Name: Abdirahman Hayir
Mentors: Patrycja Puchalska and Peter Crawford
Project: The Central Role of Ketone Body Metabolism During Embryonic Brain Development
Undergraduate Institution: Macalester, MN. BA in Neuroscience

My name is Abdirahman Hayir and I graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Neuroscience from Macalester College. During my time at Macalester I completed an honors thesis on my research focused on the impacts of a high fat diet in Alzheimer’s disease and the expression of Neuroinflammation.  This period sparked my further interest in metabolism and its effect on the development of the central nervous system. Following graduation, I started working as a researcher at the Crawford-Puchalska lab where I work on understanding the role ketone bodies play in the development of the central nervous system during gestation. Through the MN PRIMED program I hope to further my research and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to help me succeed in a MD/PhD program. Whenever I am not in the lab I enjoy catching up with friends and finding new places to explore in the twin cities. 

Name: Cassandra Norbeck
Mentor: Sarah Wernimont
Project: Impacts of Hyperglycemia on Early and Term Trophoblast Metabolism and Differentiation in Gestational Diabetes
Undergraduate Institution: St. Catherine University, BS in Biochemistry

I am a recent graduate of St. Catherine University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Longevity and Aging. My goal is to pursue a PhD in Molecular Biology or Biochemistry to advance my career as a scientist. Ultimately, I aspire to lead my own research as a primary investigator at an academic institution. 

My scientific interests lie in exploring cellular metabolism, with a particular focus on fundamental mechanisms that deepen our understanding of human metabolic dysfunction and disease. My current research investigates trophoblast differentiation and its role in placental development using human placenta-derived primary trophoblast and trophoblast stem cell models. 

Born and raised in the north metro of the Twin Cities, I enjoy spending my free time connecting with friends and family, discovering new shops and restaurants, and exploring the natural beauty of Minnesota.

Name: Yu-Jin Youn
Mentors: Emilyn Alejandro/ DeWayne Townsend
Project: Mitochondrial Calcium Regulation in Pancreatic β-Cells: Dual Ablation of MCU and NCLX in Type 2 Diabetes Progression and Development
Undergraduate Institution: Seattle Pacific University, BS in Physiology

I received my Bachelor of Science in Physiology with a minor in Chemistry at Seattle Pacific University. Following my undergraduate studies, I worked as a medical assistant and witnessed the increasing prevalence of diseases like diabetes and obesity, which sparked my desire to be a part of the research and scientific discovery taking place in this field. My goal is to one day teach and run my own lab, inspiring new scientists while staying on the cusp of scientific discovery and contributing to exploratory translational research that will ultimately improve medicine. I plan to pursue post-baccalaureate research at the University of Minnesota as an MN PRIMED Scholar, working with Dr. Emilyn Alejandro and Dr. DeWayne Townsend to determine the role of mitochondrial calcium regulation in diabetes development. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, painting, reading, and hiking