Grant Shain
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Hi! My name is Abraham Grant Shain (I go by Grant). I am a first year CMB Masters student, and completed my undergraduate here at SDSU with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Dr. Sussman’s lab has been and continues to be an incredible facility for me to develop my scientific skill set . I am currently investigating the effects of vaping on the lung via pentachrome and immuno-staining, with a specific project soon to come. Lastly, I am thankful to have such intelligent and helpful labmates. |
Clarissa Savko
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I am a 1st year PhD student and long-time member of the Sussman laboratory! I joined in the Fall of 2017 as an undergraduate volunteer and have had the honor to grow here as a student, researcher, and leader ever since. I was originally drawn towards cardiovascular research because of my own family history of heart disease. My personal experiences fostered a curiosity for how the heart is studied and treated in various pathological conditions. The Sussman lab has taught me to appreciate the complexity, challenges, and significance associated with cardiovascular research. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to fine-tune my skills in mouse work, histology, microscopy, biochemical assays, and data analysis. I have applied these skills to projects studying the effects of chronic vape exposure on the cardiopulmonary system, specifically how vaping mediates the response to treatments such as exercise and myocardial infarction. As a senior lab member now, I prioritize the training and mentoring of our undergraduate students to ensure that the skills I have gained are passed down to the future generation of scientists. I plan on a career in academia in which I can continue this rewarding cycle of transferring scientific knowledge and discoveries to my students, the scientific community, and the world at large! |
Faid Jaafar
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I graduated SDSU this year (2023) as a pre-med student with a microbiology degree. I’m spending my gap year while applying to med school working in the Sussman lab studying the cardiopulmonary effects of vaping. I look forward to gaining skills and knowledge in my studies as I have always found interest in the field considering how common vaping has become. Working at a Heart and Vascular Clinic intrigued my passion for cardiology, and I am excited to branch out in researching the effects on both the heart and lungs. In my free time I tutor refugees at Ibarra Elementary and I am also a student leader with involvements such as co-president of NAAMA NextGen, vice president of Project iHope, and secretary of Refugee Aid at SDSU. |
Jeremy Mitchell
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Hello! I am Jeremy Mitchell, an interdisciplinary physicist conducting cutting-edge research in the Sussman Lab by utilizing tools such as image flow cytometry and machine learning to explore the unknown. I studied Physics at San Diego State University, with an emphasis in Biophysics, which enriched my worldview and defined my career path.Before the Sussman Lab, I worked with the pioneering team at SpaceX. My enduring fascination for the Mars Project has continually inspired me, which led me to establish a groundbreaking company aimed at alleviating climate change by removing and recycling carbon dioxide and pollution from our atmosphere.Away from my professional endeavors, I cherish the peace found in video games, fitness, and the mesmerizing allure of sunsets. As a firm advocate for broadening access to STEM, I actively endeavor to open doors for disadvantaged students. My life is a testament to the beautiful blend of hard science and humanitarian ideals, and I continually strive to make the world a brighter place. |