Trainees

Erik came to Vanderbilt in 2016 after completing his bachelor’s in biology (2014) and master’s in molecular science and nanotechnology (2016) at Louisiana Tech University. Erik’s master’s thesis focused on transcriptional control of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, which corresponded well to the research in the Rhoades lab. His current research is focused on solidifying the link between Gli2 and PTHrP in tumor-induced bone disease while identifying how this interaction facilitates the development of osteosarcoma. 

Emily (She/Her/Hers) is a biomedical engineering graduate student in the Jeffry Nyman laboratory. She completed her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2022. Emily is interested in elucidating the effects of collagen glycation on bone quality and fracture resistance.  

Erykah is a Cancer Biology graduate student in the Rhoades lab. She came to Vanderbilt in 2022 after completing a Bachelor's in Cellular and Molecular Biology at Hampton University (2020) and IRTA Fellowship in Vaccine Immunology Program (2022). During her time at the NIH, she focused on the development of naïve B cells to make antibodies that can fight HIV mutation in anticipation for boosting and maturation using HIV trimers, leading to the development of potential vaccines.

Mario is a PhD student in the department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Cell Biology/Physiology from California State University Long Beach. In 2022, he started at Vanderbilt and in 2023 he joined the Rendina-Ruedy lab. His research focuses on osteoblast bioenergetics and bone fracture healing in Type 2 diabetes. In his free time, he enjoys eating, exercising and investing. 

Déja is a Cancer Biology graduate student at Meharry Medical College and joined the Johnson Lab through the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance in 2022. Originally from North Carolina, Déja came to Nashville in 2021 after completing her B.S. in Bioengineering at North Carolina A&T State University. Déja’s current research focuses on PTHrP and its effect on bone metastasis while also studying relevant dormancy factors as well as the interactions between the bone and immune cell microenvironment. Outside of the lab, Déja enjoys dancing, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.

Elizabeth graduated from Roger Williams University in 2021 with a degree in Engineering and specialization in Biomedical Engineering. Her research focuses on the mechanism by which hypertension promotes osteoclast formation. She is currently a graduate student in the Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt.  

Tara graduated from Willamette University in 2021 with a B.S. in Physics. Tara is now a biochemistry graduate student in the Peck lab after joining the QCB program at Vanderbilt in August 2021. Tara’s research focuses on better understanding how extracellular matrix dysregulation in synthesis, deposition, and degeneration impacts musculoskeletal health, specifically in the intervertebral disc. Outside of the lab, Tara enjoys baking, CrossFit, and spending time with her friends and cat Miso.

Peyton is an undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University seeking a major in biochemistry. He is a native of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and is conducting research under the mentorship of Dr. Sun Peck. Peyton’s research focuses on understanding the role of the extracellular matrix in musculoskeletal biology. He plans on pursuing a career within the medical field. Outside of the lab Peyton enjoys working out, reading, and playing with his dogs.

Gwen is a 1^st year cancer biology graduate student in the Johnson lab. She is originally from Westfield, IN and received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. Gwen worked in the Graduate Research Education Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN before joining Vanderbilt through the IGP in August 2021. Her research focuses on the effects of immunotherapy treatment on the skeleton in breast cancer metastasis. Outside of the lab, Gwen enjoys baking, trying new coffee shops, and staying active through climbing, strength training, and sand volleyball.

Jeremy graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2019 and worked at Cornell and Roswell Park Cancer Institute before attending Vanderbilt. He is interested in how cancers initiate, and the molecular mechanisms of how they begin this process, especially in difficult environments. He joined Vanderbilt IGP in fall 2021, and is currently a graduate student in the Rachelle Johnson lab, where he will be researching PTHrP and its role in breast cancer tumor growth and metastasis to bone.

Jailyn is a Vanderbilt Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) student, currently completing her PhD in Cancer Biology in the Johnson Lab. Jailyn completed her B.S. in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry at NC Central University. Jailyn’s current research focuses on the effects of denosumab and its withdrawal on breast cancer bone metastasis. Through this projection, she also studies the bone tumor microenvironment. Outside of the lab, Jailyn enjoys cooking/baking/eating, reading, and spending time with family/friends and her Bernedoodle. 

Alex is an undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University from the Bay Area, California. She is majoring in biomedical engineering and conducting research under the mentorship of Dr. Sun Peck. Alex’s research focuses on understanding the role of the extracellular matrix in musculoskeletal biology. Outside of the lab, Alex enjoys playing soccer, sand volleyball, and hiking.

Taein is an undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University from San Antonio, Texas, and is conducting research under the mentorship of Dr. Sun Peck. He is seeking a major in Neuroscience with plans on pursuing a career within the medical field. Taein's research focuses on understanding the role of the extracellular matrix in musculoskeletal degeneration. Outside of the lab Taein enjoys working out, listening to music, and cooking.

Rachel McKee is a research histologist living and working in Nashville, TN. She graduated from Indiana University-Purdue and became an ASCP board-certified histotechnologist in 2005. Rachel worked in a hematopathology clinical laboratory prior to joining the Schoenecker lab in 2021. Her current research focuses on the role of coagulation and inflammation processes in orthopaedic healing. Outside of the lab, Rachel is a visual artist whose practice includes painting, photography, and ceramic sculpture.

Working in this lab has really given me a lot of confidence in my abilities. I feel very fortunate I’ve been given the opportunity to go from solid foundations to empowerment to change and enhance the directions I’ve been given, from PCR genotyping to colony management and beyond. My understanding of not just bones but aspects of the healing process have grown in ways I would never have expected. Feeling the heart-pumping excitement of realizing you’re a part of a group that’s discovering puzzle pieces necessary for survival never before found by others is without compare.

I graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences. I am currently the Research Assistant in the Peck lab with an intent to pursue medical school. In my free time, I like to shop and try new boba places with my sister, spend time with friends and my dog Jack, and crochet on occasion! 

Sasi graduated with a Masters in BME from University of Akron, Ohio in 2010. After a brief stint in the industry with Philips Respironics (Monroeville, PA) as an Engineering Assistant, he joined the Nyman lab in August 2011. He assists with the research studies for Dr. Nyman, VCBB collaborators, Vanderbilt Orthopaedic department, and other industry projects; besides overseeing the daily operation and management of the Bone Biomechanics laboratory. He has strong technical skills with hands-on experience in Micro-CT, 1H NMR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM imaging, and biomechanical testing of bone.