Young Alumni in Human Biology

The youngest of four brothers, Cristian grew up in Green Bay from the age of 4 after his family moved from Mexico, to California, to Wisconsin. While college is straightforward for some, Cristian had a lot to figure out on his own since he and his family were unfamiliar with the American education system. Many first-generation students would likely relate to his experiences and may benefit from the types of relationships and mentors Cristian found at UW-Green Bay. Now well on his way to becoming a physician, Cristian dreams of opening a clinic focused around inclusivity and access that will be open during non-business hours for those who are unable to see a care team due to work, school or other commitments.

Danielle Banaszynski is in her third year and has some classes with professors from UW-Stevens Point and other classes with UW-Madison professors. If you would like more information about the field of audiology, advice about applying to grad school or any help with the human biology program, feel free to email her.

Lauren Beranek (Putnam) is a second-year medical student who plans to graduate in 2025. Right now, she is considering a career in neurology, PM&R or neurosurgery. She is married to the most wonderful man who is also in medicine. Together, they own two longhaired cats and are loving life. Feel free to contact her with any questions, whether it be advising, application questions, or if you just want to chat!

After graduating UW-Green Bay, Luke attended Iowa State University and graduated in 2020 with a PhD in Microbiology. His dissertation revolved around how to most effectively utilize a clinically benign virus called mammalian orthoreovirus to destroy cancerous tissue. Luke remained at Iowa State as a Postdoctoral Researcher until 2021, when he accepted his current at Viterbo University. His primary responsibility is to teach microbiology to nursing students, while maintaining a student-centered research program. "I am fortunate to have had several mentors at UW-Green Bay and Iowa State that positively impacted my career path, and it is my hope that I can provide the same care and assistance to other students."

His primary research subject is bacteriophages, or phages for short, which are the viruses of bacteria. Jesse's current research projects include using phages to cure bacterial pathogens of algae cultures, using phages as surrogates for SARS-CoV-2 related R&D, testing phage proteins that integrate and excise DNA in a site specific manner. He became interested in phages at UW-Green Bay when he took Professor Merkel’s microbiology class. This prompted him to perform independent research as a literature review on phage therapy for Professor Merkel. Merkel entered the report Jesse wrote for the review into the Sager Scientific Writing Scholarship and won. After UW-Green Bay, he completed a PhD in Biochemistry at Texas A&M four years later studying under a world-renowned phage biologist. He studied phage lysis, which is how phages destroy bacteria at the end of the infection cycle and discovered a new class of lysis protein we call a “disruptin”, which is most similar to an antimicrobial peptide.

Ben was on the men's golf team while at UW-Green Bay and earned Academic All-American status for the years he was eligible. He is currently a dental student and a US Navy Health Professional Scholar. If you have questions about his career path, please contact him.

Logan received his Master of Business Administration from UW-Milwaukee in 2014. He began working at MilliporeSigma in Sheboygan Falls in 2012. Now, he oversees the production of metalorganic compounds used in applications such as semiconductors and smart windows. These compounds are regulated by change-control agreements, which can be thought of as cGMP on steroids.

Zach received two academic honor awards for independent research while earning his undergrad degree at UW-Green Bay. He then attended the University of Florida School of Medicine Medical Physiology program. Zach was hired by ANI Pharmaceuticals in 2018 as an Analytical Chemist focusing on chromatographic method development and validation for the characterization and release of Corticotropin drug substance. He was promoted to Senior Scientist, focusing on independently orchestrating development, validation, implementation and migration of highly complex analytical methods for characterization, release and stability of injectable drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. He is now a manager for the company, and responsible for the scientific oversight, financial management and daily operations of their injectable drug product center. Outside of work, Zach enjoys spending time with his fiancé and their black Labrador Retriever and has recently become a competent chef.

After graduation, Isaias began working at the Bellin Psychiatric Center for about a year as a behavioral health specialist. Soon after, he applied to medical school, and is currently in his second year. If you have any questions about applying to medical school, preparing for and taking the MCAT or anything medical school related, feel free to email him.

Nicole completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from UW-Madison in 2017. Since then, she has been working at a Prevea outpatient clinic, technically employed by HSHS St. Vincent. Immediately after graduating, she started seeing a typical outpatient orthopedic caseload. Over the past 5 years, she has received further certifications in oncology, lymphedema and visceral mobilization treatment; she primarily sees these specialties now. She also works PRN some weekends at St. Vincent, doing acute care physical therapy. She would love to help answer any questions you may have about physical therapy! Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Ashley started veterinary school in 2018 and graduated in May 2022. She is currently an intern in the emergency department at Madison Veterinary Specialist. She is happy to answer any questions you may have!

Jesse studied podiatry at the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, completed his surgical training at Loyola University and Hines VA Hospitals, and is currently a podiatrist practicing in Northwest Indiana since 2014. Prior to becoming a podiatrist, he served in the Navy and as a Corpsman in the Marine Corps. He says that the practice of medicine and surgery is all about serving people. In his free time, he enjoys playing the bagpipes.

Austin attended Barry University in South Florida to complete his masters in niomedical science in 2016 and then completed medical school from Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2021. He is currently a PGY2 Internal Medicine Resident. He initially planned on attending dental school, but switched during his masters program to pursue a medical career. He met his fiancé at UW-Green Bay, and they've completed grad school and medical school together. They are currently planning their wedding in 2023 along with their 3 puppies! "This is a tough journey you all have chosen, but, if I can do it, so can you." Feel free to contact him.

Ashley Willes is a UW-Green Bay alumni and a United States Marine Corps veteran. She graduated with a B.A. in English in 2015 and a B.S. in human biology in 2020. She is currently working as a Research Specialist. Her team focuses on cell replacement therapy using a rodent model, with the ultimate goal of restoring vision in patients with blindness caused by retinal degeneration.

Following graduation from UW-Green Bay, Kara Williams (formerly Baugrud) continued her education at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and received a masters of science in cardiovascular perfusion. She works as a Cardiovascular Perfusionist in the CVOR. She is a member of the cardiac team participating in open heart surgeries, ECMO, and circulatory assist devices.