Current Members

Katie Baldwin, PhD

Dr. Baldwin is an assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and a member of the Neuroscience Center. A native Michigander, Dr. Baldwin completed her undergraduate and graduate training at the University of Michigan, followed by her postdoctoral training in Dr. Cagla Eroglu’s laboratory at Duke University. Outside of the lab, she enjoys mountain biking, running, and being a mom.

Hayli Spence-Osorio

Hayli is a graduate student in the Baldwin Lab. She graduated from American University in the spring of 2020 with a BS in Neuroscience and certificate in Leadership and Ethical Development. After graduation, she spent two years as an NIH Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow in the lab of Dr. Andres Buonanno studying the underlying neural mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders. Outside of lab, Hayli loves to sing along to musicals, experiment in the kitchen, and spend time with her mischievous kitties, Fin and Mae.

Breana Dogan

Breana is a graduate student in the Baldwin Lab. She graduated from Wofford College in the spring of 2022 with a BS in Biology and a concentration in neuroscience. After graduation, she spent one year as a UNC PREP scholar in the lab of Dr. Charlotte Boettiger studying how adolescent alcohol exposure affects brain development and cognition. She also worked with the lab to explore more effective treatments and therapies for substance use disorders. Outside of lab, Breana loves to cook, hike, exercise, and spend time with friends and family.

Amy Stanek

Amy is a Research Technician in the Baldwin Lab. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. After graduation she spent her time in industry working with a team developing bacteriophage for treatments in immunology and infectious disease. She is currently working on her Masters in Business Administration. Outside of the lab, Amy loves to be outdoors with her dogs, go hiking and ride horses.

Robert Lewis

Robert is an undergraduate researcher for the Baldwin lab. He grew up in Chapel Hill and plans to graduate from UNC with a BS in Biology. Robert previously did research at the nearby EPA facility in RTP for 2 summers. Robert enjoys watching movies, exercising, and spending time with friends.

Valerie Muzyka

Valerie is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Baldwin Lab. She was born and raised in Tampa, FL and is currently pursuing her BS in Neuroscience and BA in Exercise and Sport Science at UNC Chapel Hill. In the future, she hopes to research neurodegenerative disorders and become a physical therapist for professional athletes. Outside of school, Valerie enjoys doing pilates, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Madelyn Coble

Madelyn is an undergraduate majoring in Neuroscience and Hispanic Linguistics. She hopes to attend pharmacy school and eventually participate in pharmacological research, especially for veterans with PTSD, a cause that is near and dear to her heart as a military kid. As a part of the Accelerated Research Program and Honors College, Madelyn hopes to use these resources to conduct her own independent research in the lab within the next year. In her free time, Madelyn spends a lot of time nannying, exercising, volunteering in the animal shelter, practicing mindfulness, and hanging out with her cat.

Beesan Shehadeh

Beesan is an undergraduate researcher for the Baldwin lab majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Her previous experience with conducting labs in the free health clinic she volunteered at inspired her to pursue a career in scientific research. Beesan is originally from Charlotte and in her free time, she loves to go to the gym, spend time with friends and family, and travel.

Former Members

Alex Eaker, Research Technician – Currently: PhD Student at Columbia University

Karen Farizatto, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher – Currently: Scientist at IQVIA