Myranda Thompson

I work under Dr. Julie In as a third year PhD student in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BSGP). Broadly, my project looks at the colonic epithelial response to uranium-bearing dust.  

I am passionate about understanding how exposure to heavy metals affects the gut—particularly the delicate balance of epithelial integrity— as this can provide vital insights into the long-term consequences of environmental contamination and have broader implications for public health. 

Myranda's advice for fellow and future trainees: Stay open to learning new things and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Keep your data organized and write down everything—even weird results can lead to cool discoveries. Find good mentors, build connections, and speak up if you need help.

Jorge Moreno 

I am a 3rd year PhD Candidate in the laboratory of Dr. Alicia Bolt working on the BioProject Lung component of the METALS Superfund Center, investigating inhalation exposure to Uranium Bearing Dust and a possible role in the incidence of Autoimmune Diseases. 



I am from San Antonio, Texas where I earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I also worked as a supervisor in a government contract laboratory specializing in clinical forensic toxicology and microbiology for five years where I was able to learn skills in basic science that have translated to my graduate degree and research at UNM. 

Jorge's advice for fellow and future trainees: UNM has an incredible support network and in particular the METALS Superfund Center allows for opportunities to establish connections with the community as well as other experts over a broad spectrum of fields that I believe all trainees should take advantage of. 

Geisianny Moreira

I am a postdoctoral researcher at METALS, working on the ESE Remediation project with Dr. Jose Cerrato and Dr. Jennifer Rudgers. I hold a PhD and MS in Environmental Microbiology and a BS in Biological Sciences from the University of Brasilia, Brazil. 

My research focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of fungi-metal interactions to inform the bioremediation of metal mixtures from mining legacy. My interest in environmental disturbances caused by mining activity began during my graduate studies, where I investigated the effect of iron mining on soil fungi diversity. I was astounded to find how resilient fungi communities are and their powerful contribution to ecosystem recovery after disturbance. Those findings drove my curiosity to deepen my understanding of the mechanism fungi use to deal with metals. Working at METALS is a wonderful opportunity to fulfill my passion for environmental fungi communities. 

Geisianny's advice for fellow and future trainees: My advice is to cultivate passion in research and life, as it provides motivation during challenging times.

Jason Zhang

I am a Pharmacy Student working with Dr. Sarah J. Blossom at the UNM College of Pharmacy, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry in 2022 and currently pursuing my PharmD and Masters in Pharmaceutical sciences. My current project investigates how trichloroethylene and arsenic can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.  

My curiosity in this field began when my aunt was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In pharmacy school I was provided an opportunity to pursue research through the summer research fellowship with Dr. Blossom. From this, I was exposed to the environmental side of autoimmune diseases and how certain chemicals can contribute. This experience deepened my curiosity and led me to continue research in this field.  

Jason's advice for fellow and future trainees: “One who constantly reflects on his own shortcomings will always improve.” – Liao Fan’s Four Lessons 

Sydnee Yazzie

I am a third-year PhD student in Dr. Katherine Zychowski’s lab at UNM where I focus on understanding how ovarian hormones are involved in mediating neuroinflammatory responses following acute woodsmoke exposure. 

Growing up in Manuelito, NM, on the Navajo Nation, I witnessed firsthand the health disparities affecting Native and rural communities. As an undergraduate, I studied cardiovascular health in Native American populations in Dr. Matthew Barlow’s lab, introducing me to research and building foundation skills. In 2021, I participated in the UNM Undergraduate Pipeline Network, working in the Jernigan lab which reinforced my interest in biomedical research and appreciation for UNM’s collaborative research environment. 

Sydnee's advice for fellow and future trainees: Community-based research has real-world beyond the lab, ensuring solutions are sustainable and culturally relevant. By prioritizing collaboration, we can address health challenges with informed, long-term strategies rather than just data collection. 

Robyn Turner

I am a fourth-year student pharmacist at the University of New Mexico (UNM) College of Pharmacy working in the laboratory of Dr. Alicia Bolt, and my research is focused on single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of lung tissue following inhalation exposure to woodsmoke. 

I began at UNM through the Undergraduate Pipeline Network Summer Research Program in 2020. I was introduced to Dr. Bolt and completed a project focused with her guidance on single-cell RNA sequencing of fibroblast cells in the lungs of patients with pulmonary fibrosis. 

Robyn's advice for fellow and future trainees: My advice for other METALS Trainees would be to stay motivated not only by the pursuit of knowledge, but by the potential to improve lives. Our research should be guided by a commitment to improving health and well-being. 

Sumira Phatak

I am an IRACDA Fellow in the Campen Laboratory, united with the team’s mission to unveil the impact of common environmental exposures on health and aging. In collaboration with Eliseo Castillo, I explore the intersection of diet and sex in the context of micro/nano-plastic intake. With Shahani Noor, I investigate the impact of gestational ozone exposure on maternal brain transcriptomics.  

Community engagement activities include a series of youth workshops, sharing my passion for optimal lifestyle and sparking inquisition in the next generation of scientists. I have been obsessed with wellness for as long as I can remember. Nutrition was at the forefront of my interest growing up as an athlete, avid animal advocate, and in a multinational home. The culmination of these experiences continues to fuel my curiosity about sustainability.  

Sumira's advice for fellow and future trainees: Rising tides lift all ships: embrace individuality and support peers to creatively combine conventional wisdom. Let collaborative effort amplify individual success and collective innovation on this shared scientific journey. 

Paige Haley

I am PhD student working in the Nanoscience and Microsystems Engineering Program, co-advised by Dr. Eliane El Hayek and Dr. José M. Cerrato. I defended my M.S. Thesis titled "Chemical and Physical Properties of Fine Fractions from a Village Proximate to a Uranium Mine: Insights about Soil Health" in June 2024 which aimed to quantify the effect of heavy metal bearing particulates on the soil health in the village close to the Jackpile Mine in New Mexico.

I chose UNM because of the community I felt when I met my advisors. The UNM METALS center has been an extension of that community, and I am so grateful to have the support that I do.

Paige's advice for fellow and future trainees: To any future trainees, I would encourage you to spend some time with the people who will be impacted by your research. Building relationships and trust cannot be emphasized enough. Plus, it is really fun to attend Feast Days!

Lauren K. Heine

I am a Postdoctoral Researcher under the mentorship of Dr. Sebastian Medina investigating the mechanisms underlying arsenic exposure-induced hematological disorders, such as anemia. 

I am originally from Santa Fe, NM and began my academic journey at UNM in 2013. In 2015, I participated in a National Student Exchange Program and attended the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, where I completed the remainder of my undergraduate education. After earning my PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Michigan State University in 2023, I knew I wanted to return home to the Southwest. After moving back to NM, I worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory prior to starting my current role at UNM. 

Lauren's advice for fellow and future trainees: As scientists, even though we are passionate about what we do, it is important to dedicate time outside of work to the things we enjoy. When we show up for ourselves outside of work, we can be more productive and a better resource for our colleagues. 



Ashley Apodaca-Sparks

I am a second-year master’s student working with Dr. Jose Cerrato on developing a biosensor for uranium detection and I am specifically interested in understanding how the chemistry of natural waters can impact the accuracy of field sensors.  

I was born and raised in New Mexico, and I am passionate about addressing the various environmental justice issues in the state. I am interested in using science and engineering to tackle these challenges, as well as in science communication, to share this information with the communities that are directly affected.  

Ashley's advice for fellow and future trainees: My advice for other trainees is to step outside of their comfort zone and to learn from other disciplines and people. The challenges that face our communities and state will not be solved by one person but rather through collaborations and partnerships. 

Ashley Tafoya

I am currently a third-year PhD student in the Biomedical Engineering Department, working with Dr. Gabriel Lopez on developing a biosensor designed for community use to detect uranium contamination in surface water.

I am passionate about the METALS research that I am doing because it has the potential to make a real impact on people’s lives.

Ashley's advice for fellow and future trainees:

My advice is never to give up. Research is a rollercoaster of success and failure but no matter where you are on the journey, it is a learning experience.