Michael earned his bachelor’s degrees in human biology and theatre in 2011 from the University of Southern California and his Ph.D. in psychology in 2020 from UCLA with Dr. Michael S. Fanselow. His thesis work focused on the effects of stress severity and chronicity on the subsequent behavior and biology of the organism. He is excited to continue work in the stress research field at Utah. In his free time, Michael enjoys running, hiking, baking, and playing board games with his wife Leanna.

Sewon received her bachelor’s degrees in life science and chemical and biomolecular engineering from Sogang University in 2012 and her Ph.D. from the interdisciplinary program in neuroscience at Seoul National University in 2019 with Dr. Sukwoo Choi. After graduating, she spent three years as a postdoc at Seoul National University. Her thesis work focused on the processing of the value information in the basal amygdala. In her free time, Sewon enjoys traveling, swimming, watching animation and playing games.

NIH NRSA F31 Fellow

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in behavioral neuroscience from Western Washington University in 2017, Rachel spent two years working as a technician at the Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research before starting her PhD in neuroscience here at Utah. In her free time, Rachel enjoys teaching neuroscience, doing yoga, baking, and watching cat videos.

NSF Graduate Research Fellow

Jordan graduated from the University of Alabama in 2020 with a B.S. in biology and a minor in neuroscience. She had previously done research on the impacts of brain stimulation (tDCS) on language learning, the social behavior of Hydra, and the innate immune response in Drosophila. Jordan is excited to study the neural mechanisms of behavior. In her free time she enjoys hiking, snowboarding/skiing, watching Netflix, and playing with her two cats.

Lo obtained a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience in 2020 from Brandeis University, where they researched homeostatic plasticity. After graduation they spent two years working as a research assistant at Oregon Health and Science University where they studied the frontostriatal pathway’s involvement in impulse inhibition. They’re currently interested in investigating the neural substrates of social behavior. Outside of lab they can often be found rock climbing, snowboarding, puzzling and reading.

Rusul is a former refugee from Iraq. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah. Her goal is to apply to PA school in the upcoming year. She has served as a board member for refugee health research across North America, which aimed to improve access to healthcare for new and current refugees. She works as a phlebotomist at the University of Utah Hospital. Previously she worked as a medical assistant and Arabic interpreter at Saint Mark's Family Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys reading and playing video games.

Jason is a post-baccalaureate student from Santa Ana, California. He received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Vanguard University. He hopes to attend a Ph.D. program after his time here. During his free time, he enjoys working out, listening to music, and being outdoors.

Camille is a post-baccalaureate student and IDEAS In Neuroscience Program Scholar. She graduated from CUNY Brooklyn College In May 2024 with a B.S. in psychology and a minor in neuroscience. During her free time, you’ll find her reading books (fiction), analyzing song lyrics, and eating Nerds Gummy Clusters.

Kevin earned a bachelor’s in philosophy from Arkansas State University in 2010. And a bachelor’s in neuroscience from the University of Texas at Austin in 2018. After graduating, Kevin spent a year as a research technician at UT Austin. His previous research has focused on the mechanisms of learning and memory as well as studying addiction paradigms. During his PhD at the University of Utah, Kevin wants to focus on elucidating the neuronal circuitry that can be responsible for various mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Other than research, Kevin spends his time hiking, running, reading, and playing video games (not necessarily in that order).

Ford Foundation Honorable Mention

Donzelle graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2021 with a bachelor’s in experimental psychology. During her bachelor’s, Donzelle spent three years researching the neuroendocrinology of obesity. As a neuroscience PhD student, Donzelle is interested in studying behavior. Outside of research, she spends her time traveling, reading, and practicing embroidery.

Erin is studying biology with an emphasis in anatomy and physiology at the University of Utah. She enjoys learning about relationships between organisms and is interested in how social behavior can be affected. Erin likes writing and spending time outside, especially in the mountains and the desert.

Ashley graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and an emphasis in biology. During her undergrad, Ashley participated in research investigating the impacts of environmental enrichment on mouse behavior and the effects of social isolation on mouse ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). In her spare time, Ashley enjoys watching documentaries and spending time outdoors.

Marina graduated from the University of Utah in 2023 with a bachelor's degree (Hons) in health, society, and policy. She's a lab instructor for the University of Utah's Medical School Anatomy Program and a medical assistant for Internal Medicine at the University of Utah. Her research interests branch into social inequities and physiological changes in relation to behavior. She is striving to become a physician and enjoys swimming, reading, painting, and weightlifting. 

Amanda earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and drawing with a minor in art history from Utah Valley University in 2020. After three years as a professional artist, she has recently returned to school with the goal of becoming a physician scientist. As a non-traditional student, Amanda joins the lab excited to learn more about neurobiology and the research process. Outside of the lab, Amanda enjoys a vibrant life filled with running, traveling, outdoor adventures, and spending time with her husband.

Addison is an undergraduate student studying biology with an emphasis in biochemistry as well as minoring in both chemistry and spanish. He loves learning and plans to attend medical school in the future. Addison is from Utah and loves the mountains. He spends his free time backpacking, fly fishing, trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and doing anything else that gives him an excuse to get outside.

Elijah is an undergraduate studying math and family studies with an emphasis in abuse dynamics. He is also pursuing an undergraduate certificate in quantitative research analysis. He is interested in graduate training for quantitative psychology. Specifically, he hopes to work alongside clinicians to improve mental health interventions for those in crisis. Elijah spends his free time appreciating music, hanging out with his kittens, and falling down internet rabbit holes.

Tina is an undergraduate student majoring in biomedical rngineering with an emphasis in biomechanics and is minoring in chemistry. She has plans on going straight into the industry and helping develop devices for mobility-impaired individuals. In her free time, Tina enjoys crocheting and reading.

Lorrin is an undergraduate at the University of Utah majoring in biochemistry and minoring in applied ethics. She is interested in research that explores neurobiology and varying aspects of social behavior. Lorrin is from the Seattle area, currently works as an Anatomy TA, and ultimately plans to attend medical school. In her free time she enjoys working out, hiking, watching movies, and cooking.

Genesis is an undergraduate student at the University of Utah pursuing an honors B.S. in biology with a minor in chemistry. After graduation, Genesis plans on applying to medical school. Genesis is fluent in Spanish, so she hopes to be able to effectively communicate with Spanish-speaking patients and build more trust within the healthcare system. In her free time, she enjoys grabbing a sweet treat, traveling, and hanging out with her friends.

Eccles Distinguished Scholar; U.S. Presidential Scholar

Alan is pursuing a five-year BS/MS in software development and computer science as an Eccles Distinguished Scholar. His focus is on computational neurobiology, aiming to use technology for advancements in medicine. Raised in Hawaii and Utah, Alan enjoys swimming, running, music, and technology.

Eva is an international student from Berlin, Germany. She is a pre-med student majoring in biology with an emphasis in anatomy and physiology. In her spare time she works as a teaching assistant in the anatomy lab. After finishing her undergraduate studies, Eva plans to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a heart surgeon.

Caitlin is an undergraduate student studying biology with an emphasis in neurobiology. She enjoys working as a math tutor with kids of all ages. She is also a teaching assistant for a microbiology lab course at the University of Utah. She hopes to continue to work in biology either in a lab or in a clinical setting. Backpacking is her favorite past time as she gets to immerse herself in a living textbook, with no stressors or expectations. She also loves to travel to new places, interact with passionate people, eat delicious food, and kiss her dog on his forehead.

Kayla is an undergraduate at the University of Utah studying biochemistry with a minor in psychology. After graduation, Kayla wants to work on improving access to healthcare and mental health resources for underserved populations. Kayla enjoys getting involved in her community through volunteering and community health activism. Kayla is interested in research on the physiological and psychological effects of trauma and hopes to contribute to the development of more effective treatments for PTSD in the future. In her spare time, Kayla enjoys running, hiking, and playing music.

Tobias is an undergraduate at the University of Utah majoring in psychology and biology with an emphasis in anatomy and physiology. He hopes to continue his education in the field of neuroscience after graduating, and to work to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Aside from a passion for science and learning about the brain, he enjoys spending his free time with friends, with his dog, in nature or all three at once.