Adetunji Toriola
Principle Investigator
MD, MPH, PhD
As a molecular cancer epidemiologist, I address methods for the use of biomarkers of energetics, metabolic imbalance, and inflammation, and their application in cancer etiology and prognosis, with a focus on breast and gastrointestinal cancers. My hobbies include traveling, playing cricket and soccer.
Emilie McHenry
Research Intern
BA
I am currently studying at Washington University in Saint Louis, pursuing a major in Biology as well as a minor in Spanish Language. I joined the Toriola Lab in 2024 to learn more about the different aspects of the clinical research process including participant recruitment, sample collection, and data analysis. In my free time I enjoy oil painting, watching soccer, and spending time with family.
Suleepon “Emmy” Uttamapinan
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR II
MD, MSc
I graduated with a MD in Medical Oncology and a MSc in Cancer Biology from Thailand. Previously, I worked treating cancer patients and conducting research in pharmaceutical sponsored and investigator-initiated studies. I am passionate about clinical research, especially in cancer drug development and cancer prevention. In my free time, I enjoy bird watching, watching television, reading, and napping.
Sarah Ning
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR I
BA
I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2022, majoring in Anthropology: Global Health & Environment and minoring in Dance. I joined the lab to gain insight into how clinical research is conducted and to gain some overall experience. In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants, watching movies, and spending time with my friends.
Lara Goodrich
Public Health Research Coordinator I
BS
I graduated from Saint Louis University in 2022 with a B.S. in Health Information Management and minor in Urban Poverty Studies. I joined the lab to learn more about the process of conducting clinical trials and to expand my knowledge of women’s health. In my free time, I love running, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Nimisha Manjrekar
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR I
MDS, MPH, FDPO
I hold an MDS in Prosthodontics from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, India, and a recent MPH in Epidemiology and Global Health from Saint Louis University (SLU). Previously, I have worked as a Project Coordinator at SLU’s Center for Environmental Education and Training and as a fellow in Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthetic Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, India. I am passionate about improving healthcare accessibility for disadvantaged and underserved populations, particularly for the prevention and control of cancer. In my free time, I indulge in various hobbies like dancing, especially Indian classical dances – Odissi & Bharatanatyam, meeting people from different countries, playing table tennis and board games, photography, hiking, and exploring diverse cuisines.
Bridget Chung
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
I am currently pursuing a Biology Major and Studio Art Minor at Washington University in St. Louis. I joined the Toriola Lab in 2023 to learn about clinical research and familiarize myself with a work environment that involves both patient interaction and data management. In my free time, I love to draw, bake, and fold origami.
Ghazaleh Pourali
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
MD
I graduated with an MD from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran. My research has been focused on discovering biomarkers of cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Currently, I am working to identify the molecular basis of breast density and breast cancer to develop effective preventive strategies. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, photography, and traveling.
Yueshui Lyu
Research Assistant
MS
I graduated from Lanzhou University in 2023 with a major in Clinical Medicine. Currently, I am pursuing the Biostatistics program at Washington University in St. Louis. In 2024, I joined a research lab to gain more knowledge about clinical research and apply it to real-world data. During my free time, I like to travel and dance.
Supriya Sthapit
Research Assistant
MPH
I am currently a Master of Public Health (Epidemiology & Biostatistics) candidate at Washington University in St Louis. I received my Bachelor of Public Health degree from Nepal in 2019. After graduation, I worked with the UNICEF Office of Research – Innocenti as a research assistant for the Gender-Responsive and Age-Sensitive Social Protection (GRASSP) research programme, and as a COVID-19 Surveillance Associate at the World Health Organization. I am passionate about promoting health equity and women and girls’ health through research and advocacy. Therefore, I joined Toriola Lab to support systematic reviews and research on breast cancer prevention. Besides work, I advocate for animal rights and love taking care of the community dogs and cats, trekking, and meditation.
Lab Alumni
Dante Chao
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR II (2019 – 2024)
MA, BA
Dante is now attending University of Rochester for his Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree.
Alena Ahrens
SENIOR PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR (2018 – 2023)
PhD, MFA
Alena is now pursuing her art career internationally.
Ava Weibman
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR II (2019-2022)
BA
Ava is now working as a Nurse Practitioner in Rochester.
Irene Wang
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR I (2019-2022)
BA
Irene will be attending medical school at Rocky Vista University in Colorado.
Trisha Grewal
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR I (2018-2021)
MPH
Trisha graduated from Washington University in St. Louis’ Master’s Program with a degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She is currently working in Georgia.
Hannah Brenton
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR I (2020 – 2023)
BS
Hannah is currently attending St Louis College of Pharmacy.
Kayla Getz
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
PhD, MPH
Kayla is now conducting research at the University of Michigan.
Kayode Matthew
GRADUATE STUDENT
MD
Kayode is now working as a research coordinator in Occupational Therapy.
Shuai Xu
GRADUATE STUDENT (2020-2021)
MPH
Shuai is pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology at Vanderbilt University.
Yingwen “Jane” Shi
GRADUATE STUDENT (2021-2022)
MPH
Jane is working as a clinical data manager at Merck & Co pharmaceutical company.
Polly Haun
GRADUATE STUDENT (2021-2022)
MPH
Polly is working as a public health analyst at the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
Clifford Atiuri
GRADUATE STUDENT (2021-2022)
MPH
Clifford is finishing up his MPH and applying to residency programs.
Wenqing Zhang
GRADUATE STUDENT (2022)
MSW
Wenqing is graduating from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.
Joy Kyeyune
GRADUATE STUDENT (2023)
BS
Joy is currently attending medical school at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine.
Keshav Kumar
GRADUATE STUDENT (2023)
BDS
Keshav is currently attending the MPH program at Washington University in Saint Louis.
Ramkrishna Kumar Singh
GRADUATE STUDENT (2023)
MBBS
Ram is currently attending the MPH program at Washington University in Saint Louis.
Hasan Salim
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT (2021)
BA
Hasan is now pursuing his MD at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Vikram Murugan
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT (2022)
BA
Vikram is now pursuing his MD at Creighton University in Nebraska.
Nicole Semanik
INTERN
RVT, LATG
Nicole is now working as a lab manager at the Tissue Procurement Core at Wash U School of Medicine.
Sally Gacheru
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT (2022 – 2023)
BA
Sally is now working as a coordinator in the Neonatal Development Research Lab at Wash U School of Medicine.
Postgraduate Students
DBBS students, Washington University in St. Louis
- Megan Glasheen – 2014
- Linda Johnshon – 2016
- Yize Li – 2017
MPH/MSW students, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis
- Majunder Monami – 2014
- Shin Hyelim – 2015
- Min Jong Lee – 2015
- Zhujun Huang – 2016
- Diane Eapen – 2017
- Solenne Wachsman – 2020
- Kenya Johnson- 2021
MSBDS students, Washington University in St. Louis
- Leavitt Morrison – 2014
- Yize Li – 2015
- Xiangji Ying – 2016
- Mei Wang – 2017
MPH students, Saint Louis University
- Yinjiao Ma – 2015
- Xiaoyu Zong – 2017
- Xiaoyue Mi – 2019
Medical Students, Saint Louis University
- Rachael Newton – 2019
Undergraduate Students
Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis
- Valerie Otti – 2016
- Victoria Olojo – 2017
- Fred DeRosier – 2020
IPH Summer Research Interns
- Aaron Tesfai – 2016
- Courtnie Phillip – 2017
- Chee Teik Lee – 2019