The graduate dean invites all graduate faculty to attend the final oral examination for the doctoral candidates scheduled as follows:

Ma Irina S. Sagarbarria, Ph.D., Chemistry, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m., LGRT 1681 and via Zoom. Dissertation: “Probing Caspase-6 Inhibition Towards Neurodegenerative Drug Discovery.” Jeanne Hardy, chair.

Graeham Dodd, Ph.D., Education, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m., Furcolo S115. Dissertation: “”Exploratory Teaching” as an Integral Stage in Teacher Education.” Linda Griffin, chair.

Hengjun Du, Ph.D., Food Science, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 3 p.m., Chenoweth Lab 210A. Dissertation: “Health Risks of Foodborne Silicone Dioxide Nanoparticles: Systemic and Reproductive Adverse Effects Mediated by Gut Microbiota and The Gut-Organ Axis.” Hang Xiao, chair.

Katherine Wahlbeck Lu-Diaz, Ph.D., Chemistry, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1 p.m., Goessmann 153 and via Zoom. Dissertation: “Mechanism of Activation of E. coli Chemotaxis Kinase CheA.” Lynmarie Thompson, chair.

Carolyn Cramoy, Ph.D., Public Health, Thursday, Jan. 15, 12 p.m., Arnold 221. Dissertation: “Associations Between Iron Status and Folate Status in US Women of Child-Bearing Age: (Path to Understanding Birth Defect Risk in Overweight/Obese Mothers).” Zhenhua Liu and Lorraine Cordeiro, co-chairs.

Andrew J. Smith, Ph.D., Chemistry, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2 p.m., LGRT 1681. Dissertation: “Molecular Insights into Protease-Substrate Interactions and Functional Dynamics in Neurodegeneration and Viral Infection.” Jeanne Hardy, chair.

Jessica J. Allen, Ph.D., Chemistry, Friday, Jan. 16, 2 p.m., LGRT 1681. Dissertation: “Signaling-Related Changes of Protein Interfaces and Stability in Functional Chemotaxis Receptor Complexes.” Lynmarie Thompson, chair.