Nathan Cheng is a research fellow with a double major in neuroscience from Orange County, California. His interests revolve around the long-term physiological and behavioral consequences of opioid and cannabinoid abuse. He also enjoys playing obscure sports like Kendo and rowing. Under Nguyen Lab’s guidance, he is grateful for the opportunity to improve as both a researcher and an individual.

Meena is a senior majoring in Neuroscience and Spanish. She joined the Nguyen Lab to pursue her interest of exploring the development and maintenance of substance use disorders, specifically to understand the role of physiological and behavioral changes resulting from opiate and cannabinoid usage. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in surgery, where she can apply her understand of safe and effective opiate usage.

Savannah is a senior Neuroscience major from Belton, Texas. She is interested the neurobiology of the sensory system, specifically nociception’s implication with substance abuse. Savannah hopes to complete a Ph.D. in developmental neuroscience and one day become a full-time lecturer. She is passionate about enhancing higher education to enrich the learning environment for students of all backgrounds. In addition to research, Savannah is a Staff Assistant for the Golden Wave Band, Section Leader for the Symphonic Band Bassoons, and a member of Nu Rho Psi.

Kaitlyn Rojas is a junior Neuroscience major pursuing a biochemistry minor. Kaitlyn plans to complete a dual degree M.D.-Ph.D. program post-graduation with the goal of becoming the PI of her own lab, bridging the gap between basic science, translational, and clinical research on substance use disorder. She is most interested in exploring the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in modulating opioid use disorder and hopes to continue research in neuropharmacology and addiction mechanisms in the future. At Baylor, Kaitlyn is a McNair Scholar, a Supplemental Instructor for the Introduction to Neuroscience course, a peer leader for the Psychology and Neuroscience Department’s New Student Experience course, a pre-health mentor, President and Co-Founder of the Neuroscience Journal Club, Vice-President of the Medical Ethics Discussion Society (MEDS), and a member of Nu Rho Psi. In her free time, she enjoys journaling, reading, and listening to music.

Claire Joseph is a junior from Overland Park, Kansas. She is a Business Fellow on the pre-medical track also pursuing a certification in Medical Spanish. Following graduation, she plans to pursue medical school with the hopes of serving patients in underserved communities. Claire joined the Nguyen Lab to better understand the cycles of addiction and substance use disorders to be able to be a better physician for the many struggling with these issues in her desired patient demographic. Outside the lab, Claire is the co-director of the Leadership Team through the Pre-Health office, serves as the president of MEDLIFE, is a Millennium Fellow and Baylor Engage Fellow through the Office of Engaged Learning, and is involved in organizations such as Alpha Epsilon Delta, and attends bible study regularly at her church, St. Peter’s Catholic Student Center.

Aliyah Ogden is a senior Science Research Fellow from Algonquin, Illinois with concentrations in neuroscience and biology. She also is pursuing a minor in religion. Aliyah is President of the Neuroscience Student Association and is involved in the Crane Scholars Program. She is also a Goldwater Scholar. She also conducted research at University College Dublin for Professor Keith Murphy in the Neurotherapeutics Research Group. Aliyah worked closely with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to continue working in the field of addiction neuroscience work and contributed to research projects investigating the validity of psychedelic substances in the treatment of cocaine addiction. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a PhD and continue research in the field of addiction neuroscience. In her free time, she loves writing poetry, reading, hiking, and rock climbing. She is looking forward to growing as a researcher in The Neuroscience of Addiction Lab and learning about the specific neurobiology involved in drug abuse.

Joshua Li is a senior from Frisco, Texas majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Biochemistry. After graduation, he plans to attend medical school with hopes of becoming an emergency medicine physician. Josh is interested in researching the neurobiological mechanisms and behavioral effects of caffeine addiction and withdrawal. Outside of Baylor, Josh plays the drums as a member of the worship team at his church and regularly serves in their college student ministry. He also works as an EMT with AMR Waco and enjoys volunteering at various Baylor events. In his free time, Josh enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and visiting new restaurants. 

Sophia Wright is a junior University Scholars major with concentrations in neuroscience, biochemistry, and philosophy. She is also on the pre-med track and a member of the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core. Sophia is a committed member of BRH choir and the Medical Ethics Discussion Society and is a Getterman Scholar. Upon graduation, Sophia plans to complete an MD-PhD program and pursue a career in neuroscience research. In her free time, Sophia enjoys baking, playing board games, and long-distance running

Emily Nguyen is a junior majoring in Biology and minoring in Nutrition and American Sign Language on the Pre-Med track. She currently serves as the Events Coordinator in the Global Medical Missions Alliance organization on campus, a Learning Assistant for Genetics, and a Pre-health Mentor. She also actively volunteers with the Mission Waco Clinic. She joined the lab to pursue her interest in substance abuse and the mechanisms underlying addiction with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of neuroscience and pharmacology as she considers a future in research. After graduating, Emily plans on attending medical school to pursue a career in medical missions. In her free time, she enjoys running, playing games, and watching movies.