Dr. Jonathan Kirk PhD
CAPS Program Director, Vice Chair, Cell and Molecular Physiology
Dr. Jonathan Kirk is the director of the Master of Science Clinical and Applied Proteomics program at Loyola University.
- PhD at University of Pittsburgh (Bioengineering)
- Postdoc at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Dr. Kirk began working at Loyola in 2015 as part of the Physiology department and quickly emerged as a leader when it came to identifying the educational needs of students.
Having studied Bioengineering at Washington State University and University of Pittsburgh, he went on to complete his Postdoc at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where he trained in Mass Spectrometry with Dr. Jennifer Van Eyk. Since that time, Dr. Kirk has continued to develop his expertise in Mass Spectrometry and was one of the primary parties responsible for identifying the significant lack of proper education for those who want to work in this exciting scientific field
“Failure is temporary, success is cumulative.”
https://www.kirklab.com 
Dr. Toni Pak PhD
James R. Depauw Professor and Chair, Cell and Molecular Physiology
Cell and Molecular Physiology Departmental chief, Dr. Toni Pak, has worked at Loyola University Chicago for 15 years, after moving here from Colorado State University.
- PhD at University of Colorado Boulder (Neuroscience)
- MA in Science Education
- Certified in Clinical Mass Spectrometry (AACC)
Throughout her life, Dr. Pak has loved science. She considers it very exciting to be at the forefront of discovering new knowledge and remains thrilled that she is able to make a career of it; earning a living for the privilege. In her role as part of the Clinical and Applied Proteomics Program, Dr Pak will be teaching the proteomics Capstone Project. She believes that the program is a remarkable opportunity, since it is the first of its kind, and provides students with immediate transferable skills for this rapidly growing, innovative job market.
Her research in nuclear steroid receptor-mediated gene expression uses both targeted and discovery-based mass spectrometry approaches. The targeted approaches are designed to measure absolute amounts of phosphorylated amino acid residues on nuclear receptor proteins. The discovery approaches use proximity dependent labeling to identify transcription factor complexes in neurons.
Dr. Peter Kekenes-Huskey PhD
Associate Professor in Cell and Molecular Physiology
Dr. Peter Kekenes-Huskey achieved his PhD at the California Institute of Technology after completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina, Asheville.
Dr. Kekenes-Huskey came to Loyola University Chicago from the University of Kentucky and has been a professor of Chemistry since he joined two years ago. He is well versed in the theory and application of Mass Spectrometry because of his significant background in chemistry, and he is confident that the Masters in Clinical and Applied Proteomics will provide students with the opportunity to elevate the budding scientific community to be experts in a powerful, sought-after-omics field. We consider ourselves extraordinarily lucky to have him in the department and as part of the program, offering guidance in the units on “Chemistry of Protein Separation” and “Clinical Considerations and Biomarker Development.”
Dr. Patrick Oakes PhD
Associate Professor in Cell and Molecular Physiology
Dr. Patrick Oakes is building on a lifetime of curiosity. His fascination with how things work lead him to a career in physics because, at its heart, physics works to explain the world around us.
Since joining the Cell and Molecular Physiology Department at Loyola University Chicago in 2019, Dr. Oakes has been recognized as a valued expert in Biophysics so it is only natural that he be a significant contributor to the Clinical and Applied Proteomics Program. He views the program as “an excellent opportunity to get a broad based training in the fundamentals of mass spectrometry. This program will give students a leg up on careers that utilize mass spectrometry and given them an edge in applying their knowledge in unique situations.” Given his own journey through science, it should be no surprise that Dr. Oakes’ ideal student is someone who is both curious and passionate about what they are learning.
This program will give students a leg up on that utilize mass spectrometry careers
Maureen O’Brien-Cruz MA
Mrs. O’Brien-Cruz, our project coordinator and administrative support, comes from a broad educational background providing a unique environment for our students.
Starting her Loyola University Chicago career in November of 2021, Mrs. O’Brien-Cruz came to us from an Alternative High School in Chicago, her experience working with non-conventional education settings means that she is excited to help create a flexible course that is accessible to as many people as possible. Mrs. O’Brien-Cruz considers the Master of Science in Clinical and Applied Proteomics to be an excellent opportunity for any scientist or recent graduate who is hoping to work in their desired field and qualify for what is very clearly a growing career path.