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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. Lopez

I graduated from Montclair State University in 2013 with a B.S. in Biology. I began my career in 2014 as a research technician in the Neurology Department at the Veterans Hospital. In 2017, I joined Rutgers University, starting in the Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine Department, and in 2022, I became part of the Anthony Lab. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience working with both small and large laboratory animals in vivo. I have a deep passion for all kinds of animals and aspire to one day live on a farm. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, experimenting with new recipes, and spending quality time with my three 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

 

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!  

Elizabeth Considine

I am a first-year medical student at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. I graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Human Science. I am studying to become a pediatrician and want to integrate my research interests (metabolism and nutrition) into my medical career. When not in lab or in the medical school library, you can find me walking around New Brunswick searching for the perfect iced latte or walking my dog, Rory!

Aneri Shah

I received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Navrachana University, Vadodara, India. I am conducting my thesis research in the Anthony lab as part of the master’s in biomedical sciences program.

 

Daniela Bermeo Grajales
I earned my undergraduate degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Forensic Sciences from Kean University in 2023, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Toxicology at Rutgers University-NB. I have always been fascinated by the complex interactions between toxicants and their effects on the human body. Joining the Anthony Lab has given me the opportunity to explore toxicity from a new angle, particularly in the context of asparaginase-induced stress. In my free time, I enjoy watching drama series, roller skating, traveling, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

 

Bilal Chaudhry

I am a second-year PhD student in the Kinesiology and Applied Physiology program. Prior to arriving to Rutgers, I earned by B.S. in Exercise Science from Salisbury University and M.S. in Kinesiology from the University of New Hampshire. I am also a certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine with 4+ years of experience translating findings from the lab to the clinic. I have experience working in translational research, public healthcare, as well as the private sector. My research interests lie in utilizing modifiable lifestyle factors (such as diet, exercise, sleep, and pharmaceutical interventions) to optimize health and prevent/treat disease. Particularly in the Anthony Lab I am excited to explore the effects of nutrient stress on the circadian rhythm of skeletal muscle. When I am not in the lab, I am a Teaching Assistant for Human Anatomy Lab. In my free time I enjoy cooking, baking, reading, and working out.

 

Don Anigbogu

I am a MS Student in the Cell & Developmental Biology program. I received my undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and majored in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry. I have always been interested in musculoskeletal degradation, and I joined the Anthony Lab to investigate the crosstalk between BCAA deficiency and inflammation and investigate their role in muscle atrophy. In my free time I like to watch/play soccer and go to the gym.

 

 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Andrea Gonzalez

I am majoring in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.  I became interested in nutrition when I began to recognize its importance for optimal bodily function. I hope to keep exploring the cross sections between nutrition, tissue health and recovery, and how the body responds to stress on a cellular level.

 

Luke Kocherry

I am a freshman majoring in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. I am interested in how the body responds to stress induced by asparaginase from a molecular and nutritional perspective through the Integrated Stress Response. In my free time, I love watching TV shows with family and friends, going on hikes, and traveling.

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

 

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