Justin Colacino
Justin is the Principal Investigator of the Colacino Lab and is an Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Texas at Austin and graduate work at the University of Texas School of Public Health and the University of Michigan. When he's not deep in cancer research or teaching toxicology, Justin likes playing music, grilling, and hanging out with his two Persian cats. For more about Justin, check out his CV, his UMSPH faculty page, or follow him on Twitter.
Anagha Tapaswi
Anagha joined the Colacino lab as a Research Technician. She received her Master’s in Biotechnology along with M.B.A from Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Texas). She completed her Bachelor’s in Microbiology and Master’s in Genetics from India. Anagha’s research interest lies in the effects of environmental toxicants on morphological profiles of breast epithelial cells and to study these changes using Cell Painting, a high content image based assay. Outside of lab, she enjoys trivia nights, dancing and power circuits in the gym!
Vy Nguyen
Vy is a postdoctoral fellow being co-mentored by Justin, Dr. Chirag Patel at Harvard, and Dr. Olivier Jolliet at Technical University Denmark. She received her bachelor’s degree in Applied Math from Baylor University and her PhD in Bioinformatics from University of Michigan. Vy’s research interests include identifying chemical exposure patterns in the US population and understanding how such patterns are related to consumer products usage. Outside of the laboratory, Vy enjoys antiquing, thrift-shopping, Final Fantasy video-gaming, and knitting.
Katelyn Polemi
Katelyn is a PhD student studying Toxicology in the Environmental Health Sciences Department. She received her B.S. in Microbiology from Colorado State University and her M.S. in Toxicology from the University of Michigan. Katelyn’s research interests lie in examining the role of chemical exposures in breast cancer development, investigating the epigenetic impact of these chemicals, and understanding the role of piRNA in cancer progression and treatment. Outside of the lab, Katelyn enjoys skiing, horseback riding and spending time with family and friends.
Rachel Morgan
Rachel is a PhD student pursuing a degree in Environmental Health Sciences. She received her bachelor's degree in biology and global health from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and her master's in public health from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, with a focus on environmental health. Rachel's research interests pertain to developmental exposures that increase the risk of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease risk via alterations to epigenetic mechanisms. Outside of the laboratory, Rachel enjoys spending time with her dogs and husband in the outdoors, reading mystery novels, and cooking. You can connect with Rachel on Twitter.
Lauren Middleton
Lauren has an undergraduate degree in Biology from Vassar College and recently obtained her MPH from the University of Michigan. Lauren is currently an MD student at UM and excited to be part of Team Breast Cancer in the Colacino lab! Her research interests include the use of 3D tissue culture models to understand the effects of cadmium on human breast stem cells, and its impact on breast development. Outside of research, Lauren enjoys volunteering with her college’s EMS agency, teaching CPR classes, playing flute in a student orchestra, and playing intramural volleyball.
Evan Hill
Evan is a PhD student working towards a degree in Toxicology in the Environmental Health Sciences Department. He received his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and master’s degree in Toxciology at the University of Michigan. Evan’s research interests include using 3-dimensional culture techniques to understand the effects of toxicants and diet on carcinogenesis and cancer development. Outside of the lab, Evan enjoys playing multiple sports, playing the Tuba, and cooking anything in a slow cooker.
Shelbie Taylor
Shelbie is currently a Junior at the University of Michigan’s School of LSA. She plans on getting an honors degree in Biology, Health, and Society on a Pre-Med track, with a minor in Business and Administration or Entrepreneurship. In joining our lab, Shelbie hopes to gain a deeper understanding of cancer, as well as how it may disproportionately affect marginalized communities of color.
Nick Cemalovic
Nick is an undergraduate student studying Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biochemistry who is incredibly excited to be working in the Colacino Lab under Chanese Forté to understand changes in breast cells exposed to pesticides and PFAS. He is enthusiastic about public health, toxicology, and well-presented data. Outside the lab, Nick enjoys playing the flute, organizing his Google Calendar, and attempting to learn languages.
Lab Alumni (and current locations)
Danielle Fries (Covance)
Julie Brickle (OMNOVA)
Erica Katz (University of Chicago)
Jessica Wu (Zomedica Pharmaceuticals)
Sabrina Rocco (University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Neuroscience)
Julien Heidt (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
Nicholas Polakowski (Central Michigan University College of Medicine)
Sarah Karram (University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology)
Adam Kahana (Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory)
Chanese Forté (Union of Concerned Scientists)
Tasha Thong (Tempus Labs)
Jade Schroeder
Jade is a Masters student pursuing her M.S. in Toxicology in the Environmental Health Sciences Department. She received her B.S. in Marine and Environmental Sciences from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Her current research interest is using high content screening assays with antibody markers to measure phenotypic plasticity of human breast cells and the role environmental toxicants may play in cancer development and progression. Outside of lab, Jade enjoys CrossFit, cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.