The Department of Integrative Immunobiology (IIB) is pleased to welcome five first-year PhD students this fall. Drawn by the department’s collaborative culture, research excellence, and strong sense of community, the students bring a wide range of experiences and interests as they begin their doctoral training.
Louise Groton earned a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University. She was drawn to Duke by both the strength of its faculty and research reputation and the sense of community she experienced during the interview process. "The students in the program definitely stuck out for being extremely kind and looking out for one another," she said.
Collin Z. Jordan graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Arts. After graduation, he returned to his hometown and spent five years as a research analyst in a transplant immunology laboratory at Duke before deciding to pursue a PhD. "Being home, and the opportunity for high-quality mentorship, made Duke a natural choice," he said. "I am delighted that my journey at Duke will allow me to share this beautiful place and its people with all of my colleagues and classmates along the way." Outside the lab, Jordan enjoys spending time outdoors with his eight-year-old dog.
Addy Sewack earned a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from Carnegie Mellon University. She was attracted to Duke because of its emphasis on collaboration and community, as well as its strong fit with her goal of pursuing translational research. "The conversations I was able to have with both faculty and students during recruitment emphasized a supportive and interdisciplinary department that values both high-quality research as well as community," she said. Sewack enjoys spending time outdoors, photography, and reading. "I am also excited to explore the Durham area!" she added.
Anisha Singhal earned a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University. She was drawn to the Department of Integrative Immunobiology's broad range of research opportunities, which will allow her to explore different areas of the field before choosing a specific focus. "Throughout the application process, I found the IIB students and faculty to be incredibly welcoming and supportive, which made my decision to join the program an easy one," she said. Singhal enjoys pottery and baking bread.
Yining (Marina) Zhu graduated from the University of California San Diego with a Bachelor of Science in general biology. As an undergraduate, she studied tumor-associated macrophages and is excited to expand her understanding of the immune system through graduate training. She chose Duke for its strong sense of community, innovative culture, and research excellence. "During my visit, I was greatly inspired by all the conversations I had with faculty and students. Seeing their eyes light up when talking about their work, I realized that this is an environment I wish to be a part of. And after five years of studying amid the San Diego ocean breeze, I am ready to take in some Duke forest air!"