Faculty & Research

Robinson Lab Bios


Dawnya Bohager

Research Specialist

Dawnya graduated from Arizona State University in December 1999 with a B.S in Psychology.  She went on to receive a training award at the National Institute of Drug Abuse in 2000, where she performed in vivo microdialysis in rats trained to self-administer cocaine.  In 2006, Dawnya received her M.S. in Experimental Psychology from Tufts University, performing thesis work examining experiential, hormonal and GABAergic influences on non-maternal aggression in female mice. 

 

 

Sebastian Cerdena

Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Sebastian is a junior Chemistry B.S. and Biology B.S. double major.  He started working in the lab in January 2009. Sebastian plans to either attend medical school, pharmacy school or graduate school after he graduates. In his spare time, Sebastian enjoys playing his trombone, reading, memorizing random facts and watching UNC sports. His lab nickname is Sebé.

 

 

Randall Ung

Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Randall graduated in May 2010 with a B.S. in Mathematics and Biology from UNC Chapel Hill. He joined the lab in the summer of 2009 as an undergraduate. Following another year at the lab, Randall plans to attend Medical School. In his spare time, he enjoys eating, playing music and staying active.

 

 

 

Vahid Sanii

Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Vahid is a senior majoring in Biochemistry. He joined the Robinson lab in the summer of 2009.

 

Josh Jennings

Research Technician

Josh graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in May 2009 with a B.A. in Psychology and Neuroscience. Upon graduation, Josh received Magna Cum Laude from Dr. Steve Maier’s lab for his thesis work on the behavioral, neuroanatomical, and neurophysiological aspects of stress resilience. He joined the Robinson lab in September 2009 and plans on attending graduate school to further his interests in Neuroscience.
Email: jholden@unc.edu

Joel Shillinglaw

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Joel is a senior undergraduate majoring in psychology and minoring in chemistry and biology. He joined the Robinson lab in February 2010. Joel plans on graduating in December '10 and then pursuing graduate school for neuroscience. In his free time, Joel enjoys cheering for Lebron James, the Carolina Panthers, the Tar-Heels, and also loves playing the clarinet. An avid animal lover, Joel has two Beagles that live with him in Chapel Hill,Lucy & Desi, that he one day wishes to enter in a dog show.

Rebecca Fanelli

Neurobiology Graduate Student

Rebecca is a graduate student in the Neurobiology program. She completed her undergrad studies at Cornell University. Her research interest is in neurobiology and cell signaling from the genetic perspective. Specifically, she is interested in the interactions between genes and the environment and how they regulate the brain and behavior.

 

 

Former Lab Members

Kate Smith, PhD

Post-doc

Kate is currently a postdoctoral fellow who joined the lab July 2009.  She began her research career at East Tennessee State University, where she received a B.S. in Psychology in 2004.  She continued her education at the University of Kentucky, where she received a M.S. in Experimental Psychology in 2006 and a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology in 2009.  Kate’s thesis work examined potential NMDA receptor mediated neurotoxic effects on organotypic hippocampal slice cultures following methamphetamine withdrawal, while her dissertation work examined how possible interactions between ethanol exposure and tubulin polymerization, may influence the development of apoptosis or necrosis in slice cultures.

 

 

Becca Reese

Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Becca is a senior undergraduate majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry.  She joined the Robinson lab in May 2009.  Becca plans on graduating in December '09 and then going on to study neuroscience or a related field in graduate school.  Her interests include going to the beach whenever possible and cheering for the Tar Heels.

 

 

Rachel Hay

Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Rachel is a junior majoring in Psychology and Fine Arts.  She joined the Robinson lab in January 2009.