a project to synthesize Pyrazolone derivatives which helped me discover my passion for research and laid the foundation for my interest in synthetic Organic Chemistry. Following my Masters, I gained experience in industry working with large-scale manufacturing processes at Asian Paints Ltd.
My interest in research motivated me to apply to PhD programs and I joined the doctoral program in the Department of Chemistry at Portland State University in 2012 under the mentorship of Dr. David Stuart. During this time, I had the pleasure of teaching and managing undergraduate Organic Chemistry labs. My PhD research was focused on developing new arylation reactions using Diaryliodonium salts under metal-free conditions. I found the process of discovering and developing new chemical transformations and making new molecules to be very rewarding. With my doctorate in hand I continued my journey as a post-doc in Dr. Cohen’s lab at OHSU, where I have been working on the synthesis of NAD+ analogs. Once the synthesis is achieved, I am hoping to expand my skill set in Chemical Biology to test the activity of these analogues towards PARPs. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in R&D in a pharmaceutical or chemical industry.
Besides chemistry, I enjoy playing Badminton and Violin, going Hiking, dancing and socializing with my friends.
PhD, Portland State University
I pursued my Bachelors in Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Chemistry from Govt. City College in Hyderabad, India. As I explored these subjects, I found myself drawn more towards chemistry and I decided to pursue this interest through a Masters in Science from NIT Warangal, where I specialized in Organic Chemistry. During my Masters, I had the opportunity to work on a project to synthesize Pyrazolone derivatives which helped me discover my passion for research and laid the foundation for my interest in synthetic Organic Chemistry. Following my Masters, I gained experience in industry working with large-scale manufacturing processes at Asian Paints Ltd.
My interest in research motivated me to apply to PhD programs and I joined the doctoral program in the Department of Chemistry at Portland State University in 2012 under the mentorship of Dr. David Stuart. During this time, I had the pleasure of teaching and managing undergraduate Organic Chemistry labs. My PhD research was focused on developing new arylation reactions using Diaryliodonium salts under metal-free conditions. I found the process of discovering and developing new chemical transformations and making new molecules to be very rewarding. With my doctorate in hand I continued my journey as a post-doc in Dr. Cohen’s lab at OHSU, where I have been working on the synthesis of NAD+ analogs. Once the synthesis is achieved, I am hoping to expand my skill set in Chemical Biology to test the activity of these analogues towards PARPs. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in R&D in a pharmaceutical or chemical industry.
Besides chemistry, I enjoy playing Badminton and Violin, going Hiking, dancing and socializing with my friends.
Daniel Sanderson
B.S., California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
I received my B.S. in Biochemistry from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in 2018. During my time at Cal Poly, I pursued research under the advisement of Dr. Javin Oza. In the Oza Lab, I worked toward the incorporation of Non Canonical Amino Acid to study phosphorylation effects on various proteins. Experience in the Oza Lab ultimately led to my interest in pursuing graduate education. In April of 2019, I joined the Cohen lab. My projects are currently focused on study the dynamics of ADP-ribosylation and understanding the roles PARP auxiliary domains play in the enzymes functions. During my time in the Cohen Lab, I aim to expand my skills in cell biology and chemistry. Outside of research, I am passionate about mentorship and after graduate school I aim to continue my career in academia.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, exploring Portland’s food and outdoors, and trying not to kill my house plants.
B.S., California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
I received my B.S. in Biochemistry from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in 2018. During my time at Cal Poly, I pursued research under the advisement of Dr. Javin Oza. In the Oza Lab, I worked toward the incorporation of Non Canonical Amino Acid to study phosphorylation effects on various proteins. Experience in the Oza Lab ultimately led to my interest in pursuing graduate education. In April of 2019, I joined the Cohen lab. My projects are currently focused on study the dynamics of ADP-ribosylation and understanding the roles PARP auxiliary domains play in the enzymes functions. During my time in the Cohen Lab, I aim to expand my skills in cell biology and chemistry. Outside of research, I am passionate about mentorship and after graduate school I aim to continue my career in academia.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, exploring Portland’s food and outdoors, and trying not to kill my house plants.
Daniel Bejan
B.S. Biology, Minor in Chemistry, Washington State University
I received my BS in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry from Washington State University Vancouver in 2017. I became fascinated with chemistry after teaching organic chemistry workshops as an undergraduate, which led me to a research project synthesizing derivatives of 4-hydroxycomairn for crystal structure analysis with Dr. Edward Valente, Professor of Chemistry at University of Portland. After graduating, I worked as a research assistant for PDX Pharmaceuticals Inc., synthesizing nanoparticle-based therapeutics and evaluating them in cells and mouse models of cancer. Gaining experience in chemical synthesis and translational research motivated me apply for graduate school at OHSU. In April of 2020 I joined the Cohen lab, where I focus on synthesizing chemical tools to elucidate the roles of specific PARP family members. I hope to expand my training in chemistry and molecular biology to pursue industry positions in the growing field of chemical biology after graduation.
Outside the lab I enjoy playing tennis, drums, board games, and spending time with family.
B.S. Biology, Minor in Chemistry, Washington State University
I received my BS in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry from Washington State University Vancouver in 2017. I became fascinated with chemistry after teaching organic chemistry workshops as an undergraduate, which led me to a research project synthesizing derivatives of 4-hydroxycomairn for crystal structure analysis with Dr. Edward Valente, Professor of Chemistry at University of Portland. After graduating, I worked as a research assistant for PDX Pharmaceuticals Inc., synthesizing nanoparticle-based therapeutics and evaluating them in cells and mouse models of cancer. Gaining experience in chemical synthesis and translational research motivated me apply for graduate school at OHSU. In April of 2020 I joined the Cohen lab, where I focus on synthesizing chemical tools to elucidate the roles of specific PARP family members. I hope to expand my training in chemistry and molecular biology to pursue industry positions in the growing field of chemical biology after graduation.
Outside the lab I enjoy playing tennis, drums, board games, and spending time with family.
Ivan R. Siordia
B.S. Marine Biology, Autonomous University of Baja California Sur
I received a B.S. in Marine Biology from the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur in La Paz, Mexico. To obtain my degree, I developed a project studying the process of protein digestion in marine invertebrates. This research introduced me to the world of the proteins and the variety of physiological processes they are involved in, which encouraged me to pursue a master’s degree in Biotechnology at CIBNOR research center. During my master’s, I had the opportunity to study the stability of a marine aspartic protease that possessed attractive characteristics for the biotechnological industry.
My background in marine molecular biology gave me the passion to pursue Ph.D. opportunities in order to further my education in the field of biomedical sciences at OHSU. In April of 2020, I joined both the Cohen Lab and the Zhang Lab under a co-mentorship opportunity. During my graduate formation, I aim to expand my knowledge in structural biology by studying the structure of proteins involved in the body’s immune response.
Besides doing science, I enjoy working out, biking rides, hang out with friends, watching shows, and camping.
B.S. Marine Biology, Autonomous University of Baja California Sur
I received a B.S. in Marine Biology from the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur in La Paz, Mexico. To obtain my degree, I developed a project studying the process of protein digestion in marine invertebrates. This research introduced me to the world of the proteins and the variety of physiological processes they are involved in, which encouraged me to pursue a master’s degree in Biotechnology at CIBNOR research center. During my master’s, I had the opportunity to study the stability of a marine aspartic protease that possessed attractive characteristics for the biotechnological industry.
My background in marine molecular biology gave me the passion to pursue Ph.D. opportunities in order to further my education in the field of biomedical sciences at OHSU. In April of 2020, I joined both the Cohen Lab and the Zhang Lab under a co-mentorship opportunity. During my graduate formation, I aim to expand my knowledge in structural biology by studying the structure of proteins involved in the body’s immune response.
Besides doing science, I enjoy working out, biking rides, hang out with friends, watching shows, and camping.
