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MEET OUR LAB

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Tracy G. Anthony, Ph.D.
I am a professor in the department of nutritional sciences at Rutgers University. I was born and raised near Chicago, then spent my teenage years in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington D.C. I received a B.S. in human nutrition and foods from Virginia Tech, and received the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in nutritional sciences from the University of Illinois. I completed postdoctoral training in cellular & molecular physiology at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. My research program explores nutrient and exercise stress responses, and my lab utilizes animal models to explore mechanisms of proteostasis control with applications toward improving metabolism, reducing disease and increasing healthspan.  My research is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the United States Department of Agriculture. In my free time I enjoy being mom to three daughters.  I completed the Princeton HiTOPS Half-Marathon in the fall of 2019 and 2022.
Contact me at: tracy.anthony[at]rutgers.edu
Follow me on Twitter @Tracy_G_Anthony
https://linktr.ee/tracyanthony

 

 

 

STAFF

 

Esther M. Rodriguez

I graduated in 2013 from Montclair State University and received my B.S in Biology. Started my career as a research technician at the Veteran’s Hospital in the neurology department in 2014. I have been with Rutgers the last 5 years in the Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine department and recently joined the Anthony Lab. I have worked many years with both small and large laboratory animals and hope to bring my expertise to this lab. I love working with all kinds of animals and I hope to one day live on a farm. On my spare time I like to cook, try new recipes, and spend time with my two children.

 

Emily Mirek

I graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Rhode Island. I started out my career as an animal care technician and then moved over to the research side. I work a little bit on all of the projects in the lab and I love the variety that affords me. My interests include anything involving mice and my ultimate dream is to someday send our mice into space.

 

 

GRADUATE STUDENTS

 

Jordan Levy

I completed my undergraduate degree in Nutrition here at Rutgers University. After having such a positive experience with both the faculty and the learning environment, I decided to continue my education at Rutgers to pursue a Doctorate in Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology. Having been a competitive athlete, I have always had a deep interest in energy substrate utilization and body composition under different metabolic conditions. As a PhD candidate in the Anthony Lab, my work focuses on investigating the potential influence of amino acid status on circadian regulation within both the central and peripheral clocks. Outside the lab I enjoy spending my time outdoors, whether it be hiking or the beach. In addition, I am currently teaching myself how to play the guitar.

 

Brian Zalma, MS, CISSN

I am currently a PhD candidate in my fifth year of the Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology program. My thesis work explores the mechanisms of asparaginase-associated hepatic dysfunction and steatosis. Prior to Rutgers, I completed by undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Miami. During my time there, I developed a passion for nutritional science. I then went on to earn my MS in Human Nutrition from Columbia University. I am also a certified sports nutritionist. I enjoy running, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and am an avid fan of the New York Jets and the University of Miami Hurricanes sports teams. 

Chintan Bhavsar

George H Cook Scholar, 2022-2023

I’m currently a master’s student in the Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology program, building upon my recent graduation from Rutgers with a B.S in nutritional sciences. I started in the Anthony lab as an undergraduate student, working on my senior honors thesis which focused on asparagainase-induced liver toxicity. My current work in the lab involves studying the link between amino acid restriction and vitamin A metabolism. My passion for nutrition was fostered both during high school and my time here at Rutgers when I discovered what we eat has a huge impact on our health. Outside of the lab I enjoy cooking, playing acoustic guitar, and photography! 

 

Lingyi Zhu

I completed my undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, majoring in Biochemistry and Nutritional Science. During this time, I worked on a GH Cook thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Anthony for two years. This experience deeply influenced my academic journey, fostering a passion for research. Consequently, I made the decision to pursue my PhD degree at Rutgers in the Anthony lab. My research interests to investigate cross-communication among signaling pathways in response to diverse stress conditions. Outside the lab, I cherish the time spent with my dog.

 

 Flavio Rodriguez-Polanco MS 

I completed my undergraduate degree in Industrial Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico at the Mayagüez campus. During my time there, I took courses related to food production, and the study of diseases, where I understood the importance of nutrition for certain conditions or diseases. This sparked a deep interest in nutritional sciences, which is why I am a PhD student in my second year of the Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology program. At Anthony Lab I focus on the polysomal profiling technique to study translation during different conditions, treatments, genotypes, among others. On my spare time I like to do outdoor activities, whether it’s hiking, camping, mountain biking, snowboarding, skateboarding, and snorkeling.  

 

Saad Farooq

I graduated with a B.S in Exercise Science from Rutgers in 2022 and began my Ph.D. in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences in 2023. I have always been passionate about the crosstalk between fitness, nutrition, and science. Joining the Anthony lab, I am fortunate enough to explore the overlap between these three areas of personal interest. My work focuses on GCN2 and mTOR signaling in-vitro. I am also interested in how different dietary interventions affect male fertility and reproduction. Outside of my studies, I enjoy participating in strength sports, cooking, and learning new languages!  

 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

 

Sophia Lund

I am a sophomore undergraduate student studying biology at Rutgers. I am currently studying the effect of amino acid intake on the peripheral circadian clocks of the liver. I was drawn to nutrition when I realized how large of impact chemical processes have on one’s overall wellbeing. In the future, I would like to pursue a PhD in biology. In my free time, I like to crochet, spend time with my cats, sing, and play guitar. 

Vinh Tran

I’m a sophomore at Rutgers University’s Honors College, majoring in Biological Sciences. My research experience includes studying ATF4 and ATF5 levels in mice, enhancing my understanding of the integrated stress response (ISR). Outside the lab, I run an electronic wholesale business and practice jiu-jitsu. 

 

 

 

LAB MASCOTS

 

SAY HI TO HARVEY !

FORMER MEMBERS

To Our Alumni/Alumna:

Please remember to update us on your current position and/or whereabouts.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATES

  • Pengxiang She, Ph.D. (2012-2013)
  • Yongping Wang, Ph.D. (2014-2018)

POSTDOCS

GRADUATE STUDENTS

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

  • Rebecca Kalmeijer, Biotechnology program, Independent Research 2021-2022
  • Michael Langevin, G.H. Cook Honors Program, 2019-2020
  • Amanda Lee, G.H. Cook Honors Program, 2019-2020
  • Lydia Stephney, RiSE at Rutgers, summer 2019
  • Olivia Dineen, SAS honors research, 2018-2019
  • Christina Signore, Rutgers Honors College, Aresty Scholars Program, 2016-2019
  • Shereen Bartholomew, RiSE at Rutgers, summer 2018
  • Eugenia Saiegh, G.H. Cook Honors Program, 2017-2018
  • Megan Hupp, RiSE at Rutgers, summer 2017
  • Cora Kerber, RiSE at Rutgers, summer 2016
  • Michael Goudie, Aresty Scholars Program, 2015-2016
  • Ericka Steele, NIDDK STEP-UP Fellow, summer 2015
  • Kidus Feleke, RiSE at Rutgers, summer 2015
  • Albert Bargoud, Aresty Scholars Program, Molecular Biosciences Honors Thesis (2013-2015), **Thesis received Highest Honors; Henry Rutgers Scholar Award 2015 **
  • Toni Coleman, RiSE at Rutgers, summer 2014
  • Berish Wetstein, US Air Force, 2014-2016
  • Matthew Solowsky, US Navy, 2014-2016
  • Tamar Denby, G.H. Cook Scholars Program, 2014-2015
  • William Jonsson, Rutgers-Karolinska Student Exchange program, Spring 2014, **Senior Thesis received highest honors at Karolinska Institute**
  • Wesley Hodges, RiSE at Rutgers, summer 2013, **Winner of Poster Competition at ABRCMS National Meeting 2013**
  • Brittany Lennox, Rutgers U Research Problems in Biochemistry, 2013
  • Allison McDaniel, IUSM-Evansville, May 2011 to April 2012
  • Phillip Behrens, IUSM-Evansville, May 2011 to April 2012
  • Whitney Wood, IUSM-Evansville, Summer 2011
  • Meral El Ramahi, IUSM-Evansville, Spring 2010
  • Olusina Akunde, IUSM summer REU program, 2008
  • Ross Deppe, IUSM summer REU program, 2008
  • Aaron Stoltz, IUSM summer REU program, 2008
  • Kendall Stocke, IUSM summer REU program, 2007
  • Allison Dudley, IUSM summer REU program, 2007
  • Lauren Ellspermann, IUSM-Evansville summer research 2007
  • Betty Murray, IUSM summer REU program, 2006
  • Todd Capes, IUSM-Evansville, Fall 2006
  • Kyle Harry, IUSM summer REU program, 2005
  • Lauren Fultz, IUSM summer REU program, 2005
  • Amanda Stevens, IUSM-Evansville, 2005-2006
  • Sheiphali Ghandi, IUSM-Evansville, fall 2004 to spring 2006
  • Megan Wiley, IUSM-Evansville, spring 2004 to fall 2005
  • Ria DeCamp, IUSM-Evansville, fall 2004
  • L. Morgan Oberle, IUSM summer REU program, 2004
  • Peter Knoll, IUSM-Evansville summer research, 2003 & 2004
  • Janice Esker, IUSM-Evansville, spring 2003
  • Rachel Byerley, IUSM-Evansville 2002-2005 and IUSM summer REU program, 2003.  **Finalist in APS David L. Bruce Undergraduate Research Competition at Experimental Biology 2004**
  • David Utley, IUSM summer REU program, 2002
  • Carson Penkava, IUSM summer REU program, 2002

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

  • Caleb Prempeh, NIDDK STEP-UP Fellow, 2020
  • Annie Ikemoto, NIDDK STEP-UP Fellow, summer 2017
  • Shawn Ohazuruike, NIDDK STEP-UP Fellow, summer 2016
  • Claire Kim, Siemens, Science Competition, summer 2013, **Regional Finalist**
  • Umay Mughal, NIDDK STEP-UP Fellow, Summer 2013
  • Jason Heo, IUSM-Evansville, Summer 2009 and 2010
  • Abhi Seetharamaiah, IUSM-Evansville, Summer 2009
  • Emma Brizius, IUSM-Evansville, Summer 2006