Current Personnel | Alejandro Lab

Emilyn Alejandro

Dr. Emilyn Alejandro is a Professor and a Marvin and Hadassah Bacaner Chair in Cardiovascular Physiology in the Integrative Biology and Physiology (IBP) Department at the University of Minnesota Medical School. She joined IBP in September 2015 after completing her post-doctoral training with Dr. Ernesto Bernal-Mizarchi at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Emilyn received her degrees from the University of Washington (BS) in Seattle, WA and at the University of British Columbia (Ph.D.) in Dr. James D. Johnson’s laboratory in Vancouver, Canada. Outside of her research work and mentoring her trainees, Dr. Alejandro enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters and watching her girls play ice hockey and exploring local attractions in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Megan Beetch

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, brown adipose tissue). 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. She is currently funded by an American Heart Association Career Development Award to study the placental secretome. Outside of the lab, she enjoys coffee walks, reading, and hanging with her baby daughter, Ren, and her puppy, Rooney. June 2020 - present.

V Pszczolkowski, PhD

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.

Seokwon Jo

Dr. Seokwon Jo is a Postdoctoral Fellow. His doctoral research focused on the interplay between the nutrient-sensing proteins mTOR and OGT in regulating pancreatic β-cell function, supported by an NIH F31 Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award. As a graduate student, he received numerous accolades, including the Graduate School Best Dissertation Award in Biological and Medical Sciences, the Dr. Marvin and Hadassah Bacaner Research Award for creative research, and the Beatrice Z. Milne & Theodore Brandenburg Award for exceptional thesis research. Currently a postdoctoral scientist, Dr. Jo is investigating a new line of research involving placental mitochondrial function and circadian rhythms and how they may influence offspring susceptibility to cardiometabolic disease. Dr. Jo is co-mentored by Drs. Alejandro and Ray Cao from Rutgers University. Outside the lab, his hobbies include playing games, watching horror movies, exploring the city for good food.

Alicia Wong

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.

Hallie Wachsmuth, PhD

Dr. Hallie Wachsmuth joined the Alejandro Lab in December 2025 as a postdoctoral associate. She received her PhD in Physiology from the University of Arizona where she was trained by Dr. Frank Duca, investigating the role of the gut-brain axis in the control of energy and glucose homeostasis. In the Alejandro lab, Hallie’s research focuses on the role of placental mTORC1 signaling in offspring β-cell development and function. Outside of the lab, Hallie enjoys playing tennis and searching for the best local coffee shops and diners.

Tracy Her

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 involved studying beta-cell dysfunction under circadian disruption and exosomes as a mechanism of type 2 diabetes advancement/therapy. In the Alejandro Lab Tracy has expanded her research into placental inflammation and maternal-fetal programming. With her work, Tracy was awarded the Steer Family Award in Diabetes Research (2025) and the Steer Johnson Award (2026). She is currently funded by an NIH F31 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Predoctoral Fellowship where she is investigating the role of hyperinsulinemia in offspring metabolic health and placenta function. Outside of the lab, she enjoys taking her dogs out to explore, jogging, and hiking. Summer 2022-present.

Brian Akhaphong

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

Shannon Flanary

Ms. Shannon Flanary, MSE, is a 5th year PhD candidate in the Chemical Engineering & Materials Science under the primary mentorship of Dr. Victor Barocas. In collaboration with the Barocas lab, Shannon is working with Dr. Alejandro's group to investigate the mechanical changes in Aorta of multiple murine diabetic models. Ms. Shannon Flanary is funded by an AHA/NHLBI F31, sponsored by Drs. Alejandro and Barocas,to investigate whether the mechanical effects induced by hyperglycemia in the Aorta are reversible.

Grace McFarlane

Grace McFarlane is an MN PRIMED scholar with the goal to pursue a graduate degree in biomedical research. Grace received her BA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2025. Through the MN PRIMED program she is co-mentored by Dr. Melena Bellin. Her research investigates the effect of chronic pancreatitis on beta cell identity and stress in patients who have received a Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation. In her free time she enjoys painting her nails, hiking, and baking.

Brooklyn Champagne

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.

Sabrin Khalif

Sabrin Khalif is a sophomore undergraduate student studying Human Physiology with a minor in Public Health. Sabrin is working with Dr. Seokwon on various projects related to diabetes. Outside of the lab, she works as a lab technician with the Anatomy Bequest Program at the University of Minnesota and as an EMT. She is also a Pre-Health Student Advisory Board member for the Health Pathways Program and serves as Co-President of the Feminist Student Activist Collective at the University of Minnesota. She hopes to pursue an MD/MPH to combine clinical medicine with public health and address healthcare disparities and public health concerns in Somalia. She is particularly interested in using her medical and public health training to improve access to quality healthcare and contribute to sustainable health initiatives in Somalia. Aside from her academic and professional commitments, she enjoys reading books, rock climbing, and gardening.

Sara Khan

Sara Khan is an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota double majoring in Human Physiology and Biology, Society, and Environment. She joined the Alejandro Lab in December 2025 and works with Dr. Seokwon Jo on research investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic disease. Her work focuses on how maternal and early-life factors influence pancreatic β-cell function and offspring susceptibility to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Through her research, Sara is gaining experience with molecular techniques including PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, as well as data/image analysis and experimental research + more

Outside of the lab, Sara is actively involved in healthcare, public health, and student leadership at the University of Minnesota and in her local community. She works in the University of Minnesota Medical School Dean’s Office as a Student Administrative Assistant. With that, she volunteers in a a variety hospital and clinical settings (Maple Grove Hospital & Allina Abbott Northwestern Hospital), where she has gained experience working alongside healthcare professionals (specifically in the emergency + surgery departments) and supporting patient care. Back on campus, Sara also serves on the College of Liberal Arts Student Board and is involved with Undergraduate Student Government as Ranking At-Large Representative on Forum Board, where she contributes to student advocacy and policy initiatives. Additionally, she is also involved with the Pakistani Student Association as an Outreach Coordinator and Unity Health, supporting community outreach, health education, fundraising, and campus engagement.

Sara hopes to pursue a career at the intersection of medicine, biomedical research, and public health. She is particularly interested in understanding how biological and social factors shape health outcomes and how research can ultimately contribute to more equitable healthcare. Outside of academics, Sara enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new places + restaraunts, and staying involved in her community.

MaKaila Marquette

I am an upcoming junior majoring in human physiology studying how environmental factors in utero influence metabolic health trajectory of offspring, with a major focus being the impacts on pancreatic development. The endocrine portion of the pancreas is crucial for maintaining proper blood glucose regulation. Beta cells and alpha cells are responsible for producing insulin (lowers blood glucose) and glucagon (raises blood glucose), respectively. Therefore, changes in the development of these cells and their overall quantity can have major consequences for metabolic health. My project in the Alejandro lab examines how microbial exposure during pregnancy affects pancreatic endocrine cells and future metabolic health outcomes in offspring. Specifically, I perform imaging and quantitative analyses to determine beta cell and alpha cell mass. These data are critical to increase our understanding of how environmental factors impact offspring development and shape glucose metabolism. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, running, spending time with my friends and family, and playing pickleball. I also enjoy volunteering at Ronald McDonald as an after school activities aide!