Rebekah Evans earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience at George Mason University with Dr. Kim Avrama Blackwell. She focused on making computational models of striatal neurons to understand the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. She did her post-doctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) with Dr. Zayd Khaliq. There she focused on electrophysiological recordings, optogenetics, and two-photon calcium imaging of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. 

Hello! I am a Research Technician in the Evan's Lab. I attended Trinity Washington University as a TheDream.US Scholar and graduated with a B.S in Biology and a minor in Psychology. After graduation, I worked as a Surgical Services Research Technician at Champions Oncology where I supported in vivo oncology research studies in mice by performing survival surgical procedures for patient-derived xenografts (PDX) mouse models. I am passionate about science and appreciative of all things STEM. In the future I aspire to become a researcher and pursue a Ph.D in a related field. My ultimate goal is to help underrepresented populations in healthcare and research. I am Mexican and I love sharing my culture with others. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, reading, nature walks, singing and dancing, and spending time with friends and family. 

Hi, I’m a post-doc in the Evans Lab and I’m from Taiwan! When I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a Biology major, I have an entertaining story how I got here: I always wanted to become an entomologist. Until stumbling upon a Youtube video about psychedelic drugs sparked my passion in neuroscience, which naturally evolved into an interest in drug abuse and the reward circuitry. I earned my Ph.D. in Neuroscience under the guidance of Dr. Jose-Miguel Eltit and Dr. A. Rory McQuiston at Virginia Commonwealth University, where I investigated muscarinic regulation of VTA dopamine neuron excitability. Here in the Evans Lab, I will focus on cholinergic inputs to the basal ganglia circuitry in the context of Parkinson’s Disease. Outside of work, I’m an active science blogger; love learning about cultures, spicy food, and electronic music! 

I am a dedicated researcher passionate about unraveling the mysteries of life and making a tangible difference in my community. My journey began with a curiosity for learning, leading me to pursue scientific research in the field of biological sciences, particularly cell and molecular biology. Through my studies, I focused on understanding memory mechanisms, energy deficiencies in the brain, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Currently, as a Postdoctoral Fellow, I am involved in a groundbreaking project at the Evans that has the potential to significantly impact our understanding of Parkinson's disease. This project specifically focuses on the selective degeneration of pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) cholinergic neurons, a condition known as Parkinson's Disease (PD) cholinopathy, and its impact on the time course of symptom development.

Beyond the laboratory, my commitment extends to improving healthcare resources in my community. Growing up in Nigeria I witnessed the limited access to healthcare in my home country, so I strive to apply my research to practical applications that can positively impact the lives of those in need.

The hope is that our research can shed light on the underlying mechanisms and pathways involved in the progression of the disease, ultimately leading to more effective approaches for diagnosis and treatment, making a difference and improve the lives of individuals affected by this neurodegenerative disorder.

In my free time, I indulge in my love for reading, swimming, and hiking. Science fiction and fantasy books hold a special place in my heart, as they ignite my imagination and transport me to extraordinary realms.

Valerie is a post-doctoral fellow in the Evans lab. She received her PhD in neuroscience in 2023 under Dr. Kim Blackwell at George Mason University, where she used electrophysiology techniques to study the effect of reproductive cycle and sex hormones on synaptic plasticity in the dorsal striatum. In the Evans lab, she uses her expertise in basal ganglia electrophysiology to investigate the effect of exercise on neuronal connections between the pedunculopontine nucleus and the striatum and substantia nigra. When not in the lab, she enjoys reading sci-fi novels and playing the viola. 

Hi! I am a PhD student in the Evans lab. I graduated from Brooklyn College in 2019 where I received a B.S. in Chemistry and studied the epigenetics of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. I am currently a third year MD/PhD student in the IPN program at Georgetown. My research interests include uncovering the mechanisms and brain circuitry that underlie neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Outside of lab, I like to cook, karaoke, and walk along the waterfront or the many trails of the DMV area! 

Megan is a PhD student in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. She earned an MS in Pharmacology from Georgetown in 2019 and a BS in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern University in 2014. Most recently, Megan worked as a Research Associate for SeraCare Life Sciences. Her previous research experience includes studying molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s Disease in the lab of Dr. Dan Pak and the effects of micro RNA’s on neuromuscular development in the lab of Dr. David Van Vactor. 

Hi! I am a Pharmacology and Physiology Ph.D. student in the Evans lab. I graduated in 2022 from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. My long-term research interests involve understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. As an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Marsden's lab, I investigated the molecular pathways, proteins, and behaviors that are affected by increased toxicity as it pertains to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As a STAR U Fellow at Columbia University in Dr. Troy's lab, I developed an independent project where I focused on the effect of anti-VEGF treatments on caspase-9 expression in post-mortem human retinas. In my free time, I like to spend quality time with friends and try new foods and restaurants in the city. 

Briana is a PhD student in the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience (IPN). She earned a BS in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2020 where she became interested in the relationship between the brain and behavior through neuroimaging research. After graduation, Briana worked as a postbac fellow at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences where she investigated the effects of environmental perturbations on behavior under Dr. Jesse Cushman. The combination of her research experiences shaped her interests in the neural basis of behavior and lifestyle factors that influence neurodegenerative diseases. Outside of the lab, she enjoys yoga, cooking, and traveling.  

Hi! I am a first-year undergraduate student and I intend to major in neurobiology. I joined the lab to learn more about neuroscience research and contribute to uncovering new brain pathways that are related to Parkinson's disease. In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, and hiking.

Hi! I am an undergraduate student working in the lab and majoring in Human Science in the School of Health. I am excited to explore and learn more about the neuronal pathways that play vital roles in our daily lives and the field of neuroscience as a whole. I hope to attend medical school following my graduation and to continue to further my knowledge of the nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases. In my free time, I love to travel, bake, and go on walks to explore DC!