People
Principal Investigator
Bryson Katona, MD, PhD, AGAF, CGAF
Jeffery and Cynthia King Assistant Professor of Lynch Syndrome Research, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Genetics
bryson.katona@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Clinical Profile
Bryson Katona, MD, PhD, AGAF, CGAF is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, where he serves as the Director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics Program and Director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Evaluation Program, and he also is a member of the Cancer Control Program of the Abramson Cancer Center. Bryson also serves as the Director of Penn Medicine's Lynch Syndrome Program. Bryson is a physician-scientist who is an expert in gastrointestinal cancer genetics, and his research program focuses on the diagnosis, risk assessment, management, and biology of hereditary gastrointestinal cancer predisposition syndromes. Bryson received his BA/MS at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by his MD/PhD at Washington University in St. Louis, and he completed his post-doctoral research in the laboratory of Dr. Xianxin Hua at the University of Pennsylvania. Bryson loves running, spending time with his wife and kids, and relaxing on the beach.
Research Team
Jessica Long, MS, CGC, CGAF
Associate Director - Lynch Syndrome Program, Genetic Counselor
jessica.long@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Jessica is a genetic counselor specializing in hereditary cancer risk assessment, who helps guide individuals and families through genetic testing and the ways in which a genetic diagnosis may influence medical decisions and impact relatives. As Associate Director of Penn Medicine’s Lynch Syndrome Program, Jessica coordinates educational events and outreach efforts, in addition to supporting ongoing clinical research. She received a BS in Molecular Genetics from the University of Rochester and an MS in Human Genetics (Concentration in Genetic Counseling) from the University of Michigan. Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, listening to music and gardening.
Kole Buckley, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate
Kole.Buckley@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Kole received his BS in Biology at Ohio Dominican University and his PhD in Exercise Science at the University of Toledo. During his PhD his research was centered on skeletal muscle regeneration after injury. Kole's primary research focus is centered on hereditary causes of gastric cancer, including investigating hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) due to disease-causing variants in either CDH1 or CTNNA1, as well as investigating the role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in gastric cancer risk. Outside of the laboratory, Kole enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and practicing meditation.
Bhoomi Madhu
Postdoctoral Associate
bhoomi.madhu@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Bhoomi received her MS in Biotechnology from the D.Y. Patil University in India and her PhD in Molecular Biology at the Texas Woman's University. Her PhD work was focused on identifying signaling pathways regulating differential immune responses against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. As a postdoctoral researcher, her primary research project focuses on investigating the role of a ketogenic diet-derived metabolite as a chemopreventative agent for Lynch Syndrome. Outside of the lab, she enjoys nature photography, playing board games, and cooking.
Ariana Majer
Graduate Student
majerar@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Ariana received her BS in cell biology/biochemistry at Bucknell University. At Bucknell, she trained under Dr. Mark Haussmann, studying the effects of prenatal and acute stress on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, cellular aging, and organismal fitness. Following her graduation from Bucknell in 2020, Ariana started her PhD in the Cell and Molecular Biology: Cancer Biology program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Her thesis work focuses on the role of the nuclear scaffolding protein menin in hereditary colon polyposis syndromes. Outside of the lab, Ariana enjoys biking, baking, and reading fantasy/sci-fi.
Grace Snyder
Graduate Student
grace.snyder@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Grace received her BA in Biology from Wesleyan University. Following graduation, she worked for the National Human Genome Research Institute as a scientific program analyst, where she supported genomics research funded by the National Institutes of Health. She is now a student at the University of Pennsylvania's Master of Science in Genetic counseling program. Her thesis will identify factors associated with pancreatic surveillance dropout in patients at high risk for developing pancreatic cancer. Grace loves a good cup of tea and is an avid rock climber.
Samantha "Sammy" Kasselman
Graduate Student
samantha.kasselman@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Sammy received her BS in Public Health and Applied Statistics from the University of Michigan. There, she was part of a team studying potential treatment pathways for pancreatic cancer. Since then, she joined the University of Pennsylvania's Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program. Her thesis focuses on the prevalence of and longitudinal changes to pancreatic imaging findings in individuals with pathogenic variants who are at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Sammy loves exploring the Philly food scene with friends and is an avid theatergoer.
Lauren Cuff
Graduate Student
Lauren.Cuff@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Lauren received her BS in Health Sciences from Drexel University in 2022. After graduating, Lauren worked as a genetic counseling assistant at the Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine. Lauren is now a student in the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program. Her thesis is evaluated at assessing knowledge amongst Lynch Syndrome carriers of Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency (CMMRD) reproductive risks. Outside of school, Lauren enjoys running, baking and hanging out with her cat Feisty and her dog Cassie.
Daniel Clay, MS
Clinical Research Coordinator B
Daniel.Clay@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Danny received his BA from St. Johns College, followed by a MS in Applied Statistics from West Chester University where he learned the foundations of research design and statistical analysis. Danny oversees the ongoing clinical studies focused on pancreatic cancer early detection. He enjoys reading, playing table-top role playing games, and binging tv shows.
Keely Beyries
Research Specialist A
Keely.Beyries@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Keely received her BS in Biological Sciences from Drexel University where she spent time studying the biological effects of non-thermal plasma cell lines. She is now focused on understanding the role of menin in colon cancer tumorigenesis as well as utilizing colon organoid models to study Lynch syndrome. Outside of the lab you can find Keely training in aerial acrobatics and dance, traveling, and enjoying time with friends and family.
Michaela Dungan
Clinical Research Coordinator B
Michaela.Dungan@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Michaela graduated from New Jersey Institute of Technology with a B.A. in Neurobiology. At NJIT, she was a part the SQRL lab studying the ocular-motor and visual systems, and running a study of a novel concussion protocol. She oversees the groups clinical studies focused on colon cancer and polyposis, as well as gastric cancer. Michaela loves playing sports (division I volleyball at NJIT), performing arts, and watching Marvel movies.
Kevin Dinh
Research Specialist A
kevin.dinh@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Kevin received his B.A. in Cell Biology and Neuroscience from Rutgers University. During his last year at Rutgers, he was a medical scribe in the Emergency Department of St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. Kevin will be working in the laboratory on projects focused on hereditary gastric cancer risk including hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome (HDGC) and BRCA1/2-assocaited gastric cancer. Whenever he has free time, he likes to explore different cuisines with his friends as well as playing online games. He is also currently volunteering for the Rutgers Vietnamese Cultural Dance Crew, as he was a former dancer during his undergrad.
Sara Karley
Clinical Research Coordinator A
Sara.Karley@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Sara received her BS in Psychology with a specialization in Childhood Mental Health Interventions from Misericordia University. During her undergraduate career, she worked as a research assistant for the Timko Research Group at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Sara will oversee the ongoing studies clinical studies focused on pancreatic cancer early detection. Sara enjoys traveling, photography, and spending time with her dogs.
Julia Youngman
Clinical Research Coordinator A
julia.youngman@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Julia graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Biology. She is currently working towards a Master of Bioethics, also at Penn. In the group, Julia oversees clinical studies focused on polyposis and gastric cancer. Julia enjoys hanging out with her dogs, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Linda Zhu
Undergraduate Student
zyhlinda@sas.upenn.edu
Linda is currently pursuing a B.A. degree in Biology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is interested in oncology and is considering a concentration in the Mechanisms of Disease. Outside of her academic and laboratory work, she enjoys playing badminton and ultimate frisbee, as well as acting.
Rohan Gala
Undergraduate Student
galaroha@sas.upenn.edu
Rohan Gala is an undergraduate student in the Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management, where he is pursuing a dual degree in Finance and Molecular Biology. His research interests center on gastrointestinal cancers, particularly the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases. Rohan has conducted research on the effects of beta-hydroxybutyrate in the context of Lynch Syndrome, exploring potential therapeutic pathways for this genetic condition. Outside of his academic pursuits, Rohan is passionate about weightlifting, reading, and playing tennis, balancing his rigorous studies with a commitment to personal wellness and athleticism.
Alumni
Sam Levy
Graduate Student
sam.levy@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
After graduating from Penn's Masters of Genetic Counseling Program, Sam started as a cancer-focused genetic counselor at Georgetown University.
Gillain Constantino
Clinical Research Nurse A
After leaving the group and simultaneously finishing nursing school Gillain started as a nurse in the Emergency Department at Riddle Hospital.
Marina Weber
Clinical Research Coordinator A
After finishing her time in our group, Marina started medical school at Temple University in 2024.
Anitej "Tej" Gedela
Undergraduate Student
Tej graduated from Penn in 2024 and then started in the healthcare group at Lazard in San Francisco.
Isabel Anez Bruzual
Graduate Student
Isabel graduated from the Penn genetic counseling master's program in 2023 and then started as a cancer-focused genetic counselor at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Thomas Nyul
Research Specialist A
After finishing his time in the lab Thomas started at the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine in 2023.
Lily Altman
Undergraduate Student
After working the lab during the summer of 2023, Lily continued her undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia where she was majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience.
Samantha Williams
Graduate Student
Sam graduated from the Penn Genetic Counseling Masters program and then started as a cancer-focused genetic counselor at Jefferson after leaving the group.
Jordan Heiman
Clinical Research Coordinator
After leaving our group, Jordan went on to start medical school at Temple University.
Taylor Hojnacki
Research Specialist B
Taylor went on to join Avantor, a JNJ subsidiary, as a Translational Research Scientist after leaving the lab.
Christina Dudzik
Clinical Research Assistant
Justine Jou
Clinical Research Coordinator
After leaving our group Justine went on to become a program manager in the Division of Transplant Surgery at Penn Medicine.
Jeshua DeJesse
Graduate Student
Jeshua completed his Masters in Genetic Counseling at Penn. After graduation he started as a genetic counselor at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Jessey Yang
Undergraduate Student
After leaving the group Jessey continued her undergraduate studies in the Penn School of Nursing.
Tahira Islam
Undergraduate Student
