Current Trainees

Lauren Taylor

Ungraduated Institution: The Ohio State University, OH
Current Research Mentor: Ruth Barrientos PhD

I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Global Public Health with Dean’s List distinction. As a post-baccalaureate scholar, I am researching the aging brain, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Kera Hampton

Ungraduated Institution: Rochester Institute of Technology, NY
Current Research Mentor: Jennifer Cheavens PhD

My goal is to pursue a Ph.D in cancer biology. My current research focuses on the role of glucocorticoids in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Jack Krupa

Ungraduated Institution: The College of Wooster, OH
Current Research Mentor: Susie Breitenstein PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN

As an undergraduate student, I performed research in Dr. Meghan Swanson’s lab, investigating the effect of parental speech on infant development. These experiences have anchored my research interests in the realm of parent-child interactions.

Summer Lutz

Ungraduated Institution: Fayetteville State University, NC
Current Research Mentor: Amanda Toland PhD

Reegan Kehres

Ungraduated Institution: University of Findlay, OH
Current Research Mentor: Steve Oghumu PhD

Throughout my undergraduate career, I conducted research on the cytotoxicity of fungal metabolites in Dr. Edelbrock’s lab. My current project is focused on the role of glucocorticoids in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, with the goal of finding a new target for treatment.

Caitlin Shaw

Ungraduated Institution: College of Saint Benedict Saint Johns University, MN
Current Research Mentor: Paco Herson PhD/ James Orfila PhD

My main research interest is neurodegeneration. Currently I am investigating onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms related to ischemia as I work towards pursuing a Neuroscience PhD.

Caleb Clark

Ungraduated Institution: Morehead State University, KY
Current Research Mentor: Michael Kearse PhD

During my undergraduate years, I performed research in the Mefford lab where I circularized chromosome XV in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. My current project is to better understand how ubiquination of ribosomal proteins occurs during ribosome collisions.