Our Team

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   Dr. Manuela Ramalho

 I have a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Universidade   Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho – UNESP (2010) and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho- UNESP (2017) (Brazil). I did my Postdoctoral Researcher at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY, USA) and Field Museum (Chicago, IL, USA)  in the Moreau Lab (Dr. Corrie S. Moreau). Currently, I am Assistant Professor of Department of Biology at West Chester University (PA). I  have experience in the areas of microbiome, genetics, genomics, and more specifically molecular biology of insects (especially my favorite – ants)!

For more details, you can find my CV below! 

 #NewPI

   Devin Bradley

  I am an alumni from Kutztown University where I obtained a B.S. in Biology and joined the Ramalho lab in 2022. I am Masters  student (thesis option)at West Chester University and currently employed by Merck as a Quality Specialist.  I plan on getting into the laboratory/research division once I finish my M.S. and eventually open to pursue a Doctorate. I am an open minded person and I enjoy active learning environments that challenge development. I like to think that I can do work in any concentration but I very much enjoy genetics and virology. Some of my many hobbies are rugby, hiking, finishing, carpentry and archery. It is my passion to one day improve cancer screening processes to better combat living with cancer and early detection.
 

This is my sweet girl, Freya! ->

Amanda Munshower

I am an alumna of West Chester University of Philadelphia with a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology. I’m currently pursuing my M.S in Biology also at WCU and I joined the Ramalho lab in 2023. At the same time, I am also employed as a Research Associate for National Resilience as part of the Molecular Analytical Development team.  I have many interests within the biology field, but I am especially interested in using the capabilities of Next Gen Sequencing (NGS) to obtain a multiomic view of biological happenings in regard to cancer research. I hope to use this research as a path to better understand immune cell signaling and to help develop new therapeutic targets in the fight against cancer. Apart from science, I love reading, hiking, and traveling around the world.    

  Em Pisiechko 

 I am a 4th year student at West Chester University pursuing a B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology. I joined the Ramalho lab in 2023. After completing my degree, I plan on working in a laboratory setting. I have always been curious about the world around me and how it worked, so biology felt like a perfect fit for me! Some of my favorite areas of study include microbiology, genetics, and molecular biology. Aside from biology, I also love to draw, play guitar, and spend time in the great outdoors. 

 Alexandra Gianaris

 I am a junior undergraduate student at West Chester University pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a Cell and Molecular concentration intending to pursue a doctorate following graduation. I had a unique path into science, originally starting the first two years of my undergraduate degree as a Theatre major with aspirations to go into stage management.  I knew starting at the university that I loved hands-on work and I felt incredibly passionate about representing the lives of those being told on stage. I sought to help others gain a humanistic perspective of other people's lives and cultures in an intimate mode of art. After taking a survey course in Biology during the second year of my degree, I had my lightbulb moment, finding a deep-rooted passion for Biology. That is when I decided to make the switch from an arts curriculum to a science curriculum, applying my devotion to those underrepresented in a new environment. The transition presented quite the learning curve, ultimately proving that it is not a predisposition to science but grit and resilience that grants success in the field.

 I fervently hope to bolster the message that creative minds indeed belong in science and prioritize a holistic and interpersonal mindset when working towards treatment from lab bench to patient bedside. I hope to spend my time in the Ramalho Lab as a vehement advocate for the on-campus and surrounding community, whilst exploring interests in genomics, genomic effect on neurobiology and behavior, and the effect of changes in species’ microbiomes.   

 Areeba Asim

 I am a senior studying at West Chester University majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology. I joined the Ramalho lab in 2023 and plan to gain experience in terms of research and communication to help me in the medical field. I am passionate about the field of medicine because it allows me to combine my love for science with my desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. In my spare time I hangout with my family. Their love and support motivates me to work hard towards achieving my goals. 

   Cacau (special guest member and 

motivational coordinator)

 ​Cacau joined the lab in 2013.

A Brazilian wiener dog that doesn't like snow. In addition to working with Nicky on several projects, Cacau has a special interest in squirrels, and is always looking to increase her current sample size (n=0).

#Cacau 

 Kenya Lovell 

 Kenya is a 4th year student at West Chester University of Pennsylvania studying Cell & Molecular Biology, and she joined the Ramalho lab in 2022. Her research interests span various disciplines, but she is especially interested in cell, molecular, and developmental biology because she loves to explore how tiny details fit into the big picture. She plans to pursue a doctoral degree in the future, and ultimately hopes to conduct research within the women’s health field. In her spare time, she loves to read, write, sing, and is a total thrill-seeker, so she is always ready for a fun adventure! 

Go Kenya!!!!

Kenya is a Mater student now!