Meet the newest cohort of students in the immunology PhD program in the Department of Integrative Immunobiology (IIB). Each student brings a unique background and passion for immunology. From clinical research interests to collaborative lab experiences, their journeys to Duke reflect the department’s commitment to excellence, mentorship, and innovation.
Dan Floyd
Dan Floyd is originally from Canton, Massachusetts. He earned his Bachelor of Science in molecular biology from the University of Rhode Island.
Floyd was encouraged to consider Duke by several former colleagues who had completed their graduate training at the School of Medicine. Their enthusiasm was confirmed when he visited for interviews and admitted-students weekend. “I see why everyone loves Duke,” he said. What stood out most to him was the IIB department’s close-knit and supportive environment — something he found lacking at many other institutions. Even in his first few days, Floyd felt confident he had made the right decision.
In his free time, Floyd enjoys hiking, golfing, playing guitar and video games, reading, and experimenting with new recipes.
Grace Ginder
Grace Ginder hails from Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from Bucknell University.
Ginder was drawn to Duke for its combination of rigorous research and a welcoming, tight-knit community. She appreciated the opportunity to engage in clinically based research with the potential to see its impact at the bedside. What truly set Duke apart for her was the support she received from the IIB department throughout the transition to graduate school. “Everyone in the department was accessible, transparent, and seemingly just as happy to have me join as I was happy to be joining,” she said.
Outside the lab, Ginder enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with friends, and exploring downtown Durham.
Sommer Holmes
Sommer Holmes is originally from Cary, North Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from Davidson College.
Before beginning her PhD, Holmes spent nearly four years working in the lab of a Duke IIB faculty member. That experience gave her firsthand insight into the university’s collaborative and creative research culture. “After experiencing Duke's supportive environment, collaborating with other faculty and students, and witnessing creativity throughout, I understood how Duke became known for research excellence,” she said. That foundation made the immunology PhD program a natural next step.
In her free time, Holmes enjoys cooking elaborate meals, practicing yoga, and spending time with friends.
Linh Nguyen
Linh Nguyen is originally from Hanoi, Vietnam. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Mount Holyoke College.
Nguyen was drawn to Duke for its strong emphasis on translational research and the opportunity to collaborate with clinical and biomedical institutions — an ideal fit for her interest in cancer immunology. During her visit, she was struck by the program’s welcoming atmosphere. “I was impressed by the program’s close-knit community and how supportive the faculty, students, and staff were of one another,” she said. That sense of connection and collaboration made Duke the right environment for her PhD training.
In her free time, Nguyen enjoys hiking, baking, cooking, and working on crafts.