Members

            Shawna Defreitas

Fall 2018- Summer 2021

Major: Biology

Interests: "Currently, I am a Masters student in the  Biology Department at Georgia Southern. I received my bachelor's degree in Cell and Molecular Biology and working under the guidance of Dr. Jia has fostered my interest in understanding signaling and molecular pathways. In the future I hope to teach or work on medically relevant  research projects."

            Cameron Driskell

Spring 2018- Spring 2020

Major: Biology and Spanish

Interests: "I am a Pre- Medicine student. I enjoy studying biological development and processes as well as genetics. I am a dual major in Biology and Spanish. Eventually I would like to practice medicine in a Spanish speaking country. I have a position as a Teaching Assistant in the Chemistry Department. I am also a member of the University Honors Program."

               Lily Paculis

Spring 2019- Spring 2021

Major: Biology

Interests: "I am a Pre-Physician Assistant student in the Honors Program at Georgia Southern. In my free time, I enjoy playing strategic online games with friends and volunteering at the Hearts and Hands Clinic. I am interested in using model organisms as human disease models as well as studying the development of cancers. Being a student in the Jia Lab is providing me valuable research experience that will be beneficial to my future career in the healthcare field."

               Ashley Avila

Summer 2019- Spring 2021

Major: Biology

Interests: "Hello everyone! I am a Pre-Medicine student in the Honors Program here at Georgia Southern. My interests are medicine, volunteering, and cats. On campus, I am heavily involved in Serve912 where I am a trip leader and part of the board as service chair. My research interests are cell signaling and genetics in relation to human diseases. After college, I hope to continue doing research in this field of study in medical school. I am grateful to be a part of this lab and be able to gain early research experience. My goals in life are to contribute to precision medicine research and increase access to quality healthcare for everyone."

     Roxana Gonzalez Tascon

Spring 2020- Spring 2021

Major: Biology

Interests: "I am a Pre-Medical student here at Georgia Southern. I am very interested in how cell molecular processes work as well as cancer development and genetics. I enjoy doing research, and I'm very grateful to have the opportunity of being part of Dr.Jia's lab. I hope to further my research experience and gain more knowledge that will be very beneficial for my future career in the medical field."

                Molly Rowe

Spring 2018- Fall 2019

Major: Biology

Interests: "I am a Pre-Medical student in the Honors Program here at Georgia Southern. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering, scuba diving, traveling and studying biology. I am also a tutor on campus for science and math courses. Through being a member of the Jia lab, I hope to learn and gain research experience to prepare me for my medical career. " 

After Graduation: Doctor of Medicine program at Medical College of Georgia

            Jesse Underwood

Fall 2017- Spring 2018

Major: Biology

Interests: "I am a Pre-Pharmacy student here at Georgia Southern and I am interested and excited to study and learn more about molecular biology.  I would like to get further my career in pharmaceutical research and this is a great opportunity to get started."

After Graduation: Doctor of Pharmacy program at South University School of Pharmacy