People Present

Upon graduation our students receive first-class up to date training and the right credentials sought by employers in the job market


Suzanne F. Dagher Ph.D

1994 Ph.D. Molecular Biology—Michigan State University

E-mail: sfdagher(at)yahoo.com

She is an expert with extensive dexterity in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, protein expression, protein purification and yeast genetics.

Madison Klein candidate to PhD in Functional Genomics and a 2020/2021 Genetics and Genomics Scholar recipient

2019 dual B.S. degrees in Forensic Biology and Chemistry by Western Carolina University – NC – USA

Fall 2019 receive acceptance to Grad school at NCSU on the Functional Genomics Program after that she joined our group Spring 2020

E-mail: mklein2(at)ncsu.edu

Madison grew up in Denver, North Carolina but fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains after attending Western Carolina University. She received dual B.S. degrees in forensic biology and chemistry but decided she liked being a spectator to crime-fighting instead and now gets her forensic fix through various podcasts and crime shows. Also, in her free time, she is an avid yogi and certified teacher, climber, and amateur wine connoisseur.

Madison moved into the functional genomics Ph.D. program immediately after completing her undergraduate work. During her first semester at NC State, she took multiple classes to explore her research interests, one of which being MB 520 where she was introduced to microbiology, biotechnology, and fermentation.

Currently, Madison is continuing to pursue her research interests in studying the gut microbiome to better understand the impacts of dysbiosis on human health.

Diego Rendon PhD student in Microbiology

2020 B.S. in Chemical Engineering – Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala and a Master’s in Microbial Biotechnology (2023) from North Carolina State University

He joined our lab fall 2023 after received a Teaching assistantship at NCSU.

E-mail: djrendon(at)ncsu.edu

Born in Guatemala, Diego is a nature lover to the core. Raised amidst diverse landscapes, from crystalline shores to the heart of tropical forests, he developed an unwavering passion for exploration early on. Diego’s innate problem-solving ability was evident from a young age and was always fueled by an insatiable curiosity. He thrives on the challenge of unraveling complex issues.

With a background in Chemical Engineering, Diego’s academic and professional path seamlessly blends the fascinating worlds of chemical engineering and microbiology. This unique interdisciplinary approach led him to explore the synthesis of industrially vital enzymes and chemical compounds, paving the way for a career where inventive ideas meet practical application.

His notable academic journey includes a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala and a Master’s in Microbial Biotechnology from North Carolina State University. Leveraging his extensive experience in a range of projects, from optimizing enzyme applications in diverse industries to creating specialty chemicals, Diego is on a continual quest to find where cutting-edge biotechnologies can transform conventional chemical practices.

Currently, Diego is delving into solutions for the sustainable production of plastics through bioproduction methods.