Prof. Elizabeth Neumann is a classically trained mass spectrometrist that enjoys learning and applying other analytical approaches to mass spectrometry imaging for understanding the interface between chemistry and biology. She obtained her BS degree from Baylor University in 2015, where she did research under the supervision of Touradj Solouki. That’s where she developed a passion for mass spectrometry analysis. She then went on to do her doctoral work at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign under the guidance of Jonathan Sweedler and her postdoc at Vanderbilt University with Richard Caprioli as seen below. As an independent faculty, Elizabeth strives for a holistic mentoring approach of each student and strives towards tackling the most complex biological systems using cutting edge imaging approaches. She also is an avid board and video game enthusiast.
Kyle is originally from Napa California, ~1hr away from Davis. He went to the University of Connecticut, obtaining his B.S in physiology and neurobiology in 2019. He then spent 3 years in industry at LGC Biosearch Technologies and 10x Genomics where he focused on developing transcriptomic platforms for both single-cell and spatial applications. Kyle is developing ways of using photo-cleavable mass tags to spatially map the different bimolecular classes along the central dogma, many of which are otherwise difficult to detect using traditional mass spectrometry. These methods can be applied in almost any disease type, allowing for multi-omic characterization of disease states, helping push the development of new therapeutic targets. Kyle wants to venture into enology as a hobby while at UC Davis, but also enjoys listening to music, hanging out with friends, and playing various sports activities such as basketball and snowboarding. He also may have an addiction to caffeine.
Catelynn is from Stockton California, ~1hr away from Davis. She went to San Joaquin Delta community college before transferring to UC Davis where she obtained her B.S in Chemistry in 2022. She develops methods for multimodal mass spectrometry imaging that combines MALDI MSI and immunofluorescence to obtain both cellular and metabolite data on the same sample. She uses these methods to study neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s by overlaying the cellular and molecular data to analyze the cellular neighborhoods of amyloid plaques and activated microglia seen. Catelynn enjoys hiking, being with family, and calm activities like being home by 8pm to drink tea and embroider pillowcases.
Kayle is originally from Indiana. She went to Ball State University where she obtained her B.S. in Chemistry and B.S. in Biology in 2022. Kayle’s current research topics include MALDI MSI lipidomics and MALDI MSI methodology for obtaining difficult samples such as undecalcified, fresh-frozen spine and teeth. These methods can be applied to complex diseases such as spina bifida or whole-body mouse sections allowing for the tracking of metabolic changes during development. Kayle enjoys trying new foods, exploring California with her friends and is an excellent organizer of social activities in the lab.
Karina (Lala) joined 2023. She is busy taking classes and teaching so we will learn more about her later
Kayden joined 2023. He is busy taking classes and teaching so we will learn more about him later.
