SDFDR Fellows Biographies

OTHER MENTORS
Ida Fredriksson, Rajtarun Madangopal, Carlos Mejias-Aponte, Jennifer Bossert

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Biological, genetic, and epigenetic basis of substance use disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, development, mental illnesses, and women’s health, health disparities, interactions of sociology, psychology, and human behavior

HUMAN INTERESTS
I am most interested in volunteering at a diaper bank called ShareBaby that is partnered with over 60 community organizations to help mediate both diaper and child needs as well as lack of access to community resources.

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS
I aspire to become a physician scientist (MD-PhD) with an MD in obstetrics/gynecology and a PhD in the neurobiology of drug addiction and/or women’s reproductive and neurological health. My hope is to apply a multi-disciplinary approach to our research questions and the world’s problems. I want to build a lab that provides a thriving environment for young scientists looking for guidance into academia, the research industry, and/or other professional careers. I specifically want to empower those from historically underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds and continue to open the stream of mentorship and guidance to those who do not have the resources to attain it. Ideally, I would also love to work in a medical setting or clinic where I can treat patients that are from minority and low-income communities. I want to be able to not only provide medical assistance but also share information and other resources to those that are not able to access them. 

FAV QUOTE
“Stay focused. Don’t talk about what you’re going to do. Don’t just dream about what you’re going to do. Don’t criticize somebody else for what they’re not doing. You! Be it! Be about it. Be about that action.” – Beyoncé

RESEARCH INTERESTS
My interests are furthering the current understanding of the neuroscience, as well as the human experience behind substance use disorders, mood disorders, and their comorbid interactions. In addition, I hope to take part in bridging the two fields together. I believe understanding these disorders from a holistic perspective – considering everything from the chemical to cultural roots – can lead to improvements in how we see and treat them.

HUMAN INTERESTS

• Promoting growth in disadvantaged communities. I previously volunteered as a tutor/mentor for children and adolescents in the Baltimore public school system and loved the experience I had.
• Promoting access to mental healthcare — not limited to, but especially to minority communities who are disproportionately affected
• Showing my many younger siblings they also can pursue a degree in higher education, if they decide it’s right for them

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS
I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or Neuroscience

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE
“The world’s not empty, it’s how you want it to be” – Young the Giant

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS
I love music, so I end up spending a lot of my time making playlists, going to concerts, and learning guitar. When with friends, I enjoy casual tennis, board games, and cooking.

View Orlando’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS

HIV associated neurocognitive disorder, molecular mechanisms of psychiatric disorders and addiction

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

creative writing, running, ems, volunteering

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS

I plan of pursuing an MD MPH combined degree program in order to practice addiction medicine as well as pursue clinical research.

FUN FACT

The Yukon Environmental Department has a drunk tank for birds who have gotten inebriated eating frozen fruit which ferments over the winter.
NIDA Community Activities: Clinical Mentorship Program, Postbacc Book Club

View Elizabeth’s Bio Page

RESEARCH INTERESTS
I’m highly interested in understanding the hypothalamic circuits that control feeding behavior and integrate satiation signals, as well as those encoding thermal and chemical nociceptive information. To achieve my aims, I employ in vivo calcium imaging, optogenetics, and chemogenetics techniques. Also, I’m working to implement new gastric surgery techniques and in vivo extracellular recordings in my research.

HUMAN INTERESTS

• Free public education rights
• Abortion rights movements
• Diversity and inclusion in sciences

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS
My long-term career is to become a Principal Investigator. I would like to converge two research lines: 1) the neural circuits underlying feeding behavior as an addictive and rewarding stimulus and 2) the communication between the gut and neural homeostatic/hedonic circuits.

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS
Hiking, running, cooking, hanging out with friends, and attending concerts.

PUBLICATIONS
Aketzali Garcia, Alam Coss, Jorge Luis-Islas, Liliana Puron-Sierra, Monica Luna, Miguel Villavicencio, and Ranier Gutierrez (2021). Lateral Hypothalamic GABAergic Neurons Encode and Potentiate Sucrose’s Palatability, Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.608047

ABSTRACTS/POSTERS
Austin Curtis, Aketzali Garcia, and Yeka Aponte (2022). Advantages and limitations of neuroscience approaches to correlate neural activity and feeding behaviors in the lateral hypothalamus. Neuronal Circuits and Behavior Section, Cellular & Neurocomputational Systems Branch, NIDA IRP

Aketzali Garcia, Alam Coss, Jorge Luis-Islas, Liliana Puron-Sierra, and Ranier Gutierrez (2019).  Lateral hypothalamus GABAergic neurons encode a reward signal that enhance hedonic value of sucrose. Annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

Aketzali Garcia, Alam Coss, Jorge Luis-Islas, Liliana Puron-Sierra, and Ranier Gutierrez (2017).  Activation of the lateral hypothalamus GABAergic neurons that promote consummatory behavior depends on the proximity and palatability of the stimulus. Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

Aketzali Garcia, Alvaro Luna, and Ranier Gutierrez (2015). Optogenetic induced inactivation of the lateral orbitofrontal cortex during sucrose freely licking task. Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

Aketzali Garcia, and Federico Bermudez (2013). ARC protein expression in the insular cortex during a task of attenuation of neophobia. Research Colloquium Physiological and Experimental Psychology.

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RESEARCH INTERESTS could be your current project +/- other general interests you have: Neuroscience, reinforcement, addiction, Neuropsychology, behavior, subconscious mind, learning and memory, learning disparities, clinical research

HUMAN INTERESTS 

I would like to organize and lead community service initiatives within underserved areas. As well as volunteer tutor and mentor students. I aspire to fulfill a position as a role model within my community neighboring ones, serving as a valuable resource for students navigating circumstances similar to those I once faced. I plan on conducting comprehensive assessments of local community needs and introducing innovative approaches to redefine the landscape of community service ultimately establishing my own organization dedicated to this cause.

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS

I plan on obtaining my PhD in Neuroscience or neuropsychology. I would like to be a professor as well as principal investigator. I would also like to be a founder of several nonprofit organizations dedicated to historically disadvantaged communities.

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE

I have two cats and 6 siblings. Fav quote: “The greatest glory in living lies in not never falling, but in rising every time we fall” -Nelson Mandela

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

I enjoy reading, writing poetry and watching crime shows. I spend my free time with my family.

View Beyonce’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS
My research interests include studying the neurobiology and behavior of reward, motivation, and substance use disorders. Currently, my research focuses on how interaction of serotonin with other monoamines and neuropeptides modulate the reinforcing, and aversive effects of drugs of abuse. I use various molecular, cellular, pharmacological, and behavioral techniques to address preclinical questions related to substance abuse. My goal is to have my research contribute to finding effective treatments for substance abuse and other maladaptive behaviors.

HUMAN INTERESTS
Although I enjoy mentoring all students, I am passionate about helping students from underrepresented and underprivileged backgrounds. I am dedicated to helping minority students break the perceived economical, social, and psychological barriers that can impede them from pursuing careers in science.

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS
My long-term career goals are to be a Principal Investigator with my own team of scientists conducting research and to serve as a mentor.

FOR FUN IN MY FREE TIME
In my free time, I enjoy long-distance running, hiking, and hanging out with friends. If I have extra free time, I enjoy re-watching 90’s anime shows like Trigun, Cowboy Bebop, Yu Yu Hakusho, and so many others!

ON BEING AN SDFDR FELLOW
The best part of being in the SDFDR program is the sense of community. Our shared experience with overcoming similar obstacles allows us to understand and motivate each other. Without this community, the transition to a new city and institution would have been more difficult.

View Raul’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS could be your current project +/- other general interests you have:

Stigma of SUD, Health Disparities, Social Determinants of Health, Functional Neuroimaging

HUMAN INTERESTS

Swimming, Mental Health Advocacy, Dogs

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS

• Doctorate Degree in a mental health research field
• Pursue further research surrounding mental health stigma and disparities

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE: 

I spent a semester of college studying abroad in Spain!

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS: 

• I coach swimming to elementary and middle schoolers after work
• I work with a student athlete mental health organization called The Hidden Opponent

PUBLICATIONS/ABSTRACTS/POSTERS

Isman, K., Giorgi, S., Liu, T., Huhn, A., Ellis, J., Curtis, B. (2022, July). Perceived Stigma and its Role in Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Outcomes. Presented at the 2022 NIH Trainee Poster Session and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s 2022 Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit Trainee Poster Session.

Isman, K., Giorgi, S., Liu, T., Huhn, A., Ellis, J., Curtis, B. (2022, October). Perceptions Matter: Stigma, Mental Health, and Drug Treatment Outcomes. Presented at the 2022 Howard University International Conference on Stigma.

Isman, K., Giorgi, S., Liu, T., Huhn, A., Ellis, J., Curtis, B. (2023, October). Perceived Stigma and its Impact on Substance User Disorder and Mental Health. Presented as keynote talk at the 2023 NIH Stigma Scientific Interest Group Symposium.

View Kelsey’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS
My research interests are to develop synthetic routes, methods and use simple and convenient way to synthesize small novel compounds that can serve as a potential drug. Currently, I am working to develop Mu-D3 bivalent ligand which can act as active opioid analgesic with lower addictive liability. In addition, I am also working toward a cleavable fluorescent probe for mu opioid receptors which will help us to visualize the receptor and its function using a variety of fluorescent microscopy techniques.

HUMAN INTERESTS
There are different way, we can help people, but the easiest way is spread knowledge and educate them. It will not cost anything to you but benefit others as well as yourself.

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS
My long-term career goals are to be a Professor. I want to build team of scientists who are going to conduct research and spread their knowledge and experience all over the world.

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS
I like to visit different places to explore cultures and people.

FAV PART OF BEING AN SDFDR SO FAR/WHY YOU WANTED TO BE IN THE SDFDR PROGRAM
As I like to explore culture this fellowship gave me the opportunity to know and learn different cultures under the one umbrella.

View Khorshada’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Inferential learning, adaptive behavior, latent-state representations, neuropsychiatric disorders, neurological disorders, neuroimaging, non-invasive neuromodulation.

HUMAN INTERESTS

• Meeting colleagues and mentors from different backgrounds.
• Breaking down cultural barriers across the scientific community, fighting stigmas/stereotypes, and addressing socioeconomic inequities through research initiatives.
• Working with representatives of marginalized communities to guide research.
• Eventually mentoring others to navigate the scientific field.

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS

I plan to enroll in an MD/PhD program in neurology, which would allow me to fulfill my career goals of providing clinical care to patients from disadvantaged populations and advancing cognitive and/or behavioral neuroscience in a clinical setting.

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE

“I have no enemies.” -Thorfinn Karlsefni, Vinland Saga

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

Postbac Advisory Board, IDEA Committee, Postbac Book Club

View Taaseen’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS 

I am interested in neuronal circuits and drug research. I enjoy learning how neurons in each brain regions interact with each other, how drugs affect neurons, and how the neuronal interactions and drugs modify behaviors in animal model.

HUMAN INTERESTS: 

I am interested in public health. I hope my research can build a basis of medication provided to the public and help health providers to better understand the illness.

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS

After the completion of SDFDR fellowship, I am planning to attend a graduate school. I am interested in pursuing Ph.D. in neuroscience. After receiving a degree, I would like to be back at NIDA as a postdoc!

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE

I was born in Thailand, spent 4 years in South Korea, and now I am living in the U.S.

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

In my free time, I enjoy drawing, painting, and crafting while listening to music. I like restaurant or cafe hopping – I like to try matcha latte from different cafes.

POSTERS/PRESENTATIONS

Effect of Semaglutide on the Activity of Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST) and Lateral Hypothalamic (LH) Neurons (Online Presentation) – July 2023

Correlation between the Minor Tail Proteins and Bacteriophages and the Host, UMBC Summer Undergraduate Research Fest (Poster) – August 2020

Correlation between Age and Prevalence of Corynebacterium, UMBC Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Chemical and Biological Sciences (Poster) – October 2019

PUBLICATIONS

Park YG, McCarthy GF, Mustafa H, Feild GM, Puram S, Younes HA, Imam D, 2021 UMBC Phage Hunters, STEM BUILD at UMBC Cohort 5, Erill I, Caruso SM. 2022. Complete Genome Sequences of Streptomyces Bacteriophages Annihilus, TonyStarch, Thiqqums, CricKo, ClubPenguin, RosaAsantewaa, and PherryCruz. Microbiol Resour Announc e0092222.

View Angela’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS
I am interested in psychological disorders such as substance use disorder. Currently, I am interested in studying reward and addiction in animal models and how it translates to human treatments and therapeutics.

HUMAN INTERESTS
Increasing diversity in STEM through mentorship, addressing language challenges and other issues in healthcare access for immigrant families and underrepresented minorities    

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS
My goal is to pursue a M.D.-Ph.D. to blend my passions for research, working with patients, and teaching/mentorship. I am interested in providing neurological or psychiatric care to patients with substance use disorders and/or cancer patients.

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS
Reading, cooking, trying new foods, playing cello

View Jessica’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS
I’m interested in researching and learning more about the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction and how we can begin to use psychedelics such as psilocybin as a treatment for substance use disorders and in other areas of mental health. I’m currently looking at the effects of high dose psilocybin sessions versus nicotine patch replacement therapy on smoking cessation in a population of smokers with multiple quit attempts. As taboo as it may be in research, I believe the “mystical” or “spiritual” aspect of these substances will play an important role in their therapeutic implementation.

HUMAN INTERESTS
Outside of the research setting I’m interested in reducing stigma around mental health in BIPOC communities. This includes reducing stigma around homelessness and advocating for community-based mental health programs that target homeless populations. I would like to do more work towards providing opportunities and assistance to underrepresented communities, specifically in Native American communities. I hope to one day collaborate with tribal communities to mitigate rampant substance use throughout tribal communities. 

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS
My goal is to obtain my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and conduct therapy while also contributing to clinical research. I’d like to focus on the treatment of substance use disorders and improve the implementation of evidence-based practices in the community.

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE
“The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself” – Michel de Montaigne

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS:
I enjoy bouldering, backpacking, video games, and going on a good streaming binge!

View Samuel’s profile page

RESEARCH/HUMAN INTERESTS
Some of my research interests are physical health, cellular/neuronal health, and cancer treatment. I’m pre-medicine and interested in providing everyone quality healthcare, keeping people healthy in the long run, and decreasing health disparities. I am also passionate about diversity, inclusion, and respecting all people of any cultural backgrounds!

Some of my other interests are physical health, cellular/neuronal health, and cancer treatment. I’m pre-medicine and interested in providing everyone quality healthcare, keeping people healthy in the long run, and decreasing health disparities. I am also passionate about diversity, inclusion, and respecting all people of any cultural backgrounds!

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS
I aspire to study medicine and be a general practitioner and my goal is to make a positive difference in my community.

FAV SONG
Song: Good Time by Niko Moon

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES
I love sports, video games, and good food

View Ceiveon’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My main research interest revolves around hippocampal and orbitofrontal functions in decision making and memory. In Geoff Schoenbaum’s lab I have been investigating how the synchronization and content of cognitive maps in the rat hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex converges or diverges when new information is learned. I am also working on directly translating my work from rodents to humans by conducting a human fMRI version of my rodent dataset in collaboration with Thorsten Kahnt. More generally, my current research builds upon my PhD work back at UCL looking at hippocampal replay and memory triage – the prioritization of specific memories over others during consolidation.

HUMAN INTERESTS

DEIA in research. affordable education for all. One of the most rewarding things I find one can do as a human and a scientist is to inspire and/or propel others to surpass their goals.

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS

I would like to pursue an academic career in research – one day starting my own lab – to continue asking (and sometimes answer) key questions about how our brains learn and form memories.

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE

“Créer, c’est vivre deux fois – To create is to live twice”. Albert Camus

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

I enjoy manual crafts, I’ve picked up ceramics at a great non-profit organization in Baltimore.

May also include

THINGS YOU DO IN THE NIDA/NIH COMMUNITY (CLUBS, ACTIVITIES, COMMITTEES)

I am one of NIDA IRP’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Activities committee co-chairs. Our aim is to build a more equitable work environment and foster a supportive and inclusive community through our activities: hosting seminars and discussions about diversity and inclusion, writing monthly newsletters, and leading outreach activities within the Baltimore community.

View Margot’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Behavioral neuroscience, drug addiction, food reward, pathology, translational neuroscience. I am also interested in neuroscience research that involves the gut-brain axis, specifically the role the microbiota plays in drug addiction and brain development. Currently my research involves exploring synapses after cue-induced drug seeking.

HUMAN INTERESTS

I’m passionate about equality. Equal opportunities being available for everyone to be successful in the future. I’m also a huge advocate for an increase in female scientists.

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS

I plan on pursing either an M.D./Ph.D. or Ph.D. I aspire to continue neuroscience research with a translational approach and use my knowledge and expertise to further the advancement of addiction medicine and pharmacological innovations. I’m also interested in exploring the neuroscience industry setting.

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE

“Comparison is the thief of joy” – Theodore Roosvelt

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

I enjoy practicing pottery, cooking, long walks, watching movies/series, and hanging out with friends.

THINGS YOU DO IN THE NIDA/NIH COMMUNITY (CLUBS, ACTIVITIES, COMMITTEES)

Postbac Advisory Board

THOUGHTS ON BEING AN SDFDR FELLOW: My favorite part about being an SDFDR fellow is being part of a community of young scientists that are on similar paths as me and also, the constant support that is always available.

View Emem’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Neuroscience, addiction, reward, cell metabolism and signaling in health and disease, biophysics, origin of life.

HUMAN INTERESTS

• Finding ways of directing my neuroscience research towards protection and recovery of marginalized communities that are suffering disproportionately with health problems because of climate change and unsustainable corporate exploitation of natural resources.
• Promoting support networks and cultivating safe spaces within STEM fields for researchers of underrepresented communities, especially WOC and the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Increasing awareness about and accessibility to science careers in Mexico’s underserved communities.
• Increasing representation and take up space in the uncharted territories of niche scientific research communities.

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS
I want to become a professor and also lead a research group as an independent investigator pursuing translational research in neuroscience. I would like to teach and mentor the next generation of STEM scholars by making difficult topics in neuroscience more accessible. I believe people from all educational backgrounds deserve to understand their brains and body, and how their biology connects to their experience of life and the world.

FUN FACT
I collect mugs, fridge magnets, and playing cards.

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS
I like working out, reading, watching movies, particularly sci-fi and documentaries, crafting and making art. If I have more time, I love making puzzles, hiking far from the city, going to museums and concerts, and traveling to explore new places. With my friends, I love playing trivia and board games.

View Ana’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Neuroimaging, polysubstance use, comorbid psychiatric conditions, neurobiological underpinnings of substance use

 HUMAN INTERESTS

Promoting access to higher education among first-generation and low-income students, advocating for equitable access to quality healthcare globally, increasing knowledge and access to mental healthcare, and challenging health disparities.

 CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS

Following my time at NIDA, I hope to attend medical school. I aim to integrate my passions for community service, patient care, and clinical research, with the goal of becoming a physician dedicated to delivering high-quality medical care to underserved communities.

THINGS YOU DO IN THE NIDA/NIH COMMUNITY  (CLUBS, ACTIVITIES, COMMITTEES)

Member of the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Activities (IDEA) Committee and the Clinical Mentorship Program (CMP).

PUBLICATIONS/ABSTRACTS/POSTERS

Murray, L., Welsh, J.C., Johnson, C.G., Kaiser, R.H., Farchione, T.J., & Janes, A.C. (2022). Alcohol-and non-alcohol-related interference: An fMRI study of treatment-seeking adults with alcohol use disorder. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 235, 109462.

View Julia’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS
My research interests include pharmacology and substance use, cancer biology, oncology therapeutics, gut-brain axis and pharmacology, health disparities, and minority mental health.

HUMAN INTERESTS
My human interest include providing all people with affordable housing, healthcare, and education.

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS
I plan on pursing a M.D./Ph.D. and specializing in oncology or pathology. I’d also like to provide opportunities for historically underrepresented groups to have more access to careers in research and medicine. 

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE
“The world is before you and you need not take it or leave it as when you came in” – James Baldwin

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS
I enjoy hiking, plants, music, lifting, and hanging out with friends.

PUBLICATIONS
Muchhala KH, Koseli E, Gade AR, Woods K, Minai S, Kang M, McQuiston AR, Dewey WL, Akbarali HI. Chronic Morphine Induces IL-18 in Ileum Myenteric Plexus Neurons Through Mu-opioid Receptor Activation in Cholinergic and VIPergic Neurons. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2022 Feb 2:10.1007/s11481-021-10050-3. doi: 10.1007/s11481-021-10050-3. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35106734; PMCID: PMC9343479.

View Kareem’s profile page