Dr. Felix A. Ogunmokun
Chair
Department of Land, Air and Water Resources
I am Dr. Felix, a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources at the University of California, Davis, specializing in soil and water sciences. I earned my PhD from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where I focused on the remediation of water-repellent soils using surfactants.
My current research examines the effects of agricultural irrigation on groundwater sustainability. I also lead and contribute to research projects using advanced modeling and monitoring techniques to mitigate nitrate contamination and boron toxicity. Through my research and outreach efforts, I aim to develop sustainable agricultural practices that improve environmental quality.
Beyond research, I serve as the Project Manager for the UC Davis Agricultural Water Center and have been the UC Davis Postdoctoral Scholars Association Career Development Officer for the last two years. I am passionate about teaching and mentoring, and I have guided both graduate and undergraduate students in their academic and research endeavors.
As PSA Chair, I aim to leverage my experience and relationships with faculties, administrators, and career development resources to extend successful offerings like the monthly writing retreats and networking events while introducing new initiatives such as a formal mentorship program, career transition seminars, and promoting mental health resources.
Dr. Qing He
Vice Chair
Department of Biomedical Engineering
I am a devoted researcher with a rich academic journey. I completed my Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, where I delved into Raman spectroscopy-based analytical tools, targeting disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring. Afterward, I joined the University of Oklahoma and focused my research on similar applications. Later, as an Associate Researcher at Tufts University's Surface Characterization Facility, I engaged in interdisciplinary research. Now, as a postdoctoral researcher in biomedical engineering at UC Davis, my enthusiasm lies in developing novel tools for cancer diagnostics. By merging Raman spectroscopy and innovative methods like surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with machine learning, I aim to develop early cancer diagnostic tools based on extracellular vesicles for cancer detection. Apart from my academic pursuits, I enjoy hiking and have a special affection for pets.
Dr. Shahinur Islam
Secretary
Department of Animal Science
I am a postdoctoral researcher in the genomic variation lab at the Department of Animal Science. Using integrative molecular genomic (population, quantitative, and functional) tools, my research broadly focuses on Ecology, Evolution, Physiology, and Conservation Biology. Currently, I am working on developing molecular methods to monitor animals of conservation concern, with an emphasis on using eDNA metabarcoding to infer abundance.
With an Erasmus Mundus fellowship from the European Union, I obtained a joint master’s degree in marine Environment and Resources from the University of Bordeaux (France), the University of the Basque Country (Spain), the University of Liege (Belgium) and Concordia University (Canada) with a research focus on Phenotypic Plasticity. I completed my PhD in Marine Biology from Memorial University of Newfoundland (Canada) with a research focus on species interaction (ecological and genetic) and coexistence. Before coming to UCD, I worked as a postdoc at the University of Windsor (Canada), where I led a project focusing on the genomic basis of physiological adaptation.
As PSA Secretary, I aim to plan board meetings; assist in organizing and facilitating PSA Travel grant; manage, distribute, and process the yearly PSA survey; and procure and collate information for the PSA Newsletter.
Dr. Manohar Prasad Bhandari
Treasurer
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
I obtained my Ph.D. from the University of Brescia, Italy, in May 2019, where my research focused on the application of an electronic nose prototype in food quality control. I then went to the Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel for a short postdoctoral training. From May 2020 until April 2023, I led an EU-funded postdoctoral project at the University of Latvia, focusing on the early detection of gastric cancer using metabolomics and breath analysis approaches.
In May 2023, I joined the Bioinstrumentation and BioMEMS Laboratory under the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of California, Davis as a postdoctoral scholar. At UC Davis, I work in the realm of metabolomics and chemical sensors. In my free time, I love singing, writing poems, reading books, and traveling.
Dr. Luis Eduardo Contreras Llano
Career Development Officer
Department of Biomedical Engineering
I am Dr. Luis E. Contreras-Llano, a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Biomedical Engineering & the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. My current research focuses on developing new cellular therapies and therapeutic biomaterials using synthetic hydrogels, stem cells, and extracellular vesicles.
I have a B.E and an M.S. in Biotechnology from the UPT and UDLAP in Mexico, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of California, Davis. My doctoral research in the intersection of biochemistry, biotechnology, and synthetic biology has been published in journals such as Nat Comms, Adv Science, Nat Chem Bio, and ACS Appl Mat & Int.
I envision a career where I can apply a holistic approach to science to drive therapeutic innovations in areas where current technology is limiting, making treatments more effective and accessible to patients. I am also committed to training world-class scientists in the biological sciences, biotechnology, and bioengineering who can apply and advance these disciplines to solve critical challenges in society.
As the Career Development Officer of the Postdoctoral Scholars Association for the 2024-2025 academic year, I am looking forward to coordinating workshops of broad interest for the community of Postdoctoral Scholars at UC Davis and to help the members of the community to achieve a successful transition to the next stage of their careers through mentorship, networking, and coordinated support by the members of the PSA board, university resources, and former postdocs.
Dr. Esther Asamudo
Relations Officer
Department of Pharmacology
I am Dr. Esther Asamudo, a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of California, Davis. I earned my Ph.D. in Physiology at the University of Otago, New Zealand, where I studied the regulation of cardiac function by nitric oxide and cardiac proteins. Prior to that, I obtained my M.Sc. in Medical Physiology from the University of East London, United Kingdom, and my B.Sc. in Human Physiology from the University of Uyo, Nigeria.
Currently, I study cardiac proteins involved in heart disease and the effects of post-translational modifications on disease progression. My research goal is to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie heart diseases, ultimately aiming to refine therapeutic approaches and interventions for heart disease patients.
Beyond my scientific pursuits, I host local events in the city of Davis. I enjoy photography, cinematography, and exploring the world through travel.