Tim Stanek, PhD

I earned my B.S. in Biology from The College of New Jersey and my Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Thomas Jefferson University. From 2020 to 2023, I was an NIH-IRACDA postdoctoral fellow at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where I studied the formation of R-loops in Drosophila melanogaster and taught at Rutgers University, New Jersey City University, and CUNY Medgar Evers. In the Anthony Lab, I exploit computational tools to explore the role of the integrated stress response in regulating hepatic circadian rhythms in response to amino acid insufficiency.  Alternate-life careers for me include astronaut and baker.

My PubMed

Lingyi Zhu

I completed my undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, majoring in Biochemistry and Nutritional Science. During this time, I worked on a GH Cook thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Anthony for two years. This experience deeply influenced my academic journey, fostering a passion for research. Consequently, I made the decision to pursue my PhD degree at Rutgers in the Anthony lab. My research interests to investigate cross-communication among signaling pathways in response to diverse stress conditions. Outside the lab, I cherish the time spent with my dog.

Saad Farooq

I graduated with a B.S in Exercise Science from Rutgers in 2022 and began my Ph.D. in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences in 2023. I have always been passionate about the crosstalk between fitness, nutrition, and science. Joining the Anthony lab, I am fortunate enough to explore the overlap between these three areas of personal interest. My work focuses on GCN2 and mTOR signaling in-vitro. I am also interested in how different dietary interventions affect male fertility and reproduction. Outside of my studies, I enjoy participating in strength sports, cooking, and learning new languages!  

Flavio Rodriguez-Polanco MS

I am a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Nutritional Sciences program within the Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology track. I graduated with a B.S in Industrial Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico at the Mayagüez campus. During my time there, I took courses related to food production, nutrition, and the study of diseases, which sparked a deep interest in nutrition and health. This motivated me to pursue a PhD degree, where, by joining the Anthony Lab, I have been given the excellent opportunity to explore nutrition and health from various perspectives, with a primary focus on studying amino acid insufficiency in liver health. My work focuses on studying the role of ATF5 to mediate the hepatic stress response during amino acid insufficiency in obese and lean mice. In my spare time, I enjoy participating in various outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, mountain biking, snowboarding, skateboarding, and snorkeling.  

Daniela Bermeo Grajales

I earned my undergraduate degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Forensic Sciences from Kean University in 2023, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Toxicology at Rutgers University-NB. I have always been fascinated by the complex interactions between toxicants and their effects on the human body. Joining the Anthony Lab has given me the opportunity to explore toxicity from a new angle, particularly in the context of asparaginase-induced stress. In my free time, I enjoy watching drama series, roller skating, traveling, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

My Orcid

Bilal Chaudhry

I am a second-year PhD student in the Kinesiology and Applied Physiology program. Prior to arriving to Rutgers, I earned by B.S. in Exercise Science from Salisbury University and M.S. in Kinesiology from the University of New Hampshire. I am also a certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine with 4+ years of experience translating findings from the lab to the clinic. I have experience working in translational research, public healthcare, as well as the private sector. My research interests lie in utilizing modifiable lifestyle factors (such as diet, exercise, sleep, and pharmaceutical interventions) to optimize health and prevent/treat disease. Particularly in the Anthony Lab I am excited to explore the effects of nutrient stress on the circadian rhythm of skeletal muscle. When I am not in the lab, I am a Teaching Assistant for Human Anatomy Lab. In my free time I enjoy cooking, baking, reading, and working out.

Elizabeth Considine

I am a second-year medical student at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. I graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Human Science. I want to integrate my research interests (metabolism, nutrition, and reproduction) into my medical career. When not in lab or in the medical school library, you can find me walking around New Brunswick searching for the perfect iced latte or walking my dog, Rory!

My ORCID

Aneri Shah

I’m a master’s student in the Biomedical Sciences program at Rutgers University, currently completing my thesis in the Anthony Lab. My research focuses on how amino acid restriction affects vitamin A metabolism in the liver, using mouse models to explore the nutritional regulation of metabolic pathways. I studied microbiology in India for my bachelor’s, where I first got curious about how something as basic as diet could influence the body so deeply. That curiosity stayed with me and led me to explore how nutrition affects health at the molecular level. Whether inside or outside the lab, I’m usually humming something. I also enjoy long walks and baking, my favorite ways to reset and recharge.

Don Anigbogu

I am a MS Student in the Cell & Developmental Biology program. I received my undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and majored in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry. I have always been interested in musculoskeletal degradation, and I joined the Anthony Lab to investigate the crosstalk between BCAA deficiency and inflammation and investigate their role in muscle atrophy. In my free time I like to watch/play soccer and go to the gym.

Tristen Franklin

I am a current senior double majoring in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Biomedical Nutrition. Following my interest in the field of nutrition I joined the Anthony Lab and am currently working on my honors thesis looking at mTOR and Autophagy regulation. Outside of the lab I love hanging out with my friends, baking, and working out!

Hima Penukonda

Andrea Gonzalez

I am majoring in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.  I became interested in nutrition when I began to recognize its importance for optimal bodily function. I hope to keep exploring the cross sections between nutrition, tissue health and recovery, and how the body responds to stress on a cellular level.

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