Current Students and Graduates
Class of '10 |Class of '09 | Class of '08 | Class of '07 | Class of '06 | Class of '05 | Class of '04 | Class of '03
Katie A. Brown MS Expected ‘10
Prior Education: BA from DePauw University in 2008 focusing on Anthropology and Biochemistry
Internship: Southern Tier AIDS Program – Binghamton, NY. I worked with the agency’s medical advocate. The internship consisted of two parts. I attended home visits to HIV+ client’s homes where I assisted with education and medication and medication side effect management. I also created a series of education modules which focused on various HIV issues to be used to train and educate clients and peer educators.
About: My field experience in Ghana and Central America, coupled with my internship with the Southern Tier AIDS program, has steered me towards a focus in HIV/AIDS. Specifically I have chosen to focus on the epidemiology of the virus, secondary prevention, and medication and medication side effects.
Future: Upon graduation with my MS in the spring, I am planning on getting my MA in Biological Anthropology. I will then go on to obtain my MD, with which I will continue to work with HIV/AIDS in Africa and the United States.
Vanessa R. Davis MS Expected ‘10
Prior Education: Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a concentration in Physical Anthropology from SUNY Buffalo ‘07
Internship: Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP), Binghamton NY intern at Identity Youth Center.
About: This internship was under the Prevention Department working with a Harm Reduction Model of Behavioral Change in a high-risk group of teenagers. Over the course of the internship I gained valuable knowledge about the unique health risks of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) youth. I was able to use my anthropology background in assessing the vastly different culture these teens live in from the one that I grew up in just 15 years ago. Being open to the many new things that they experience allowed me to build relationships with them and in turn share my experiences and help show them ways in which to build healthy lifestyles. I also designed new ways of assessing the effectiveness of the youth center to help determine its future course.
Current and Future: I was hired as the Youth Center Educator in September after finishing my internship. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here thus far. In addition to the responsibilities I had as an intern I am working closely with the Peer Youth Educators in their individual development as well as continuing to educate the youth and now the community at large. I am looking forward to finishing my last year in Binghamton with STAP and will then be leaving the area to pursue LGBTQ health issues in other areas of the country.
Ludmila Keller MS & MA Expected ‘10
Prior Education: BA, 2008, Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
Internship: Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Public Health at the University of Michigan
About: I became interested in medical anthropology and the relationship between culture and health during my undergraduate. I found the Biomedical Anthropology Program to be a perfect fit for my interests because of its interdisciplinary approach to health and disease. During the last year, I have developed strong interests in evolutionary medicine and the relationship between health and nutrition. I completed my internship at the School of Public Health of the University of Michigan. I was trained in molecular laboratory techniques and assisted with various ongoing projects in the Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, including studies of Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and of the microorganisms found in the mouth and human breast milk. Through this internship, I gained a much deeper understanding of the (human) host-parasite interaction and evolution.
Future Goals: I plan to complete my PhD in Biological Anthropology at Binghamton University, as this academic setting will allow me to include both social and biological/evolutionary aspects in my future research on human health.
Paul Meddaugh MS Expected ‘10
Prior Education: B.S. in Anthropology with minor in Chemistry from Binghamton University
Internship: Infection Control, Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris, NY--I worked along side the hospitals Infection Control Practitioner participating in all aspects of the job. In addition I was given several independent projects, mainly dealing with staff education of certain common infectious organisms. I also occasionally assisted the Disaster Preparedness Coordinator with a few projects.
About: My interest in anthropology began during my sophomore year after taking a few anthropology classes. I was so intrigued with it I decided to make it my major. Epidemiology began to interest me during my studies and is part of the reason I decided to remain at Binghamton to pursue the Biomedical Anthropology M.S. The use of anthropological thought in the approach to disease surveillance, transmission, prevention and control I found to be very useful. This program was very beneficial in helping me with my future goals and what I have learned here will be of great benefit to me in whichever profession I end up in.
Future Goals: It is my plan to attend veterinary school and apply all I’ve learned with the M.S. in Biomedical Anthropology to veterinary medicine. It is my long term goal to have my veterinary degree and work in a public health setting as a veterinary epidemiologist or as a practicing veterinarian.
Risana Nizam Chowdhury MS '09
Prior Education: Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with areas of concentration in Biology, Chemistry and Spanish from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Internship: Bench research studying mutations in Mitochondrial DNA in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinsonium Dementia (PD) of Guam, Binghamton University.
About: The Biomedical Anthropology program was a perfect fit, because of its interdisciplinary nature and vast scope of disease research. I have learned so much from the variety of core subjects including Anthropology, Genetics/Biology, Epidemiology and Pathology/Forensics, not to mention laboratory procedures that I will use probably for the rest of my life. I have a personal interest in disease research, but would also like to pursue a career in Dentistry. I hope to bridge these two areas by partaking in oral cancer research focusing on environmental and genetic triggers. The public health aspects of the program will also be useful as I hope to at least part-time be involved in community and international health in the future.
Bonny Covey MS '09
Prior Education: B.A. in Archaeology and a minor in Spanish from Appalachian State University.
Internship: Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's Office in Chapel Hill, NC
About: During the summer of 2008, I spent two months as an intern at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's Office in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. While there, I had the opportunity to observe numerous medico-legal autopsies as well as help out with several forensic cases. Over the course of my internship, I gained valuable hands-on experience in the field of forensic anthropology as well as important knowledge about human anatomy and pathology. Currently, I am enrolled in the post-bac pre-medical program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I will be done with my pre-requisites by May of 2010, at which time I will be able to take the MCAT and begin applying to medical schools.
Future: My internship with the ME's office and my time here at Binghamton has made me realize that my ultimate goal is to work in forensic pathology. I hope to begin medical school in the fall of 2011.
Sean Fiore MS '09
Prior Education: BA, 2006, Anthropology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
Internships:
(1) Madison County Department of Health, Wampsville, NY- I worked with the Public Health Educator (who is also an MS graduate) to develop a pandemic influenza vaccination strategy. The plan outlines how vaccine resources will be handled and allocated by county officials and healthcare personnel in the event of a pandemic flu. This plan required independent research and demographic analysis to evaluate the vaccination needs of a largely rural county in central New York. I also participated in weekly disease surveillance and risk communication meetings to discuss local outbreaks, assess seasonal flu status, and evaluate control options.
(2) Southern Tier AIDS Program, Johnson City, NY- I designed a database to track medical outcomes, to be used as a tool to measure success of the case management system. I assisted the medical advocate with developing a treatment readiness and treatment literacy program for HIV+ clients starting or changing an antiretroviral regimen. I was also active in client services such as client intake, case management and service plan evaluation, and home visits.
About: As an undergraduate, I was intrigued by the diversity of the disease burden amongst human populations. I became particularly interested in the application of anthropology to understand epidemiological factors and other health-related issues. The MS program in Biomedical Anthropology allowed me to expand these interests, and helped me develop a new set of skills to tackle many health challenges.
Current and Future Goals: I hope to take on a leadership role in the public health arena. I am prepared for a position in disease control and healthcare management. I would also like to participate in epidemiological research studies. Ultimately, I hope to obtain a PhD in epidemiology, conduct research, teach students, contribute to biomedical knowledge and improve the health and lives of others.
Justin R. Garcia MS '09
Prior Education: BA in Neuroscience and Behavioral Development, Certificate in Evolutionary Studies, Binghamton University 2007
Internship: I worked at the Brain Body Center in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). I conducted behavioral neuroscience research under the auspices of Professor C. Sue Carter, PhD. Dr. Carter's laboratory is internationally recognized for it's investigations of neuropeptide hormones (specifically oxytocin, vasopressin and CRF) in directing the neurobiology of social monogamy, pair-bonding and biparental care in prairie voles. The projects I worked on hope to develop models for understanding the possible role of genetics and neuropeptide hormones in human disorders such as autism and anxiety.
About: I conduct research using evolutionary approaches to behavior, often applying genetic and neuroscientific techniques. Specifically, the two primary areas of my current research interests are in behavioral neurogenetics (focusing on the dopamine receptor polymorphisms) and on reproductive health and sexual behaviors (focusing on "hook-up" behavior). These investigations cut across a number of different disciplines and I have worked on various studies with faculty from across the BU campus (J. Koji Lum, Chris Reiber, David Sloan Wilson, Ann Merriwether, Leslie Heywood). Most of my work is conducted through the Laboratory of Evolutionary Anthropology and Health. I am actively involved with the Institute for Evolutionary Studies (EvoS).
Current and Future Goals: I currently hold a SUNY Doctoral Fellowship while completing my PhD in Biological Sciences at Binghamton University. My research stream has expanded, but I continue to focus on the evolutionary and neural foundations of sexual and reproductive behaviors (including reproductive health). A recent list of my research projects and publications can be found here: http://evolution.binghamton.edu/evos/people/jgarcia/.
Kito Nzingha MS & MA '09
Prior Education: B.A. in Anthropology in 2004 from Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Internship: Observing autopsies as well as attending pathology and tumor board meetings at Wilson Regional Memorial Hospital, Johnson City, NY. Also, training to become an eye recovery technician for Central New York Eye and Tissue Bank which is a division of Upstate New York Transplant Services.
About: My interests lie within the human body. I gained interest in the human skeleton while working with the New York African Burial Ground Project as an undergraduate and gravitated toward human osteology, forensic anthropology, and bioarchaeology. I plan on working on projects with Dr. Dawnie Wolfe-Steadman where human remains are recovered at archaeological sites, trying to gather information from those remains.
Future Goals: I plan to go on to pursue either a Ph.D. in forensic anthropology or a M.D. to work in a variety of areas ranging from assisting law enforcement agencies, to teaching, and even excavating a mass burial.
Rebecca Polmateer MS '09
Prior Education: BA in Archaeological Studies and Anthropology with minors in Biological Anthropology and Medical Anthropology from SUNY Potsdam
Internship: Washington County Public Health Department
About: I completed my internship during the summer of 2008. While there I worked with the Health Educator. I learned how to plan and teach health education programs, specifically to school-aged children and those in the prison system. By the end of the summer, I had planned and taught my own health education program.
Future Goals: The MS program in Biomedical Anthropology has helped me realize my interest in public health and epidemiology. When I finish in May of 2009 I intend to find employment in the public health field, specifically at the county level. I am confident that this program will have given me the tools I need to obtain my goals.
Eric Shattuck MS '09
Prior Education: BA in Anthropology from University of Georgia, 2005
Internship: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne & Enteric Diseases (NCZVBED), Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases
About: Though my undergraduate focus was in cultural anthropology, I became interested in certain aspects of biological anthropology towards the end of my program at Georgia. Specifically, I was interested in the broad topics of evolutionary medicine, health and human migration, and the co-evolution of humans and pathogens. At Binghamton, I studied under Dr. Chris Reiber, and have focused on the immune system, its genetic basis, and the ecologies of immune function as a means of understanding the evolution of disease resistance. Dr. Reiber, myself, and other graduate students at Binghamton conducted a pilot study of behavioral changes in humans following influenza vaccination which has produced highly intriguing results and many promising future directions of research. I fully intend to continue collaborating on this project, for which we are currently seeking the funding necessary to conduct a larger-scale study.
During my internship in the summer of 2008, I assisted in extracting and sequencing human DNA from fatal influenza cases to search for cytokine polymorphisms which might contribute to influenza deaths. I also had the opportunity to be involved in differential diagnoses of pathological histology samples, learn immunochemistry techniques, and scanning electron and light microscopy. Perhaps most unique, I necropsied fruit bats captured in Uganda to examine their livers for evidence of Marburg infection. This side project was part of a larger effort to establish the wild animal reservoir of this hemorrhagic fever. My internship added considerably to my laboratory skills and enabled me to make many positive contacts within the CDC.
I am currently planning to pursue my doctoral degree in biological anthropology, and will continue to build upon my research and training conducted at both Binghamton and the CDC.
Pauline Alperin (van Goozen) MS '09
Prior Education: BA in Anthropology with minor in Psychology from the University of Rochester 2005
Internship: University of South Alabama Department of Medical Genetics. I completed my internship in Mobile, Alabama during the summer of 2008. There were two major components to my internship. I worked with birth defect data from Alabama and from Europe. I also had the opportunity to shadow the clinical geneticist on patient care days. At the completion of my internship I had an understanding of the interaction between environmental toxins and birth defects. I also gained a much greater understanding of medical genetics and the current understanding of genetic disorders.
About: I am now employed at Yale University Gynecologic Oncology as the data manager for clinical trials. We pursue numerous clinical trials focused on chemotherapy and radiation regimens for treating women’s reproductive cancers. We maintain both pharmaceutical industry sponsored trails and investigator initiated trials. In this job I make use of research skills I learned in the MS Program to maintain patient enrollment and outcome data, and communicate with pharmaceutical representatives from our sponsors.
Future Goals: The MS program in Biomedical Anthropology has helped me focus my interest in maternal/child health and epidemiology. While I have not yet decided if I wish to pursue further education in patient care, or to continue in public health, I am confident that the skills I have earned in this program will serve me well.
Christa DeHuff MS '08
Prior Education: BS in Psychobiology, Minor in Spanish, SUNY Binghamton
Internships:
Health Transition Fieldwork in Vanuatu - Our research group examined the health transition that is currently taking place due to modernization on this South Pacific archipelago. While in Vanuatu I experienced hands-on data collection fieldwork in a completely foreign setting. This internship provided me with an invaluable experience; the opportunity to interact and live and work with individuals from another culture.
Broome County Health Department - At the local health department, I worked with the Healthy Living Partnership to assess the need for improvements in cancer-patient case management and gained experience in questionnaire development and participant recruitment and interviewing. My work discovered a need among patients for additional financial and emotional support services.
About: I currently work as a Research Coordinator for a small company in Manhattan that develops innovative resources to bridge the language gap in healthcare. I devote most of my time to the development and evaluation of an e-learning program designed to teach medical Spanish and cultural competency to healthcare workers. At my current position, I am able to apply research skills that I refined during the MS program and am confident that my training in anthropology provides a unique and valuable perspective.
Future Goals: After gaining experience in the workforce I hope to pursue a PhD, focusing my work on health disparities, disease prevention and nutrition.
Angie DeLuca MS '08
Prior Education: BS in Anthropology, a Minor in Art History from Mansfield University, Mansfield PA.
Internship: Disorders of Function Clinic in Vestal, New York
About: While in college I focused on archaeology until I was stricken with Crohn’s Disease. This life altering event led me here to the MS program to advance my knowledge in the health sector. This program allows me to continue being an anthropologist while enabling me to focus on the biomedical sciences. My health led me to complete an internship at the Disorders of Function Clinic which is run by a gastroenterologist. While here, I gained knowledge on Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and became an assistant to the attending physician and office secretary.
Current and Future Goals: I am currently finishing up with the MS program and plan to go to nursing school after graduation. With the combination of the MS program and my internship, I feel that I can use my knowledge best by becoming a nurse and going on to work in the public health sphere.
Leah Robinowitz MS '08
Prior Education: BS in Psychobiology from Binghamton University, Minor in Studio Art, Painting Concentration
Internship: The first half of my internship was volunteering as a pharmacy technician at the Garabed A. Fatal Community Free Clinic, in downtown Binghamton. Gaining exposure to a different aspect of the continuum of health care was a wonderful experience, as was seeing how a free clinic is run and the benefits to its patients.
The second half of my internship was spent in Dr. Merriwether's laboratory, researching the agouti signaling protein. With his guidance, I designed primers, and began to sequence the PCR product with the goal of finding mutations coding for certain coat colors in alpacas.
Current and Future Goals: I have always been fascinated with health and human behavior. As an osteopathic medical student at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, we are taught to look at and treat the patient as a whole, including their emotional, mental, and cultural state of well being. Often I am able to apply knowledge I gained from the Biomedical Anthropology program, and I know I will be a better physician for it. I also participate in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer research in the Neuroscience Department at NYCOM, working under Dr. Joerg Leheste. I strongly feel that the excellent lab techniques I learned in the Biomedical program gave me a leg up with both securing a research position, as well as making my transition into a new lab very easy.
Although I love research and work in a neuroscience laboratory, my primary goal is to be a clinical osteopathic physician. Infectious disease, cardiology, and emergency medicine are three fields that I am considering for my future career.
Sarah Walker MA & MS '08
Prior Education: BA in Psychology, Minor in Dance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2003
Thesis: “Evaluating physical fitness trends and outcomes in children using FitnessGram standardized test scores,” a pilot surveillance study conducted in partnership with a local middle school and the Broome County Health Department.
Internship: My internship experience involved a series of community health projects and initiatives through the Broome County Health Department and Binghamton University, including a local school-based child health surveillance study led by PhD student Marc Lichtenfeld, the Oneida County Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Project led by Dr. Ralph Garruto, and Steps to a HealthierNY with the BCHD. The CWD Project was a particularly valuable learning experience for me, as our group monitored (and continues to monitor) the health of a group of people from upstate NY who were accidentally exposed to infected venison in 2005.
About: After becoming interested in social psychology, neurobiology, nutritional anthropology and evolutionary studies in college, I spent some time as a social worker, providing behavioral therapy for children with autism and ADHD. I started to develop interests in childhood nutrition, obesity, and the etiology of neurological disorders. However, my experience in the Biological and Biomedical Anthropology Programs at Binghamton helped me discover that what I enjoyed the most was applied work, particularly in epidemiology and public health.
The Program led me directly to an interesting and challenging position as a Public Health Educator for the Broome County Health Department within a few months of graduation. I started out in obesity and chronic disease prevention (Steps to a HealthierNY), launching a county-wide child health surveillance project and working on a new grant-funded chronic disease initiative. Now I am working full-time in Environmental Health, serving as the coordinator for a new Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention project. I will be a certified Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor, collaborating with numerous local government agencies (including Broome County GIS and DSS) and a variety of community partners. I am also serving on the BMTS Advisory Board, an organization concerned with bike and pedestrian issues in the City of Binghamton. I am learning a ton, doing something different every day, and gaining valuable experience that will help me establish an enjoyable career in public health.
John Darcy MS '07
Prior Education: 1996 B.S. Earth Sciences-Geosciences Concentration, Minor in Geography, The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University. 2007 M.S. Biomedical Anthropology, Harpur College, Binghamton University- SUNY.
Professional Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales & Marketing, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Cardiovascular Division
Internship: Garabed Fattal Community Free Clinic Pharmacy of SUNY Upstate Medical University Binghamton Campus;United Health Services Hospitals Wilson Regional Medical Center Pathology Department- Morgue
About: I earned the MS in Biomedical Anthropology in 2007 on a part time basis while working full time for UK based AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. Through professional experience and extensive volunteer work at the Garabed Fattal Community Free Clinic of Upstate Medical University's Binghamton Clinical Campus and UHS' Wilson Hospital Department of Pathology, I have developed a keen interest in biomedical sciences. My interests in human health are global with a specific interest in how changes in environment, climate, human activity and technology affect public health and medicine with respect to infectious and communicable disease. The MS program allowed me to gain a breadth and depth of knowledge through laboratory, clinical, biomedical and anthropological sciences and experiences while providing context and meaning in a fast paced changing biomedical landscape that requires strong analytic and interpretive skills. In the Fall of 2007 I began work on the MA in anthropology with the intent of moving into the PhD program after graduation.
Current and Future Goals: I plan on completing the PhD in Anthropology with the intent of going into biomedical research and epidemiology.
Heidi Gastrich MA & MS '07
Prior Education: BA in Anthropology, The Ohio State University.
Internship: Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
About: The MS degree in Biomedical Anthropology offers a curriculum that is interesting, applicable and allows for the exploration of a variety of topic areas, through both courses, laboratory work, internship possibilities, and various projects. The first year of study made my internship possible, which led into my MA thesis topic and allowed me opportunities to participate in various symposia. In addition to course work, I was also able to participate and collaborate on other on-going group projects. I learned a great deal about working in a group and the details of completing a research study from the beginning. After graduating I took a position working in clinical trials in the field of oncology. In this current career I continue to build on skills and concepts examined in anthropology, at the forefront of which is both problem solving and critical thinking.
Melissa Gates MS '07
Nicole Navratil MS '07
Prior Education: BA in Anthropology with a Minor in Women’s Studies from SUNY Oswego.
Internship: Laboratory of Interpersonal Violence and Victimization, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.
About: While working at the Laboratory of Interpersonal Violence and Victimization (LIVV) I was able to explore issues of homicide, domestic violence, and sexual assault from both a legal and public health perspective. I was also able to learn more about the field of forensic science and the prevention of infectious disease specifically pertaining to issues of sexual assault, as I observed the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training course and spent time shadowing the director of the SANE program. While in Binghamton I have been able to continue research for LIVV on the epidemiology of Murder-Suicide, while also working as a lab assistant for Dr. Ralph Garruto in the Serum Archive Laboratory.
The Biomedical Anthropology program has given me the tools and training I need to approach public health issues in an integrated and culturally sensitive way. I find the staff and students to be incredibly supportive and I have constantly felt challenged and motivated by the individuals I have had the privilege of working with in this program.
Amanda Tavares MS '07
Prior Education: B.S. (Honors) in Forensic Biology from Laurentian University, Ontario, Canada.
Internship: Broome County Public Health Department
About: The Biomedical Anthropology Program offers a variety of opportunities for learning both in and out of the classroom. In addition to my internship, I had the chance to participate in a prion research project, children's health study and worked in the Serum Archive Laboratory. These experiences allowed me to develop a variety of research and field epidemiology skills. The program itself is very flexible in accommodating individual interests. Besides the required courses, I was able to take a GIS independent study and two nursing courses which focussed on emergency preparedness.
Current and Future Goals: After graduation I wanted to gain more hands on experience and accepted an international internship funded by the Canadian International Development Agency. I spent 6 months in Cape Town, South Africa conducting surveillance on harmful energy-related incidents with the Paraffin Safety Association of Southern Africa. Upon my return to Canada I accepted a Health Data Analyst position with a local health unit. This position will enable me to pursue my interests in epidemiology, specifically relating to communicable diseases.
Carolyn Arber MS '06
Prior Education: BA Cultural Anthropology, University of New Hampshire (1996), MS Biomedical Anthropology, Binghamton University (2006), MS Medical Pathology, University of Maryland - Baltimore (2008)
Internship: Wilson Memorial Hospital, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Binghamton, NY.
About: While studying at Binghamton, I worked as an employee of the Research Foundation of BU, in the Serum Archive Laboratory for Dr. Ralph Garruto. Some of the responsibilities included aliquoting sera and developing and maintaining the records, protocols and database information. In addition to being an excellent learning experience in laboratory life, the position was challenging and entertaining.
The Biomedical program more than met my expectations for unique and stimulating course work and provided a venue in which to explore my varied interests. Additionally, there were outstanding opportunities for independent and collaborative lab and field research and the faculty were encouraging and supportive (and patient) of any endeavor in which you may choose to participate.
While interning at Wilson Memorial Hospital I was able to observe and participate in aspects of pathology including autopsy, surgical and gross pathology, microbiology and histology. Thanks to my experience in this program and my internship, I have since completed further training at the University of Maryland Baltimore, Pathologists' Assistant Program where I studied Gross Anatomy, Histology, Embryology and Pathology among others. My second year at UMB involved training in autopsy and surgical pathology with rotations at local hospitals and research institutions. I am a member of AAPA (American Association of Pathologist's Assistants),am employed by Clinical Laboratory Partners as a Pathologists' Assistant and work at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, CT. While I have diverged, somewhat, from the field of biomedical anthropology I constantly use laboratory skills and techniques I acquired at BU.
I am thrilled, as I follow along with biomed news from BU, to know that the work I did in the Serum Archive Laboratory helped facilitate ongoing and future research projects.
Chim Chan MS '06, PhD Track
Prior Education: BS in Biochemistry, Binghamton University.
Internship: Emergency Department, Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton, NY.
About: As an undergraduate, I was interested in the application of molecular biology in understanding of demographic history and health conditions of human populations. One of my first projects as a graduate biomedical anthropology student was to explore the possibility of extracting Plasmodium falciparum (malaria parasite) DNA from archived human serum specimens. Expanding from the preliminary study, my current research focuses on the evolution of chloroquine resistance in P. falciparum from the southwestern Pacific.
The interdisciplinary nature of the Biomedical Anthropology Program at Binghamton University greatly expanded my research interests. In addition to the study on chloroquine resistance, I am also involved in a variety of ongoing projects, including neurodegeneration on Guam, peopling of the Pacific, origins of the Sea Gypsies in Thailand, and obesity in children. These additional interests have taken me to fieldworks in (1) Vanuatu during the summer of 2007, where we collected baseline data on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in a population undergoing rapid modernization, and (2) Puerto Rico in January of 2008, where we collected biological specimens from roosters to examine the association between dopamine receptor polymorphisms and aggressive behavior. Diverse interests and guidance from experienced faculty, combined with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities provide a stimulating environment for both research and training for future careers.
Deanne Gebo MS '06 (MA expected '09)
Prior Education: LA/AS, Broome Community College. BS in Biology, SUNY College at Oneonta.
Internship: BU Laboratory of Evolutionary Anthropology and Health/Ancient DNA and Forensic Laboratory.
About: During my internship, I performed mitochondrial DNA extractions from human and animal bone and teeth and subsequent PCR amplification and sequencing of regions of interest. I was also able to extract and sequence DNA from samples with potential forensic relevance, such as cigarette filters, hair, envelopes, toothbrush bristles and blood stained clothing.
The aspect of the Biomedical Anthropology program that has been most beneficial to my studies has been collaboration among the various state of the art laboratories, the tremedous support of faculty members, and research opportunities. Beyond my laboratory experience, I have been fortunate to be able to assist in forensic cases under the direction of Forensic Anthropologist, Dr. Dawnie Steadman.
Kristin Loos MS '06
Prior Education: B.A in Anthropology and Biology from the University of Rochester.
Internship: New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health
About: I had been teaching high school biology before coming here last fall, and I am currently interning at the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH). Part of my internship at NYCAMH includes working on final revisions for the Migrant Clinician's Occupational Health Reference Manual which I will be pilot testing this summer. Additionally, I will also present the manual at the North American Agromedicine Consortium in Virginia.
My interests lie primarily with rural health in the United States, specifically women's health and other underrepresented groups. Thus, after graduation, I hope to return to NYCAMH.
For me the most positive aspects of the program have been the exceptional teaching by the faculty, and the collaboration among them, meaning that as students we are able to apply things learned in one course, to all of our other courses. The opportunities available for us in terms of research projects are also numerous. I find that all the faculty and students are supportive and friendly.
Daniel Lynch MS '06, MA '07
Prior Education: B.A. in Anthropology with a minor in Biology, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Internship: National Institutes of Health, working in the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stoke (NIH, NINDS).
About: The Biomedical Anthropology Program has given me the tools needed to become a professional researcher, which is one of my future goals. I learned many laboratory techniques for scientific study. The classes I have taken at Binghamton have given me a terrific foundation of information and knowledge to have the ability to attain my goals as a researcher. The most distinguished aspect I learned from my classes has undoubtedly been problem-solving skills. As an anthropologist, I am learning to work through the many levels of inquiry, from the cell and molecular level, to the human population level as a whole. This is what I found most interesting and motivating about our program.
I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between professor and student. The classroom attention is up front and professional, while at other times personal, all of which I find important to generate my enthusiasm as a graduate student. In short, the program teaches students to think about hypotheses, the ways to go about solving them (problem solving skills), and the many ways one can interpret their data.
Post Graduation (2008): Since leaving Binghamton I have moved out of the academic environment and into the non-profit biomedical research field. I am a part of a laboratory research team that is pioneering the personalized medicine arena. The goal of our research project is to better understand the impact of genome-informed medicine and to guide its ethical, legal and responsible implementation. This research study is a forward-thinking, collaborative effort involving volunteer study participants, physicians, scientists, ethicists, genetic counselors and information technology experts. This project will take an evidence-based approach to determine what genome information is clinically useful. Participants may benefit from this research study by utilizing potentially medically actionable information about their personal genomes in their medical care. Participants may share their genome profile with their physician(s) in order to use this information to help determine appropriate recommended lifestyle changes and/or medical interventions.
It was at Binghamton's Biomedical Anthropology program that I have acquired the tools and problem-solving skills that have allowed me to adequately perform as a scientific researcher. During my time at Binghamton, while in an open and professional atmosphere, I have especially and importantly obtained the necessary social skills to communicate scientific data orally at meetings and conferences, which is required of me to perform as part of a research team at the internationally renowned Coriell Institute for Biomedical Research./p>
As of November 2009, the Coriell Institute has established a research collaboration with Operation Smile, where I will be involved both the collection and processing of DNA samples from countries where Operation Smile volunteers perform surgeries for cleft lip and cleft palate children. This is in an effort to discover gene(s) that may be involved both within and across populations. This is an arena of research where I need use both of my cultural and biomedical training received at Binghamton to perform more than adequately in both a fieldwork and laboratory atmosphere.
Della Stumbaugh MS '06
Prior Education: BA in Biology and Anthropology from Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA.
Internship: Ancient/Forensic Laboratory, Binghamton University, WA
Internship: I had the unique opportunity to establish the Ancient DNA/Forensic Laboratory at Binghamton University. This included researching the requirements of such a facility, equipping it to meet a specific budget, and training students in the techniques employed there in extraction of DNA from ancient remains. While this laboratory is an ongoing part of the department, it was my privilege to help establish it.
Current and Future Goals: After being granted my MS in Biomedical Anthropology I moved back to Washington State. I am employed by Bio-Rad Laboratories. This company developed one of the first commercial tests available for Spongiform Encephalopathies, as well as employed one of the researchers who first identified the pathogen responsible for AIDS. I work in is the Clinical Diagnostics department, which field-tests many of the products Bio-Rad develops for diagnosing diseases, including rapid tests for diagnosing HIV1/HIV2, Hepatitis B and several groups of autoimmune diseases. My job role as Clinical Data Specialist is in preparing the data coming in from the current projects in the field for inclusion in reports to the FDA, as well as assisting in the establishment and organization of future projects. I am constantly drawing on the education I received at Binghamton University to help fulfill and understand the process and tasks that I perform. I am proud to be a part of this ground breaking company, knowing that my participation helps the development of products that save lives. I am also grateful to BU for helping get me here. My interests, as well as my eventual career path, lie in Forensic Genetics, but I also remain interested in Neurodegenerative diseases, International Health, Stress-effects and the consequences of modernization.
Miguel Vilar MS '06 & MA '07, PhD Track
Prior Education: BA in Anthropology, Haverford College. MS in Journalism, Columbia University
Internship: Malaria Research in Vanuatu
Current Goals: I am currently writing up my dissertation work on population genetics in the Pacific. The focus of my research is inferring population origins and gene flow among three Pacific populations: Papua New Guinea, Western Micronesia and Vanuatu; through the analysis of mitochondrial DNA, Y-chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and autosomal microsatellites.
Future Goals: After earning my PhD I hope to continue my anthropological research and incorporate that acquired knowledge with my science writing experience to produce more educational evolutionary and biomedical writing for a wider audience.
Jenn Weeks MS '06
Prior Education: B.S. in Biological Anthropology from Binghamton University, 2002.
Internships:
(1) Broome County Health Department- I worked with the Bioterrorism Coordinator on the planning and development of the first Anthrax Biological Disaster System (BDS) Drill in cooperation with the Binghamton Post Office. I also worked with the Environment Health and Safety Department developing a mock database of foodborne illnesses using Epi Info and GIS (ArcView) to aid in surveillance and detection of potential bioterrorism related outbreaks that might originally appear to be food illnesses.
(2) Onondaga County Division of Emergency Management- I worked with the Department Commissioner to develop training presentations, guidelines, and procedures for emergency response professionals for the county’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) which is activated for all kinds of emergency events. I also received training on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS), both of which are used during emergencies by many county and federal agencies.
Future Goals: As a Biomedical Anthropologist, my individualized training has provided me with unique perspectives and skills to apply towards problem solving among different issues concerning public health, bioterrorism and prepardness, epidemiology, and methods in fieldwork and research. After graduating in December of 2005, I hope to work at the Federal level, specializing in Public Health in Emergency Preparedness.
Heather Worne MS & MA '06, PhD track
Prior Education: BS in Anthropology, University of Kentucky
Internship: Kentucky State Medical Examiner's Office, Frankfurt. During my internship, I was able to observe and participate in numerous postmortem examinations of victims of natural disease, accidents, suicide, homicides, and deaths of undetermined manner. I became better acquainted with a number of disciplines including Forensic Anthropology, Death Investigation, Forensic Pathology, Law Enforcement, Criminalistics, and Jurisprudence. I also spent time with the Lexington Police Division of Robbery/Homicide and Patrol as well as observed the testimony of expert witnesses in murder trials in Central Kentucky.
Current and Future Goals: I completed my M.S. in Biomedical Anthropology and M.A. in Biological Anthropology here at Binghamton University-SUNY in January '06. The title of my M.A. thesis was "Lower-Limb Biomechanics and Behavior in a Middle Mississippian Skeletal Sample from West-Central Illinois". I am currently a doctoral student (ABD) pursuing a PhD in Biological Anthropology, also here at Binghamton University. My dissertation topic focuses on bioarchaeological evidence for trauma and warfare in Mississippian skeletal samples from the Middle Cumberland Region of Tennessee. My interests include skeletal biology, bioarchaeology, paleopathology, and forensic anthropology. My career goals include teaching biological anthropology at a college or university.
Tiffany M. Bauer MS '05
Prior Education: BS in Athletic Training, Stetson University, Deland, FL.
Internship: Neuropathology Laboratory, The University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
About: I recently graduated (Spring 2005) from the MS Graduate Program in Biomedical Anthropology. The aspect of the MS Program that I have enjoyed the most is its versatility. As the Program requires elective coursework, it is structured so that students have the ability to tailor their education around their personal academic goals, allowing for both growth and specialization. Another positive aspect of the Program is that it is very well suited for individuals who may not know exactly what area of biological anthropology they would like to focus upon. I entered the program with a strong interest in Forensic Anthropology and have been able to work under the direction of our Forensic Anthropologist, Dr. Dawnie Steadman, who has given me the opportunity to assist her with several forensic cases. Also while at Binghamton, I became interested in population-based perspectives of neurodegenerative disease and had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while completing a summer internship.
Kathryn Lahn MS '05
Natalie Ochs MS & MA '05
Prior Education: B.A. in Neuroscience and Behavior from Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA.
Internship: Broome County Public Health Department.
About: During the time between receiving my B.A. and starting the M.S. program at Binghamton, I worked as a reporter for a biomedical research and health policy journal. The work I was engaged in at the journal, combined with my growing interests in medical anthropology, led me to BU's Biomedical Anthropology program.
The Biomed program provides many opportunities for students to develop their research interests ranging from lab-based to field-based research. This program encouraged and enabled me to become involved in lab research, and was highly supportive of my interests in developing education and prevention strategies for infectious and chronic disease, with a focus on increasing public health communication with minority populations. For example, my master's thesis - "An Assessment of Communication Barriers that Impede Deaf Women in the U.S. from Access to and Inclusion in HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention Strategies" - involved an assessment of the types of communication barriers that exist among young deaf women to potentially impede their access to HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and treatment in the U.S. My thesis topic was inspired to a large extent by my internship experience with the county health department, which involved developing outreach strategies for special needs populations during natural and human-caused disasters. Prior to the completion of my thesis, I served as a research assistant for Laura Soloway's doctoral research on the effects of modernization on hypertension and obesity among the Saban population. Working with Laura on the island of Saba was a fantastic learning experience, not only from a scientific perspective, but also from a public health perspective - this research holds tremendous value and should be used by Sabans to design and implement effective health improvement strategies on Saba.
In June 2007, I began work as a Scientific Review Specialist with the Scientific Review Program, Division of Extramural Activities, at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which is recognized as the second largest institute at the National Institutes of Health. My work involves assisting with the administrative review of grant and contract applications in preparation for the scientific peer review phase. My current career goal is to move into policy-related work at the NIAID.
Kristen Saari MS '05
Prior Education: BS in Biological Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Internship: Ingham County Health Department, Lansing, MI.
About: After graduating from BU, I found a job at the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan as a Research Technician. I have been working on a prostate cancer metastasis mouse model, which involves making a knockout mouse and looking for differences at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels in regards to the spread of prostate cancer. I have learned a lot on the job and thoroughly enjoy what I am doing. The biggest lesson I take with me from the Biomedical-Anthropology program is how important an interdisciplinary background is to understand the differences within and between populations and these lessons learned are essential to apply to any field.
Maggie DiVita MS '04
Prior Education: BA in Anthropology from SUNY-Geneseo
Internship: Broome County Public Health Department
About: During my internship I primarily worked within the clinics that the BCHD offers. With the STD clinic I helped with patient interviews and spinning and sending out blood samples for testing. I also worked on the Seroprevalence study designed to discover real incidences of HIV. I worked with the Communicable Disease Nurse on the Smallpox Emergency Plan, an action plan to vaccinate all of Broome County should there ever be a smallpox outbreak. Other activities included working within the TB clinic, and learning how to use the program EpiInfo for foodborne outbreaks.
Future Goals: The MS program has allowed me to realize my career goals in Applied Epidemiology. I have developed an anthropological mind which allows me to look at the bigger picture in disease. I have been accepted to the Public Health School at the University of Buffalo in a Ph.D. Program in Epidemiology. The MS has given me the background to begin this degree with confidence, knowing that I will always have the perspective of an anthropologist.
Liz Forshay MS '04
Laura Soloway MS & MA '04, PhD '07
Prior Education: BA in Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Boston. MS in Biomedical Anthropology, Binghamton University. MA in Anthropology, Binghamton University, PhD in Anthropology, Binghamton University, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota.
Internship: New York Center for Agricultural Management and Health
About: My Master's thesis is entitled "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinsonism Dementia among the Chamorro People of Guam: Development of an experimental clinical rabbit model". My Doctoral work is entitled "Hypertension and Obesity: Health Effects of Modernization on Saba, Netherlands Antilles". This island has undergone rapid modernization during the past 40 years and is a perfect natural experimental model for these diseases. This study began in the Fall '05 and was completed in the Summer '06. After graduating with my PhD, I was part of a research team (through Binghamton University) studying health effects of modernization in Vanuatu. I recently returned to Saba to collect more data through a grant from the University of Minnesota. Through my Post-doctoral position at the University of Minnesota on the Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention training grant, I have broadened my knowledge and skill set pertaining to epidemiology and have been able to continue my work with cardiovascular disease prevention and intervention. I was able to enroll in the Master’s of Public Health program at University of Minnesota and should complete the program in 2010. Because of my experiences and skills, I was able to return to the Northeast to work at the New York State Cancer Registry as a Research Scientist.
The MS in Biomedical Anthropology is a wonderful program. It is designed to educate the student in various aspects of biomedical, biological, public health, and forensic areas of study in anthropology. One of the best parts of the program, I feel, is the internship. With the internship, one can choose any area of interests and work for a semester or summer in that field. This allows for students to branch out of strictly academic work and learn what happens in the real world. The other amazing part of this program is the professors. They are all top in their fields and willing to work closely with students at all stages of academic advancement. Being a student in the MS program in Biomedical Anthropology allowed me to travel the world and gave me the opportunity to settle in a position that I love here in New York.
Elizabeth Stummer MS '04
Prior Education: BS in Psychobiology from Binghamton University.
Internship: Bamburgh Research Project, England.
About: The MS program has allowed me to develop my role in the medical field while giving me an anthropological perspective to health-related problems. As I completed the MS degree, my interests in health and medicine shifted from forensics to environmental health. I currently see my role as a Biomedical Anthropologist in the environmental health and health education sector. After completing the MS program, I joined Teach For America where I committed two years to the fight for educational equity. I taught two years on the Navajo Reservation, one teaching math and science at a small middle school in Tohatchi, NM, and my second year at a large high school teaching AP Biology in Shiprock, NM. The experience, although somewhat astray from my career goals in public health, allowed me to draw on my anthropological perspective to understand the factors contributing to social inequities many communities face. What remains after my two years in the classroom is a strong connection to the communities in which I taught and a motivation to work within for positive change. I currently work as a Growth Strategy Associate for Teach For America · New Mexico. My role is to develop our program as well as work to expand our impact in New Mexico. I also serve as a board member for the New Mexico Child Abuse and Neglect Citizen Review Board, reviewing monthly cases and advocating for the welfare of children in my community. Lastly, I am an adjunct instructor at the University of New Mexico Gallup Campus, where I teach introductory biological anthropology courses.
Heather A. Junkins (Tulloch) MS ‘04
Prior Education: BS in Biological Science, NY-Oswego. A.A.S. in Veterinary Science Technology, SUNY-Delhi. Licensed New York State Veterinary Technician.
Internship: Center City Coordination Project (C-3), Binghamton.
About: After graduating from Binghamton, I moved to Washington, DC to pursue a career in public health. I am a scientific program analyst in The Office of Population Genomics at the National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health. With my background rooted in biomedical anthropology and biology, I am able to work on a variety of interdisciplinary projects that facilitate the application of genomic research to public health. With an epidemiological focus, our office develops programs that provide research resources for the scientific community; The NHGRI Genome-Wide Association Study Catalog is an example. Other programs incorporate exisiting genomic technologies and apply these to large scale population-based studies with the goal of developing novel research approaches, harmonizing phenotypes, and examining the genetic and environmental effects on complex disease outcomes. My work at NHGRI is very rewarding as we are on the bleeding edge of research and making significant inroads in the field of public health genomics.
Rita Warner MS & MA '04, PhD Track
Prior Education: BA in Anthropology 1998, Bloomsburg University, PA
Internships: Assistant to Pathologist, Lourdes Hospital Morgue, Binghamton, NY 2002-2003; Assistant to Coroner at death scene investigation and ballistics training, Broome County Coroners Office, Binghamton, NY 2004-2006.
About: At the start of my academic career I was interested mainly in the sub-field of archaeology. As a new graduate student, Dr. Garruto's Methods in Biological Anthropology inspired me to study human biological variation and epidemiology. In keeping with the requirements of the M.S. program, I later enrolled in Forensic Anthropology with Dr. Steadman, and subsequently became very involved with medico legal death investigation and forensic identification of human remains. In 05' while teaching at Utica College I became interested in evolutionary psychology and medical anthropology. My current doctoral work deals with the biology of psychiatric disorders from an evolutionary perspective. The Binghamton University Anthropology Department effectively yields broadly competent anthropologists in the four traditional sub-fields. However, burgeoning scientists and academics of biomedicine, molecular genetics or any other cross-disciplinary anthropological interests are well served by this department's diverse faculty expertise and the hands on experience gained in their laboratories.
Helene Van Berge-Landry RN '88 MS & MA '03, PhD '07
Prior Education: Registered Nurse. MS in Biomedical Anthropology, MA in Anthropology, PhD in Anthropology, Binghamton University.
Internship: Ruttenberg Breast Cancer Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NYC, NY. Migrant farm workers project. Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, NY.
About: My research interests include understanding the relationships between ecological factors, cultural determinates, immunity and chronic disease in human populations, particularly among different ethnic groups. My dissertation project, Ethnic differences in diurnal blood pressure variation and regulation: The effects of catecholamines, cortisol, and IL-6 examined the differences in the dynamic relationships between neuroendocrine and inflammatory markers with cardiovascular response among African American and European American women living and working in the metropolitan area of New York City.
I am interested in multidisciplinary approaches that integrate culture, ethnicity, and epidemiological methods to further study risk factors for chronic disease conditions. The Biomedical Anthropology program helped to prepare me for a research-oriented career by providing a broad-based foundation in the fundamentals of human population variability, culture and behavior, epidemiology, and statistical methodology both qualitative and quantitative under the mentorship of Drs. Ralph Garruto and Gary James.
