Embedded Files
Tiffany Nelson (The 8th STINGer)
Joined the lab in March 2022
Position: Graduate student
Email: tiffanysnelson at ufl.edu
Lab: 352-273-9897
Education: MSc in Medical Sciences, University of Florida
BSc in Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida
I graduated from the University of Florida with my B.S. in Microbiology & Cell Science and a minor in German. My undergraduate research focused on neurodegenerative diseases such as Spinocerebellar ataxia-Type I and Alzheimer’s. Following my bachelor’s, I stayed at UF to earn my M.S. in Medical Sciences through a graduate research assistantship. My thesis focused on developing novel gene-independent, metabolic-based approaches to inherited retinal disorders using AAV and in vivo mouse models. Throughout the years, I have developed a passion for studying viruses and knew I wanted to research herpesvirus for my Ph.D. Currently, I’m in the graduate program in Biomedical Sciences: Immunology & Microbiology concentration. My work in the Ma lab focuses on discovering stimulators of the cGAS-STING pathway and Type I interferon antiviral response. In my free time, I love to rock climb, play bingo, and cuddle my cats.
Alexa Ziff (The 13th STINGer)
Joined the lab in August 2024
Position: Graduate student
Email: ziffalexa at ufl.edu
Lab: 352-273-9897
Education: Biochemistry, University of Florida
I am a Biochemistry major, and am currently researching the effect of STING modulation on EBV-infected cancer cells. Outside of the lab, I love to crochet, bake, and play with my dog, Cosmo!
Lab alumni
Natacha Jn-simon
Rotation student: 04-05/2021
Current position: Ph.D. student in Tulane University
Education: B.Sc. Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida
Mahamuda Akter
Rotation student: 09-12/2022
Current position: Ph.D. student in Dr. Huang lab, University of Florida
Education: B.Sci. in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
M.Sci. in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Khulna University, Bangladesh
Gary Brown
(The 3rd STINGer)
The Ultimate Savior: 01/2021-05/2022
Current Position: Lab manager in Dr. Scott lab, Univeristy of Florida
Education: B.Sc. in Botany, University of Glasgow, Scotland
Noah Benscher
(The 2nd STINGer)
The kid never follows protocols, but gets the job done. 2020-2022
Current position: Ph.D. student in STEM education, University of Minnesota
Education: M.S. student in College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at UF
Salma Drew
(The 5th STINGer)
The all-rounded kid. 2021-2023
Current Position: Medical School, Cleveland Clinic
Education: B.S. in Biochemistry, University of Florida
Cong Sun
(The 12th STINGer)
The hardworking kid. 2023
Current Position: Ph.D. student in College of Chemistry, University of Florida
Education: M.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, USA
Cathrine Pacini (The 9th STINGer)
The leader kid. 2022-2024
Current Position: Preparing for PA School
Education: B.S. in Public Health, University of Florida
Amy Nguyen
(The 6th STINGer)
The Artist. 2021-2024
Current Position: Dental Assistant, preparing for Dental school, University of Florida
Education: M.S. in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida
Beatriz Veronese (The 4th STINGer)
Bea is the Best. 2021-2024
Current Position: Postdoc in Dr. Cha lab, Dental School, University of Florida
Education: Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, University of Florida
Khushil Patel
(The 11th STINGer)
The super smart kid. 2022-2025
Current Position: Medical School, Harvard University
Education: B.S. in Biology, University of Florida
Kimberly Paulsen
(The 7th STINGer)
The Wisdom. 2021-2025
Current Position: Xcovery Holdings, Inc. Florida
Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida
Rosenna Chan (The 10th STINGer)
The golden handed kid. 2022-2025
Current Position: Prepare for Medical School
Education: B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida
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