Current Graduate Students

Neuroscience Graduate Students

• 

  Name:

  Yeasmin Akter

  Education:

  M.S, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

  Advisor:

  Dr. Martin Hruska

  Research Interests:

  Alzheimer's Disease, Synaptic Adhesion Molecules (SAM) - Eph and ephrins

  Achievements:

  Awards

  2019-2020 - National Science & Technology Fellowship, Banglades

  Publications

  · Ezaz, M. M. A. #; Junaid, M. #; Akter, Y. #; Nahrin, A.; Siddika, A.; Afrose, S. S.; Nayeem, S. M. A.; Haque, M. S.; Moni, M. A.; Hosen, SMZ.; “Whole proteome screening and identification of potential epitopes of SARS- CoV-2 for vaccine design-an immunoinformatic, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation accelerated robust strategy” Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 8 February 2021, (doi: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1886171) (# Equal contribution)

  · Junaid, M. #; Akter, Y. #; Siddika, A. #; Nayeem, S. M. A. #; Nahrin, A.; Afrose, S. S.; Ezaz, M. M. A.; Alam, M. S.; “Nature-derived hit, lead, and drug-like small molecules: Current status and future aspects against key target proteins of Coronaviruses” Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 4 August 2021, IF: 3.862, (doi: 10.2174/1389557521666210805113231) (# Equal contribution)

  · Afrose, S. S. #; Junaid, M. #; Akter, Y. #; Tania, M.; Mei, Z; Khan, M. A.; “Targeting kinases with thymoquinone: a molecular approach to cancer therapeutics” Drug Discovery Today, 25 July 2020 (IF: 7.851) (doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.07.019) (# Equal contribution)

  · Junaid, M. #; Akter, Y. #; Afrose, S. S.; Tania, M.; Khan, M. A.; “Biological role of AKT, and regulation of AKT signaling pathway by thymoquinone: perspectives in cancer therapeutics” Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 1 February 2021 (IF: 3.862) (doi: 10.2174/1389557520666201005143818) (# Equal contribution)

  · Shawon, J. #; Akter, Z. #; Hossen, M. M. #; Akter, Y.; Sayeed, A.; Junaid, Md.; Afrose, S. S.; Khan, M. M.; “Current landscape of natural products against coronaviruses: perspectives in COVID-19 treatment and antiviral mechanism” Current Pharmaceutical Design, 1 January 2021 (IF: 3.116) (doi: 10.2174/1381612826666201106093912) (# Equal contribution)

  · Akter, Y.; Junaid, M.; Afrose, S. S.; Hosen, SMZ.; Nahrin, A.; Alam, M. S.; Sharmin, T.; Akter, R.; Hosen, SMZ.; “A Comprehensive Review on Linum usitatissimum Medicinal Plant: Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Ethnomedicinal uses” Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 3 February 2021, IF: 3.862 (doi: 10.2174/1389557521666210203153436 )

  · Abstract: Junaid, M.; Afrose, S. S.; Alam, M. S.; Akter, Y.; Nahrin A.; Sharmin, T.; Akter, R.; Hosen SMZ.; “The Constituents of Honey Propolis is a Boon for Alzheimer's Disease: A Computational Approach” SSRN Electronic Journal (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3531457)

  · Abstract: Islam, S.; Akter, Y.; Mohiuddin, AKM.; Evamoni, F. Z.; Hasan, M. M.; Jafar, N. B.; Islam, M. R.; Ullah, N. M.; Howlader, M.; Roy, A. S.; “Knowledge and Awareness of Early Detection Methods and Risk Factors towards Breast and Cervical Cancer in Bangladesh” Annals of Oncology, 30 (Supplement_6), pp.mdz338-049. (IF: 32.976) (doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdz338.049)

  · Book Chapter: Junaid, M. #; Akter, Y. #; Afrose, S. S. #; Tania, M.; Khan, M. A.; “Apoptotic Cell Death: Important Cellular Process as Chemotherapeutic Target. Drug Targets in Cellular Processes of Cancer: From Nonclinical to Preclinical Models, 978-981-15-7585-3, 494374_1_En, (Chapter 4)”, 1 October 2020, Springer, Singapore. (doi: 10.1007/978-981-15-7586-0_4). (# Equal contribution)

• 

  Name:

  Logan Bays

  Education:

  B.S., Biochemistry, West Virginia University

  Advisor:

  Dr. Bernard Schreurs

  Research Interests:

  Learning, memory, synaptic plasticity, and preclinical Alzheimer's and post-traumatic stress disorder models in rodents and rabbits

• 

  Name:

  Philip Bender

  Education:

  B.S., Biology, University at Albany, SUNY, M.H.S., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

  Advisor:

  Dr. Charles Anderson

  Research Interests:

  Auditory processing and synaptic zinc

  Achievements:

  Awards

  • 2013 - Presidential Leadership Award: School Spirit, SUNY Albany
  • 2012 - Found Being: Inclusive Award, SUNY Albany
  • 2011 - Committed to a Cause Award, SUNY Albany
  • 2011 - FISH Philosophy Award, SUNY Albany
  • 2011, 2013 - Spirit Award, SUNY Albany
  • 2009-2012 - Presidential Scholarship, SUNY Albany
  • 2009, 2011 - Dean’s list of Distinguished students, SUNY Albany

• 

  Name:

  Briana Clary

  Education:

  B.S., Biology & Psychology, East Tennessee State University

  Advisor:

  Dr. Candice Brown

  Research Interests:

  Stroke, Sepsis, and Alzheimer's Disease

  Achievements:

  Awards

  • 2021-Present – NIH T32 Stroke and its Comorbidities Associate Scholar, West Virginia University
  • 2016–2020 – Academic Performance Scholarship, West Virginia University

• 

  Name:

  Alexis Crockett

  Education:

  B.S., Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

  Advisor:

  Dr. Visvanathan Ramamurthy

  Research Interests:

  Investigate role of the small GTPase ARL13B in photoreceptor cilia

  Achievements:

  Awards

  • 2015–2018 – Virginia Tech Presidential Scholarship Initiative Recipient Honors Charles Center Scholarship for Research
  • 2015–2018 – Dean’s List, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

• 

  Name:

  Jacob Feldmann

  Education:

  B.S. Neuroscience, minor in Biochemistry, The College of William and Mary

  Advisor:

  Dr. Aminata Coulibaly

  Research Interests:

  Neutrophil Inflammatory signaling in Alzheimer's Disease

  Achievements:

  Awards

  • 2014–2016 – Dean’s List, The College of William and Mary
  • 2014–2018 – First Team National Academic Award Recipient
  • 2014–2016; 2018 – Men’s Gymnastics National Academic Champion Team
  • 2013 – Men’s Gymnastics Maccabiah Team
  • 2011–2013 – Junior Olympic Gymnastic Nationals

• 

  Name:

  Rachel Hostetler

  Education:

  B.S., Neuroscience and German Studies, University of Minnesota

  Advisor:

  Dr. Aric Agmon

  Research Interests:

  Investigating the diversity of the somatostatin-containing inhibitory interneuron subpopulations and their involvement in cerebral cortex circuitry.

  Achievements:

  Publications

  • Hu X, Urhie O, Chang K, Hostetler R, Agmon A (2018) A novel method for training mice in visuo-tactile 3-D object discrimination and recognition. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 12. 

  Awards

  • 2020 – Outstanding Service Award- WVU Office of Research and Graduate Education
  • 2018-2020 – NIH T32 Behavioral and Biomedical Sciences Training Grant Scholar, West Virginia University
  • 2017-2018 – NIH T32 Behavioral and Biomedical Sciences Training Grant Associate Scholar, West Virginia University

• 

  Name:

  Ezekiel Irewole

  Education:

  B.S., Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

  Advisor:

  Dr. Bernard Schreurs

  Research Interests:

  Estrogen Neuroprotection, Cholesterol's Influence on Learning and Memory, Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease.

  Achievements:

  Awards

  2020 - Royal African Award for outstanding achievement in academic excellence, Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) of His Imperial Majesty (H.I.M.), the Ooni of Ife.

  2018 - Faculty Prize for the best graduating student in the Faculty of Science (2016/2017 Academic Session), Faculty of Science, Obafemi Awolowo University.

• 

  Name:

  Matthew Kays

  Education:

  B.S., Immunology and Medical Microbiology, West Virginia University

  Advisor:

  Dr. Aminata Coulibaly

  Research Interests:

  Metabolic relationship between neurons and neutrophils

• 

  Name:

  Anna Korol

  Education:

  B.S., Physical and Biomedical Electronics, National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute"

  Advisor:

  Dr. Valeriya Gritsenko

  Research Interests:

  Computational Neuroscience, Motor Control, Numerical Simulation of Dynamical Systems, Stroke Rehabilitation, Machine Learning.

  Achievements:

  Publications

  • Korol A, Karplyk Y. 2019. Hemodynamic parameters analysis by laser doppler flowmetry. Proceedings of XVIII International Scientific and Technical Conference "Physical processes and fields of technical and biological objects", Kremenchug, Ukraine, ISSN 2305-1353, pp. 57 - 58.
  • Korol A. 2018. Submillimeter bolometer sensors. Proceedings of II All-Ukrainian Student’s Scientific and Practical Conference "The science of the 21st century: challenges, priorities, prospects for research", NTUU Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Kyiv, Ukraine, Online resource, Volume 2, pp. 149 - 152.
  • Korol A. 2017. Analysis of methods and applications for predicting epileptic seizures. Proceedings of XVIII All-Ukrainian Student’s Scientific and Practical Conference "Science and technology of the XXI century", NTUU Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Kyiv, Ukraine, ISSN 2411-3050, pp. 100 - 102.

  Awards

  • 2018 – Finalist, Global Nominee, NASA Space Apps Challenge 2018, Kyiv, Ukraine
  • 2017 – Finalist, EBEC (European BEST Engineering Competition), Kyiv, Ukraine

• 

  Name:

  Abbey Manning

  Education:

  B.S., Biochemistry, St. Vincent College

  Advisor:

  Dr. Charles Anderson

  Research Interests:

  Auditory processing and synaptic zinc

  Achievements:

  Awards

  • 2022 – Behavioral & Biomedical Sciences T32 Scholar, West Virginia University
  • 2021 – Behavioral & Biomedical Sciences T32 Associate Scholar, West Virginia University

• 

  Name:

  Mason McCollum

  Education:

  B.S., Biochemistry, Mercyhurst University

  Advisor:

  Dr. Charles Anderson

  Research Interests:

  Auditory processing and synaptic zinc

  Achievements:

  Awards

  • 2020 – Present Behavioral & Biomedical Sciences T32 Scholar, West Virginia University
  • 2020 – Present The National Society of Leadership and Success Member, West Virginia University
  • 2020 – Dr. James Stevenson Scholarship Recipient, West Virginia University
  • 2019-2020 – Behavioral & Biomedical Sciences T32 Associate Scholar, West Virginia University

• 

  Name:

  Sree Motipally

  Education:

  B.S., Microbiology, Genetics and Chemistry, M.S., Biotechnology, Osmania University, M.S., Biology, West Virginia University

  Advisor:

  Dr. Saravanan Kolandaivelu

  Research Interests:

  Neurodegeneration and rescue

  Achievements:

  Publications

  • Motipally, S. I., & Kolandaivelu, S. (2023) Absence of PRCD leads to dysregulation in lipid homeostasis resulting in disorganization of photoreceptor outer segment structure. Springer series, Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, In press.
  • Motipally, S. I., Myers, B., Sechrest, E. R., Sokolov, D., Murphy, J. and Kolandaivelu, S. (2023). A Modified Acyl-RAC Method of Isolating Retinal Palmitoyl Proteome for
    Subsequent Detection through LC-MS/MS. Bio-protocol 13(8): e4654. doi:10.21769/Bio-Protoc.4654.
  • Myers,B., ,Sechrest, E.R., Hamner,G., Motipally, S. I., Murphy, J.,Sokolov,D., and Kolandaivelu,S. (2022). PRCD-R17C mutation in photoreceptor disc-specific protein, PRCD, results in additional lipidation altering protein stability and subcellular location. Int J Mol Sci 2022 Sep 16;23(18):10802. doi: 10.3390/ijms231810802.
  • Motipally, S. I., Allen, K.M., Williamson, D.K., and Marsat, G.(2019). Differences in Sodium Channel Densities in the Apical Dendrites of Pyramidal Cells of the Electrosensory Lateral Line Lobe. Front. Neural Circuits 13:41. doi: 10.3389/fncir.2019.00041

  Awards

  2022 - Robert B. Barlow Jr Travel Grant

• 

  Name:

  Robin Oliverio

  Education:

  B.S., Biology, West Virginia University

  Advisor:

  Dr. Zachary Weil

  Research Interests:

  Traumatic Brain Injury and Alcohol Use Disorder

  Achievements:

  Publications

  • Weil ZM, Karelina K,Whitehead B, Cruz RV, Oliverio R, Pinti M, Nwafor D, Nicholson S, Fitzgerald J, Hollander J, Brown C, Zhang N, Devries AC. Mild traumatic brain injury increases vulnerability to cerebral ischemia in mice. 2021. Experimental Neurology, 342:113765.

  • Oliverio R, Karelina K, Weil ZM. 2020. Sex, drugs, and TBI: the role of sex in substance abuse related to traumatic brain injuries. Frontiers in neurology, 11.
  • Karelina K, Schneiderman K, Shah S, Fitzgerald J, Cruz RV, Oliverio R, Whitehead B, Yang J, Weil ZM. 2021. Moderate intensity treadmill exercise increases survival of newborn hippocampal neurons and improves neurobehavioral outcomes after traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurotrauma.

  Awards

  • 2019 – Magna Cum Laude Graduate, West Virginia University

  • 2016-2019 – Mountaineer Scholarship Recipient, West Virginia University

  • 2015-2019 – Honors College Member, West Virginia University

  • 2015-2017 – President’s List, West Virginia University

• 

  Name:

  James Scripter

  Education:

  B.S., Biology, Westfield State University

  Advisor:

  Dr. Martin Hruska

  Research Interests:

  I am researching the effects of the c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) signaling pathway on Thalamocortical Axon development and examining the mechanisms of Thalamocortical Axon projections by observing guidance cues in JNK cTKO brains.

  Achievements:

  Awards

  ● 2020 – Inductee, National Society for Leadership and Success

  ● 2020 – Cell Biology and Biomedical Engineering T32 Training Program Trainee, West Virginia University

  ● 2012 – Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout

  Publications

  ● Cunningham JG, Scripter JD, Nti SA, Tucker ES. 2021. Early construction of the thalamocortical axon pathway requires JNK signaling within the ventral forebrain. bioRxiv.

• 

  Name:

  Rebekah Thurn

  Education:

  B.S., Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Montana State University

  Advisor:

  Dr. James Mahoney

  Research Interests:

  Neuromodulatory interventions as adjuctive treatments for substance use disorder

• 

  Name:

  Bailey Whitehead

  Education:

  B.S., Neuroscience & Psychology, Central Michigan University

  Advisor:

  Dr. Zachary Weil

  Research Interests:

  Cerebrovascular Responses after Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke and TBI Co-Morbidities

  Achievements:

  Publications

  • Weil ZM, Karelina K, Whitehead B, Cruz RV, Oliverio R, Pinti M, Nwafor D, Nicholson S, Fitzgerald J, Hollander J, Brown C, Zhang N, Devries AC. Mild traumatic brain injury increases vulnerability to cerebral ischemia in mice. 2021. Experimental Neurology, 342:113765.

  •Karelina K, Schneiderman K, Shah S, Fitzgerald J, Cruz RV, Oliverio R, Whitehead B, Yang J, Weil ZM. 2021. Moderate intensity treadmill exercise increases survival of newborn hippocampal neurons and improves neurobehavioral outcomes after traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurotrauma.

   

  Awards

  • 2021 – NIH T32 Stroke and its Comorbidities Scholar
  • 2020 – NIH T32 Stroke and its Comorbidities Associate Scholar

Neuroscience M.D./Ph.D. Candidates

• 

  Name:

  Brandon Kirby

  Advisor:

  Candice Brown

  Research Interests:

  Effects of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion on cerebral microvasculature

  Achievements:

  Publications

  1. Rehabilitation after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Optimizing Outcomes; Divine Nwafor, Brandon D. Kirby, Jacob D. Ralston, Mark A. Colantonio, Elochukwu Ibekwe, Brandon Lucke-Wold; Journal of Vascular Diseases; Received: 12 January 2023; Accepted 02.2023
  2. Active Hexose-Correlated Compound Restores Gene Expression and Protein Secretion of Protective Cytokines of Immune Cells in a Murine Stress Model during Chlamydia muridarum Genital Infection; Tesfaye Belay, Rajnish Sahu, Elisha Martin, Kristin Brown, Courtney Rolen, Shomonique Hankins, Brianna Punturi, Maya Patterson, Chase Chambers, Brandon Kirby, Jonathan Butchar; Infection and Immunity 89 (5), e00786-20; 2021
  3. Generation of a highly attenuated strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for commercial production of alginate; Meagan E Valentine, Brandon D Kirby, Thomas R Withers, Shannon L Johnson, Timothy E Long, Youai Hao, Joseph S Lam, Richard M Niles, Hongwei D Yu; Microbial Biotechnology 13 (1), 162-175; 2020
  4. Generation of In-Frame Gene Deletion Mutants in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Testing for
  Virulence Attenuation in a Simple Mouse Model of Infection; Meagan E Valentine, Brandon D Kirby, D Yu Hongwei; JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments), e60297; 2020
  5. Culture of small colony variant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and quantitation of its alginate; Roy Al Ahmar*, Brandon D Kirby*, D Yu Hongwei; JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments), e60466; 2020 (*Co-first authorship)
  6. Efficacy of aerosolized rifaximin versus tobramycin for treatment of pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia in mice; Brandon D Kirby, Roy Al Ahmar, T Ryan Withers, Meagan E Valentine, Monica Valentovic, Timothy E Long, James R Gaskins, Hongwei D Yu; Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy 63 (7); e02341-186; 2019
  7. Pyrimidine biosynthesis regulates the small-colony variant and mucoidy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa through sigma factor competition; Roy Al Ahmar, Brandon D Kirby, Hongwei D Yu; Journal of Bacteriology 201 (1); e00575-18; 2019

• 

  Name:

  MacKinzie Smith

  Education:

  B.S., Biology and Chemistry, Davis & Elkins College

  Advisor:

  Dr. Bernard Schreurs

  Research Interests:

  Effects of adverse childhood experiences on modification of the eyeblink reflex

• 

  Name:

  Rachel Taitano

  Education:

  B.S., Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech

  Advisor:

  Dr. Valeriya Gritsenko

  Research Interests:

  Neural control of movement, motor learning, modeling

  Achievements:

  Awards

  • 2021 - Present, Stroke & its Comorbidities T32 Associate Scholar
  • Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society
  • Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
  • Virginia Tech College of Engineering Pratt Scholarship
  • Virginia Tech College of Engineering Dean’s List
  • Sweet Briar College Dean’s List, First Year Honors
  • Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) All-Academic Team
  • Sweet Briar College Commonwealth Scholarship, Award for Virginia Recipient
  • Sweet Briar College Margaret Jones Wyllie ’45 Engineering Scholarship Recipient