Lab Members

I strive to provide a fun, collegial environment where talented people can be successful and promote individual career development regardless of career path. Interested in joining the lab? I am able to accept students through both the Departments of Anthropology and Biology, but I am unable to accept any new Biology MS or PhD students at this time. I maybe be able to accept exceptional MA students in Anthropology and may have spots for undergraduate researchers in either Biology or Anthropology, depending on your interest. If you are an undergraduate interested in joining the lab or an Anthropology MS student interested in joining my lab in 2026, please check out the Department links for more information on each Department and program. Also, all members of the Grogan lab agree to abide by the Grogan Lab Code of Conduct, the Grogan Lab Mentor-Mentee Agreement (see bottom of the page for more details), and to participate in the creation of an Inclusive and Equitable Environment. If you are still interested in joining the lab, then fill out this form and Dr. Grogan will get back to you.

Katie Grogan, Ph.D.

Email: kathleen.e.grogan@gmail.com, kathleen.grogan@uc.edu

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Dr. Katie Grogan did her Ph.D. at Duke University followed by two 3 year postdoctoral fellowships, one at Emory University and one at Pennsylvania State University. She started as an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Anthropology and Biology at UC in Fall 2020.

Olayemi Rachael Ajayi, graduate

Olayemi Ajayi is a first year student in the Biological Sciences, Ph.D. program. She graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria with BS, and MS in Zoology. Her research interests are in the areas of Population genetics, Ecology, and conservation. More specifically, she is interested in evaluating the genetic variation of primate species in response to shifting environments caused by extreme weather events and anthropogenic activities. Outside of the Lab, she enjoys cooking and organizing community-based events targeted at teenage girls.

Visit her website to learn more!

Elizabeth McGinnis, undergraduate

Elizabeth McGinnis is studying at the University of Cincinnati majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in ecology and evolution with a minor in Anthropology. Her interests lie in Paleoanthropology, Ecology, and human evolution studies. Currently, she is working with Dr. Grogan on her projects regarding reproductive success and population genetics in ring-tailed lemurs, as well as genotyping genes of interest.

Tiffany Ton, undergraduate

My name is Tiffany Ton, and I am currently an undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry at UC. I am pursuing a pre-pharmacy track and have a strong interest in health sciences and research. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends. I am excited to be part of the Grogan Lab team!

Gavin Dienes, undergraduate

Hi! My name is Gavin Dienes, and I am an undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience on the premed tract. I am interested in research involving genetics, the environment, and human health. I am working under Dr. Grogan, assisting on a project examining how environment and lifestyle changes can influence the epigenome of rain forest hunter-gatherer populations.

Doug McDonough, undergraduate

Hi! My Name is Doug McDonough. I am a junior biology major with a minor in biomedical electronics and computing. I will be assisting on research focused on the Effects of lifestyle and environmental change on the epigenome of rainforest hunter-gatherers. Outside of the lab, I like to go to the gym, cook, and I'm a member of the UC men's club lacrosse team.

Sabira Choudhury, undergraduate

My name is Sabira Choudhury. I am currently a junior. My major is biological sciences and I'm minoring in public health. I love to read and spend time with family and friends. I'm very excited to start this year at Grogan Labs!

Autumn Springston, undergraduate

Hi, I'm Autumn and I'm a third-year anthropology and archaeology major at UC. I grew up on a farm in northeast Ohio, which blossomed my passion for animals and science. My interests are in biological anthropology and human evolution. I recently did a field school in Ireland this past summer, which really helped to focus my studies of interest. I love spending time with my partner Aiden and our two cats Chipmunk and Spudnik in my free time, as well as drawing, doing crafts, and solving puzzles.

Mackenzie Schoelwer, undergraduate

Hi! My name is MacKenzie Schoelwer. I am a second year here at UC. I am studying Anthropology and Geology. I have an interest in human evolution and biological anthropology. I will be assisting in the lab researching environmental effects on lemurs in Madagascar. Outside of the lab I enjoy hiking and camping as well as reading.

PostDog Maki (left)

Postdog Maki joined the lab 11 years ago and like all postdogs, brings wisdom and stability to the lab.

Assistant Miriam (right)

Miriam joined the lab 5 years ago, but honestly, is still learning the rules. However, she's having a great time and loves to be the fun in every room!