Current Lab Members
Addison Kanke
Doctoral Student
Addison Kanke is a Neuroscience PhD student interested in understanding how excessive blue light exposure from modern technology impacts biological processes and behavior. Her current research explores the role and development of photoreceptors and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in visual processing and investigates how their response to blue light can contribute to the development of addictive behaviors. Outside of lab, Addison is passionate about engaging with the STEM community by serving as Chair of Community Outreach for the non-profit organization STEMSTART Enrichment Inc., and by sharing her journey as a scientist on social media to help foster fun, inclusive, and relatable spaces for science. | @itsaddisonella
Victoria Lemus
Doctoral Student
Victoria Lemus is a PhD student in the Developmental and Regenerative Biology program, where she explores the relationship between epigenetics and photoreceptor function. Her interests include how histone modifications shape gene expression and chromatin architecture in the context of photoreceptor health and degeneration. Currently, her research is focused on understanding how metabolic flux in rod photoreceptors influences specific histone modifications and gene regulation during aging. Additional research includes studying the role of blue light on retinal degeneration. Outside the lab, Victoria enjoys staying active, shopping, and spending quality time with friends
Amber Ng
Research Science Associate II
Amber Ng is a Research Science Associate II with a keen interest in understanding how environmental and molecular factors influence retinal development and degeneration. Her current work focuses on evaluating the therapeutic potential of compounds like Shikonin and optimizing subretinal injection techniques to enhance targeted AAV delivery in mouse models. She integrates histological imaging, analysis, and protocol development to investigate mechanisms that affect degeneration and support photoreceptor survival. Outside the lab, Amber enjoys crafting, hiking, and exploring local coffee shops.
Rachell Nixon
Undergraduate Student
Rachell Nixon is an undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience with a concentration in molecular neuroscience. She has an interest in exploring the molecular mechanisms of various sensory systems, including the eye. In the lab, she shadows various members and expands her expertise in experimental neuroscience. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with friends. Upon graduating, she plans to pursue graduate school.
Previous Lab Members
Postdoctoral Research Alumni
Atanaska Dobreva, Ph.D. in Mathematics; 7/2020-6/2022
Assistant Professor, Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy and Department of Mathematics at Augusta University
Andrea Aparicio, Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering: Control; 1/2019-6/2020
Research Fellow focusing on human systems data analysis, Department of Medicine at Harvard Medical School / Brigham and Women's Hospital
Doctoral Dissertation Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Kathryn Wifvat, "Computational and Control Approaches in Retinal Degeneration" (Applied Mathematics), 10/2018-5/2022; Ph.D. awarded 5/2022
Founder and CEO at Nuubi, 6/2022-present
Danielle Brager, "Modeling and Analyzing the Progression of Retinitis Pigmentosa" (Applied Mathematics), 9/2016-8/2020; Ph.D. awarded 8/2020
National Research Council (NRC) Postdoctoral Researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 9/2020-9/2022; Business Intelligence Analyst at Nasdaq, 9/2022-present
Master Thesis Committee Chair
Roberto Alvarez, "Parameter Estimation and Bifurcation Analysis of Cone Degeneration," (Applied Mathematics), 8/2018-12/2021; M.S. awarded 12/2021
PhD student in Physics at ASU, 12/2021-present
Undergraduate Research Alumni
