
PhD Program Student Representatives
The Student Representatives Program at Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences offers prospective students an opportunity to interact with current PhD candidates. Our representatives can provide information about both the academic and student life experience at Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences.
If you are a prospective student, feel free to email one of our current PhD candidates below to learn more about our training programs, graduate student life, and life in New York City. Please note that response times may vary as representatives volunteer their time around school and work responsibilities.
Should you have any general questions about our Student Representatives Program, please email Vilcek-Info@NYULangone.org.

Paola Angulo Salgado
Paola.AnguloSalgado@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Pleasant Hill, California
Research focus: Molecular Oncology and Tumor Immunology
Undergraduate: University of California, Santa Cruz
Paola is currently in the laboratory of Markus Schober, PhD, in collaboration with the laboratory of Eva M. Hernando-Monge, PhD, where she develops computational and experimental approaches to dissect the molecular and cellular mechanisms that are responsible for the phenotypic heterogeneity and metastatic dissemination of melanoma cells. She is the social co-chair of the Vilcek Student Council. One of Paola’s favorite activities outside of the lab is playing soccer competitively.

Nida Athar
Nida.Athar@NYULangone.org
Hometown: West Orange, New Jersey
Research focus: Epidemiology
Undergraduate: Rutgers University
Nida works in the lab of Tomas Kirchhoff, PhD where her goal is to identify novel genetic markers to develop improved strategies predictive of differential cancer outcomes in the immunotherapy setting. Her long-term goal is to work in clinical development to leverage personalized medicine and mitigate disparities in cancer outcomes. Prior to joining Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, she earned her MPH in Epidemiology from NYU School of Global Public Health and ran therapeutic molecular targeted clinical trials for multiple myeloma and lung cancer. Outside of the lab, she has a passion for iced coffee and enjoys exploring different coffee shops around the NJ/NY area (along with her twin sister!).

Elaine Camacho-Hernández
Elaine.Camacho-Hernandez@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Ponce, Puerto Rico
Research focus: Molecular Oncology and Tumor Immunology
Undergraduate: University of Puerto Rico, Ponce
Elaine is a PhD candidate in the laboratory of Teresa Davoli, PhD, where she studies aneuploidies and cancer. She is interested in understanding chromosome-specific aneuploidies and how they lead to cancer immune evasion in solid tumors.

Cassie Conlan
Cassandra.Conlan@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Westwood, NJ
Research focus: Developmental Genetics/Cell Bio
Undergraduate: Clemson University
Cassie is a PhD student in the Knaut Lab where she studies skin wound healing in zebrafish. Prior to joining NYU, Cassie worked at a BioTech start-up using human embryonic stem cell-derived organoids as a platform for high-throughput drug discovery. At NYU, Cassie additionally serves as the social co-chair and loves attending board game club. Outside of the lab, she enjoys trying new restaurants with friends, going on walks, and knitting.

Ariadna Corredera Asensio
Ariadna.CorrederaAsensio@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Barcelona, Spain
Research focus: Neuroscience and Physiology
Graduate and undergraduate: University of Barcelona
Ariadna is interested in both the neural circuitry underlying social behaviors and the sensorimotor integration that helps make predictions in natural environments. Her main goal is to lead a research project combining electrophysiology and genetic tools to build an integrative understanding of how behaviors are generated. Outside of the lab, Ariadna plays piano, sports (particularly basketball), skateboards, and explores every possible New York bar, restaurant, and concert hall. She’s been to 24 countries across 4 different continents.

Ines Delclaux
Ines.Delclauxobieta@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Bilbao, Spain
Research focus: Molecular Oncology and Tumor Immunology
Undergraduate: Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
Ines is currently in the laboratory of Amanda Lund, PhD, which focuses on studying the lymphatic system and its role the immune response. Specifically, Ines is studying how T cells leave tumors via the lymphatic vessels, and what happens to them once they reach the lymph node. Outside of the lab, Ines enjoys going on runs along the East River and discovering new restaurants.

Andrés Gil Arana
AndresFelipe.GilArana@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia
Research focus: Population Health
Undergraduate: Florida State University
Andrés is interested in functional medicine and explores how various determinants of health, such as health policies, influence behavior and chronic diseases, particularly in the areas of nutrition and trauma. He is currently studying the impact of food marketing on health choices in the US and internationally. Outside the lab, Andrés likes to read, exercise, cook, and do street photography while exploring NYC.

Pei-Feng Hsu
Pei-Feng.Hsu@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan
Research focus: Immunology and Inflammation
Undergraduate: National Taiwan University
Pei-Feng is a PhD candidate in the laboratory of Boris Reizis, PhD. His research focuses on elucidating the mechanism that regulates the development and functionality of innate immune cells, including dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages. Pei-Feng is a prior member of the Vilcek Student Council and served as the community engagement chair. Outside of the lab, he likes reading, writing, and exploring coffee shops and restaurants in New York City.

Anushree Iyengar
Anushree.Iyengar@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Boylston, MA
Research Focus: Biostatistics
Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University
Anushree's research interests primarily lie in developing methods for the use of multi-omics and EHR data for observational studies. Outside of school, she enjoys crocheting, playing Civilization, and hanging out with her pet tortoise.

Joseph Kim
Joseph.Kim@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Christchurch, New Zealand
Research focus: Immunology and Inflammation
Undergraduate: University of Auckland
During Joseph’s undergraduate studies, he was initially interested in researching cancer biology but quickly found himself looking into immunotherapies, then tumor immunology. In his previous research experience, he studied how T-cell receptor affinity determined responses to PD-1 blockade. Outside of the lab, Joseph enjoys visiting cafes, reading, and eating lots of unhealthy food.

Kimberly Lucero
Kimberly.Lucero@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Cebu City, Philippines
Research focus: Cell Biology
Undergraduate: University of San Carlos
Kimberly’s general research interests lie in determining gene regulation mechanisms that confer cells with a specific identity and function. She is currently working on further elucidating the principles of 3D genome organization in the nucleus, which is integral to maintaining legitimate cellular transcriptional programs. Her hobbies include reading fiction, being outdoors, playing board games, and playing the piano.

Taylor McCready
Taylor.Mccready@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Duncansville, Pennsylvania
Research focus: Epidemiology
Graduate: New York University
Undergraduate: Bucknell University
Taylor’s research is focused on investigating the colorectal cancer care continuum, from screening to survival, using causal inference methods. Her primary mentor is Dr. Audrey Renson. Prior to joining the PhD program, she worked in research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for 5 years. Outside of school, she enjoys trying new restaurants and taking dance classes.

Julia Sproch
Julia.Sproch@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Research focus: Microbiology
Undergraduate: La Salle University
Julia is interested in host-pathogen interactions, bacterial pathogenesis, and protein biochemistry. As a prior member of the Vilcek Student Council, Julia enjoys engaging in our community. In her free time, she likes going to indie rock concerts, lifting weights and running, and reading.

Yi-Shuan Tseng
Yi-Shuan.Tseng@NYULangone.org
Hometown: New Taipei City, Taiwan
Research focus: Cell Biology
Undergraduate: National Taiwan University
Yi-Shuan is a Ph.D. candidate in Liam Holt Lab. She is interested in how physical properties change inside the cell upon stresses. Currently, she is working on understanding the role of nucleocytoplasmic transport in neurodegenerative diseases. Outside the lab, she enjoys traveling, hiking, visiting museums, Broadway shows, music concerts, and dancing (that's why she loves NYC!).

Kimberly Zaldana
Kimberly.Zaldana@NYULangone.org
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Research focus: Immunology and Inflammation
Undergraduate: Emory University
Kimberly’s current research aims to improve protective humoral immunity at mucosal sites by understanding the regulation and maintenance of IgA-producing plasma cells. Her long-term goal is to become an academic professor. Currently, Kimberly serves as the community engagement chair on the Vilcek Student Council. She loves going to museums.