People

Demas Lab, Winter 2021

Graduate Students | Undergraduate Students | Previous Lab Members
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PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

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GRADUATE STUDENTS

Amanda Han
B.A., The College of Wooster (2021)

As a behavioral neuroendocrinologist, I am interested in understanding how neural, endocrinological, and physiological mechanisms regulate seasonal transitions and social behaviors (e.g., aggression) in both sexes. My current study examines how MT1 overexpression in the lateral septum influences seasonal aggression, using lentiviral stereotaxic infusion in female Siberian hamsters.

Abel Cong
B.S., Syracuse University (2022)

I am interested in the neuroendocrinological mechanism in sexual dimorphic behavior, especially in mating behavior, and how it relates to the bigger context of evolutionary biology.

Hannah Fink

B.A., Franklin and Marshall College (2020)

Broadly, I am interested in the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying sexually dimorphic behavior. I am particularly interested in how hormones other than testosterone can influence both social and reproductive behaviors. 

Beth Morrison
M.S., University of Central Arkansas (2016)
B.S., University of Central Arkansas (2013)

Co-advised by Irene Newton

I am interested in how changes in gut microbiota affect behavior, specifically maternal care and reproduction. My current project investigates the effect of antibiotic treatment on behavior and the microbial diversity of female Siberian hamsters and its potential behavioral and physiological consequences in neonates.​

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UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Leah Burger

Class of 2027

Ruofei Du

Class 2025

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PREVIOUS LAB MEMBERS

Graduate Students and Postdocs

Matt Lansing, M.S.
Biotechnology Master’s Program

Current Position
Medical student in Medical School, Indiana University

Dr. Kat Munley

Dissertation
Melatonin as a neuroendocrine regulator of seasonal aggression in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)

Current Position
Assistant Professor, University of Alberta

Cat Steinbeiser, M.S.
Co-advised by Mike Wasserman

Thesis
Presence and physiological effects of phytoestrogens in the diet of Ugandan red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus tephrosceles)

Current Position
Wildlife Biologist and Data Analyst, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Dr. Jessica Cusick
Common Themes in Reproductive Diversity Postdoctoral Associate (2019-2021)

Current Position
Assistant Professor, Utah Valley University

Jessica Biddle (Deyoe), MPH
Lab Manager (2016-2020)

Current Position
Epidemiology Data manager, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Goldbelt Contractor)

Dr. Kristyn Sylvia

Dissertation
Modulation of the neuroendocrine system, gut microbiome, and social behavior

Current Position
VP, Client Services, IQVIA (Simpson Healthcare); Adjunct Professor, Stonehill College

Dr. Allison Bailey

Dissertation
Regulation of seasonal reproduction by interacting environmental cues in Siberian hamsters

Current Position
    City Zoo Research Manager, Wildlife Conservation Society

Dr. Tierney Lorenz
Common Themes in Reproductive Diversity Postdoctoral Associate (2013-2016)

Current Position
Associate Professor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Dr. Nikki Rendon

Dissertation
Neuroendocrine mechanisms of seasonal aggression in females

Current Position
Senior Director, Medical and Scientific Affairs

Dr. Liz Carlton

Dissertation
Energetic signals and stressors regulate reproductive immune trade-offs and seasonal sickness responses in Siberian hamsters

Position (till 2023)
Junior High School Science Teacher, Illinois

Dr. Christy Bergeon Burns
Co-advised by Ellen Ketterson

Dissertation
Coordination of testosterone-mediated phenotypes and underlying endocrine mechanisms across divergent populations of the dark-eyed junco

Current Position
Licensed Certified Clinical Genetic Counselor, Corewell Health West

Dr. Jacqueline Ho

Dissertation
Seasonal changes in endocannabonoid signaling and energy balance

Current Position
Division Coordinator, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

Dr. Emily Chester

Dissertation
Short- and long-term effects of environmental challenges during gestation in Siberian hamsters

Current Positions
Program Manager, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Mayte Ruiz
Co-advised by Emília Martins

Dissertation
Social signals and food availability influence reproduction and immunity

Current Position
Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Puerto Rico

Dr. Susannah French
Common Themes in Reproductive Diversity Postdoctoral Associate (2007-2009)

Current Position
Professor and Associate Vice Provost, Utah State University

Dr. Tim Greives

Dissertation
The role of kisspeptin in the regulation of seasonal reproduction in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)

Current Position
Associate Professor, North Dakota State University

Dr. Devin Zysling Craven
Co-advised by Ellen Ketterson

Dissertation
The role of energetic trade-offs associated with seasonal variation in immune function

Current Position
Associate Director, Regulatory Affairs CDx. Labcorp Drug Development

Dr. Melissa Scotti

Dissertation
The neuroendocrine mediators of aggression in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)

Current Position
Senior Compliance Program Manager, Northwell Health

Dr. Nancy Beecher
Co-advised by Craig Nelson

Dissertation
Frog declines: Exploring connections among climate change, immunity, and disease

Current Position
Senior Biologist, Southern Nevada Water Authority

Undergraduate Students

Luke Gohmann
Class of 2023

Sydney Szwed
Class of 2023

Katie Eggleston
King University (CISAB REU Program)
Class of 2022

Nathaniel Martine
Class of 2023

Lizbeth Funkhouser 
Class of 2023

Shubhi Sinha
Class of 2023

Kate Adaniya
Class of 2022

Taylor Deckard
Class of 2021

Andi Nowakowski
Class of 2021

Molly Pendergast
Class of 2021

Justuss Boice
Class of 2020

Eamonn Duffy
Class of 2020

Sarah Henderson
Class of 2020

Caroline McCord
Class of 2021

Grace Murphy
Class of 2020

A.J. Brougham
Class of 2020

Costa Dalis
Class of 2020

Ekelé Andrews
Class of 2020

Dannie Henton
Class of 2019

Leanne Jossund
Class of 2019

Cameron Logan
Class of 2019

John Reinhart
Class of 2019

Clarissa Ren
Class of 2019

Michael Vu
Class of 2019

Desirée Nieves Canabal
University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (CISAB REU Program)
Class of 2019

Ayley Shortridge
Michigan State University (CISAB REU Program)
Class of 2020

Emma St. John
Class of 2018

Elizabeth Bauserman
Class of 2019

Leah Beck
Class of 2018

Rachel Stephens
Class of 2018

Jesus Bazan
Class of 2018

Daniel Boyes
Class of 2017

Patricia Baez Ramos
University of Puerto Rico (CISAB REU Program)
Class of 2017

Andrea Amez
Class of 2016

Kyle O’Malley
Class of 2016

Paola Guardado

Ellen Weigel
Class of 2015

Andrew Thompson

Lauren Wright

Harini Gurram
Class of 2014

Matthew Smith
Class of 2013

Sarah Orth
Class of 2013

Kim Long
Class of 2012

Jessica VanOsdol
Class of 2011

Sucharat Tayarachakul
Class of 2011

Samantha Adams
Class of 2011

Amy Sutton
Class of 2010

Rachel Buck
Class of 2010

Nick Garcia
Class of 2009

Tafor Banu
Class of 2009

Jerrah Jackson
Class of 2009

Emily Stepp
Class of 2008

Stefanie Frommeyer
Class of 2006

Kentaro Oki
Class of 2006

Misty Hawkins
Class of 2006

Prashant Patel
Class of 2005

Sangeeta Sakaria
Class of 2005

Tracy Estes
Class of 2004

Andy Lutz
Class of 2004

Al Durazzo
Class of 2004

Claire Gonzalez
Class of 2002

Kevin Proud
Class of 2002