Current PRISM Scholars

Lauren Bailey 
Lab: Dr. Jeremy Purvis 
“I specialize in Iterative Indirect Immunofluorescent Imaging (4i) and computational analysis to generate cell protein profiles that uncover heterogeneity in disease states. My research investigates how subpopulations within liposarcoma tumors adapt and develop resistance to therapeutic interventions and how sex differences influence cellular senescence in osteoarthritis using primary human chondrocytes. I’m particularly interested in how cells make decisions within their microenvironments and the factors that shape physiological outcomes in cancer and osteoarthritis.”

Libby Glidewell  
Lab: Dr. Ramiro Diz 
“I am interested in exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie human disease, with a particular focus on immunology and cancer biology. I’m especially interested in how the immune system responds to tumors and how this knowledge can help develop new treatments.”

Anuragh Sriram  
Lab: Dr. Gwenn Garden 
“Microglia are the immune cells of the brain and play critical roles in orchestrating inflammation and in clearing aberrant proteins, synapses, and cells. I study how microglia contribute to pathogenic neuroinflammatory cascades and the buildup of toxic proteins in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). My work aims to elucidate novel therapeutic targets that can be utilized to slow the progression of AD by promoting protective phenotypes in microglia.” 

Sri Vemulamanda   
Lab: Dr. Natalia Isaeva & Dr. Wendell Yarbrough 
“I am interested in cancer research, with a focus on HPV-associated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Using a combination of mouse models, cell culture, and bioinformatics approaches, I study the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor progression and work to identify biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. My goal is to contribute to the development of more precise and less toxic treatment strategies for patients with HPV positive HNSCC.”

Victoria Burnette   
Lab: Dr. Brooke Matson
“I am interested in clinical research, with a particular focus on diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. My current research examines how a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes impacts neurocognitive and behavioral functioning in adolescents.”

Lesley Canseco   
Lab: Dr. Chrystal Starbird 
“My research passions are diverse, but I currently work in the Starbird Lab where we study how protein structure informs function and how that deepens our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of human disease. My current project focuses on understanding the interaction between apolipoproteins with lipid transporters in the context of disease state variants linked to early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Beyond bench work, I am passionate about healthcare disparities and how to make healthcare more accessible for vulnerable communities!.” 

Calista Cline   
Lab: Dr. Laura Ferguson 
“I am primarily interested in neuroscience research and exploring the underlying mechanisms of addiction and substance use disorders. My current work investigates blood-brain interactions in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) with the goal of identifying molecular biomarkers and discovering or repurposing treatments through the integration of animal and human omics data.” 

Hanna DeBord   
Lab: Dr. Brooke Matson  
“I am affiliated with the Brain Metabolism lab here at UNC, and am focused on studying glucose metabolism in the brain as it relates to obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. In my free time, I enjoy running, biking, and writing poetry. I am planning on pursuing either an MD or an MD/PhD with a focus in Medical Device Design.”

Alexis Graham   
Lab: Dr. Elizabeth Corteselli  
“My current research focuses on the toxicological characterization of nicotine analogs to better understand their effects on molecular and cellular mechanisms. More broadly, I am interested in bridging toxicology with translational approaches to uncover how exposures contribute to disease and to inform the development of therapeutic strategies.”

Vanessa Khachaturyan 
Lab: Dr. Laura Rupprecht 
“I have always had a long-standing interest in researching the brain’s reward systems. I find it fascinating that the systems that are involved in the natural reinforcement of food-based reward are the same systems that are hijacked by drugs of abuse and the overconsumption of palatable foods. In Dr. Laura Rupprecht’s lab at UNC, I am excited to learn about enteroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract and how they sense and communicate information to the brain’s reward regions. Of particular interest to me is how the physiology and activity of enteroendocrine cells may be changed by the consumption of different macronutrients and alcohol.”

Ezra Ofer       
Lab: Dr. Nima Kokabi 
“I am studying how different radiotracers can be used to diagnose and guide treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Through the use of in vitro and in vivo models, a variety of radiotracers that target specific cellular processes will be used to develop a better understanding of the specific tumor physiology and what specific treatments would be the best course of action. I am interested in developing targeted therapies to help treat cancer and autoimmune diseases.”

Naomi Tymann     
Lab: Dr. Sarah Conlon 
“I studied Class I Cystic Fibrosis variants in Dr. Scott Randell’s Lab at UNC-CH and completed an honors thesis project about improving the mouse model system for testing CF modulators. I was also a member of Cohort IX of the Chancellor’s Science Scholars (CSS) program. After graduating, I joined the lab of Dr. Sarah Rowe-Conlon, where I now studies hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria.” 

Dakota Watson     
Lab: Dr. Rita Tamayo   
“I’m deeply interested in Cancer and Cell Biology, with a specific focus on learning how disruptions in normal cellular functions drive tumor progression. My goal is to contribute to research that integrates molecular mechanisms with new innovate approaches.”