Adetunji Toriola

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alena Ahrens

SENIOR PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR (2018 – 2023)
PhD, MFA

Alena is now pursuing her art career internationally.

Ava Weibman

Ava Weibman

PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR II (2019-2022)
BA

Ava is now working as a Nurse Practitioner in Rochester.

Irene Wang

Irene Wang

PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR I (2019-2022)
BA

Irene will be attending medical school at Rocky Vista University in Colorado.

Trisha Grewal

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

Hannah Brenton

PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH COORDINATOR I (2020 – 2023)
BS

Hannah is currently attending St Louis College of Pharmacy.

Kayla Getz

Kayla Getz

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
PhD, MPH

Kayla is now conducting research at the University of Michigan.

Kayode Matthew

Kayode Matthew

GRADUATE STUDENT
MD

Kayode is now working as a research coordinator in Occupational Therapy.

Shuai Xu

Shuai Xu

GRADUATE STUDENT (2020-2021)
MPH

Shuai is pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology at Vanderbilt University.

Yingwen “Jane” Shi

Yingwen “Jane” Shi

GRADUATE STUDENT (2021-2022)
MPH

Jane is working as a clinical data manager at Merck & Co pharmaceutical company.

Polly Haun

Polly Haun

GRADUATE STUDENT (2021-2022)
MPH

Polly is working as a public health analyst at the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

Amrit Avula

Amrit Avula

GRADUATE STUDENT
BS

Amrit is now taking a gap year before applying to medical schools.

Charlie Repaci

Charlie Repaci

GRADUATE STUDENT
BS

Liang Li

Liang Li

GRADUATE STUDENT
BS

Clifford Atiuri

Clifford Atiuri

GRADUATE STUDENT (2021-2022)
MPH

Clifford is finishing up his MPH and applying to residency programs.

Wenqing Zhang

Wenqing Zhang

GRADUATE STUDENT (2022)
MSW

Wenqing is graduating from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.

Joy  Kyeyune

Joy Kyeyune

GRADUATE STUDENT (2023)
BS

Joy is currently attending medical school at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine.

Keshav Kumar

Keshav Kumar

GRADUATE STUDENT (2023)
BDS

Keshav is currently attending the MPH program at Washington University in Saint Louis.

Ramkrishna Kumar Singh

Ramkrishna Kumar Singh

GRADUATE STUDENT (2023)
MBBS

Ram is currently attending the MPH program at Washington University in Saint Louis.

Kerem Yucebas

Kerem Yucebas

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT (2018-2021)
BA

Kerem is now applying to medical school.

Hasan Salim

Hasan Salim

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT (2021)
BA

Hasan is now pursuing his MD at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Yousaf Malik

Yousaf Malik

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT (2021-2022)
BA

Yousaf is now applying to medical school.

Vikram Murugan

Vikram Murugan

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT (2022)
BA

Vikram is now pursuing his MD at Creighton University in Nebraska.

Nicole Semanik

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

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.

Nimo Abdi

Nimo Abdi

Intern


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