Demas Lab, Winter 2021


Graduate Students | Undergraduate Students | Previous Lab Members
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PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Demas_Greg

Dr. Greg Demas
Professor, Department of Biology
Member, Program in Neuroscience and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior

Postdoctoral Fellow, Georgia State University (1998-2001)
Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University (1998)
Contact: gdemas@indiana.edu

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GRADUATE STUDENTS

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

Generally, I am interested in how neuroendocrine and physiological mechanisms regulate seasonal switches and social behavior. Currently, I’m devoting myself to examining melatonin administration and c-fos expression in SCN in Siberian Hamsters.

Morrison_Beth

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

Funkhouser_Lizbeth

Lizbeth Funkhouser 
Class of 2023

I am a senior pursuing a B.S. in Biology. I began working in the Demas lab during my sophomore year in high school through the Indiana University Jim Holland Summer Research Program. In the lab, I assist the graduate students with various projects, procedures, and animal care. As I continue working in the lab, I hope to develop my laboratory skills. After graduation, I plan on attending medical school.

Luke Gohmann
Class of 2023

I am a senior majoring in Biology, with a concentration in Biology of Disease. This is my second year in the Demas Lab, and I’m excited to continue learning laboratory techniques and etiquette. Furthermore, I am particularly interested in understanding how microbes within the mammalian gut cause changes in behavior by altering hormone secretion. After graduation, I plan on attending graduate school, where I intend to conduct further research within these fields.

Nathaniel Martine
Class of 2023

I am a senior pursuing a B.S. in Microbiology. This will be my second year doing research in the Demas Lab, and I am excited to continue getting hands-on experience in a lab setting, as it will help me in my future pursuits. Working in the Demas Lab will also give me the opportunity to explore other fields of biological research as I continue my education at Indiana University. After graduating, I would like to become an oncologist or a researcher in oncology.

Shubhi Sinha
Class of 2023

I am a senior pursuing a B.S. in Molecular Life Sciences, with a concentration in Cellular and Developmental Biology and a certificate in Neuroscience. I recently joined the Demas Lab, and I am excited to explore how modifications in the gut microbiome cause physiological and behavioral changes in Siberian hamsters. I hope to gain insight into experimental design and data analysis from doing hands-on lab work alongside graduate students. After my undergraduate studies, I plan on attending medical school to work in the surgical field.

Sydney Szwed
Class of 2023

I am a senior pursuing a B.S. in Microbiology and a minor in French. I am working on a research project with Kat, in which I am examining seasonal and sex differences in neural sensitivity to steroids and how these mechanisms may be related to aggression. Through this study, I am hoping to learn more laboratory techniques, as well as broaden my knowledge of animal behavior. After graduation, I plan on attending graduate school to conduct additional research in this field.

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PREVIOUS LAB MEMBERS

Graduate Students and Postdocs

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

Current Position
Tech Transfer Scientist, Catalent Pharma Solutions

Dr. Kat Munley

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

Current Position
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Houston

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 Deyoe, MPH
Lab Manager (2016-2020)

Current Position
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Fellow, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dr. Kristyn Sylvia

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

Current Position
Manager of Grant Development and Outcomes Reporting, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions

Dr. Allison Bailey

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

Current Position
Curatorial Science Fellow, Wildlife Conservation Society

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

Current Position
Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Dr. Nikki Rendon

Dissertation
Neuroendocrine mechanisms of seasonal aggression in females

Current Position
Associate Medical Director, Avant Healthcare

Dr. Liz Carlton

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

Current Position
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
Genetic Counselor, Spectrum Health

Dr. Jacqueline Ho

Dissertation
Seasonal changes in endocannabonoid signaling and energy balance

Current Position
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Washington

Dr. Emily Chester

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

Current Positions
Technical Director of Evolutionary Anthropology Laboratory and Research Associate in Primate Environmental Endocrinology Laboratory, Kinsey Institute and Department of Anthropology at Indiana University

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
Associate Professor, 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
Co-advised by Ellen Ketterson

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

Current Position
Director of Quality and Regulatory Services, iFyber

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

38EE5F4E-3F5E-4C5A-B1ED-80C29C21CC4EKatie Eggleston
King University (CISAB REU Program)
Class of 2022

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