Lab Members
Our lab group changes frequently as students go on to complete their degrees; this is our current "crop" of scientists. To see Dorsam lab alumni, scroll down.
Razia Dawlaty
Research Specialist and Graduate Student (PhD)
I earned my BS from NDSU in biochemistry and molecular biology in 2013. I then continued working in different labs, including Aldevron, before I returned to NDSU in 2020. I received my MS in Microbiological Science with Dr. Dorsam in 2022. I continue working with Dr. Dorsam as a Research Specialist as well as a PhD student. My research focuses on studying the role of Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) on metabolism as well as on obesity by using a mice model.
I am a proud mom of three wonderful daughters who keep me very busy! Outside my research and my career, I am a chef of my own kitchen, I enjoy cooking for my family and my friends. I enjoy watching movies with my family, attending workout classes, listening to music, and shopping. Oops, one more thing, I love to drink tea twenty-four hours a day. I can’t live without tea and my nick name is Tea Lady!
Teala Matiur
Graduate Student (Master's)
I’m a microbiologist working to find my place in the field of Immunology. My research focuses on immunophenotyping splenocytes and lamina propria lymphocytes in VIP-deficient mice. When I’m not in the lab, you’ll usually find me hanging out at my favorite spots in local parks. And in my downtime, I love getting together with friends for dramatic readings of classic literature—with a British accent, of course!
Savanah Klegon
Graduate Student (Master's)
Hi everyone! I graduated from NDSU with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry in Spring 2024. After working as an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Dorsam's lab for two years, I decided to continue my education by pursuing a master's degree in microbiology. My research is based on exploring the potential antidiabetic properties of VIP and the mechanisms behind this observation. Outside of the lab I enjoy reading, photography and cuddling with my cat (picture below).
