Lea Goren, BS
Education:
BS in Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
MD in progress, University of Minnesota Medical School Class of 2024
Research Interests:
Pediatric and adult infectious disease outcomes, respiratory viruses, tropical medicine, vector borne diseases, clinical immunology, medical genetics.
Interests Outside the Lab:
Spending time outdoors, paddleboarding on the St. Croix River, cooking and sharing meals with family and friends, farmers' markets, group fitness, and reading as much as I can!
Alexander Johnson, BS
Education:
BS in Microbiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Research Interests:
Pediatric and adult infectious disease, tropical vector born viral disease agents, clinical applications of infectious disease research. I am also very interested in the intersection between policy studies and biological research.
Interests Outside the Lab:
Participating in competitive soccer leagues, reading, communicating with and coordinating clubs related to understanding and sharing scientific literature and writings, sewing, rug and textile making
Idil Abdi, BS
Education:
BS degree in Microbiology & BS degree in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Research Interests:
I am very interested in the human microbiome, infectious diseases, public health, antibiotic resistance, and microbial genetics
Interests Outside the Lab:
I enjoy listening to science & true crime podcasts, hiking at MN state parks, swimming, eating foods from different cultures, and spending time with loved ones.
Olivia Toles, BS
Education:
BS in Cellular and Organismal Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Research Interests:
As an undergraduate researcher, I have spent the last few years working on projects investigating discrimination and structural vulnerabilities in the MN immigration court system. From this experience, I have developed broad interests in the subject of how vulnerability manifests in health outcomes.
Interests Outside the Lab:
I enjoy cooking, doing yoga, getting outside, and reading. On the weekends, you can find me working at a farmer's market or a community-based vegan pop-up market
Joanna Ly, BA
Education:
BA in Human Physiology, Minor in Sociology from University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Research Interests:
Joanna is the inaugural post-baccalaureate student for the D-PRIME (Diversifying Pediatric Research through Individualized Mentorship and Experiences) Program. This is a two-year clinical research coordinator position within Peds CRS that includes both hands-on clinical research experience and a structured professional development curriculum. Currently, she is working with ongoing Infectious Disease, Gastrointestinal, and Emergency Medicine research studies.
Interests Outside the Lab:
traveling, thrifting, exploring coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family
Alice Lehman, MD
Education:
BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan
MD, University of Minnesota Medical School
Adult and Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Fellowship, University of Minnesota, Class of 2025
Research Interests:
Metagenomic testing for infectious disease, point of care infectious disease diagnostics, Telemedicine, Public Health
Interests Outside the Lab:
Running, Kayaking, Outdoor trips, gardening, cooking with new beans and grains
Kristen Bastug, MD
Education:
BS in Biology, University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, MN
MD, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship in progress at the University of Minnesota
Research Interests:
The intersection of infectious disease, global child health, climate change, air pollution and pediatric pneumonia, One Health, public health, travel medicine
Interests Outside the Lab:
Enjoying the outdoors, scuba diving, snorkeling, gardening/houseplant keeping, video games, reading.
Sophie Samson, BA
Education:
BA in Biochemistry, College of Saint Benedict
MD Candidate, University of Minnesota Medical School Class of 2025
Research Interests:
Pediatric infectious disease, vector borne diseases, public health, global health, climate change, and health equity
Interests Outside the Lab:
Reading, running, traveling, cooking, finding new coffee shops, playing the piano and guitar, teaching ice skating lessons, and spending time with my loved ones!