Welcome to Austin!

I am very excited to bring on new students and their diverse perspectives on our work. Austin Hertel is the second PhD student from PMI that just joined us. Austin rotated in the fall and worked with Cindy on placenta related projects. He also did not seem to be scared away!

I notice a trend though. Rachael likes to take our rotation students into the RBL!

Austin will be working with Cindy on everything pregnancy and placenta.

Austin tell us:

“I am originally from Rochester, NY and attended Gannon University in Erie, PA. While at Gannon, I completed a bachelor’s degree in biology & public health and competed as a 5-year starter on the men’s wrestling team. Now in Pittsburgh, I live in Highland Park with my little black cat, Wednesday. Outside of the lab I like to keep as active as possible. During the winter, I am still involved in the sport of wrestling by volunteering at a local high school. In the summers, I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and playing really bad golf! Besides physical activity I love to play music. I’ve played the guitar since high school and still occasionally enjoy a jam-session with friends. Fun fact, I also used to play the French horn and is still my favorite instrument.”