Name:  Delaney (Lane) Colestock
Mentors: Megan Beetch and Catherine Kotz
Project: Effects of Obese Pregnancy on Maternal Functional Beta-Cell Mass Modulated by mTOR Nutrient Sensing
Undergraduate Institution: Winona State University, BS, Cell and Molecular Biology 

I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Winona State University. Working as a nursing assistant in the ICU during and after my undergraduate studies, I observed the increasing prevalence of patients affected by diabetes and obesity. Although it was during my studies, I became familiarized with the vast disparities in reproductive healthcare and research affecting systemically disadvantaged communities. Between my coursework and personal experiences, my interests became centered on the intersections of reproductive and endocrinology research, specifically maternal obesity and gestational diabetes. My project intertwines with this interest as it is studying the mass and function of maternal beta-cells in normal weight and obese pregnancies and how beta-cell mTOR signaling may contribute to modulations. I plan to engage in post-baccalaureate research in collaboration with Dr. Megan Beetch and Dr. Cathy Kotz to investigate the role of the mTOR signaling pathway in maternal obesity. Ultimately, I aim to pursue a PhD and build a career studying reproductive endocrinology and its application to patient care. Outside of my studies, I enjoy basketball, crafting, and spending time with my dog.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Name: Grace McFarlane
Mentors: Melena Bellin and Emilyn Alejandro
Project: The Effect of Chronic Pancreatitis on Beta Cells in Patients With Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation
Undergraduate Institution: Gustavus Adolphus College

I received my Bachelor of Arts from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2025 with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As an undergraduate I spent two summers doing research at the Mayo Clinic. I worked in the Weinshilboum lab studying the genetics of Alcohol Use Disorder and the following summer I worked in the Hawse lab studying therapy-induced senescence in ER+ breast cancer. These have given me a strong interest in medical research, primarily in the intersection of inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. My ultimate goal is to pursue graduate studies in biomedical science and work in academia, mentoring young scientists while also researching new medical treatments. My MN PRIMED mentors are Dr. Melena Bellin and Dr. Emilyn Alejandro. Our project investigates the effect of chronic pancreatitis on beta cell stress markers in patients who received a TPIAT. In my free time I enjoy painting my nails, hiking, and baking. 

Name: Shavonnye Rath
Mentors: Doug Mashek and Amy Hauck
Project: HDAC-mediated lysine acylation and its role in coordinating metabolism
Undergraduate institution: St. Catherine University, BS in Exercise Science 

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with minors in Biology and Longevity and Aging. My interests are centered on human physiology, particularly at the intersection of aging and metabolism. I am especially drawn to investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving metabolic dysregulation and their role in the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, NAFLD, and cancer. I aim to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of metabolic physiology that can guide strategies for prevention, treatment, and long-term management. Ultimately, I aspire to pursue a career in academia, where I can integrate teaching with basic and translational research in the fields of aging and metabolism. I am currently pursuing post-baccalaureate education with Drs. Doug Mashek and Amy Hauck to determine the role of endogenous metabolites’ effects on protein acylation via histone deacetylases. Outside of research, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, and taking long walks along the river. 

Name: Megan Sumera
Mentors: Julia Liu and Cathy Kotz
Project: Inhibiting Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake in Heart Failure Secondary to Metabolic Syndrome
Undergraduate Institution: Loyola University, New Orleans, BS

I received my Bachelor of Science from Loyola University New Orleans in 2023, where I majored in biology with a concentration in pre-health and a minor in sociology. I completed my senior thesis investigating the context-dependent roles of FAT protocadherin tumor suppressors in metastatic breast cancer.
After graduation, I returned home to Minneapolis and joined Dr. Julia Liu’s lab as a full-time research technician. We study intramitochondrial calcium dynamics in cardiac-specific murine models that have altered mitochondrial calcium uniporter complexes. I also work part-time as a medical scribe in Fairview Emergency Departments, where I became interested in the interactions between diabetes and heart failure.
I plan to apply to MD/PhD programs with the hope of studying metabolism in cancer models. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, and gardening.

Name:  Andrea Torniainen
Mentors: Jop van Berlo and Doug Mashek
Project: Lipid droplets drive mitochondrial and cardiomyocyte maturation via metabolic remodeling
Undergraduate Institution: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, BS, Biology

I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Computer Science and Global Studies. As an undergraduate, I completed a thesis on cardiac mitochondrial maturation, dividing my time between the classroom, the lab, and the hospital. Working as a nursing assistant, I cared for patients recovering from heart transplants, among many others, which gave direct purpose and meaning to my work at the bench. My interest in metabolism deepened when I noticed lipid droplet-associated proteins emerging in my thesis mass spectrometry data. This observation inspired my current project, which explores how lipid droplets may modulate late-stage mitochondrial maturation and promote functional cardiomyocyte development, particularly through metabolic remodeling. After completing the program, I plan to pursue an MD/PhD to advance the field of cardiac metabolism and translate discoveries in the lab into improved patient care. In my free time, I love trying new foods, cross-country skiing, and watching international TV shows.

Name: Zihao (Ricky) Wang
Mentors: Hai-Bin Ruan and Megan Beetch
Project: Bone marrow stromal OGT controls diabetic osteoporosis
Undergraduate Institution: University of Minnesota

I earned my bachelor degree in Human Physiology from the University of Minnesota. I’m fascinated by how metabolism shapes human physiology across the lifespan, with particular interest at the intersection of aging, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation in chronic diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer. I am currently a post-baccalaureate researcher in Dr. Hai-bin Ruan’s Integrative Biology & Physiology lab, working on projects that broadly explore how nutrient-sensing pathways and protein modifications regulate bone marrow stromal cell function, insulin responsiveness, and skeletal health in metabolic disease. My long-term goal is to pursue graduate training in biomedical science and build an academic career that integrates teaching, mentoring, and both basic and translational research in aging and metabolism. Outside the lab, I enjoy watching movies, listening to podcasts, and biking around the lakes.