2021 Research Groups Summer Scholars Program - Augusta ...

2021 Research Groups
         Summer Scholars Program

Dr. Christi Amonson Ph.D., Music (faculty mentor)
Christi Amonson joined the Augusta University faculty in 2018 where she
teaches voice and directs the Opera Initiative. She earned her DMA in voice
at the University of Arizona, her MM in voice at the Manhattan School of
Music and her BM in education in her home state at the University of
Idaho. Career highlights include performing in Brazil, China, Italy and
Lincoln Center. Dr. Amonson looks forward to working with teenagers on
stage this summer. Fun fact: voted for Ross Perot in her first presidential
election.

                       Sawyer Branham, Music

Sawyer Branham is entering her senior year in the Music Department as a
BA in Music and a primary focus in Voice. She has been an active member
at St John UMC for nine years as a member of the Chancel Choir. As a
founding member and assistant director of The Lucia Ensemble, a women’s
ensemble, Sawyer performed at the world-renowned Piccolo Spoleto
Festival for seven years.

Ms. Braham considers herself a native Augustan after attending most of her
schooling in the CSRA and regularly performs with Storyland Theater of
Augusta, The Augusta Choral Society and the Augusta Opera Institute,
where she has worked as a performer and an Assistant Director. Her most
recent roles include The Wall in The Fantasticks, Susanna in Le Nozze di
Figaro. Known most for her warm timbre and lush sound, she is a regular
soloist in her community.

Ms. Branham has conducted children and adult choirs in local churches and
has experience teaching and coaching both singers and dancers.
                           Danny Roush, Music
My name is Daniel Roush Jr. and I am from Warrenton, GA. I am a Music
Education major on the vocal track, with an expected graduation date of
December 2022. In addition to a packed course load, I have participated in
the University Singers, the university’s larger choir; the TONEalities, our
smaller auditioned choir; and the Opera Initiative, performing scenes and
songs from classic operas and musicals. For the past two years, I have
served as a Pamplin College ambassador and Treasurer for AU’s chapter of
the National Association for Music Education. I am also in the Honor’s
Program, and will begin work on my Honor’s Thesis in the Fall. I have
been taking on occasional conducting and service leading duties at my
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church, and have found myself increasingly attracted to the music ministry.
I may have a future career in worship music post-graduation.

Dustin Avent-Holt, Ph.D., Social Sciences (faculty mentor)
Dustin Avent-Holt is an Associate Professor of Sociology in the
Department of Social Sciences at AU. His primary research and teaching
interests are in social inequalities, work and organizations, and political and
economic sociology. This means he teaches courses in social stratification,
sociology of work, and political sociology at AU. Dr. Avent-Holt’s research
has primarily focused on explaining how various kinds of economic
inequalities (such as wage inequalities between men and women) emerge
and take shape within workplace contexts.

                   Lauren Knussmann, Psychology
My name is Lauren Knussmann and I am from Savannah, GA. I am a
Senior Psychology Major and I will be graduating Spring 2022. After
graduating, I plan on continuing my education at Augusta University and
completing the Master of Science in Nursing-Clinical Nurse Leader
Program.

                      Amber Jordan, Mathematics
My name is Amber Jordan and I am from Martinez, Georgia. I graduate
December 2022 with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Biology.
After graduating, I am thinking of earning a Master’s degree.
I performed in the play Metaphysique D’Ephemera on campus this past
semester. In my free time I enjoy exercising and playing video games.

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Hannah Bennett, Ph.D., Kinesiology (faculty mentor)

Dr. Hannah Bennett is a Bangor, Maine native and an assistant professor
(soon-to-be associate in July) in the Department of Kinesiology and
program director of the BSK. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in
psychology from the University of Connecticut, a master’s degree in
kinesiology with a concentration in sport and exercise psychology from
Georgia Southern University, and completed her doctoral work at Middle
Tennessee State University. Her research line focuses on social justice and
inclusion within sport and performance. This summer, she is looking
forward to analyzing the data about perceptions of inclusivity within
CrossFit and developing inclusive practices for the community with her two
research students. Outside of work, she volunteers with a local non-profit
dog rescue called Dog Networking Agents, and enjoys watching
documentaries and taking weekend road trips with her partner and their two
dogs.

           Taryn Lykes, Cellular and Molecular Biology
My name is Taryn Lykes, and my hometown is Columbia, South Carolina.
My major is Cellular & Molecular Biology, and I will be graduating in Fall
of 2022. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I plan on attending
medical school and becoming an anesthesiologist. My favorite part about
research is attending conferences and being able to learn about other
interesting research students are doing.

           Yvette Enoru, Cellular and Molecular Biology
 My name is Yvette Enoru. My hometown is Fremont, California. My
expected graduation date is December 2022. My major is Pre-med Health
Services but it was previously Pre-med Cellular & Molecular Biology. My
post grad plans are to attend MCG and eventually become a Doctor of
Internal Medicine. I have done a research internship at the company my
father works at in California called Abbvie. I am on the dance team at
Augusta University, and I am glad to have the opportunity to be a part of
the CURS program this summer.

Candis Bond, Ph.D., English and World Languages (faculty
mentor)
Dr. Candis Bond is an Assistant Professor of English and Director of the
AU Writing Center. She was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri in the
United States. After earning her BA in Creative Writing from Loyola
University Chicago, she moved back home to complete her MA and PhD in
English literature and Women's and Gender Studies at Saint Louis
University. Although her PhD is in literature, Dr. Bond's primary area of
expertise is Rhetoric and Composition. Her research focuses on writing
pedagogy across and in the disciplines. She enjoys studying how writers
learn and how to use writing across the curriculum to foster critical thinking
and academic growth. This summer, she's looking forward to working with
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her mentee to discover how AU STEM students perceive the Writing
Center and writing in their disciplines. A fun fact about Dr. Bond is that she
has a giant Great Dane named Bennett who thinks he is a person, as well as
a lab mix named Shelby and a guinea pig named Puppet--she loves animals
and would run a shelter if she could.

                        Alison O’Keefe, English
Alison O’Keefe was born and raised in Augusta, GA. Her major is English
with a concentration in literature, and her minor is in art. She will graduate
in December of 2021 and will start her master’s degree in August of 2022.
She plans on becoming a high school English teacher. She has done
research in the past (Fall of 2017) with the chemistry department since that
used to be her major. She started her current research project about writing
center studies in January of 2021, and she’s excited to be able to work on it
over the summer! Her favorite thing about research is the knowledge that
what she finds could help others in some way; she also loves collaborating
with other people to solve problems and answer questions. In her spare
time, she reads, cooks, does crafts, plays Animal Crossing, and listens to
music.

Jennifer Bradford, Ph.D., Biological Sciences (faculty mentor)
Dr. Jennifer Bradford is originally from Roanoke, VA, which is in the Blue
Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She received her BS in Biology and a minor
in Classical Studies from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) and her PhD in
Biomedical and Biological Sciences with a concentration in Genetics and
Molecular Biology from Emory University. She then completed a
postdoctoral fellowship at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at
UNC Chapel Hill and began her faculty career at Augusta University in
2014. Dr. Bradford’s lab studies the nuclear factor-kappaB signaling
pathway in glioblastoma, the most common form of adult brain cancer. Dr.
Bradford is extremely excited about being back in the lab this summer! Fun
fact: The Bradford family loves to go camping, hiking, and fly fishing.
                            Ashley Koch, Biology
My name is Ashley Koch and I am from Atlanta, GA.
I am graduating in Fall 2023 with a major in Biology and a minor in
Chemistry. I am Pre-PA so my post grad plans are to attend PA school.
I have so many favorite parts about my research experience so far. I love
my research professor (Dr. Bradford) she is amazing - so nice, smart, and
easy to work with. I also really enjoy the time in lab and being hands on.

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Trinanjan Datta, Ph.D., Chemistry & Physics (faculty mentor)
Trinanjan Datta is a Professor of Physics in the Department of Chemistry
and Physics at Augusta University, Augusta, GA. He obtained his B.S in
Physics from the University of Calcutta (St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata,
India), M.S. from the Indian Institute of Technology (Kanpur, India), and
his doctoral degree in theoretical condensed matter physics from Purdue
University (West Lafayette, IN, USA). His research interests include
theoretical and computational studies of magnetic systems and the
scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). He has published numerous
research articles on magnetism and delivered several invited national and
international research presentations. His research has been funded by NSF,
Cottrell Research Corporation, and State Key Laboratory of
Optoelectronics at Sun Yat-Sen University. Dr. Datta actively mentors
undergraduate research students at Augusta University and masters and
doctoral students at Sun Yat-Sen University and Southern Illinois
University. He is the recipient of the Augusta State University Louis K.
Bell Alumni Research Award, the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics
(KITP) scholar award, the University System of Georgia SoTL fellowship,
and Augusta University Individual Teaching Excellence Award. He is a
member of the Anacapa Society and the American Physical Society. During
this summer research activity, I look forward to learning and investigating
the physics of x-rays in magnetic materials and the human body.
                      Gregory East, Mathematics

                        Richard Baker, Physics
Richard is from North Augusta SC and is a Physic Major with Nuclear
Concentration and a minor in Mathematics. He is planning to graduate
May 2023 and enroll into a graduate school program for condensed matter,
nuclear, photonics, or mathematical physics. He would like to work as a
scientist at SRNL or teach.
Richard enjoys learning about various geometries crystals can take on as
well as engage with high level mathematics and simulate X-Rays hitting
copper. This is part of his research and feels the topic is really cool.

Maleah Holland, Ph.D., Kinesiology (faculty mentor)
Maleah (Holland) Winkler is from Louisville, KY. Her research focuses on
nutrition interventions (i.e., ketogenic diet/supplementation, intermittent
fasting, and personalized nutrition) for stressed and/or clinical populations
(i.e., fire fighters, police officers, PTSD, metabolic syndrome). Her
bachelor’s degree is from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
Master’s from Indiana University, and PhD from Auburn University. She is
looking forward to observing the interactions between the participants (fire
fighters/police officers) and student researchers in the summer project. She
has two toddlers and in the tiny amount of spare time that she has, she

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enjoys watching old (1940-1980) shows and movies. “That Girl” is a
current favorite.

                  Gabriella Benavides, Kinesiology
My name is Gabriella Benavides and I am from Lawrenceville, GA.
I graduate May 2022 with a major in kinesiology with a concentration in
health science. My post graduate career plans involve getting into a
physician assistant program. In my free time, I love to paint my nails!

                     Garrett Hachem, Kinesiology
My name is Garrett Hachem and I am from Cartersville, Georgia.
My expected graduation date is May 2023. My major is Kinesiology with a
concentration in Pre-PT. My career goal is to become a Physical Therapist
for a sports team. I am the president of Delta Chi, a member of the Honors
Program, and I love to work out and play basketball!

Madison Kindred, Ph.D., Kinesiology (faculty mentor)
Hello, my name is Dr. Madison Kindred. I am originally from Cape Cod,
Massachusetts. In 2006, I began my undergraduate degree at the University
of South Carolina (go Gamecocks!). I received my PhD from the Arnold
School of Public Health in 2016 and then went on to complete a 3-year
post-doc fellowship in the College of Nursing. My research is focused on
physical activity implementation and feasibility. Mainly, I plan to focus my
research on increasing steps compared to time spent in moderate-intensity
activity. I am interested in working with cancer survivors to identify the
most appropriate time to implement a physical activity program from the
time from diagnosis to treatment. This summer I am looking forward to
working with CURS students and getting them excited about research!
There are so many moving parts in a research project, and I am hopeful that
my CURS students will be able to learn as much as possible. In my free
time, I enjoy using the guided Peleton outdoor runs to increase my intensity
while on the Greeneway in North Augusta. Running while pushing a baby
stroller is a challenge!

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Halle Prine, Kinesiology
Halle is from Monroe Georgia and will be graduating December 2021. Her
ultimate goal for postgraduate and future career is to either obtain a PhD. in
Kinesiology to pursue a career as a professor to teach and write academic
journals/research or to go into Occupational Therapy and focus on hand-
arm prosthetics.
Halle is affiliated with Alpha Delta Pi within Augusta University and was
able to serve as the Leadership Engagement Specialist as well as a Rho
Gamma. Her love of research originated from a love of writing and reading,
and decided to combine that passion with a degree. Halle also loves to go
for runs and hikes whenever possible!

                    Madison Arsenault, Kinesiology
I am from Newnan GA. My major is Kinesiology pre occupied therapy, I
will be a junior in the fall (class of 2023), and I’m in Zeta Tau Alpha! After
graduation I plan to get my masters in occupational therapy, then to be a
pediatric occupational therapist. I would love to be a travel occupational
therapy, but we’ll see where the world puts me! I currently work at
cornerstone academy, as an assistant daycare teacher in the 1-year-old
room! I love kids and I can’t wait to help them during and after college!

Nai-Chen, Kuo, Ph.D., Teaching and Leading (faculty mentor)
Nai-Cheng Kuo, PhD., BCBA - is an associate professor of special
education at Augusta University. She received her dual-major doctoral
degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education (with a
specialization in Language and Literacy) and Special Education from
Michigan State University. She is looking forward to explore new ideas
with wonderful young researchers. Fun Fact: She watches the Food
Channel every day, but still doesn’t know how to cook!

                    Amy Kersey, Special Education
My name is Amy Kersey and I am from Cadley, GA. I am a rising Senior in
the Special Education Program, am expected to graduate in May 2022, and
am the current Treasurer for the SPED/CEC Clubs at AU. After graduating,
I plan to teach in a self-contained classroom for middle school or
elementary school students who receive special education services. I am
getting married in June so most of my free time is spent planning our
wedding and finishing building our house. I enjoy spending time with
family and reading books. I am excited for this summer!

                  Kyra Williams, Special Education

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Christy Ledford, Ph.D., Family Medicine (faculty mentor)
Christy J.W. Ledford, PhD, is Professor and Research Director in the
Department of Family Medicine at Medical College of Georgia at Augusta
University, where she is the Curtis G. Hames, MD, Distinguished Chair for
the Department of Family Medicine. Ledford also serves as Director of
HamesNet, a practice-based research network. As a communication
scientist, Ledford works with physician partners to translate emerging
science into evidence-based, patient-centered practice. Ledford’s mixed
methods research explores the multigenerational experience of diabetes
with the goal of reducing health disparities and ending the legacy of
diabetes in the American South. Ledford is associate editor at the Journal of
the American Board of Family Medicine and assistant editor at Family
Medicine.
         Samantha Bogle, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Hello, my name is Samantha Bogle. I am from Paulding County, Georgia. I
graduate May 2023 with a major in Cellular and Molecular Biology a
Certificate in Cultural Diversity in Healthcare. After graduation I hope to
go on to medical school to obtain a MD in Gynecology and Obstetrics. I
have been a Resident Assistant at Oak Hall since Fall 2020 and will
continue this position for the Fall 2021 school year. I am also a Senator for
the College of Science and Mathematics in Student Government
Association.
                Taylor Hammerstein, Health Services
Taylor Hammerstein is a native of Savannah, Georgia and she is majoring
in Health Services. After graduation she plans to get a Master's in
Healthcare Management and hope to work for a hospital. Later in life,
Taylor would like to finish getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in
order to be able to do more clinical tasks in the healthcare field.

Ellen LeMosy, M.D., Ph.D., Cellular Biology and Anatomy
(faculty mentor)
I am from Melbourne, FL, and am the first scientist and (half-baked) MD in
my family. I started grad school studying cell cycle in marine embryos and
HeLa cells with an interest in cancer, but fell hard for embryonic
development. After an interlude involving biochemistry of glioblastoma-
secreted proteins, I combined interests to study regulation of secreted cell
signals by proteases in fruitfly embryo axis patterning, and by matrix
proteins in several zebrafish embryo tissues, such as spinal cord, jaw
skeleton, and kidneys.
Fun Facts: I sang in the Duke Chorale, Chapel Vespers Ensemble, and
Triangle Opera Theater during grad school, but nowhere since; I currently
live with two orange-and-white cats, collectively known as The Barbarians
or Georgia Peaches.

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Abby Huebsch, Biology
My name is Abby Huebsch and I am a rising sophomore here at Augusta
University. I am originally from Colorado, but my current hometown is
Leesburg, Ga. I am a biology major with the intention of going to med
school and becoming a pediatrician after I graduate in May 2024. I am
looking forward to doing research on the processes of development
especially because it pertains to the field I am looking to go into. On-
campus, I am also a part of the honors program and the Freedom dance
club, but I spend most of my time studying and reading.

I have completed the initial chemical lab and after training, the right-to-
know trainings, the initial biosafety and bloodborne pathogens training, all
animal safety trainings, and the NIH Guidelines for research involving
recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules.
        Sweta Managapati, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Hello, my name is Sweta Munagapati and I am from Cumming, GA. I plan
to graduate May 2024 with a major in Cellular and Molecular Biology.
After undergrad, I plan to apply to medical school. I enjoy hiking, surfing,
and playing my violin for recreation. I'm looking forward to meeting others
that share the interest of contributing to research, and I hope to be able to
help delve deeper into the area of research I'll be working in at the
Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy.

                       Brooklyn Zwinklis, Biology

Abdul Malmi-Kakkada, Ph.D., Chemistry & Physics (faculty
mentor)
Dr. Abdul Malmi-Kakkada is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the
Department of Chemistry and Physics since August 2020. He obtained his
PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
and completed his postdoctoral training at the University of Texas at
Austin. Dr. Malmi-Kakkada works in collaboration with experimental
biologists to study collective cell behaviors during embryo development and
tumor growth. His research focuses on understanding cell motility and the
role of cell-cell adhesion in cell proliferation from a theoretical biophysical
perspective.
                     Garrett Zillis, Music, Physics
My name is Garrett Zillis and I am from Evans, Ga. I am graduating May
2023 with a major in Physics and a minor in Math.
I plan to attend Physics Graduate School to pursue a career in academia.
My favorite part of research thus far has been how fun it can be to learn
without the pressure of a grade. Learning to understand is much more
gratifying than learning to take an exam.

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Dominic Broglio, Chemistry
My name is Dominic Broglio and I am from Suwannee, GA. I graduate
Spring of 2022 with a major in Biochemistry.
My career plans include research and development, agricultural studies,
environmental science, and mycology. In my free time, I love eading and
writing.

Shogo Mori, Ph.D., Chemistry & Physics (faculty mentor)
My name is Shogo Mori. I’m from Nagoya, Japan. I received a Ph.D.
degree in Chemistry at Texas A&M University and continued research at
the University of Kentucky as a postdoctoral scholar. My research interests
include elucidation of natural product biosynthesis and its engineering to
produce “unnatural” natural products for drug discovery. Natural products
are secondary metabolites of organisms and very important source of drugs
and drug leads, such as antibiotics, anticancer, and immunosuppressants. In
the past 40 years, more than 60% of FDA approved small molecule drugs
are natural product related. I’m looking forward to working with my CURS
SSP student to characterize a novel type of enzyme that involves in the
biosynthesis of a natural product thiocoraline, a potent
antibacterial/antitumor compound. Other than research, I spend most of my
free time with my 1-year-old kid, Austin. He is very energetic and
interested in everything. I hope he will be interested in science and do
research with me in the future.
                       Nyjah Gee, Biochemistry
My name is Nyjah Anjeli Gee and I am from Covington, GA. I plan to
graduate May 2022 with a major in Biochemistry, on the Pre-PA track.
After graduation, I plan to become a Surgical PA. I love to read, walk in
nature, watch anime, and complete 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles.

Brian Muntean, Ph.D., Pharmacology & Toxicology (faculty
mentor)
I am from Ohio where I grew up in the village of Lisbon. I obtained my
PhD from The University of Toledo studying cellular signaling mechanisms
in the pathophysiology of Polycystic Kidney Disease. I became a big fan of
microscopy and moved to The Scripps Research Institute to study neuronal
signaling as a postdoc. Here I developed optical approaches to interrogate
how neurons transfer information. Last December I joined Augusta
University as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology &
Toxicology to start my independent research program. My goal is
understanding how neurons relay and decode communication signals that
provide instructions for motor coordination. In the summer program I look
forward to studying novel regulators of signaling by leveraging

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CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in tandem with live imaging of neuronal
activity. I am excited to work with such talented undergraduate students.

        Josephine Widjaja, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Hello, my name is Josephine Widjaja and I am from Duluth/Suwannee,
GA.
I plan to graduate May of 2024 with a major in Cell and Molecular Biology
After graduation, I plan to pursue Dentistry. I am super excited to be part
of this research study because I love applying what I have learned in the
classroom as it makes the content feel more important and therefore is very
motivating! Other than being a science junkie, I enjoy reading, hanging out
with friends, working out, planning an assortment of things, and doing
outdoor activities in my free time.

Jaclyn Murray, Ph.D., Teaching and Leading (faculty mentor)
Jackie Murray, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Science & Engineering
Education in the Department of Teaching and Leading. She is from New
York City, NY. She earned degrees in mechanical and biomedical
engineering and science education (University of Georgia) before
completing two post-doc positions in engineering education at Georgia
Tech (biomedical engineering) and the University of Michigan (mechanical
engineering). One line of research focuses on prospective teacher
development to determine: (1) how they engage in scientific modeling
practices, (2) in what ways they conceptualize teaching modeling practices,
and (3) the extent to which epistemic empathy plays a role in the lessons
they create. In addition, she studies design thinking—how people
individually and collectively explore ill-structured problems and generate
solutions with or without explicit instruction in research-based design
practices. She looks forward to working with Amber Warren to establish
the ways instructors from across the country engage learners in online
introductory science courses during the COVID-19 era.

Fun Fact: Her passion is running. As a physics teacher, she coached cross
country and celebrated two athletes from Chattahoochee High School who
placed at the Georgia Cross Country State meet in 2009 and 2010.

Amber Warren, Integrated Studies
Amber Warren is from Lufkin, Texas and her major is Integrated Studies.
She is expected to graduate in August 2021.
Amber plans to join the MAT program in the fall to teach elementary
students and in her free time enjoys volunteering at her daughter's school.
She also enjoys singing, reading, knitting and crochet. Home remodeling is
another hobby that she learned after a pipe burst in the house and realized
YouTube knows how to do literally everything in home repairs.

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Eric Numfor, Ph.D., Mathematics (faculty mentor)
Dr. Numfor obtained his Ph.D. in Mathematics with a concentration in
Mathematical Biology and Ecology from the University of Tennessee-
Knoxville in 2014. In Fall 2014, he joined the Department of Mathematics at
Augusta University. His research interests lie at the interface of Mathematics
and Biology, with a focus on bridging the gap between immunology and
epidemiology, proposing management strategies for the control of invasive
species, and the spread of water-borne and vector-borne diseases. He enjoys
exploring problems arising in life and social sciences by using mathematics
and computational methods. The objectives of his research are to formulate
a novel mathematical model of COVID-19 based on data on the daily and
cumulative cases of COVID-19 in the United States, and to study the impact
of media on the transmission and control of COVID-19, by gaining insight
into the contribution of human behavior on the spread and control of the
virus. Dr. Numfor likes to watch soccer and spend time with his family.

             Alexandria Carter, Biology & Mathematics
My name is Alexandria Carter and I am from Valdosta, Georgia. I graduate
May 2024 with a major in both Biology and Mathematics.
My career plans are becoming a Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon and
Dermatologist. Post-graduation, I plan on progressing to Medical School or
enrolling in a Graduate program working towards my educational goals.

                    Makayla Preston, Mathematics
Hello, my name is Makayla Preston and I am from Evans, GA. I graduate
May 2023 with a major in Mathematics. I am taking an internship at Learjet
within the next year, and plan to attend graduate school afterwards in
pursuit of an aerospace engineering degree. After, I plan on returning to
Learjet or taking a position at NASA. Besides being a full-time student, I
also work a full-time job. I think of my job as my free time, because my
friends work with me, and it typically does not even feel like work.

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Melanie O'Meara, Ph.D., Art and Design (faculty mentor)
Melanie Kitchens O’Meara is an Assistant Professor in the Department of
Art and Design, where she teaches courses in Performance Studies and
Theatre. She received her PhD and MA in Communication Studies from
Louisiana State University. Dr. O’Meara is the former organizer of the Patti
Pace Performance Festival. She regularly presents her scholarship by
staging performances at conferences, festivals, and workshops. Her
research has been published in Text and Performance Quarterly and
Liminalities: A Journal of Performance Studies.
                   Kiara Heffner, Communications
Kiara Iman Heffner is a senior communication major originally from
Elyria, OH. She expects to graduate May 2022. Her post grad plans include
being a full-time entrepreneur and continuing to build up her business
called Optimal Inheritance where she offers services such as photography,
artist/brand development, and talents (acting and singing). She also will be
working more in the entertainment industry. Kiara has a strong passion for
the Arts and is looking forward to work under Dr. Melanie O'Meara this
summer to research the life of Countess de Castiglione while creating a
performance art production for the Augusta University community.

Kiara has a background in theatre and studied the field at Kennesaw State
University before transferring to AU in 2019. She loves to use her gifts and
experiences to tell stories in various facets. This has transformed into
contributing articles to AU’s The Bell Ringer, the student newspaper paper.
Also, she just interned for In The Wild, the school’s podcast, for the Spring
2021 semester. She co-hosted podcast segments, hosted Instagram Live
interviews with guests, published work in Jagwire and Jagnation, designed
and executed a Black History Month and Women’s History Month video
interview series, and worked on social media management as well as data
analytics.

Overall, she is extremely excited to be a part of the CURS program and
super grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow more.

                  Trenijah Griffin, Communications

Siva Panda, Ph.D., Chemistry & Physics (faculty mentor)
Siva obtained his MS degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Ph.D.in
Medicinal Chemistry from India. Before joining the Department of
Chemistry & Physics at Augusta University, he was working as a senior
scientist at Sigma-Aldrich. He did his postdoctoral research studies at the
University of Florida. He has published more than 80 articles in peer-
reviewed journals and two book chapters. He has been also awarded two
patents. In 2018, he received our College of Science and Mathematics

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Excellence in Research award. His research interest is in new drug
discovery and development. Currently, he is working on several projects
mostly with undergraduate students. His lab gives the opportunity to the
undergraduate students to learn technical skills and present the research
work in a public forum.

                        Jade Moore, Chemistry
My name is Jade Moore. I am from Newnan, Georgia. My expected
graduation month and year is May 2023. I am a chemistry major with a
concentration in biochemistry. After undergraduate school, I plan on going
to medical school. I am involved in the MAPS club at Augusta University.

          Radha Dobaria, Cellular and Molecular Biology

Alan Saul, Ph.D., Neuroscience/Ophthalmology (faculty mentor)
My research has centered on how the brain processes time. Neurons in
thalamus respond at different phases of the processes that drive them,
permitting the creation of direction selective responses in cortex,
particularly at the low temporal frequencies that characterize most
behaviors. I perform retinal electrophysiology in the clinic and the lab,
providing objective measures of retinal function in patients and animal
models of human retinal diseases. Personal tidbit: I'm anti-car, because they
kill and maim so many people. Also, I'm not related to Bruce Saul!
                   Emmanuel Faminu, Computer Science
Emmanuel Faminu is from Grayson Georgia and is NOCTI Certified in
Engineering. He is graduating in May 2024 with a degree in Computer
Science and then plans to pursue Medical School as he is interested in
Cardiology. Emmanuel’s favorite part of research is the opportunity to
have hands-on experience in understanding societal issues such as diseases
through experimentation. In addition, the chance to be mentored in a field
of study with limited information is exciting. He loves to be active through
running and working out while also spending free time watching anime and
spending time with friends. Emmanuel is involved in other programs such
as the AAMI program, the Honors Program, and the African Student
Association.

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Jenny Zhang, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Jenny is from San Antonio Texas and is majoring in Cell and Molecular
Biology with an expected graduation date of May 2024. She plans to attend
the Medical College of Georgia. Some of her hobbies include playing the
violin, art and traveling.

                       Olivia Feagler, Psychology
My name is Olivia Feagler and I am from McDonough, GA. I graduate
December 2023 with a degree in Psychology with a concentration in Pre-
med. After graduation, I want to go to MCG and get my M.D.
I’ve been involved with the LLC, and I’ve gotten tours of the neuroscience
and cancer center. I’ve been involved with the Honors Program as a student
assistant and by volunteering for parent’s day. I’m also hoping to be a TA
for the physics labs in the fall.

Sangeetha Sukumari-Ramesh, Ph.D., Pharmacology &
Toxicology (faculty mentor)
Graduate level teaching experience and research experience in
neurosciences with publications in peer-reviewed journals and a track
record of extramural research funding including American Heart
Association Scientist Development Grant and National Institutes of Health
R01.

          Hisham Kashif, Cellular and Molecular Biology
My name is Hisham Kashif, and I am from Marietta, GA. As a part of the
professional medical scholars' program, I am a cell and molecular biology
major expected to graduate in 2022. I plan on attending the Medical
College of Georgia in order to pursue my aspirations on becoming a
physician. I began my research career in the 2019 Summer Scholars
Program and have continued research on and off ever since. The biggest
attraction of research is its ambiguity – it constantly pushes your creative
limits and knowledge in ways that cannot be emulated elsewhere. When
I’m not working, I enjoy going on hikes and exploring new cuisines
through cooking. During this upcoming summer, I plan on spending some
more time kayaking.

          Dominic Robles, Cellular and Molecular Biology
My name is Nico Robles. I am from Statesboro, GA, and I am a Junior Cell
and molecular biology major with a minor in psychology. I expect to
graduate in Spring 2022 and either go to medical school afterward or take a
gap year then apply. I love playing table tennis, badminton, video games,
and watching Netflix in my spare time.

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Melanie Wilcox, Ph.D., Psychological Sciences (faculty mentor)
Dr. Mel Wilcox is an Assistant Professor in the Department of
Psychological Sciences and Institute of Public and Preventive Health at
Augusta University. She joined AU in 2020 after serving as an Assistant
Professor and Director of Doctoral Training in the counseling psychology
PhD program at Oklahoma State University. She previously also worked at
Louisiana Tech University as an Assistant Professor and Director of the
Psychological Services Clinic. A licensed psychologist, she earned her
Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University at Albany in 2015, and
completed her predoctoral internship at the University of Florida’s
Counseling and Wellness Center. Dr. Wilcox is originally from Allentown,
Pennsylvania, having earned her undergraduate degrees at Cedar Crest
College and Lehigh Carbon Community College as a first-generation
college student. She serves at the American Psychological Association’s
Board of Educational Affairs, having served as board chair in 2020, and has
served in a number of other leadership positions in APA and Division 17,
the Society of Counseling Psychology. She also serves on the editorial
boards of several journals. Her research is in three primary areas:
Multicultural psychotherapy and training, racial and economic inequity in
higher education, and Whiteness studies (e.g., racist attitudes; Whiteness
and mental health). For the Summer Scholars Program, Dr. Wilcox is most
looking forward to mentoring students in research on racism, as well as
getting to know the summer scholars. In her spare time, Dr. Wilcox enjoys
spending time with her cats and dogs and baking creative cupcakes.

                      Chandler Borel, Psychology
My name is Chandler Borel and I am a psychology major graduating in
December of 2021. My hometown is Omaha, Nebraska but I have been
living in Woodstock, Georgia for the past few years. After I graduate, I
want to go to graduate school and become a School Psychologist. My
favorite part about my research experience has been working with new
people.

                      Elinita Pollard, Psychology
Elinita Pollard is from Augusta, Georgia. Currently, she’s a senior
psychology major and was recently accepted as an experimental student in
the Master of Science in psychology program. She plans to pursue a career
in clinical neuropsychology. Elinita is an active member of our
department’s Pipeline program (which is a program designed to increase
first-generation and ethnic minority representation in psychology graduate
programs). Elinita also held several officer positions (secretary, vice-
president, and president) and was a mentor to other students by detailing
her undergraduate research experiences. Furthermore, she was the
recipient of our department’s Kenneth and Mamie Phipps Clark mentoring
award (2019-2020).

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He Yang, Ph.D., Mathematics (faculty mentor)
Dr. He Yang is an assistant professor from Department of Mathematics. He
has published over 20 research papers covering a variety of topics in
applied and computational mathematics, as well as medical imaging. He
has also mentored a Savannah River National Laboratory-Augusta
University STEM undergraduate student for research projects in deep
learning, and mentored two Augusta University summer scholars for
research projects in
Machine learning methods in biology. In addition, he has supervised
several undergraduate research projects on partial differential equation-
based image processing, numerical approximation of blow-up time for the
nonlinear heat equation, and an inverse problem of the diffusion coefficient
reconstruction in a fractional diffusion model. In the 2021 summer scholars'
program, Dr. He Yang will lead research on the inverse problems for a
brain tumor model. A fun fact about Dr. He Yang is that he is a cat lover
and he has two cats.
                  Marybeth Bass, Mathematics

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