Graduate Student
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Education:
B.S. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 2016, UMass Amherst
M.B.A. in Finance & Management, 2012, Stony Brook University
B.S. in Business Management, 2008, SUNY New Paltz 
Project Description or Research Interest:
My primary research interest is to advance our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in aging. As normal somatic cells divide, telomeres at the end of each chromosome shortens due to the end-replication problem. Once the telomeres reach a critically short length, a DNA damage response is activated resulting in the onset of a cellular mechanism called senescence. Senescence is considered a tumor suppressor program because it prevents cell division and the replication of damaged DNA. Although initially beneficial, senescent cells secreted high levels of pro-inflammatory molecules and accumulate with age. This increased production of pro-inflammatory molecules is believed to be a primary contributor to many age-related diseases. Sphingolipids have been previously implicated in the activation of senescence by our lab and others. My current research project is focused on determining the role of sphingolipids in senescence and aging.
Publication:
Stith, J. L., F. N. Velazquez, and L. M. Obeid. 2019. Advances in determining signaling mechanisms of ceramide and role in disease. J Lipid Res 60: 913-918.