Current Personnel

Dr. Megan Beetch received her PhD in Human Nutrition from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.  Her current research interests focus on maternal obesity, placental nutrient sensor pathways (i.e., mTOR, insulin signaling), and in utero factors impacting the development and proper programming of metabolic tissues (i.e., pancreas, liver). During her time as a postdoc, Dr. Beetch was supported by the Minnesota Obesity Prevention Training Program and the UMN Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism T32. Outside of the lab, she enjoys coffee walks, reading, and hanging with her puppy. June 2020 - present.

Dr. V  Pszczolkowski is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Minnesota Obesity Prevention Training Program. They received their PhD in Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison (’23), where they studied energy and amino acid metabolism in lactation, with a focus on mTORC1, insulin, and serotonin signaling. Now as a postdoc in the Alejandro Lab, V will continue to study lactation in the context of metabolic disorders. They are expanding their work to include pancreatic physiology, with a project focused on autophagic regulation of β-cell function. Dr. Pszczolkowski is also interested in how sex and hormonal differences impact metabolism in these contexts, and is keen to explore this research area. Outside of the lab, V can be found mountain biking, reading science fantasy novels, and exploring Minnesota with their partner and dogs.

Alicia Wong is a 2025 graduate of the MCDB&G PhD program at the University of Minnesota. One aspect of her work focuses on the regulatory role of the nutrient-sensitive post-translational modification, O-GlcNAc, in pancreas development and functional beta-cell identity. She is also interested in mechanisms that program peripheral tissue insulin sensitivity. During her PhD, she was supported by two NIH T32 Grants, one through the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the other through Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development. She was also part of the inaugural Infuse Predoctoral Fellowship through the Stem Cell Institute. Outside of the lab, Alicia enjoys reading, spending time with her kitties, and volunteering with local organizations. 

Ms. Tracy Her is a PhD Candidate in the Integrative Biology and Physiology graduate program. She received her BS degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Winona State University in 2018. Her previous research has involved studying beta-cell dysfunction under circadian disruption and exosomes as a mechanism of type 2 diabetes advancement/therapy. She is now expanding her research into placental inflammation in maternal fetal programming. Her PhD thesis focuses on the role of placental inflammation in maternal programming of obesity and hyperinsulinemia. Outside of the lab, she enjoys taking her dog, Dexter, out for long walks and designing caps. Summer 2022-present.

Mr. Brian Akhaphong is Minnesota made. As a former undergrad in IBP Physiology, he worked on the effects of hypertension during pregnancy or preeclampsia on beta-cell development and function in the offspring. During his post-baccalaureate training, he focused on the impact of placental insufficiency on offspring metabolic programming. In 2022, Brian entered the IBP PhD program with a T32 fellowship to study the impact of maternal hyperinsulinemia and obesity on mammary gland development under the mentorship of Drs. Emilyn Alejandro and Kaylee Schwertfeger. Outside of the lab, he likes to play with his two needy cats, Meatball and Noodle. Graduate student: 2022- present

Ms. Reena Nwachukwu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in IBP. In the lab, she works under the guidance of Mr. Brian Akhaphong investigating the effects of maternal hyperinsulinemia on mammary gland development and function during pregnancy. Reena aspires to attend medical school and specialize in reproductive endocrinology within obstetrics and gynecology. Outside of her academic work, she enjoys crocheting, going on nature walks, and exploring new coffee shops with friends.

Jacob Bennett, a first-year undergraduate student pursuing a major in Human Physiology, aspires to attend medical school. He is collaborating with Ph.D student Tracy Her on exploring the role of maternal hyperinsulinemia on the metabolic function of offspring. After working as an X-ray Technician in a clinic, Jacob wanted to explore the research side of medicine. Outside of the lab, you can find him throwing in the ceramics studio, spending time outdoors, getting coffee with friends, or exploring the city. 

Joseph Nesler is a junior undergraduate pursuing neuroscience. He plans to go to grad school or med school. Currently, he is working Ms. Alicia Wong understanding how beta-cells are more susceptible to stress without OGT. Outside of school he love to play poker with friends, golf and snowboard.

Ms. Yu-Jin Youn is currently a MN PRIMED Scholar in the lab whose goal is to continue her research career as a graduate student. Originally from Seattle, WA, she received her BS in Physiology from Seattle Pacific University. Her current research focus is on the role of MCU and NCLX in mitochondrial calcium regulation and their relationship to diabetes development. Outside of the lab, she enjoys dabbling in watercolor, crocheting keychains, and exploring new coffee shops. December 2024 - present.

Brooklyn Champagne is a junior undergraduate student studying Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development and Psychology  She is working with Brian Akhaphong on various projects related to diabetes. She hopes to get her PhD or attend medical school. Outside of the lab she enjoys her job in the ICU as a patient care assistant and her volunteer work with the Aurora Center. In her free time she enjoys reading fantasy novels and hanging out with friends/family.