https://sammykatta.com/diversity

 

Lab members

 

Darcie L. Moore

Ph.D Neuroscience, University of Miami (Jeffrey Goldberg lab)

Postdoc, ETH Zurich/University of Zurich (Sebastian Jessberger lab)

Darcie gets excited about connecting the dots in science, discovering new things, taking beautiful images, teaching, and getting to name another piece of equipment after a “Lord of the Rings” character. 

darcie.moore(at)wisc(dot)edu


Postdocs

SABIna farhadova

Ph.D., Genomic Imprinting and Development, Molecular Biology, University of Montpellier and Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier

Lab member since December 2022

Hi, my name is Sabina. I completed my Ph.D. in a beautiful place in the south of France, Montpellier. I was raised in Baku (Azerbaijan), a city where different cultures meet. I love science and the feeling of satisfaction it gives when I think that every new discovery could potentially be important for humanity. I love reading classical literature, cooking, and spending time with my family in my free time.

 

GRADUATE STUDENTS

We’re recruiting through the Cell and Molecular Biology program, the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program, and the Neuroscience Training Program.

 

susmit mhatre

Bachelor of Technology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Inst of Chemical Biology, Mumbai, India (2021)

M.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska (2023)

Lab member since December 2023

Hi, my name is Susmit and I am in the Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) program. I come from a coastal town in India called Alibag. I am excited about how a large cocktail of different chemicals work so intricately yet so beautifully to make up a living being. The brain, master regulator of this biological wonder called human body, helps all these chemical interactions make sense with perception and self-consciousness. I am excited to study the molecular processes in the brain and hope to find answers to questions in neuroscience and stem cell biology, yet unknown to us. When I am not in the lab, I am usually playing badminton or chess, working out, or playing the guitar.
mhatre2(at)wisc(dot)edu

 

POST-BACCAlAUREATE PREP students

Mariaya Jackson

Bachelor of Science, Neurobiology (2024), UW-Madison

Lab member since 2024

My name is Mariaya, and I am a NEURO-PREP post-baccalaureate scholar and a prospective MD-PhD student. I majored in Neurobiology at UW-Madison and have always loved learning about science, medicine, and the brain. I grew up on the Oneida reservation in a close-knit community surrounded by nature. Since moving to Madison, I have been on countless adventures and have been enjoying everything that the city has to offer. In my free time, I love listening to music, cooking, beading, dancing, doing arts & crafts, and reading comics.


Undergraduates

olivia vendegna

Major:  Neurobiology

Lab member since 2022

My name is Olivia and I am an undergraduate majoring in Neurobiology. I have always had a love for science because it allows me to understand the world around me. It provides a sense of logic and order to some of the most complicated things. I am intrigued by the intersection of Neuroscience and genetics, particularly how genetics provide insights into neuronal diversity and functions. In my free time you can find me crocheting, indulging in “True Crime” podcasts/shows, listening to music, or taking care of my plants.

 

elise gozon

Major:  Neurobiology

Lab member since 2024

Hello! My name is Elise, and I am an undergraduate Neurobiology major on the pre-medical track. I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where I was inspired by my parents’ dedication to their medical careers. Their work facilitated my interest in science and the means of helping others. In my free time, I love listening to music, being outdoors, traveling, good food, and reading. I enjoy exploring new things, hence my excitement to make new discoveries in science.

 

Reese hanke

Major:  Biology

Lab member since 2023

My name is Reese and I am an undergrad majoring in biology. I have been captivated with the mysteries of science ever since I was young, whether it be through documentaries/TV shows, or my own curiosity about how systems work. I am especially interested in neuroscience and ways molecular mechanics elucidate physiological phenomena. Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking, riding horses, and being outdoors.

 

jessica kellerman

Major:  Neurobiology

Lab member since 2024

My name is Jess and I am an undergrad majoring in Neurobiology. My passion for science began at a young age as I wore a surgeon uniform to career day in elementary school. I am particularly interested in how genes influence neurological disorders and how technology is used to advance treatments in neurological medicine. In my spare time, I enjoy playing field hockey, spending time with friends and family, and hiking.

 

mari ladish

Major:  Biology

Lab member since 2024

My name is Mari and I am an undergrad majoring in Biology. I have been interested in the world of science since I was a kid, watching Bill Nye and going to STEM summer camp. I have also been an artist throughout my life, painting, crocheting, sculpting, and jewelry making. I am intrigued with the different ways art and science overlap and hope to use my skills in both fields while investigating neuroscience pathways and intricacies in the lab. Outside of science I enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, and trying cuisines from around the world.

 

graduated Alumni

Emma Neale: B.S. Genetics, Certificate in Business Management for Agricultural and Life Sciences, UW-MadisonLab member 2016-2017 (undergraduate)Now: Associate Product Manager, Study Start-Up & Administration, WIRB Copernicus Group

Emma Neale: B.S. Genetics, Certificate in Business Management for Agricultural and Life Sciences, UW-Madison

Lab member 2016-2017 (undergraduate student)

Now: Associate Product Manager, Study Start-Up & Administration, WIRB Copernicus Group

Carol Xu: B.S. Genetics and Neurobiology, UW-Madison

Lab member 2018-2019 (research intern)

Now: PhD program at Gerstner Sloan Kettering, Lorenz Studer lab

Eden Zewdie: B.S. Pharmacology and Toxicology/ Certificate in Business, UW-Madison

Lab member 2017-2019 (undergraduate student)

Now: PhD program at University of North Carolina, Shelton Earp lab

Jaret Schroeder: B. S. Neurobiology, UW-Madison

Lab member 2019-2020 (undergraduate student)

Now: Discovery Chemistry Team Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals

Helen Jieun Heo: B. S. Molecular Biology and Neurobiology with Honors, UW-Madison

Lab member 2016-2020 (undergraduate student)

Now: MD/PhD program at Duke University; Lab of Cagla Eroglu

Elizabeth Thompson: B.S. Neurobiology with Honors, UW-Madison

Lab member 2016-2019 (undergraduate student), 2019-2020 (research intern)

Now: PhD program at Rockefeller University, Elaine Fuchs lab

 

Tiaira Porter: M.S. Physiology, UW-Madison

Lab member 2016-2020 (graduate student); PhD in Education Policy (UW-Madison)

Now: NORC

Chris Morrow: Ph.D. Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, UW-Madison

Lab member 2016-2021 (graduate student)

Now: Postdoc at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Will Mair lab

Kendra Rodriguez: Ph.D. Neuroscience, UW-Madison

Lab member 2020-2021 (research associate)

Now: Thermo Fisher

Zach Arndt: B.S. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Lab member 2019-2022 (research specialist)

Now: Thermo Fisher

Payton Klosa: B.S. in Chemistry and Biology, Valparaiso University

Lab member 2021-2023 (research intern)

Now: MD/PhD program at Medical College of Wisconsin

Tala Shaibi: B.S. in Neurobiology and Life Sciences Communication, Certificate in Biocore Core Curriculum, UW-Madison

Lab member 2020-2023 (undergraduate student)

 

Karolina Lungova: B.S. in Neurobiology with Honors

Lab member 2022 (research intern)

Now: MD program at Medical College of Wisconsin

Ella Peterson: B.S. in Neurobiology with Honors, Minor in Global Health, Environmental Studies, Biocore Honors Curriculum

Lab member 2021-2024 (undergraduate student)

Now: APDerm Gap Year Program

Allison Harris: B.S. in Biochemistry

Lab member 2022-2024 (undergraduate student)

Now: MD program at Western Michigan University Medical School

Bo Peng: MD/PhD

Lab member 2019-2024 (graduate student)

Now: Neurosurgery residency Stanford University