Roberts-Galbraith Lab

Rachel Roberts-Galbraith, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Cellular Biology

Rachel grew up in rural Kentucky, where she collected planarians with her dad.  She earned a B.S. from Emory University, majoring in biology and minoring in religion.  She then completed her doctoral training at Vanderbilt University, working with Kathleen Gould to study cytokinesis in fission yeast.  Next, she moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and switched gears from fission yeast to fissioning worms.  Her postdoctoral research, in the lab of Phillip Newmark, focused on regeneration of the brain in Schmidtea mediterranea (our model planarian). Rachel was supported by the National Science Foundation during her graduate studies and by the Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research during her postdoctoral fellowship.

In August 2017, Rachel launched her new laboratory in the Department of Cellular Biology at the University of Georgia (faculty website here).  She is a member of the Developmental Biology Alliance, the Regenerative Bioscience Center, and the Biomedical & Health Sciences Institute, where she is affiliated with the Neuroscience Program.  Rachel received a Scholars Award from the McKnight Foundation and a Fellowship from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. She also received an NSF CAREER Award and an R01 from NINDS/NIH. The lab accepts graduate students through the Integrated Life Sciences program.  Positions are also available for Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program students.

Outside of work, Rachel loves spending time with her family, reading for pleasure, tending to her plants, eating chocolate, printmaking, and exploring the natural world (current fixation: spiders!).

email: robertsgalbraith at uga.edu

Christopher Perez

Life Science Technician

Christopher is a Research Professional from Snellville, GA. He Received a B.S. in Microbiology and minor in Ecology from The University of Georgia. Having worked previously in both Human and Animal Diagnostic labs he joined the lab to pivot towards a career in research. Outside the lab, Chris enjoys playing board games, fishing, bowling, disc golfing, and watching the Dawgs play on Saturday! Go Dawgs!

Kendall Clay

Ph.D. Candidate, Neuroscience

Kendall is a Neuroscience graduate student from Augusta, GA. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Georgia, majoring in Biology and Psychology with an emphasis in Neuroscience and minors in Ecology and Cellular Biology. She was a recipient of the UGA Genetics T32 training grant and ARCS award. Previously, Kendall researched negative symptoms in youth at clinical high-risk for psychosis and outpatients with schizophrenia which sparked her interest in neuroscience. Currently, she is curious about neurodevelopmental biology, evolution, and regeneration. In her free time, Kendall is an editor for the Athens Science Observer and enjoys painting and hiking.

email: kendall.clay at uga.edu

Christina Endara

Ph.D. Candidate, Neuroscience

Christina is a graduate student from Kennesaw, Georgia. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Lee University, majoring in Biological Sciences. Her enthusiasm for research began during a summer research program at Texas A&M University, where she studied hepatic stellate cells inducing fibrogenesis within fatty liver disease. In addition, her passion for clinical outreach began while she worked as a medical assistant at Clinica Medicos aiding the underserved Latino population in Chattanooga, TN. She is currently supported by a T32 in Genetics. Outside of lab, Christina enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, and exploring new coffee shops.

email: christina.endara at uga.edu

Taylor Medlock Lanier

Ph.D. Candidate, Cellular Biology

Taylor is a Cellular Biology graduate student from Sanford, NC. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Barton College, majoring in Biology with a Cellular concentration. She decided to pursue higher education while completing an independent research project at her undergraduate institution. When she’s not in lab, Taylor enjoys hiking, baking, journaling, or attending various campus events.

email: temedlock at uga.edu

Skylar Settles

Ph.D. Candidate, Genetics

Skylar is a graduate student from Fishers, IN and is supported by the Genetics T32 training grant. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Purdue University where her love for research began. She started out in Dr. Csonka’s lab doing molecular genetics research on Salmonella enterica and was encouraged to continue her studies through graduate school. Outside of the lab, Skylar enjoys exploring nature, reading, taking care of her cats, and finding new places to eat.

email: skylar.settles at uga.edu

Macey Wilson

Ph.D. Student, Genetics

Macey is a Genetics graduate student from Round Rock, Texas. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Cornell University in Biological Sciences with a Minor in English. Her interest in research began during her undergraduate research experience working on analyzing the vocalizations of grasshopper mice as evidence for the developmental stress hypothesis. She then earned her Master's Degree in Infectious Diseases and Global Health from Tufts University. Before moving to the University of Georgia, Macey was a lab manager for Dr. Shanthini Sockanathan at Johns Hopkins University, studying the mechanism of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Outside of lab, she loves being with her two cats, spending time with her fiancé Dan, baking, and hiking.

email: macey.wilson at uga.edu

Ella Cho

Undergraduate (Class of 2027), Biology

Ella is a second-year student with a major in biology and a minor in English. She is preparing for law school with the intent of specializing in health law. Outside of the lab, she enjoys her Mock Trial club, spending time with her cat Mango, and reading.

Catherine Berger

Undergraduate (Class of 2025), Cellular Biology

Catherine is from The Woodlands, Texas and is studying Cellular Biology at the University of Georgia. She has minors in Business and Applied Biotechnology which she hopes to utilize in her future career. Her research is supported by the CURO research award, and it will be presented at the CURO Symposium in Spring 2024. Outside of research, Catherine enjoys hiking, trying new recipes, and event planning.

Kathleen Miller

Undergraduate (Class of 2026), Genetics

Kathleen is from Smyrna, Georgia and is studying Genetics with a minor in Business. In the future Kathleen wants to continue on to grad school and get a PhD so she can continue to do research as a professional. Outside of the lab Kathleen enjoys watching baseball, reading, and finding new places in Athens.

Pierce Roberts

Undergraduate (Class of 2025), Cellular Biology

Pierce Roberts is a third year Cellular Biology major with a minor in vocal performance. From Atlanta, Georgia, Pierce is preparing to apply to medical school with the intent of becoming a practicing physician. Outside of the lab, Pierce enjoys reading, game night with friends, and exploring Athens on his bike.

Riya Sayani

Undergraduate (Class of 2025), Cellular Biology

Riya Sayani is from Duluth, Georgia and is currently in the process of becoming a physician. Although she does not have a specialty in mind, she is currently gaining clinical experience at Piedmont Athens Regional in the Emergency Department. Outside of research, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and volunteering for her multicultural sorority, Delta Phi Omega.

Natalie Valdez

Undergraduate (Class of 2025), Genetics

Natalie is from Bethlehem, Georgia, and is a third-year Genetics major with a French minor. Natalie is on the pre-medicine track; she wants to conduct medical research when she attends medical school, and she intends to become a surgeon. In her free time, she participates in the gymnastics club, and she enjoys playing sports, going to concerts, and hanging out with her friends and family.

Dr. jennifer jenkins

Ph.D. (Class of 2023), Cellular Biology

Jennifer defended her Ph.D. dissertation in Cellular Biology in March, 2023. She is from Saint Simons Island, GA and she earned a Bachelor's Degree from the College of Coastal Georgia, majoring in Biological Sciences with a Coastal Ecology concentration. Her inspiration to attend graduate school stemmed from a summer undergraduate research program at Georgia Southern University, where she performed organic synthesis experiments. Jen’s work in the lab focused on understanding signals and receptors important for regeneration.

Current position: postdoctoral fellowship in laboratory of Dr. Chantell Evans (Duke University, Department of Cell Biology).

Dr. Bidushi (Tulip) Chandra

Ph.D. (Class of 2023), Cellular Biology

Tulip defended her Ph.D. dissertation in Cellular Biology in October, 2023. Prior to graduate school, Tulip received her Bachelor's in Genetics (minor in Public Health) from the University of Georgia. Her interest in research stemmed from her time as an undergraduate research student in Eggenschwiler lab studying the role of Hedgehog signaling and primary cilia in Anolis sagrei, and being part of UGA’s iGEM synthetic biology research team. Tulip’s research interests lie at the intersection of glia, regeneration, evo-devo, microscopy, and emerging model organisms. Outside of lab, Tulip enjoys spending time with her bunny, reading, exploring local eateries, and traveling. 

Current Position: postdoctoral fellowship in laboratory of Dr. Rosa Uribe (Rice University, Department of BioSciences).

britessia smith

Research Professional (2018-2021)

Originally from Athens, Georgia, Britessia returned to her hometown after receiving her B.S. in Neuroscience from Agnes Scott College. In addition to being a Research Professional at the University of Georgia, she has continued taking classes in computer science and human biology. In her free time she enjoys drawing, meditating, building furniture and spending time with family.

Current position: occupational therapist assistant.

Yamini chavan

Undergraduate (Class of 2020), Cellular Biology

Yamini is a 2020 UGA graduate and cellular biology major from Milton, GA. Yamini joined the lab in Spring 2018 and completed 4 semesters of undergraduate research, most recently completing an undergraduate thesis in Fall 2019. She was supported by the CURO assistantship and presented her work at the CURO symposium in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Current position: pursuing a D.O. at Midwestern University (Arizona).

Jazmine Dent

Undergraduate at Towson University (Class of 2023), Biology

Jazmine joined the lab through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience in Neuroscience program. She is from La Plata, Maryland and recently graduated from Towson University, majoring in Biology with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology. In her free time, she loves to journal and look at Pinterest.

Currently: entering Ph.D. student in the Integrated Life Sciences Program at UGA (Fall 2024).

Princess Dikko

Undergraduate (Class of 2020), Cellular Biology

Princess is a 2020 UGA graduate and cellular biology student from Marietta, GA with a minor in Japanese. Princess completed three semesters of laboratory research from Summer 2018-Spring 2019. She presented her work on the planarian peripheral nervous system at the CURO Symposium in 2019. She worked for Wuxi Apptech, a medical devices testing laboratory, after graduation.

Current position: teaching high school biology and environmental science at Carver STEAM Academy (Atlanta) through Teach for America.

James Gaither

Undergraduate (Class of 2023), Biology

James is a 2023 graduate of UGA from Athens, Georgia. He worked in the Roberts-Galbraith lab during summer 2021 through the STEP-UP (NIDDK) program and has re-joined the laboratory as a part-time technician. In his free time, James enjoys hiking, weightlifting, and hanging out with friends.

Currently: accepted into medical school.

Alejandra Gonzalez

Undergraduate (Class of 2023), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, English

Alejandra is a recent UGA graduate from Richmond Hill, GA. She completed undergraduate research in the Roberts-Galbraith lab from Fall 2021 to Summer 2022 and then completed computational research in quantum chemistry in the laboratory of Dr. Henry Schaefer. She also received a CURO assistantship for her research in our group. When not studying, Alejandra enjoys playing piano, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Currently: applying for post-bacc positions.

Rachel Grimes 

Undergraduate (Class of 2022), Cellular Biology

Rachel is a 2022 graduate from Atlanta, GA. Rachel joined the lab in Summer 2019 and completed three semesters of undergraduate research. She received the CURO assistantship and funding from the Experiential Learning program. She also presented her research at the 2020 CURO Symposium. Rachel returned to the laboratory to serve as a research assistant during 2021-2022. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, hanging out with friends, and playing with her dog.

Current position: medical student at Medical College of Georgia (M.D.).

ANusha Jain

Undergraduate (Class of 2022), Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Anusha is a 2022 graduate of UGA from Alpharetta, Georgia, graduating with a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major and a minor in Spanish. Anusha joined the lab in Fall 2019 completed two semesters of undergraduate research.  She received a CURO assistantship and also presented her research at the 2020 CURO Symposium. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and reading.

Current position: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Dental Medicine (Florida), completing a Doctorate of Dental Medicine.

Alicia May

Undergraduate (Class of 2020), Biology

Alicia is a 2020 UGA graduate and biology major from Dublin, GA. Alicia completed laboratory research in Summer/Fall 2018 and was supported by Peach Tree LSAMP. She presented her work on planarian glia in 2019 at the Emerging Researchers National conference and at the CURO symposium.

Current position: attending Mercer School of Medicine (M.D.).

Sara Anne McCOmmon

Undergraduate (Class of 2020), Psychology (USC-Aiken, NSURE Program)

Sara Anne completed a Psychology major with a concentration in Neuroscience at USC-Aiken. Sara Anne worked in our laboratory through the NSURE program in Summer 2019. After graduation, she worked as a clinical medical assistant.

Currently: applying for a Master’s degree in clinical psychology.

Olabamibo (Labo) Olajuwon Oke

Undergraduate (Class of 2021), Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Labo is a 2021 graduate and a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major with a minor in sociology from McDonough, Georgia. Labo completed 3 semesters of undergraduate research, receiving support from a CURO assistantship, Experiential Learning funding, and Peach Tree LSAMP. He also virtually presented his work at the 2020 CURO symposium. In his free time, he enjoys sport activities and learning. 

Current position: attending the Medical College of Georgia to receive an M.D. He hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon, with an emphasis on treating spinal cord injury.

Raag Patel

Undergraduate (Class of 2022), Psychology

Raag is a 2022 graduate of UGA, with emphases in psychology and Neuroscience. He is from Lilburn, GA and attended Brookwood High School. Raag joined the lab Summer 2019, with funding from a CURO assistantship, and completed three semesters of laboratory research. In his free time, Raag loves to read and spend time with his friends.

Current position: medical student at Medical College of Georgia (M.D.).

Jada Summerville 

Undergraduate (Class of 2020), Cellular Biology

Jada was born in Italy and raised in Virginia before moving to Georgia.  Jada completed 4 semesters of undergraduate research and wrote an undergraduate thesis on her work in Fall 2019. She presented her work at the CURO symposium (2019). She is a 2020 UGA graduate and cellular biology major.

Current position: doctoral (Ph.D.) candidate at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in the Kurshan Lab.  

Lauren thompson

Undergraduate (Class of 2020), Cellular Biology

Lauren is a 2020 UGA graduate and cellular biology student from Evans, Georgia. Lauren spent 4 semesters (and part of a summer!) in the lab. She presented at the CURO symposium in 2018, 2019, and 2020 and was also the recipient of a CURO assistantship. After graduation, Lauren became an EMT to gain experience and to help with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current position: paramedic, Augusta, GA.

Andres Villalobos

Undergraduate (Class of 2023), Biological Engineering

Andres is a 2023 UGA grad and biological engineering major from Warner Robins, GA. He joined the lab officially in fall of 2021 after a reading semester during the spring of 2020. Andres has pursued undergraduate research with support from LSAMP and the McNair Scholars Program and with a Pecot Fellowship from the McKnight Foundation. In his free time, he enjoys working out, playing video games, and hanging out with his friends.

Current position: pursuing a Ph.D. at Northwestern University, in the Franz Lab; NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.