WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The following students received Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Science degrees in biomedical sciences on May 18 from Wake Forest University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Heather M. Alger is the daughter of Maureen Gallagher of Glenview, Ill., and Gary Alger of Waukegan, Ill. She received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Illinois State University.
Anna M. Blade is the daughter of Mary Ann and Michael Blade of Charlotte. She received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in molecular pathology. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Queens University. She plans to pursue postdoctoral work in North Carolina.
Kimberly Rose Blish is the daughter of Matthew and Elaine Rose of Greensboro and the wife of Andrew Blish of Winston-Salem. She received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in molecular medicine and translational science. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, summa cum laude, from Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Mass. She will return to the Wake Forest School of Medicine for a combined M.D./Ph.D. degree.
Keri A. Chiodo is the daughter of Samuel J. Chiodo Jr. and Dale A. Chiodo of North Wales, Penn. She received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in neuroscience. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biological psychology from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
Shea Gilliam-Davis is the daughter of Herbert and Sylvia Gilliam of Suffolk, Va., and the wife of Jason Davis. She received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in physiology and pharmacology. She also graduated from the Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) at Wake Forest Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Va. She will begin postdoctoral work at Wake Forest.
Jennifer A. Hipp is the daughter of Anne Pappas Hipp of Fountain Valley, Calif. She received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in molecular medicine and translational science. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She will return to the Wake Forest School of Medicine for a combined M.D./Ph.D. degree.
Jennifer R. Kiger is the daughter of Davis J. Kiger of Davie, Fla., and Kathy S. Ledet of Mandeville, La. She received a Master of Science degree in molecular genetics and genomics. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from Louisiana State University. She plans to pursue a career combining science and community education.
Joshua P. Lewis is the son of Charles and Annmarie Lewis of Camillus, N.Y. He received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in molecular genetics and genomics. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biotechnology from State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, N.Y. He will begin postdoctoral research at the University of Maryland.
Alicia Francisco Pearce is the daughter of Donna and David Francisco of Lake Mary, Fla., the wife of Jeff Pearce and the mother of Alexander and Benjamin Pearce. She received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in molecular genetics and genomics. She also holds a Master of Science degree in fisheries and aquatic sciences from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife science from Auburn University.
Amber L. Rath is the daughter of Douglas and Rebecca Rath of Charlotte. She received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in biomedical engineering from Wake Forest and the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. She holds a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering, biomedical option, and a certificate in engineering education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, in mechanical engineering, with a minor in mathematics, from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she was a university honors graduate. She will begin postdoctoral research at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and work as a research engineer for Southwest Research Institute, based in San Antonio, Texas.
Paulina Sierpinski Hill is the daughter of Ewa and Richard Sierpinski of Newmarket, Ontario, and the wife of Jonathan Hill. She received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in molecular medicine and translational science. She also holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, with honors, summa cum laude, in biology, biochemistry, chemistry and neuroscience from East Carolina University. She plans to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship.
Yuval Silberman is the son of Joseph and Lea Silberman of Colonia, N.J., and is engaged to Amy Arnold. He received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in physiology and pharmacology. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, with highest honors, from Rutgers University. He plans to pursue a postdoctoral position in academic research.
Christopher J. Starr is the son of Jenny Starr and Suvit Sridee of Lexington, Ky. He received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in neurobiology and anatomy. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree, with honors, summa cum laude, from the University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences. He will return to Wake Forest School of Medicine for a combined M.D./Ph.D. degree.
Neelima Sukumar is the daughter of Mr. R.S. Kurup and Dr. K.B. Sujatha of Poonithura, Kerala State, India, and the wife of Dr. Sunish Mohanan. She received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in microbiology and immunology. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from Kerala Agricultural University in Kerala, India, where she was the Gold Medal winner. She plans to pursue postdoctoral studies.
Media Relations
Bonnie Davis: bdavis@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-1597