SDFDR Fellows Biographies

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Value-based decision making outcomes and schema formation in OFC, learning and decision-making in models of developmental disorders (e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder).

HUMAN INTERESTS

Occasion setting correlated with value-based decision-making, Traumatic Brain Injury, Learning and memory impairment relating to Substance Abuse Disorder, Learning and Memory impairment in individuals with developmental disorders.

CAREER ASPIRATIONS/PLANS

Earning PhD in clinical neuropsychology and study developmental disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injury, or mental health disorders relating to Substance Abuse Disorders.

PRESENTATIONS/POSTERS

Atwell, J. C. (May 2023). Special K: Effects of (R)-ketamine on an animal model of depression [poster presentation]. Presented at the annual St. Mary’s Project Research Symposium in St. Mary’s City, Maryland.

Atwell, J. C. (April 2023). Special K: Effects of (R)-ketamine on an animal model of depression [oral presentation]. Accepted and presented at the Mid-Atlantic Undergraduate Psychology Conference in Bel Air, Maryland.

Johnson, M. R. & Atwell, J. C. (December 2022). Rapid acquisition of implicit absolute pitch memories [poster presentation]. Presented at the fall Undergraduate Directed Research Symposium in St. Mary’s City, Maryland.

Mantell, J. T., Johnson, M. R., & Atwell, J. C. (November 2022). Rapid acquisition of implicit absolute pitch memories [virtual poster presentation]. Accepted by the Psychonimic Society and presented in Boston, Massachusetts.

FAV QUOTE

“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world”- John Keating

NIDA/NIH COMMUNITY (CLUBS, ACTIVITIES, COMMITTEES)

IDEA Committee member, NIDA Postbac advisory Board Member

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

Playing rugby for the Baltimore Flamingos, Wrestling, Powerlifting, Playing guitar, piano, and writing music

View James’ Bio Page

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My current research project involves understanding of the role of the nucleus accumbens shell and core in relapse/reinstatement. I aim to answer questions such as: How does a negative stimulus added in the presence of a reward alter reward-seeking behavior? To what extent is this learned association between punishment and reward context-dependent? My approach utilizes optogenetic tools such as the MiniScope to calcium image these neural ensembles of Long Evans rat in vivo. Other general interests I have include cognitive neuroscience, learning theory, and neuropathology of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.

HUMAN INTERESTS

I am interested in diversifying the network of scientists around the globe working to solve public health crises, such as addiction. Something I wish to continue is traveling to conduct and present research across various communities and/or languages, specifically using my Spanish to communicate with Latinx populations.

CAREER ASPIRATIONS/PLANS

After my two year post-bac experience at NIDA, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience with the hopes of one day running my own laboratory. I enjoy teaching others and would love to continue networking with other neuroscientists around the globe. I also aim to take an interdisciplinary approach to my research in order to bridge the gap between psychology and neuroscience.

FAVORITE QUOTE

“The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ but ‘That’s funny…’” -Isaac Asimov

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

I enjoy painting, reading, music, hiking, and rock climbing.

NIDA/NIH COMMUNITY (CLUBS, ACTIVITIES, COMMITTEES)

I am part of NIDA IRP’s Chicane, Hispanic, Indigenous, & Latine Empowerment Group (CHILE) as well as the Society for the Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS).

View Caroline’s Bio Page

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

CAREER ASPIRATIONS/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

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

creative writing, running, ems, volunteering

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.

View Aketzali’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS

In the past, I’ve done research on spinal cord regeneration, and I still find it super fascinating. However, upon completing my internship at NIAAA in the summer of 2023, I’ve found myself drawn to more psych-oriented research. I don’t have any current projects, but I’m interested in all things health disparities, specifically regarding Black and Native American populations. At NIDA and through SDFDR, I’ll be investigating the relationship between HIV risk and cannabis use among Black gender and sexual minorities which I’m super excited for! I also want to explore the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on SUDs incidence and the relationship between Black women’s reproductive health and AUD risk (!!!). Some of my other general interests include the presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in women and the protective function of different social relationships.

CAREER ASPIRATIONS/PLANS

After completing my postbac at the NIH, I hope to go on to complete my MD/PhD in psychiatry and become a physician-scientist. I also hope to be involved in the public health and policy sector as a trusted source of first-hand knowledge and activist.

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE

• My grandmother dated Harriet Tubman’s nephew.
• I’ve officially played about 12 different sports (to varying degrees of success…).
• I don’t have a favorite quote, but I love translations of Japanese music! They’re always beautifully heartwrenching.

NIDA/NIH COMMUNITY (CLUBS, ACTIVITIES, COMMITTEES)

I’m new to NIDA, so I’m not involved in anything yet, but I’m super excited to become an active participant in the community! In college, I was involved in our community service organization (CSO), peer writing tutor services, and a capella! In CSO, I served as our external affairs coordinator, gathering information to connect students with community partners and building a website that hosts helpful information for student volunteers. As a peer writing tutor, I assisted students across all majors with their writing skills! This was definitely one of my favorite parts of my college experience, as I really enjoyed getting to meet people across campus, sharing my love of writing, and gaining valuable insight into my own writing abilities. When I wasn’t busy with CSO and tutoring, I could usually be found rehearsing with Blackapella – an a cappella group designed to perform music traditionally associated with black culture and foster community among black students. Post-college, I mostly like to read, hang out with my sister and niece in Philly, beg my friends and family to travel to NYC with me to see my favorite musical at the moment (with below-average success), and practice my Japanese on language-sharing apps!

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

I really love reading (mostly fantasy, fiction, manga, and romance novels), baking, playing video games, musicals, language-learning, classical/jazz music, and watching anime. I also enjoy book collecting, and I’d like to have a home library one day (fingers crossed)!

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

I am interested in studying the mechanisms underlying addiction and other psychiatric disorders at the both the molecular and network level. Currently, I am working on a project that explores potential biomarkers of cellular stress in blood serum.

HUMAN INTERESTS

I am passionate about advocating for diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS

I plan on pursuing a Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology or a related field and continue research in the underlying neurological mechanisms of substance use and abuse.

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE

Most humans’ feet and forearms are the same length!

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

Reading, playing the piano, and running a Dungeons and Dragons campaign!

PUBLICATIONS/ABSTRACTS/POSTERS

F.J. Cano, K. Smith, S. Adler, A. Jotwani, E. Lassers, H. Nelson, K. Stuemke, A.T. Reed Aparicio, L. Huerta Sanchez, D. Gonzalez, C.J.E. Denning, K. K. Szumlinski
Methamphetamine and sucrose craving incubate regardless of systemic mTOR inhibition
Society for Neuroscience Chicago, Il, USA; October 2024

View Asha’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Current focus: Neuronal Ensembles, Drug-related cue associations, cell and molecular biology aspects of cancer.
• Broader interests: Neuroscience, addiction studies, molecular mechanisms of disease.

HUMAN INTERESTS

• Medicine and health equity
• Mental Health Awareness
• Mentorship and representation for underrepresented groups in medicine
• Supporting women in STEM

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS

• Aspires to attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist.
• Long-term goal: become a doctor to provide quality care and representation within her community.
  

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better” – Maya Angelou

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

 Baking, working out, reading, exploring new recipes,meditation, trying new fitness classes

THOUGHTS ON BEING A URIP FELLOW

Being a URIP Fellow is providing me with invaluable research experience and access to mentorship, shaping me as both a student and future physician. This hands-on exposure to neuroscience research and techniques deepens my understanding of scientific inquiry, which is foundational to the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential in medicine. The mentorship I am receiving, along with the experience of contributing to research, has solidified my aspiration to pursue a career in anesthesiology, where I can apply these skills in clinical settings to enhance patient care.

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 am interested in the neural underpinnings of different drugs of abuse and various factors that may increase risk for development of addiction.

HUMAN INTERESTS

I am passionate about queer and trans representation in science and greater STEM world. Additionally, increasing equity for underrepresented minorities in research.

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS

Following my time in the IRTA program, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience.

FUN FACT

I walked onto the rowing team in college.

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

In my free time, I am often exploring the sights of Baltimore and Maryland. I also enjoy hiking, running, and watching campy dating shows with my roommates.

View Ingrid’s profile page

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My general research interests are genetics and neurobiology. I am currently interested in the genetic basis of cancer and female reproductive disorders along with identifying the different genes with mutations that are linked to the hereditary risk of these diseases. I also have an interest in studying the neurobiology of drug addiction and finding new treatments to address drug addiction. Lastly, another interest I have is studying the pathophysiology of pain and researching different pain disorders.

 HUMAN INTERESTS

• Patient care
• Increasing Mental Health awareness in disadvantaged communities
• Increasing diversity and representation in the medical and science fields
  

CAREER ASPIRATONS/PLANS

I plan to pursue medicine and become a physician while also conducting research on female-related diseases and disorders.

FUN FACTS/FAV QUOTE

You must be the change that you want to see in the world

HOBBIES/FREE TIME ACTIVITIES or ORGANIZATIONS

Dance, Photography and videography, content creation, gaming, watching films, and exploring

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

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.

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

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