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.

My name is Sri Kasaram. I am currently the Vice President of Membership for the Psychology Club. I also work with a Non-profit Organization called Vibha to tutor refugees. I will also be a Learning Assistant for Dr. Oladapo’s Introduction to Biology Class. I’m excited to help out with the lab and specifically ways to connect neuroinflammation  opioid addiction.

Aliyah Ogden is a Science Research Fellow from Algonquin, IL. Although her primary interest is in neuroscience, she is also pursuing a minor in religion. On campus, Aliyah is the social media chair for the Neuroscience Student Association and is a Crane Scholar. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a PhD and continue research in the field of neuroscience. In her free time, she loves writing poetry, reading, going out for coffee, and spending time with friends. 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.

Felise Bressler is from Katy, Texas. She is a University Scholars major with concentrations in neuroscience and psychology and a minor in sociology. As a McNair Scholar, Felise hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience to begin a career researching neural circuitry underlying psychiatric disorders. She is passionate about mental health education and advocacy, which can be seen through her involvement in Active Minds and the Undergraduate Health and Wellness Advisory Board. Outside of Baylor, Felise works as a tutor for The Cove to support the academic success of homeless youth in Waco. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with friends.

Emily Nguyen is a freshman majoring as a Science Research Fellow from Sugar Land, Texas. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school to pursue a career as a physician in pediatrics. At Baylor, she’s the media director for the Vietnamese Student Association and plays piano with Music & Memory non-profit. At home, she works as a medical assistant and teaches piano lessons. In her free time, she likes going to restaurants with friends, attending concerts, and beating claw machines.

Melody Golbarani is from Dallas, Texas. She is a B.S. Biology student concentrated in Cellular and Molecular Biology with a minor in Spanish, on the premed track. Melody joined the Nguyen Lab to further her knowledge on the mechanisms involved in substance abuse and addiction. Outside of lab, Melody is involved in The Rural Health equity research collaborative, to provide education to impoverished communities. She is a member of Baylor’s Student Health Advisory Council, as well as of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, where she serves on the public relations and marketing committee. Outside of campus, Melody volunteers as a power-math tutor for Waco elementary schools and facilitates a junior youth empowerment program. For fun, Melody enjoys doing pilates, playing pickle ball, and trying new coffee shops!

Joanne Kwak is from Memphis, Tennessee. She is a B.S. Biology student concentrated in Cellular and Molecular Biology with a minor in Biochemistry on the pre-med track. She’s excited to be apart of the Nguyen lab because of the neurobiological work as well as testing substance dependence. Outside of this lab, she is part of Baylor BURST organization where she is in the academic committee. She is also a volunteer at Ascension Providence Hospital here in Waco, TX. She works as a lab and research student at the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative for the Astrophysics, Space Physics, and Engineering Research Center. Back at home, Joanne spends her time volunteering at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Le Bonheur’s Children’s Hospital.

Arjun Trehan is a junior majoring in Neuroscience on the Pre-Med Track from Allen, Texas. After graduating from Baylor, he plans to attend medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatric oncologist. Outside of the lab, Arjun is involved in Bears Medical Student Association (BMSA), where he is on the Research and Internship committee, Neuroscience Student Association (NSA), and is a volunteer at the Ascension Providence Hospital. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends, playing golf, and watching movies.

Sophia Wright is a freshman 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

Chris Wernette is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from Houston, TX. Chris joined the Nguyen lab to pursue his interest in the formation of substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorders, and better understand the physiological changes that occur in the brain in the wake of addiction. After graduating, Chris plans to pursue a PhD in Pharmacology, continuing to explore the world of the brain and drugs. Outside of Baylor, Chris loves to play golf and tennis, write songs and play music with his band.