Student Research Program

The Student Research Program (SRP) provides research experiences and assists Network faculty with development of experiential laboratory activities that enhance student research skills and their understanding of the scientific process. Programs also provide opportunities to inform students about academic and career trajectories in biomedically-related fields, engage in community service and STEM outreach and attend professional development workshops and conferences. Working with the Academic Core (AC), Developmental Research Project Program (DRPP), and Data Science Core (DSC) the SRP works to increase collaboration and access to expertise and research infrastructure across the Wyoming Network.

 

The SRP offers opportunities and support for undergraduate research experiences at the UW Laramie campus for fall-spring and summer. Unique research experiences are offered in summer through collaboration with the WY Public Health Lab and individual REUs in specific labs.

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INBRE Graduate Research Students 2025-2026

Erin Bentley

Tank Lab, PI: Dr. David Tank, Department of Botany (also working with Dr. Sean Harrington, WY INBRE DSC)

I am largely interested in the evolutionary maintenance of rarity and genetic diversity, specifically in the Penstemon genus. A majority of my research is in best practices is transdisciplinary outreach and education, with experience in teaching and integrating sequencing into undergraduate curricula and community college opportunites. Outside of my research, I also work in the UW Writing Center and engage in printmaking and creative writing!


Daniel Burns

Robinson Lab, PI: Dr. Tim Robinson, Department of Mathematics & Statistics

I am a biostatistician and data scientist with broad interest in clinical and biomedical research, specifically oncology, immunology/infectious diseases, and neuroscience. I study AI use in clinical applications and decision making, interpretable AI/machine learning, and disease modeling and detection and love teaching and mentoring students in research methods and statistics. Outside of work, I enjoy being outside as much as possible (hiking, camping, skiing), spending time with my family, and traveling.


Braden Mays

Bernard Research Lab, PI: Dr. Riley Bernard, Department of Zoology & Physiology

I am a plant, soil, and fungi scientist currently studying Pseudogymnoascus destrcutans, the caustitive agent of white-nose syndrome.  I am working on re-defining the culturing method and updating our detection methods to include viability testing.  After I finish school I hope to join the booming Mycology industry, starting a business involving fungi.  When I'm not playing basketball or working on the garden, you can find me in your local woods looking at the forest floor.


Priscilla Phan

Levy Lab, PI: Dr. Dan Levy, Department of Molecular Biology

I am interested in how cells regulate nuclear size, as alterations in nuclear architecture are a hallmark of cancer and other diseases. I am pursuing a career path as a research scientist, driven by my interest in understanding fundamental cellular mechanisms. In my free time, I love staying active, relaxing with friends and family, and enjoying the company of my dog.


Steven Poyer

Bowan Lab, PI: Dr. Grant Bowman, Department of Molecular Biology

I work in the Grant Bowman lab, where my research focuses on genetic approaches to enhance bioreactor productivity across a range of species of bacteria and yeast. In the future, I hope to apply the skills I have developed towards a career in industry. Outside the lab you can find me fishing, snowboarding, or enjoying many of the other outdoors activities offered in Laramie.


Madison Rhuman

Navratil & Todd Labs, PIs: Drs. Amy Navratil & William Todd, Department of Zoology & Physiology

My research focuses on understanding sex differences in Alzheimer’s disease, and how sex hormones affect circadian rhythms and Alzheimer’s disease pathology such as hyperphosphorylated Tau. I aim to investigate how sexual dimorphisms in receptor expression in the hypothalamus and the brain stem may contribute to worse pathology and behavior in females compared to males. In the future I plan to study hormone replacement therapy as an early intervention treatment for menopause, cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease.
Hobbies include: Skiing, Hiking, Painting, Yoga & Reading

 

 

INBRE Graduate Research Students 2024-2025

Muzayyana Akhmadjonova - M2AENAD Lab, PI: Dr. Grace Shearrer, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Erin Bentley - Tank Lab, PI: Dr. David Tank, Department of Botany (also working with Dr. Sean Harrington, WY INBRE DSC)

Katherine "Katie" Berry - Addictive Behaviors Lab, PI: Dr. Alison Looby, Department of Psychology

Meisa Khaireddin - Attention and Learning Lab, PI: Dr. Cynthia Hartung, Department of Psychology

Vitoria Pereira - Pharmacology/Biomedical Sciences Lab, PI: Dr. Sreejayan Nair, Department of Pharmacy

Haritha Prabha - Levy Lab, PI: Dr. Dan Levy, Department of Molecular Biology

Elizabeth "Liz" Quigley - Cherrington-Navratil Lab Group, PI: Dr. Amy Navratil, Department of Zoology & Physiology

Nilay Saha - Analytical Chemistry, BASILE Research Group, PI: Dr. Franco Basile, Department of Chemistry

Nikhil Srivastava - Reproductive Biology Lab, PI: James K. Pru, Department of Animal Science

Kiet Tran - Gomelsky Lab, PI: Mark Gomelsky, Department of Molecular Biology

Sheila Walsh - Molecular and Evolutionary Biology Lab, PI: Dr. Dan Wall, Department of Molecular Biology

Milana Wolf - Interactive Realities Research Laboratory, PI: Amy Banić, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Mingming Yang - Yun Li Lab: Motor Learning and Control, PIs: Collaborative Research with Dr Yun Li / Dr Qin Zhu, Departments of Zoology & Physiology / Kinesiology & Health

Kaiyuan Zheng - Kara Pratt Lab, PI: Kara Pratt, Department of Zoology & Physiology