Colin Xiao, BS
Jan 2024 – May 2025
Colin joined the lab in January 2024 as an MS student in the Division of Nutritional Sciences. He received his BS in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in May 2023. His current research focuses on the impact that beta-ionone has on gene expression, as well as the role exosomes play in the excretion of vitamin A.
Walter Catalan, MS
Jan 2021 – Dec 2024
Walter is from El Salvador. He is currently working on campus. He received his B.Sc in Food Science and Technology from Samorano University in Honduras in December 2020. Walter joined the lab in January 2021.
Anthony Miller, PhD
July 2019 – Aug 2023
I am currently working as a strategic analyst in the healthcare industry. My research focuses on the influence of pharmaceuticals on the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of carotenoids and lipid-soluble vitamins. I also study the metabolism of novel provitamin A carotenoids and the relationship between HDL and tissue carotenoid distribution.
Patrick McQueen, MS
Jan 2020 – Nov 2022
I am currently working as a Life Science Research Professional in the Pasca Lab at Stanford University School of Medicine in the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences/Sleep Medicine. I am focusing on optimizing 3D brain organoid protocols in cell culture and studying fetal neurodevelopment. I have also attained my Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential in hopes to further my career in health and human performance.
Johana Coronel, PhD
Aug 2018 – Aug 2022
I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Dr. Reilly’s lab at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Department of Medicine Cardiology. My research focuses on determining the role of smooth muscle derived cells in plaque stabilization during atherosclerosis regression.
Ivan Pinos, PhD
Aug 2018 – Aug 2022
I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Dr. Barrett’s lab at New York University Langone Health in the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology. My research focuses on the role of platelets and trained immunity in atherothrombosis, defined as the atherosclerotic plaque disruption with thrombi formation, which is the first cause of mortality due to cardiovascular event
Paula Mapelli Brahm, PhD
Aug 2021 – May 2022
Paula is now at the University of Seville as a postdoctoral fellow.
Pooja Acharya, PhD
Feb 2020 – Nov 2021
I am currently pursuing my 2nd postdoctoral appointment at the Quadro lab in Food Science, Rutgers-State University of New Jersey. My research project focuses the relationship of maternal-fetal metabolism of vitamin A and B-carotene, congenital defects, and maternal pathological conditions. I was fortunate to have an enriching research experience in the Amengual Lab with super interesting projects. I have wonderful memories of the lab which will make my time in Illinois one of the high-points in my life.
Asma’a Albakri, PhD
Nov 2019 – Jul 2021
I am currently working as an Assistant Professor at the University of Jordan.
Xiaoyun Wu, PhD
Visiting Scholar Jul 2018 – Jul 2019
I am currently working in the department of Chemistry in Yunnan University of Agriculture. I am committed to find new drugs that can be used to treat diabetes from Chinese traditional herbs. I am very thankful for my time in the Amengual Lab, he is an excellent scientist. I learned a lot and this experience will benefit me forever. I am looking forward to collaborating with him in the future.
Undergraduate Alumni
Theodorus Mikhael
Theo joined the lab in August of 2022. He worked in our lab until May 2025. He was recently accepted as a medical student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville. Congratulations!
Kriti Maiya
Kriti joined the lab in August of 2022, and recently graduated in Molecular and Cellular Biology with Chemistry and Public Health minors. Kriti plans to pursue dental school with a particular interest in Orthodontics after graduating in May of 2025.
Olivia Edakkunnathu
Olivia Edakkunnathu joined the lab in August of 2022 and recently graduated in Molecular and Cellular Biology with minors in Chemistry and Legal Studies. Olivia intends to pursue medical school after graduating in May of 2025 with an interest in practicing abroad.
Delaina Sigman
Delaina joined the lab in January of 2023. She just recently graduated in Food Science and Human Nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics. She is now working on her dietetics internship and gearing up to become an Active-Duty Dietitian.
Ismail Mohammed Ahmed
Ismail joined the lab in October of 2023 and graduated in May 2024, majoring in Food Science and Nutrition with a concentration in Nutrition and Health. Ismail is pursuing graduate school.
Abu-Bakr Malik, June 2018 – March 2020 Medical student, NY Institute of Technology
Benjamin M. Abraham, Jr. June 2018 – Aug 2019 Medical student, Marian University
Reilly Ruzella Oct 2020 – Aug 2021
NiaMya Madison Oct 2020 – Aug 2021
Grace Rygeil Nov 2020 – Jun 2022. Dental school, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jorge Vasquez Apr 2020 – Jun 2022
Ashley Equihua Nov 2021 – Dec 2023