Academia and Research

Dr. Janet Neiswander.

Graduate Researchers: Annika Vannan & Mark Namba

In Dr.Neiswander’s lab, I gained my first hands-on laboratory experience studying drug addiction behaviors in mice. I had the opportunity to observe and assist in surgical interventions and intravenous drug administration. I gained valuable experience studying addiction from a behavioral neuroscience perspective. I learned the importance of using animal models to explore brain processes related to emotional regulation, learning, and memory while gaining a deeper understanding of addiction science and its real-world applications. 

Dr. Meseret Hailu. 

Graduate Researchers: Minji Kim & Keti Tsotniashvili 

In Dr. Meseret Hailu's laboratory, I had the opportunity to explore educational inequity, focusing specifically on the challenges faced by Women of Color in STEM fields. Alongside graduate researchers Minji Kim and Keti Tsotniashvili, I conducted qualitative analysis through literary reviews and engaged in cross-cultural collaboration to better understand the barriers to higher education in STEM. This research not only deepened my awareness of the struggles I faced as a STEM major, but also taught me the responsibilities of conducting rigorous, high-quality research and the various methodologies involved in achieving that standard. 

Bre'anca Sanders, MD.

I first connected with Dr. Bre'anca Sanders through a Premed mentorship program at Arizona State University, where we bonded over our shared experiences and vision for the future. Her mentorship was pivotal in helping me see myself in medicine and inspired me to continue pursuing my path toward becoming a physician. Over the years, we’ve supported each other through key milestones—she attended my graduation, and I had the honor of being at her white coat ceremony. Her ongoing support has been instrumental to my success as a premed student, individual, and community contributor. 

Lonn'Tiay Williams 

Lonn'Tiay Williams is a Pipeline Coordinator at the UofA College of Medicine Phoenix, and under her exceptional leadership, I was fortunate to participate in their summer medical school program. Through her guidance, I thrived in the program, developed crucial skills such as public speaking, and grew both professionally and personally. This experience helped me discover my own leadership potential while actively engaging in community service, which has been an invaluable part of my journey.

Marie Boone-Clark 

I had the privilege of interning with Marie during the summer of 2024, where our shared passion for maternal health naturally led to a meaningful collaboration. Under her mentorship, I gained valuable insights into the nonprofit sector, earned a Perinatal Mental Health certification, and had the honor of being published in a newspaper in Indiana. Working alongside Marie on projects that connect with underserved communities has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I deeply admire her dedication, work ethic, and passion for birth and reproductive justice, and I aspire to embody the same values in my own journey. Marie is the founder of Birthing the Magic Collaborative, a nonprofit focused on reducing maternal mortality through culturally responsive education and community support. Her work is a powerful example of how combining business acumen with social advocacy can create real, lasting change in the field of maternal and reproductive health. You can learn more about her here.

Dr. Haiwei Gu. 

Graduate Researchers: Jinhua Chi

At the Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, under the guidance of Dr. Haiwei Gu, I gained a deep understanding of metabolomics, performed advanced data analysis, and acquired hands-on wet lab experience that brought my skills to a graduate student level. My time in this lab has not only helped me academically thrive but also encouraged me to take on new challenges and oversee the research process from start to finish. Dr. Gu’s support, guidance, and ability to push individuals to achieve their best have been invaluable, and I continue to draw inspiration from these qualities in my own work.