Erica Balzer: I graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2002, with a major in Biology and a minor in Forensic Science. With a gained interest in the biochemistry of forensic science and after several genetics and molecular biology courses, I decided to pursue my Ph.D. in molecular biochemistry. That Fall I entered the Ph.D. program at UMDNJ in Stratford. I am now working on my thesis, studying the molecular activity of Lin-28, a developmental timing regulator. Once finished, I wish to continue my career in the field of molecular biochemistry by pursuing a post doctoral position and eventually a faculty research position in academia.

Will Fazzone: Following my junior year at William Paterson University, I was accepted into the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) at the UMDNJ-SOM campus in Stratford, NJ. The SURE program helped me realize that graduate school was definitely the path I wanted to pursue. I graduated with a B.S. in biotechnology from William Paterson University in the spring of 2002 and began my graduate school education in the Ph.D. program in Cell and Molecular Biology at UMDNJ the following fall. While studying biology as an undergraduate I became interested in the mechanisms controlling gene expression. By conducting research in Dr. Robert Ladner's lab I was able to expand on these interests by studying the regulation of dUTPase, a gene involved in nucleotide metabolism. Dr. Ladner has since moved to USC in Los Angeles, CA, where I am conducting research to complete my thesis.

Rich Balzer: I graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2002 with a major in biology and minors in philosophy and economics. That Fall I entered the UMDNJ Ph.D. program in Cell and Molecular Biology. Now in my third year, I am conducting my thesis research in the lab of Dr. Michael Henry. Using the budding yeast as a model system, we study the post-translational modification arginine methylation and RNA processing. Specifically, my work deals with proteins involved in meiosis-specific pre-mRNA splicing. After completing my thesis research, I hope to continue in molecular biology at the postdoctoral level and my ultimate goal is to attain a faculty position in academics.

Gilbert Siu: I graduated from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in 2000 with a dual-degree in biology and biochemistry. During my years in Stockton College, I was interested in medicine and research. Due to these interests, I wanted to pursue a career as a medical scientist, so I entered UMDNJ School of Osteopathic Medicine as a D.O./Ph.D. student. I have already finished my two years of medical school, and currently at my third year of Ph.D. studies. My current research is discovering the mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease, in which I am in the process of working on my thesis. Upon completion of my thesis, I will start my clinical rotations and then begin my clinical residency. My future plans are to work in academia with emphasis on clinical research and teaching.