Current KU IRACDA Scholars
Wendy Cristal Aquino, PhD
IRACDA Scholar, 2026–2029
Email: waquinon@ku.edu
Office: Haworth Hall 4055
Educational Background
Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
Supervisor: Dr. Brian Ackley
M.S. in Integrative Biology
Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia.
Supervisor: Dr. Martin Hudson
B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology
University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, PR.
Current Research
Mentor: Dr. Rob Unckless, Molecular Biosciences
Wendy is originally from the Dominican Republic and earned her B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, followed by a M.S. in Integrative Biology from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Until finally arriving at the University of Kansas, where she obtained a doctorate in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Her doctoral research focused on using C. elegans to develop a new model for in vivo tau aggregation. Specifically, she expressed human tau tagged with GFP to observe tau aggregation in vivo within neurons of the nematode tail, and used the model to test for genetic modifiers that might affect tau aggregation. After finishing her Ph.D., Wendy joined the IRACDA program, working under Dr. Rob Unckless. Her current research focuses on understanding the natural occurrence of B chromosomes in Drosophila putrida. The main goal is to use the advantages of Drosophila as a model system to further understand how B chromosomes naturally occur, their effect on an organism's fitness, and how B chromosomes are maintained within a population.
Eli Newcomb, PhD
IRACDA Scholar, 2026–2029
Email:
Office: Cates West 4021
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, KS 66160
Educational Background
Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2024)
University of Florida College of Medicine
Supervisor: Dr. Linda Bloom
B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2019)
Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Florida
Current Research
Mentor: Dr. Bret Freudenthal, Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute
Eli is originally from Washington State and earned his B.A. in Biochemistry from Ave Maria University before completing his Ph.D. at the University of Florida. His doctoral research explored the molecular mechanisms that govern DNA replication, using E. coli as a model system to understand how enzymes respond to their substrates to drive reaction cycles. As a member of the IRACDA program, Eli conducts research in the laboratory of Dr. Bret Freudenthal, where he applies biochemical and biophysical approaches to investigate newly discovered roles for the human helicase DHX36 in DNA repair. Through this interdisciplinary training, Eli is expanding his expertise at the intersection of genome stability and human disease. Eli ultimately aims to establish a research program at a primarily undergraduate institution where he hopes to integrate his research with teaching and mentorship, fostering the next generation of passionate reseachers.
Austin Eades, PhD
IRACDA Scholar, 2025–2028
Email: a319e329@kumc.edu
Office: Haworth Hall 8035
Educational Background
Ph.D. in Cancer Biology (2024)
University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
Supervisor: Dr. Michael VanSaun
B.S. in Chemistry
Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado
Current Research
Mentor: Dr. Robin Orozco, Molecular Biosciences
Austin is originally from Oklahoma and earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, followed by a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. His doctoral research focused on obesity-driven mechanisms affecting the growth and progression of pancreatic cancer. Specifically, he investigated how to rewire adipose tissue to disrupt the interactions between tumor cells and adipocytes. After finishing his Ph.D., Austin joined the IRACDA program, working under Dr. Robin Orozco. His current research focuses on a phosphatase that exists in all immune cells and has been linked to the regulation of melanoma and colon cancer growth. After completing the program, he intends to become a faculty member at a minority-serving, primarily undergraduate institution to mentor students pursuing careers in STEM and health-related fields while continuing his research.
Victoria Joan Sharp, PhD
IRACDA Scholar, 2025–2028
Email: victoriasharp@ku.edu
Office: Haworth Hall 7003
Educational Background
Ph.D. in Biology (2024)
Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
Supervisor: Dr. Mónica Medina
Current Research
Mentor: Dr. Paulyn Cartwright, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Victoria received her B.S. in Marine Biology at Texas A&M at Galveston and her Ph.D. in Biology at Penn State. Her doctoral research focused on exploring the development and symbiosis of the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana. In the IRACDA program, she is working with Dr. Paulyn Cartwright on how Hydractinia venom is used in the diverse nematocysts and polyps of the animal. She is a passionate supporter of diversity and increasing accessibility of scientific research to underrepresented groups and hopes to continue spreading her love of marine invertebrates through research and teaching.