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Summer Trainee Presentations
Each year, we showcase our Summer Research Trainees and the research they completed during their appointments. Trainees from the Leah Menshouse Springer (LMS) Summer Opportunities Program are featured, and presentations are open to the WU Community.
Summer presentations are being planned for August 2026. Details will be posted here, once available.
Past Presentations
Speakers & Abstracts
Katherine Sleckman
University of Georgia 2021 Graduate
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Jean Hunleth, Surgery – Public Health Sciences
PHRAME: examining young people’s health agency in rural communities
Presentation at 12:40 PM
Washington University Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Adetunji Toriola, Surgery – Public Health Sciences
Metabolomics and Breast Density Study
Presentation at 12:50 PM
Guinter Dame Vogg
Washington University Rising Sophomore
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Dr. Jason Weber, Medicine – Medical Oncology
The role of ISG15 in triple-negative breast cancer tumorigenesis
Presentation at 1:00 PM
Shirley Lopez
Washington University Rising Sophomore
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Dr. Katherine Fuh, Obstetrics and Gynecology – Oncology
TP53 R273H Mutation in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Presentation at 1:10 PM
Preston Boyd
Washington University Rising Junior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Simon Haroutounian, Anesthesiology – Clinical Research
Personalized Prediction of Persistent Post-Surgical Pain: Pilot Study (P5)
Presentation at 1:20 PM
Giovanni Alfred
Washington University Rising Junior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Dr. David DeNardo, Medicine – Medical Oncology
Evaluating the effects of a DC Modulatory Therapy by multiplex IHC
Presentation at 1:30 PM
Elena Velez-Torres
Ponce School of Medicine 2nd Year Medical Student
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. William McCoy, Medicine – Dermatology
How Gut Microbiota Impact Melanomagenesis in BRAF (V600E);p53-/- Zebrafish
Presentation at 1:40 PM
Kalid Mohammed
Washington University Rising Sophomore
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Dr. Sheila Stewart, Cell Biology and Physiology
The mechanism behind a treatable p38 pathway for metastatic breast cancer
Presentation at 1:50 PM
Paola Orozco
University of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine 2nd Year Medical Student
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. David Gutmann, Neurology
Cerebral Organoids as a 3D Preclinical Model for Pediatric Brain Tumors
Presentation at 2:30 PM
Zoe Boudart
Washington University Post-baccalaureate
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Carmen Bergom, Radiation Oncology – Cancer Biology
Exploring The Role of Sirt3 in Radiation-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction
Presentation at 2:40 PM
Milli Boker
Washington University Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Ashley Housten, Surgery – Public Health Sciences
Presentation at 2:50 PM
Emmanuella Kyllians
University of Kentucky Master’s in Biology Graduate Student
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Yin Cao, Surgery – Public Health Sciences
Analyzing the Oral Microbiome in Barrett’s Esophagus
Presentation at 3:00 PM
Natasha Kuklis
Washington University Rising Junior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Milan Chheda, Medicine – Medical Oncology
Characterizing the Interaction between ZFHX4 and CHD4
Presentation at 3:10 PM
Akshay Govindan
Washington University Rising Junior
Mentor: Dr. Li Ding, Medicine – Medical Oncology
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Pan-cancer analysis of post-translational modifications
Presentation at 3:20 PM
Onyi Onyeador
Washington University Rising Senior
Mentor: Dr. Todd Fehniger, Medicine – Bone Marrow Transplant
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
In Vitro Validation of In Silico Predicted Tumor-Specific Mutant Antigens
Presentation at 3:30 PM
Kevin He
Washington University Rising Junior
Mentor: Dr. Angela Hirbe, Medicine – Medical Oncology
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
TYK2 as a Prognostic Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Presentation at 3:40 PM
Samik Partha
Washington University Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Roberta Faccio
Changes in mesenchymal stromal cells during tumor progression
Presentation at 11:10 AM
Amy Li
Boston University Rising Sophomore
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Ting Wang
Transposable elements in cancer
Presentation at 11:20 AM
Taylor John-Lewis
Washington University Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. David Gutman
Attenuating Vision Loss From Pediatric Brain Tumors
Presentation at 11:30 AM
Ritu Dave
Washington University Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Greg Longmore & Dr. Katherine Fuh
Regulation of Periostin by DDR2 in Ovarian Cancer Associated Fibroblasts controls tumor invasion
Presentation at 11:40 AM
Cynthia Ndahr
Bismarck State University Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Amy McQueen
Exploring quitline coaching calls for discussions of NRT
Presentation at 11:50 AM
Zainab Ibitoye
Washington University Rising Senior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Dr. Greg Longmore & Dr. Katherine Fuh
Investigating tumor-mesothelial cell interactions during ovarian cancer metastasis
Presentation at 12:00 PM
Neha Gutta
University of Missouri 2nd Year Medical Student
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Ryan Fields
Human Tumor Atlas Program
Presentation at 12:10 PM
Alexander Vanover
University of Missouri Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Monica Shokeen
Modulating protein expression for selective targeting in myeloma cells
Presentation at 12:20 PM
Solomon Kang
Washington University Rising Junior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Carl DeSelm
CAR extracellular domain engineering impacts tumor killing
Presentation at 12:30 PM
Jada Lee
Washington University Rising Sophomore
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Dr. Milan Chheda
Targeting cancer stem cells in glioblastoma
Presentation at 12:40 PM
Ritvik Illindala
Washington University Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Milan Chheda
ZFHX4 interacts with CHD4 to drive cancer stem cells
Presentation at 12:50 PM
Amela Sijecic
Saint Louis University Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Dr. Ashley Housten
Examining the quality of websites dedicated to fertility preservation for adolescents and young adults populations with cancer
Presentation at 1:00 PM
Taylor Holt
Washington University Rising Junior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Dr. Sheila Stewart
Uncovering mechanisms that drive chemotherapy-induced bone loss
Presentation at 1:10 PM
Uzma Nosheen
Washington University Post-baccalaureate
Mentor: Dr. Joanna Yang
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Motion management in the treatment of gastric malt lymphomas
Presentation at 1:20 PM
Zoe Siegel
Washington University Rising Junior
Mentor: Dr. Russell Pachynski
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Characterization of Chemerin’s Effects on Macrophage Polarization
Presentation at 1:30 PM
Angelina O’Brien
Washington University Rising Sophomore
Mentor: Dr. Jason Weber
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Role of ADAR1 and DDX54 in breast cancer
Presentation at 1:40 PM
Olivia Dres
Washington University Rising Junior
Mentor: Dr. David DeNardo
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
The role of senescent cancer associated fibroblasts in PDAC progression and therapy resistance
Presentation July 29 at 12:00 PM
Maria Hite
Meharry Medical College, Rising Second Year Medical Student
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Joanna Wang, MD, MPH
Abstract: Outcomes of Patients Treated with Bolus Electron Conformal Therapy for Cutaneous Cancers of the Face
Presentation at 11:10 AM
Tracy Wineinger
University of Kansas, Rising Second Year Medical Student
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Joanna Wang, MD, MPH
Abstract: Outcomes of Elderly Patients Treated with CD19 CAR T-Cell Therapy and Bridging Radiation
Presentation at 11:20 AM
Paige Clark
Harvard University, Rising Junior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Monica Shokeen, PhD, MBA
Abstract: Enhancing the Avidity of CD38-Targeted Peptides Using Multimerization
Presentation at 11:30 AM
Will Weber
Butler University, Rising Junior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Alessandro Vindigni, PhD
Abstract: Elucidation of BRCA1 Heterozygous Cell Sensitivity to DNA Damaging Agents
Presentation at 11:40 AM
Carlo Amorado
University of Notre Dame, Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Patricia Ribeiro Pereira, PhD
Abstract: Using CD8-Targeted Imaging to Visualize Tumor-Immune Cell Interaction After Click Therapy
Presentation at 11:50 AM
Shreya Kuchipudi
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Stephanie Markovina, MD, PhD
Abstract: Investigating the Role of BCL-2L1 in Radiation Resistance of Cervical Cancer Cells
Presentation at 12:00 PM
Leahan Castillo
Saint Louis University, Rising Junior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Julie Schwarz, MD, PhD
Abstract: The Role of HPV 16/18 E6* in Cellular Senescence and Resistance to Chemoradiation in Cervical Cancer
Presentation at 12:10 PM
Aunannya Banik
Sweet Briar College, Rising Junior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Julie Schwarz, MD, PhD
Abstract: Evaluating Strategies to Harness Metabolic Vulnerabilities in Cervical Cancer
Presentation at 12:20 PM
Elijah Darden
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Junior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: David Chen, MD, PhD
Abstract: Development of an In Vitro Model for the Study of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Cancer
Presentation at 1:30 PM
Miah Emerson
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Junior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Sheila Stewart, PhD
Abstract: The Role of Senescence in Age-Related Peripheral Neuropathy
Presentation at 1:40 PM
Noemi Ukaegbu
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Sheila Stewart, PhD
Abstract: Senescence Drives Breast Cancer Tumor Growth
Presentation at 1:50 PM
Lojain Elkhidir
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Junior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Abby Green, MD
Abstract: Investigating Differences Between the Short and Long Isoforms of APOBEC3A
Presentation at 2:00 PM
Jillian Martin
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Junior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Greg Longmore, MD
Abstract: Functional Interactions of Lymphatic Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
Presentation at 2:10 PM
Justin Lan
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Sophomore
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: David DeNardo, PhD
Abstract: The Role of the Tumor Microenvironment on the Antitumor Response of FAK/MEK Inhibition in PDAC
Presentation at 2:20 PM
Olivia Dres
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: David DeNardo, PhD
Abstract: Therapeutically Targeting Dendritic Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Presentation at 2:30 PM
Angelina O’Brien
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Junior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Jason Weber, PhD
Abstract:Response of the Human ARF Tumor Suppressor to Oncogene-Induced Stress
Presentation at 2:40 PM
Kimberly Hwang
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Todd Fehniger, MD, PhD
Abstract:Examining the Role of Inhibitory Receptors in Regulating Memory-Like NK Cell Function
Presentation at 2:50 PM
Erin Suh
University of Georgia, Rising Sophomore
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: George Souroullas, PhD
Abstract: Examining the Role of Autophagy Regulator Atg7 on the Tumor Immune Response of Melanoma
Presentation at 3:00 PM
Joy Kyeyune
University of Missouri-Columbia, Rising Second Year Medical Student
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Adetunji Toriola, MD, PhD
Abstract: The Association Between Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Mammographic Breast Density
Presentation at 3:10 PM
Jarelis Cabrera
University of Miami, Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Aadel Chaudhuri, MD, PhD
Abstract: Evaluation of the Utility of Column-Based Versus Bead-Based cfDNA Isolation Methods to Optimize NGS Libraries
Presentation at 3:20 PM
Saara Engineer, Poster 1
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Sophomore
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Albert Kim, MD
Abstract: Distinguishing Tumor-associated Microglia and Macrophages by Function and Markers
Jada Lee, Poster 3
Washington University in St. Louis, Senior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Milan Chheda, MD
Abstract: ZIKV Combination Therapy Generates CD8+ T-Cell Recruitment Post-SB28 Rechallenge
Eric Piening, Poster 5
Saint Louis University, Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Nathan Singh, MD, MS
Abstract: Induction of Endogenous T cell Activation Using Synthetic Immune Cells
Brianna Duhart, Poster 7
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Jessica Silva-Fisher, PhD
Abstract: Assessing CDK4/6 inhibitors in long-term estrogen-deprived breast cancer cell lines that have overexpression of LINC00355
Rachel Kim, Poster 9
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Lindsay Peterson, MD, MSCR
Abstract: Impact of Chemotherapy on Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Breast Cancer
Jillian Martin, Poster 11
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentors: Greg Longmore, MD; Jason Weber, PhD
Abstract: Designing an ex-vivo Microfluidic Model to Identify and Study Optimal Shear Stresses During Ovarian Tumor Cell Attachment to Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells
Krystal Quirindongo Ortiz, Poster 13
University of Puerto-Rico,Mayaguez, Exiting Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Remco Bastiaannet, PhD
Abstract: Developing a Preclinical Immunocompetent Mouse Model for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Making Inroads for Radiopharmaceutical Therapy
Jay King, Poster 15
University of Missouri-St. Louis, Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Jessica Silva-Fisher, PhD
Abstract: Targeting LINC01432 with locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides (LNA ASOs) in multiple myeloma
Kollin Kolb, Poster 17
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Junior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentors: Carmen Bergom, MD, PhD
Abstract: Radiation Promotes Cardiac Dysfunction, Remodeling, and Inflammatory Changes in Radiosensitive Rats: Implications for Patients with Ventricular Tachycardia or Thoracic Cancers Receiving Radiation
Akash Mallady, Poster 19
Case Western Reserve University, Rising Junior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Yongjian Liu, PhD
Abstract: Characterization of CD163+ Tumor Associated Macrophages in the Tumor Microenvironment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Cindy Hu, Poster 21
University of Texas at Austin, Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Darren Cullinan, MD, MSCI
Abstract: Rapid Recovery and Normothermic Machine Perfusion for Human Thyroid-Parathyroid Transplantation
Mahdote Abebe, Poster 2
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Sheila Stewart, PhD
Abstract: Chemotherapy-Induced Adipocyte Senescence Causes Bone Loss
Kevin Qi, Poster 4
Des Moines University, Rising Third Year Medical Student
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Vikas Prasad, MD
Abstract: Impact of Theranostics Tumor Board on Clinical Management of Patients Referred for Radiopharmaceutical Therapy
Fatima Elmenshawy, Poster 6
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Sophomore
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Mai Dang, MD, PhD
Abstract: Microglia Regulation by the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Medulloblastoma
Zach Fisher, Poster 8
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: Jason Weber, PhD
Abstract: Establishing a Cell-Free ISGylation Assay
Selina Sun, Poster 10
University of Georgia, Rising Sophomore
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Ryan Fields, MD
Abstract: Validating Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) Organoids as a Novel Therapeutic Platform
Jaeden Barron, Poster 12
George Mason University, Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Maggie Mullen, MD, MSCI
Abstract: In vitro analysis of the mechanisms by which COPS5 and COPS6 promote platinum resistance in ovarian cancer
Elijah Darden, Poster 14
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: David Chen, MD, PhD
Abstract: Investigating lysine demethylase 6A (KDM6A) mislocalization in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) pathogenesis
Elizabeth Lyon, Poster 16
Denison University, Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: David Kast, PhD
Abstract: Lipid-Mediated MAVS Innate Antiviral Immune Response in the A549 Lung Cancer Cell Line
Mackenzie Sweeney, Poster 18
Truman State University, Rising Senior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Matthew Christopher, MD, PhD
Abstract: Developing Isoform-Specific CD33 CAR-T cells as Therapeutic AML Treatment
Claire Ku, Poster 20
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
American Cancer Society (ACS) Undergraduate Program
Mentor: David DeNardo, PhD
Abstract: Dual Inhibition of Focal Adhesion Kinase and RAS/MAPK Pathway Influence Radiotherapy Efficacy in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Trisha Gannu, Poster 22
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Junior
Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program
Mentor: Angela Hirbe, MD, PhD
Abstract: FAK Inhibition in MPNST
Ishita Aggarwal, Poster 1
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Sophomore
Mentor: Milan Chheda, MD
Abstract:Analyzing the efficacy of GM-CSF Zika Virus as an oncolytic therapy for glioma
Leliftu Ahmed, Poster 2
Saint Louis University, Rising Sophomore
Mentor: Grant Challen, PhD
Abstract: Dnmt3a Loss Promotes Clonal Expansion and Suppresses DNA Damage Response in Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Nia Barnes, Poster 3
Xavier University of Louisiana, Rising Sophomore
Mentor: David Chen, MD, PhD
Abstract: KDM6A in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Christ Enyan, Poster 4
University of Missouri-St. Louis, Rising Junior
Mentor: Jessica Silva-Fisher, PhD
Abstract: Targeting m6A with a METTL3 Inhibitor Promotes Apoptosis in Multiple myeloma
Jolene Fu, Poster 5
Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rising Senior
Mentor: Julie Schwarz, MD, PhD
Abstract: Investigating Dose-Dependent Radiation Effects on Tumor Growth and Immune Cell Dynamics in Cervical Cancer Animal Model
Abby Haytcher, Poster 6
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
Mentors: Jason Weber, PhD
Abstract: Characterizing IFN Signaling as a Determinant of CDK4/6 Inhibitor Sensitivity in ER+ Breast Cancer
Anthony Irovic, Poster 7
University of Mississippi, Rising Senior
Mentor: Matthew Christopher, MD, PhD
Abstract: Allele-specific CD33-directed CAR-T cell therapy for acute myeloid leukemia
Josepha Kabula, Poster 8
University of Missouri-St. Louis, Rising Sophomore
Mentor: David DeNardo, PhD
Abstract: Effect of Radiation Therapy on Tumor Progression in PDAC
Kollin Kolb, Poster 9
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Senior
Mentor: Carmen Bergom, MD, PhD
Abstract: Dietary Strategies to Mitigate Radiation-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Seth Stidham, Poster 10
Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Rising Second Year Medical Student
Mentor: Mary Mullen, MD, MSCI
Abstract: Investigating COPS5 role in DNA repair and chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer
Sydney Torres, Poster 11
Ponce Health Science University School of Medicine, Rising Second Year Medical Student
Mentor: Darren Cullinan, MD, MSCI
Abstract: Role of Circulating Tumor DNA in Liver Transplantation
Jasmin Turkson, Poster 12
Howard University, Rising Senior
Mentor: Adetunji Toriola, MD, PhD
Abstract: Breast Tissue Immune Environment and Triple Negative Breast Cancer in Young Women
Sarah Yu, Poster 13
Washington University in St. Louis, Rising Junior
Mentor: Stephanie Markovina, MD, PhD
Abstract: Therapeutic Targeting of SERPINB3 in Cervical Cancer
Questions: [email protected]