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Fall 2025 Class Notes

2000s

Michelle Grundy, PhD’00, has been named co-director of the master of science program in biomedical sciences at Vanderbilt University and an assistant professor of the practice in biological sciences.

Denise Zannino Childree, PhD’09, became the director of communications and strategic engagement at Zannino Engineering, Inc.

Headshots of Michelle Grundy (left) and Denise Zannino Childree. The images are overlaid over a golden background emblazoned with the Vanderbilt name.
Michelle Grundy, left, and Denise Zannino Childree (submitted)

2010s

Headshot of Gabrielle Rushing.
Gabrielle Rushing (submitted)

Alex Sevy, PhD’18, started new job as a senior scientist at Merck.

Gabrielle Rushing, PhD’19, was promoted to chief scientific officer at the CSNK2A1 Foundation.

Kalen Petersen, PhD’19, was promoted to assistant professor of neurology at Washington University in St. Louis.

2020s

Alissa Guarnaccia, PhD’21, started a new role as a principal scientist at Novartis in San Diego, California.

Kevin Kramer, PhD’21, was promoted to principal scientist at Biologics.

Kristin Kwakwa, PhD’21, was promoted to staff scientist in the Division of Molecular Oncology at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Photo of Kristin Kwakwa (front) and Kalen Petersen in their Vanderbilt doctoral graduation regalia.
Kristin Kwakwa, left, and Kalen Petersen (submitted)

Are you a School of Medicine Basic Sciences alum? If so, let us know the latest in your life! Got a promotion? Did your family grow? Were you presented with an award? Did you run a marathon? We’d love to share with our community.

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  • Anatomy
  • Biochemistry
  • Cancer Biology
  • Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cellular and Molecular Pathology
  • Chemical and Physical Biology
  • Human Genetics
  • Microbe-Host Interactions
  • Microbiology
  • Microbiology and Immunology
  • Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
  • Molecular Pathology and Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology/Medicine
  • Physiology