Graduate Students

After transferring to UNO specifically to pursue my interest in neuroscience, I quickly got involved with research in Dr. Sollars’ lab and was given the opportunity to pursue my own undergraduate research project through the FUSE program. This research project prompted an exploration into the cellular aspect of neuroscience through the investigation of coupled brainstem microglia responses in response to peripheral nerve injuries.

Following the completion of this FUSE project I was excited and fortunate enough to pursue further education and research at the graduate level in Sensory System Development Lab. My research interests primarily deal with the role of abnormal microglia responses following nerve injury. My hobbies include playing musical instruments, video games, and woodworking.

My interest in plasticity and sensory system development began during my undergraduate studies. As part of a research assistance program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, I had the opportunity to study apoptotic processes and gain valuable experience in the laboratory environment.

After deciding that I wanted to continue my education and perform more in-depth neurological research, I was given the opportunity to join the team in Dr. Sollars’ lab. My current interests include the behavior of glial cells and their role in recovery after tissue damage. Following the completion of my master's work, I plan to move on in the field and pursue a Ph.D. In my free time, I like to collect and play board games with friends.

My master's thesis was titled “Differential Microglia Presence in the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract Following Transection of the Chorda Tympani Nerve at Various Points in Rat Development” and examined the role of central immune system function following taste nerve loss in rats of varying ages.

My current research involves the interaction between the central immune system and neuroplasticity, both developmentally and injury-induced. I am particularly interested in controlling the immune system to direct neuroplasticity towards desired outcomes. I have given numerous guest lectures on central immune function and the role of microglia in the pathology of various neurodegenerative diseases.

I enjoy participating in neuroscience outreach programs, and have tutored neuroscience, psychology, and statistics courses. In my free time I like to watch movies and play video games.

Gus is the strong-willed and silent type but always brings a paws-itive outlook to the lab. Fur-tunately, we can always count on him to be there when we've had a ruff day.

Favorite researcher: Ivan Pavlov (that should ring a bell)

Previous Students

My graduate work focused on the structural and functional plasticity of the taste system following neural injury. As a postdoctoral fellow at the Indiana University School of Medicine, I am continuing research in the taste system, working to identify cell types within gustatory nerves.

Additionally, I am studying the neurobiology of ALS using mouse models. Outside the lab I enjoy rock climbing, cooking/eating, and lying down.

Currently Postdoctoral Fellow, Indiana University School of Medicine.

My research interests focus on the effects of spicy foods on the taste system. Additionally, I am very interested in learning and pedagogy and have conducted and presented research on best practices in college teaching.

I taught nearly a dozen classes during my time as a graduate student and also started NeuroWOW, a community educational outreach program. Over the past few years I have enjoyed introducing thousands of local K-12 students to the exciting world of neuroscience.

I am currently teaching at UNO full time, as an instructor in the Neuroscience area. In my free time, I enjoy running, spending time with family and binge watching too much TV.

Currently Professor of Practice in Psychology, University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

My master's thesis, "Impact of Chorda Tympani Nerve Cuts on Foliate Taste Buds Across Development in Rats" was an investigation into the impact of gustatory neural injury on the peripheral taste system at various stages in development.

My research interests are still focused on examining the effects of nerve injury. I also have an interest in pedagogy and look forward to gaining more experience as a teacher. I enjoy volunteering my time to the outreach program, NeuroWOW.

My hobbies include painting as well as attending Broadway shows (my favorite is Wicked!).

After getting my master's degree in the Sollars Lab where my research focus was on the effects of capsaicin on taste bud development, I worked in a lab with a research focus in epilepsy at Creighton University for five years.

I also taught a graduate-level statistics course at the College of Saint Mary. Currently, I work as a Health Data Analyst.

Outside of being a perpetual graduate student, I enjoy eating donuts, playing with my cats, and visiting national parks.

Currently Statistician II, University of Nebraska Medical Center.