Undergraduate student profiles

Aidan Schacht joined the laboratory in September 2023. From Brentwood, Tennessee, Aidan is a Biochemistry, Vocal Performance, and Pre-Medicine third year pursuing minors in Neuroscience, Psychological Sciences, Global Health Studies, and Molecular Biology. He looks forward to building skills and understanding through research so he may continue to medical school or health administration. He is driven to uncover the relationship between music and wellness while also advocating for equitable holistic medicine. Aidan enjoys soccer, boxing, reading for spiritual growth, and educational travel abroad. He serves as Miami University’s President of the Honors Student Advisory Board and Co-President of HAWKS Peer Health Educators. 

Ta-Niyah Darden joined the laboratory in September 2023. She is a second year Biochemistry major with a minor in Medical Humanities.  She enjoys both the scientific focus of my major, while also learning about the societal aspect of medicine in her minor.  In the future, Ta-Niyah plans on attending graduate school and eventually working in the field of pharmacology.  She is interested in the applications of medical research and its impact on society in general. Her interest started when the pandemic first began, and the scientific response really fascinated her.  In her free time, Ta-Niyah enjoys reading, writing and playing video games.  She also really likes listening to music and usually carries her headphones wherever she goes.   

Lily joined the laboratory in the fall of 2023. She is a third-year Biochemistry major with a co-major in Pre-medical Studies in the College of Arts and Science at Miami University. She plans to attend medical school to achieve her career goal of becoming a physician. As a cancer survivor, she is particularly passionate about creating awareness of the disease and the welfare of survivors. Outside school and the lab, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and painting. She also enjoys playing lacrosse for Miami’s Women’s Club Lacrosse team. 

Emily joined the laboratory in the fall of 2023. She is a sophomore Biochemistry major with a co-major in pre-medical studies at Miami University. She plans to continue working with research along with attending medical school to become a physician. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, gymnastics, and spending time with friends and family. 

Rita joined the laboratory in the fall of 2023. She is a third-year Chemistry major with a minor in art history. She plans to pursue a career in industry and is especially interested in research focused on formulating personal care products or cosmetics but remains open to new ventures. Outside of academics, she enjoys drawing and video games.

Anna joined the laboratory in the summer of 2024 after receiving the USS 2024 Undergraduate Summer Scholar. She is a second-year Biochemistry and Music major with a co-major in pre-medical studies. In the future, she plans on attending medical school and focusing on biomedical research. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, spending time with friends, and playing cello as a member of the Miami University Symphony Orchestra.  

Charlotte joined the laboratory in the fall of 2025. She is a second-year Biochemistry major with a co-major in pre-medical studies and a minor in Medical Sociology. After starting at Miami, she has been very interested in research and how it can be applied to the medical field to better treatments. In the future, she plans on attending medical school, and possibly also working on her PhD. Outside of school and the lab, she enjoys hiking, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, building legos, and painting.  

Cooper joined the laboratory in the fall of 2025. He is a second-year biochemistry major with a minor in molecular biology. After achieving an undergraduate degree, he plans to attend graduate school to pursue a PhD and continue with research as a career. In his spare time, Cooper likes watching sports, listening to music, exercising and spending time with family and friends.

Madelyn joined the laboratory in the fall of 2025.  She is a first-year Chemistry major and plans on attaining a postgraduate degree.  She aims to pursue a career in industry research and wants to focus on developing and enhancing personal care and cosmetic products.  In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer with her intramural team, going on walks, and spending time with friends and family.  She is also an Honors College Ambassador and member of Miami University's Chemical Society.