BHRI Undergraduate Fellows 2023
The Brain Health Research Institute Undergraduate Fellows Program offers highly qualified and motivated undergraduate students an immersive program that includes research-intensive experiences in neuroscience, as well as mentoring, skills training, and career-development support.
This year, BHRI has an incoming fellowship group of 16 fellows, and it is our largest group so far. The fellows' majors are extended over many disciplines, and include Integrated Health Studies, Animation Game Design, Biology, Neuroscience, Speech Pathology & Audiology, and Psychology. This year's program is scheduled to take place from June 5 - July 28, 2023, in collaboration with the SURE Program.
Name: Lauren Scrimshaw
Majors: Psychology, Neuroscience; Minor: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Hudson, Ohio
Mentor: Dr. Lee Gilman, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences
My name is Lauren Scrimshaw, and I am a senior standing Psychology/Neuroscience student from Hudson, Ohio. This summer, I will be working under Dr. Gilman on a PMAT study in mice, assessing how reduced function of plasma membrane monoamine transporters (PMAT) affects their learning and memory of positive/negative reinforcers of operant procedures. I find research thrilling because I can be a part of investigating unknown evidence, as well as actively expanding my knowledge in my fields of study in ways that I would not be able to in a lecture setting. During the spring semester, I presented at my first research symposium on PMAT, and won first place under Psychological Sciences!
During my free time, I am currently teaching myself how to crochet, as well as spending time with family, friends, and my 5 orange cats.
Name: Anna Duraney
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: New Middletown, Ohio
Mentor: Dr. Aleisha Moore, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
My name is Anna Duraney, and I am from New Middletown, Ohio. I am an upcoming sophomore neuroscience major. I am interested in the BHRI fellowship because its research experience strengthens communication and understanding of science in our society. This summer, I will work with Dr. Aleisha Moore to investigate the relationship between neural circuits and infertility by using mouse models. I aim to examine whether changes to a cell population necessary for reproductive function, called KNDy neurons, lead to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Outside of my studies, I enjoy all things music, shopping for clothes, reading, taking long walks, and spending time with my family and friends.
Name: Logan Yost
Major: Biology (Pre-Medicine)
Hometown: Ravenna, Ohio
Mentor: Dr. Lique Coolen, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences; Assistant Director, BHRI
My name is Logan Yost and I’m a second year pre-med biology major from Ravenna, Ohio. I will be working with Dr. Coolen this summer on her research into the effects of chronic spinal cord injury on reflex generators that control sexual and bladder function. I’m interested in the research experience because I’d like to pursue research throughout my entire undergraduate career, and I believe this experience will be beneficial to that goal. Additionally, the nervous system is a fascinating component of the body, and I can’t wait to get a more hands-on experience compared to that of my classes so far. I spend my free time hanging out with friends, working out, running, playing with my dogs, watching shows, and studying (for fun).
Name: William Butke
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Tallmadge, Ohio
Mentor: Dr. Wilson Chung, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
I currently live in Tallmadge, Ohio and am a Neuroscience Major, Senior Year, graduating Fall 2023.
This research experience is the opening floodgate to stepping into lab research that allows me to give some exploration into how laboratory experiments are conducted.
For Summer 2023, I'll be researching Microcystin L-R, a common compound secreted by harmful algae blooms in bodies of water and the potential metabolic concerns from constant exposure.
I love reading like no other, and I tend to outpace books faster than I can find them.
Name: Elizabeth Marhefka
Major: Biology (Pre-Medicine)
Hometown: Winona, Ohio
Mentor: Dr. Michael Lehman, BHRI Director and Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
My name is Ellie Marhefka, and I am a junior from Winona, Ohio. I am a biology major with a pre-med concentration. This summer I will be researching under Dr. Coolen, who is investigating neural mechanisms involved with drug addiction, spinal cord injury, and reproductive neuroendocrinology. I am so excited to gain hands-on experience and be involved in a study that has the potential to benefit other people someday. Apart from research, I enjoy participating in Kent State's chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon, a premedical fraternity. I also run for the Kent State cross country and track-and-field teams and enjoy running, hiking, cooking, watching movies and spending time with my friends and teammates.
Name: Abigail Bennett
Major: Animation Game Design
Hometown: Heath, Ohio
Mentor: Dr. Joshua Albrecht, Assistant Professor, Glauser School of Music
My name is Abby Bennett, and I am a senior undergraduate student from Heath, Ohio. I am an Animation Game Design major interested in researching how we can best use mobile and desktop apps to improve our lives.
This summer, I will be working with Dr. Albrecht on a study related to the field of music cognition and perception. I am very excited to gain experience with professional research related to music and look forward to learning from the program. In my free time, I enjoy writing, playing games, baking, and music.
Name: Aliyah Ross
Major: Psychology; Minor: Chinese
Hometown: Bolivar, Ohio
Mentor: Dr. Lee Gilman, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences
My name is Aliyah Ross, and I am from Bolivar, OH. This coming year, I will be a junior majoring in psychology and minoring in Chinese. In my free time, I like to run, listen to music, spend time with friends, and play with my cat.
I am interested in the BHRI Undergraduate Fellows Program to broaden my experiences, meet people interested in similar topics, and create connections with faculty. I love learning about psychology and am excited to spend time in the lab.
This summer, I will be working with Dr. Gilman in their research on how excess salt consumption affects behavior across the sexes of mice, stress, and neuroinflammation.
Name: Leah Herbert
Major: Speech Pathology & Audiology
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Mentor: Dr. Julia Huyck, Associate Professor, Health Sciences; Assistant Director, BHRI
My name is Leah Herbert and I am from Columbus, Ohio. I am a speech pathology & audiology major going into my senior year at Kent State University. I am interested in this research experience so I can further my knowledge by getting hands-on experience in my field of study. This summer I will be conducting research related to adolescent auditory perception. In my free time I enjoy playing tennis, traveling, reading, and going to concerts!
Name: Bria Shackleford
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Canton, Ohio
Mentor: Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett, Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences
My name is Bria Shackleford, and I am an upcoming junior majoring in neuroscience from Canton, Ohio. I am looking forward to participating in the BHRI Undergraduate Fellowship Program because I believe being a part of research is important for my personal and professional growth. I believe that the BHRI Undergraduate Fellowship Program will provide me with new knowledge and skills that will be helpful after graduation. This summer I will work with Dr. Neal-Barnett, researching cortisol levels present in pregnant and postpartum black women and their effects on the health of both the women and their children. Outside of academics, I am a member of the Honors College and a medical club on campus called the American Medical Student Association. I am also currently volunteering at the University Hospitals Portage Medical Center. In my free time, I like to paint, watch my favorite series, and spend time with the people I love and my dogs.
Name: Sydney Streby
Major: Speech Pathology & Audiology
Hometown: Kent, Ohio
Mentor: Dr. Julia Huyck, Associate Professor, Health Sciences; Assistant Director, BHRI
I am from Kent. My major is Speech Pathology and Audiology and I am a 4th year student for the upcoming year. I'm interested in research experience because it will allow me to develop skills that will help me succeed in my field.
My topic of research this summer is the development of auditory encoding and cognitive processes during adolescence. My hobbies include reading, spending time with family and friends, and playing board/card games.
Name: Laura-Lee Downes
Major: Biology (Pre-Dentistry)
Hometown: Trinidad and Tobago
Mentor: Dr. Colleen Novak, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
My name is Laura-Lee Downes and I am from Trinidad and Tobago, a small twin-island country located in the southern Caribbean Sea.
I am a Biology major with a pre-dentistry concentration and will be a senior in the upcoming semester. I am eager to participate in this research experience because I want to be able to improve my skills and learn more! My topic of research is white adipose tissue and lipolysis with Dr. Colleen Novak. My hobbies include cooking, baking and watching geographical documentaries. I am excited to be a part of this program this summer!
Name: Clarice Farley
Major: Biology (Pre-Medicine)
Hometown: Lancaster, Ohio
Mentor: Dr. Angela Ridgel, Associate Director, BHRI; Professor, Health Sciences
My name is Clarice Farley and I am from Lancaster, Ohio. I am a senior majoring in biology with a premedical concentration. I am interested in the BHRI research experience because I am looking forward to the opportunity to have hands-on experience in the research field. I am really excited to work in Dr. Ridgel’ lab this summer. In her lab, I will be collecting data to test the effectiveness of Speed Manipulated Adaptive Rehabilitation Therapy cycling in improving the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. We will also be analyzing the effect of high intensity endurance exercise on the regression of Parkinson’s Disease.
Apart from the BHRI program, I volunteer at several different organizations and I lead my own volunteer events on campus in my role as a service leader. In my free time I love listening to audiobooks, baking, and camping.
Name: Patrick Hull
Major: Biology (Pre-Medicine)
Hometown: Leetonia, Ohio
Mentor: Dr. Ronald Seese, Pediatric Neurologist, Akron Children's Hospital
My name is Patrick Hull, I am from Leetonia Ohio and I will be a senior at Kent State University this coming fall. I am interested in research experience to help broaden my knowledge and diversify my understanding of science as I plan to pursue a career in medicine. This summer, I will define the areas of the cerebral cortex that influence the output of the adrenal gland as part of my research. My hobbies outside of my education include lifting weights, playing basketball and golf, and spending time with friends and family. On summer and winter breaks, you can also observe me coaching basketball back at my high school in Leetonia.
Name: Angele Nsoure-Engohang
Major: Biology (Pre-Medicine); Minor: Chemistry
Hometown: Lomme, France
Mentor: Dr. Lique Coolen, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences; Assistant Director, BHRI
My name is Angele Nsoure-Engohang, and I am a Biology/Premed major with a minor in Chemistry. I will be in my fourth year in the 2023-2024 academic year. I was originally born in Lomme, France and my parents are from Africa! I have lived all over the place, but I have spent the majority of my young adult life here in Ohio! I have five siblings and I love to spend time with them. I also enjoy doing embroidery and listening to music in my free time! This summer I really wanted to expand my horizons and I saw this program and thought it was the perfect way to do so! I will be working on spinal cord injuries with Dr. Coolen and could not be more excited!
Name: Riley Smith
Major: Psychology; Minors: Applied Data and Information, Media Advocacy
Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina
Mentor: Dr. Mary Himmelstein, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences
Hello! My name is Riley Smith, I’m a student from here in Ohio heading into my junior year here at Kent State. I am a Psychology major, with minors in Applied Data and Information and Media Advocacy. This summer, I will be engaging with SURE and the BHRI to assist in my research into the experiences of transgender individuals with weight stigma in healthcare. In my free time I am the president of the Tabletop Club here on campus, and I love to play cello and build with Lego. I’m looking forward to learning and researching this summer!