The Team

Professor Joanna Wardwell-Ozgo

Principal Investigator

Fun Fact: 

I am a blue/green color girl. 

Marilyn Jimenez

Research Assistant

About Marilyn:

My name is Marilyn Jimenez. I graduated from Oglethorpe University with a B.S. in Biology. I started working in the Wardwell-Ozgo Lab in October 2023. When I'm not in the lab, I am searching for Hello Kitty items or with my four German Shepherds and twelve chickens. 

Stef Stubbs

Research Assistant

About Stef:

My name is Stef Stubbs. I graduated from KSU with degrees in Biology and Criminal Justice. The kitten's name is Potato, and she is the much younger sibling of my older cat, Dawn.

Joshua Drexler

Graduate Research Assistant

About Joshua:

Howdy! My name is Joshua Drexler, I am currently enrolled in my 2nd year in the KSU Master of Science in Integrated Biology, where my current work focuses on identifying the roles of coactivation in the Ecdysone receptor in Drosophila. I enjoy helping others whenever I get the chance and being an Eagle Scout, I LOVE to do stuff in the outdoors whether it be camping, hiking, or just enjoying nature. I also do my best to help with animal rescue whenever I can!

Justin Mcelvey

Undergraduate Research Assistant 

About Justin:

Hey! My name is Justin Mcelvey , and I am an undergraduate biology major at Kennesaw State University. I really enjoy Visual arts such as photography, sculpture,  and mixed-media artworks. After graduating, I'd like to get my masters in integrative  biology and maybe pursue a doctorate degree. My favorite scientist ever is Ernest Everett Just! 

April Ford

Graduate Research Assistant

About April:

Hi! My name is April Ford, and I am a NIH Bridges to the Doctorate Fellow and an M.S. Student in Integrative Biology. I graduated with my B.S. in Biology at Kennesaw State University, where I developed my interest in developmental biology. My current project focuses on building molecular tools to identify the role EcR transcriptional activation has during Drosophila development. Outside of lab, I enjoy baking, weightlifting, and eating my favorite dish—my mom's ackee and saltfish.

Soloman Smith

Undergraduate Research Assistant

About Soloman:

My name is Soloman Smith I am an undergraduate biology major at Kennesaw State University, after I graduate, I plan on attending medical school. I am the oldest of 2 other siblings and I have a Rottweiler. My hobbies are hanging out with friends, video games, and playing basketball. My favorite food is a chipotle steak bowl.

Abby Almond 

Undergraduate Research Assistant 

About Abby:

My name is Abby Almond, and I am a freshman at Kennesaw State University majoring in Biology with a concentration in Human Health and a minor in Spanish. My favorite season is summer. When I'm not in the lab or in class, you can find me working out, swimming, or reading!

Violet Coughlin 

Undergraduate Research Assistant 

About Violet:

My name is Violet Coughlin, and I am a freshman at Kennesaw State University Majoring in biology with a concentration in molecular and cellular sciences and a minor in public health. After I graduate I plan on furthering my education and getting my masters. When I’m not in the lab I enjoy chess, watching hockey games, and watercolor painting. 

Lana Syms

Undergraduate Research Assistant 

About Lana:

My name is Lana and I'm a senior studying biology at KSU! Being involved in the lab perfectly aligns with my passion for all aspects of science and my natural curiosity Outside of the lab, I’m also pursuing a career in film production. I love animals, anime, and cute desserts! I'm looking forward to helping turn questions into new discoveries. 

Taliyah Langston

Undergraduate Research Assistant - First Year Scholar

About Taliyah:

Hi! My name is Taliyah Langston, and I am an undergraduate biology major at Kennesaw State University. After graduating, I plan to either continue school with a masters or apply to be a lab tech at the CDC. I also enjoy listening to music, watching k-dramas, and spending time with my friends.