Embedded Files
Alejandra Arbelaez I am an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biological Sciences at Rutgers. I have been part of the ABUSA Lab since the fall of 2016, and I currently serve as a Research Assistant. As an RA, I assist with numerous studies investigating the relation between stress, physiology, emotion, and behavior. In the future, I plan on attending Physician Assistant School and build a career in the mental health field.
Taylor Clough I’m currently a junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Health and Society. I’ve always found the comorbidities between anxiety and various other mental illnesses fascinating, and as such the research done here at the ABUSA lab is of great interest to me. I feel fortunate to have been hired by a group of dedicated researchers who care just as much about data collection as they do about ensuring that members are achieving their own personal goals. My hope is to one day enter the field of clinical psychology, and I know that the experiences garnered in lab will help me towards becoming the professional I aspire to be.
Adam Khanu I am a third- year Biological Sciences student on a Pre-med track with a minor in Psychology. As an aspiring Addiction Psychiatrist, I have a strong interest in substance use and addiction as well as how medicine and psychology can come together to further advancements in treating patients who suffer from addiction. As a Research Assistant in the ABUSA Lab, my interests in learning about the comorbidities between substance use and mental illness have increased and it has motivated me to continue pursuing this career path. The lab has been a tremendous learning experience and I am excited about using the knowledge I have gained from this lab both in my academic career and my professional career.
Mohammed Rupani I am a sophomore majoring in Cellular Biology & Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Statistics. My interests in clinical psychology and medicine recently led me to join the ABUSA lab as a research assistant. This lab has an environment that foments learning and encourages students to actively pursue their own inquiries, and I am grateful to be a part of it. In my time here I have already learned much and acquired many critical skills that will be invaluable in my future career. During my time as an undergraduate student, I hope to pursue my own projects with the tools and support that ABUSA provides. Furthermore, I plan on continuing to be heavily involved in research and clinical trials once I start my career in medicine.
Sindhura KolliI’m a senior double majoring in Cell Biology & Neuroscience and Psychology currently on the premed track. The ABUSA lab definitely combines my passions of both biology and psychology when it comes to researching about addiction so it’s a huge learning opportunity for me. I would like to one day utilize the skills that were taught to me for future research in neuroscience. This lab has thoroughly increased my interest in research and hopefully I’ll be able to incorporate these clinical and scientific skills as a possible doctor and future researcher. I’m excited to continue working with Dr. Leyro and the rest of the great team of RA’s!
Vyom Sawhney
I am a senior in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program, pursuing a double major in Cell Biology & Neuroscience and Psychology, and a minor in Spanish. I previously worked as a Research Assistant (RA) for the Aresty Research Center in Dr. Eunsung Junn’s lab, studying the role of miRNAs in the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). During my time with Dr. Junn, I utilized the CRISPR construct to create a 293T cell lineage with RelA knockout, allowing subsequent cell death studies to identify the role of the RelA gene in PD. I have since begun working with Dr. Teresa Leyro and plan to complete an honors thesis during my time in the ABUSA lab. Working as a RA alongside Dr. Leyro and the rest of the ABUSA team has been a tremendous learning experience and has reinvigorated my interest in research. As such, in my pursuit of a career in medicine, I also plan to participate in clinical research as both a medical student and practicing physician.
Tajah ScottI am currently a senior double majoring in Women’s & Gender Studies and Political Science with a minor in Criminology. Understanding the correlation between mental health and underrepresented/vulnerable populations is something of great interest to me in hopes of conducting my own research in this area. My time in the ABUSA lab offers me the hands on experience and support in understanding how to carefully and confidently analyze, understand, and find resolutions for the disparities in these communities. Furthermore, I hope to dedicate many years to research, developing free educational clinics and outpatient health facilities in poor urban areas to expose those populations to holistic and psychoanalytic alternatives for treatment.
Samuel KleinI am a rising senior at Rutgers, majoring in Psychology. Broadly, I am interested in elucidating the role played by aberrant signaling between dopaminergic structures and their afferents on the positive symptoms seen in schizophrenics. Additionally, I am interested in studying hedonic dysregulation as a possible mechanism for the transition from casual drug use to addiction in subjects comorbid with affective disorders. Acting as an RA within Dr. Leyro’s ABUSA lab will no doubt give me invaluable experience towards the latter. ABUSA is a supportive and dynamic environment, and I am grateful for the opportunity to assist with their ongoing projects.
Yanna A. Chepura
I am currently a senior majoring in psychology with a minor in cognitive science. ABUSA lab is my first opportunity of being able to combine my love for psychology with data collection and analysis in the field. After graduation, I aim towards going to graduate school for the cognitive science program. I plan on continuing my work here to gain more experience with hopes of getting a position as a data analyst for a psychiatric medication lab after graduate school.
Wilhelm Esguerra
I am a junior majoring in Public Health and minoring in Psychology. I am happy to have found the ABUSA Lab whose research lies in the intersection of my academic interests. I plan on furthering my studies in both public health and psychology in Graduate school and aspire to work in a career working with at-risk populations preventing negative health behaviors. Working as a research assistant at The ABUSA Lab will provide me an environment that will give me experience and foster my academic and professional growth.
Fione Tsatskin
Hi, my name is Fione Tsatskin and I am a Junior at Rutgers University. I am currently majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business Administration. I plan to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist, working with kids and conducting research. I hope to open my own practice for children and adolescents.
Marissa McClement
I am a Junior with a major in Psychology and a minor in English. After taking Abnormal Psychology with our very own Dr. Leyro, my interest in various psychological disorders and how they relate to one another peaked. It is this very interest that led me to the application for the ABUSA Lab and my subsequent hiring as a Research Assistant. I have already learned much during my time here and hope to stay a part of this team for as long as I can, not only to enrich my academic career but to enhance my knowledge in general.
Google Sites
Report abuse