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.

Mr. Seokwon Jo is a prolific Ph.D. candidate in the graduate program in Integrative Biology and Physiology. He has received many awards for scholarship, leadership and research that  includes the Allan Hemingway Scholarship, Lifson/Johnson Memorial Award and Steer Diabetes Award from the Medical School. His PhD thesis is on the crosstalk of nutrient-sensor proteins mTOR and OGT in the regulation of beta cell function. Before going to graduate school, he was our lab manager from June 1 2016- August of 2019. Outside the lab, Seokwon's hobbies include food, tea, horror movies and being creative. August 1, 2019-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. He is continuing this work as a post-baccalaureate junior scientist, and expanding on the impact of placental insufficiency in maternal programming of obesity and type 2 diabetes.  Outside of the lab, he likes to play with his two needy cats, Reginold and Pooksi. Mr. Akhaphong is supported by a two-year Award from NIH.  Brian started in the IBP PhD graduate program in 2022. October 1, 2015- present.

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.

Ms. Alicia Wong is a PhD candidate in the MCDB&G program. She joined the lab in late 2016 first as an undergraduate student and later as a Researcher I before beginning graduate school. Her PhD thesis focuses on the role of the nutrient-sensing enzyme O-GlcNAc Transferase (Ogt) in regulating pancreas development and the maintenance of pancreatic beta cell identity. Alicia is the 2023 recipient of the Steer Family Award in Diabetes research and is currently supported by the NIH T32 training grant, "Inclusive Excellence Training Program in Systems Biology of Cardiovascular Inflammation. She was previously supported by a T32 grant through GCD and was a UMN Stem Cell Institute Infuse Predoctoral Scholar. Outside of the lab, she enjoys making music, cooking, and spending time with her two rescue cats, Bravo and Meeah. December 2016-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.

Ms. Anh Nguyen is currently a postbaccalaureate trainee in our laboratory, where she focuses on researching the impacts of maternal hyperinsulinemia on placental inflammation. Her future goal is to attend Pharmacy school, and in her free time, she takes pleasure in exploring new places through travel and savoring delectable cuisine 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. 

Ava Hill is a 4th year undergraduate majoring in cellular and organismal physiology. She is collaborating  with Seokwon Jo in the lab to assess the role of nutrient sensor proteins in beta-cell function. Her goal after graduation is to be accepted to medical school. Outside of academics,She is on the gopher women's track and field and cross country teams, and serves on the student-athlete leadership council. In her free time she enjoys listening to music, reading good books, and spending time with friends. 

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.