Research Team
Research Technical Staff
Nolan Boyd, Ph.D.
Nolan Boyd, Ph.D., graduated with a doctorate degree in Bioengineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and completed postdoctoral training at University of Georgia. Nolan has over 15 years of experience as a principal investigator and brings a wealth of expertise regarding functional tissue mimics and laboratory skills. Nolan enjoys hiking and road cycling in his off time.
Jing-Juan (Jenny) Zheng, B.S.
Jing-Juan (Jenny) Zheng, B.S., has been at the University of Louisville for over 20 years. She is an alumnae of Shanghai Medical University and is involved in all daily research activities and assists with laboratory management.
Current Trainees and Team Members
Ernesto Pena Calderin, B.S.
Ernesto Pena Calderin, B.S., graduated from the University of Louisville, Department of Biology in 2017 and is currently a Ph.D. student in the Department of Physiology. Ernesto's research interests are centered around understanding how changes in macrophage immunometabolism and function contribute to cardiovascular adaptations to exercise. When not in the lab, Ernesto enjoys classical guitar and spending time with his dog, Charlie Darwin.
Alex Shefflette Svendsen, M.S.
Alex Shefflette Svendsen, M.S., is a Ph.D. Physiology graduate student. Alex obtained a M.S. degree in Exercise Physiology from University of Louisville in 2020.
Past Members
Phillip Chuong, B.S.
Currently a 4th year medical school student, University of Louisville School of Medicine.
William Lynch, M.S.
William Lynch, M.S., graduated from the Department of Poultry Science at North Carolina State University in 2017 and enrolled as a Ph.D. student in the Department of Physiology at the University of Louisville Fall of 2018. Will is interested in understanding fundamental mechanisms by which exercise and diet alter pro-resolving programs in adipose tissue depots. In his spare time, you will find him in the weight room, baking a delicious dessert, or crafting an unbeatable fantasy football team.
Gabrielle Farley
Currently a 2nd year medical school student, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Vamsi Veeramachaneni
Currently a 2nd year student, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
Jianxin Zhu, M.D., Ph.D.
Jianxin Zhu, M.D., Ph.D., graduated from China Medical University and McGill University. Ms. Zhu completed post-doctoral training at Massachusetts General Hospital in 2012. Due to her diverse skill set and technical expertise, Jianxin assists in protocol development and most laboratory assays.