A Research Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Neurotrauma, and Behavior
Sammie Giammo (2023-Current)
B.S. Neuroscience
Starr Jiang (2017-2020)
B.S. Neuroscience, Honors
Subsequent Position: Research Assistant at Harvard University
Emma Hans (2018-2021)
B.S. Neuroscience, Studio Art Minor
Subsequent Position: Post-Bacc at National Institute on Drug Abuse
Julia Dziabis (2016-2019)
B.S. Neuroscience, Honors
Subsequent Position: Graduate Student at Duke University (Staci Bilbo lab)
Shane O’Neil, Ph.D.
B.S. Neuroscience & B.A. Chemistry (2016), University of Rochester
Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2016-2021)
Thesis Title: How Dysfunctional Microglia/Astrocyte Signaling Leads to Age-Associated Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment
Current Position: Post-Doctoral Researcher at Duke University (Filiano Lab)
Rebecca Biltz, Ph.D.
(Co-Advised by Dr. John Sheridan)
Neuroscience Graduate Program, NGP (2019 - 2023)
B.S. Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Toxicology Minor (2019), Michigan State University
Thesis Title: P2X7 Antagonism and Neuronal Responses in Chronic Social Stress: Insights into Anxiety and Neuroinflammation
Current Position: Medical Science Liaison at UCB
Nicolas Beckman (2020-2023)
B.S. Neuroscience
Subsequent Position: Medical Student
Dunni Adekunle-Adegbite (2018-2021)
B.S. Microbiology, Biological Sciences Scholars
Nathan Klingele (2022-2023)
B.S. Neuroscience
John Velaquez (2017-2020)
B.A. Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Notre Dame (2017)
Subsequent Position: Medical Student at University of Cincinnati (MD 2023)
Michelle Ouvina (2019-2022)
B.S. Neuroscience
Andrew Perl (2018-2019)
B.S. Neuroscience
Subsequent Position: Post-Bacc at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Kara Baetz (2021-2024)
B.S. Neuroscience
Subsequent Position: Clinical research
Ziniya Shah (2021-2024)
B.S. Neuroscience
Subsequent Position: Medical Student at Saint Louis University
Nicholas Harmer (2023-2024)
B.S. Neuroscience (in progress)
Mollie Witzel (2019-2022)
B.S. Neuroscience
Jenna Lapurga (2022-Current)
B.S. Psychology
Wenyuan (Ren) Yin, MD, Ph.D.
(Co-Advised by Dr. John Sheridan)
B.A. Biology (2016), Louisville University
Ph.D. Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2017-2022)
MD (2024), Ohio State University (Medical Scientist Training Program 2016-2024)
Thesis Title: Stress-Induced Neuroimmune Activation in Female Mice and Brain Endothelia
Current Position: Medical Resident at OSU
Sam Swanson
(Co-Advised by Dr. John Sheridan)
Neuroscience Graduate Program, NGP (2020 - 2022)
B.S. Neuroscience (2017), University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
My research focuses on the hypersensitivity to pain following psychological stress. I am interested in studying the communication between the peripheral immune system and the central nervous system following repeated social defeat in order to determine the mechanisms leading to allodynia.
Lynde Wangler, M.S.
Neuroscience Graduate Program, NGP (2020 - current)
B.S. Psychology, Neuroscience and Biology Minors (2018), UNC Chapel Hill
My research focuses on dissecting the interplay between the nervous and immune systems in the context of the aging brain. Specifically, I utilize transgenic murine models and pharmacological methods to examine the aging brain.
Jonathan Packer, M.S.
Neuroscience Graduate Program, NGP (2020 - current)
M.S. Experimental Psychology, (2020), Augusta University
B.S. Psychology, Political Science Minor (2017), University of North Georgia
My research focuses on the role type I interferons play in the context of TBI. More specifically, my interests lie in better understanding the consequences of TBI at the micro and macro level. Through this knowledge, I hope that we may find treatment options that allow for recovery of function in those with such injuries.
Caleb Gaffney (2016-2018)
B.S. Zoology, Kent State University (2014)
Subsequent Position: Research Assistant at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Belford Center
Priya Sharma (2022-2023)
B.S. Neuroscience
Ana Leon Rodriguez (Fall 2022 - Winter 2023, Jan 2024 - current)
Ph.D Advanced Biotechnology (current)
M.S. Cellular and Molecular Biology
Home University: Universidad de Malaga, Spain
Eric Cervantes (2022-Current)
B.S. Neuroscience
Caroline Sawicki, DDS, Ph.D.
(Co-advised by Dr. John Sheridan)
B.S. Pre-Dentistry (2013), University of Dayton
Ph.D Neuroscience & DDS, Ohio State University (DDS/PhD program 2013-2020)
Thesis Title: Repeated Social Defeat Stress Promotes Reactive Brain Endothelium and Microglia-Dependent Pain Sensitivity
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at University of North Carolina
Natalie Gallagher (2021 - Current) collaborator since 2015 (Sheridan lab)
B.S. Bioengineering, Materials Science and Engineering Minor
Lehigh University (2013)
Amara Davis, M.S.
Neuroscience Graduate Program, NGP (2021 - current)
B.S. Molecular Biology and Political Science, Chemistry Minor, Eckerd College
My research focuses on the interplay between neurons and the immune system after traumatic brain injury.
Bella Hohler (2024-Current)
B.S. Biology
Razeen Thammachack (2023-Current)
B.S. Neuroscience
Kristel Champa (2023-2024)
B.S. Neuroscience
Subsequent Postition:
Ethan Goodman, Ph.D.
(Co-Advised by Dr. John Sheridan)
Neuroscience Graduate Program, NGP (2019 - 2024)
B.S. Biology, Neuroscience Minor (2017), Hope College
Thesis Title: Myeloid and Neuronal Inflammatory Signaling Differentially Affects the Hippocampus after Repeated Social Defeat
Braedan Oliver (2020 - Current) collaborator since 2017 (Quan, Sheridan lab)
B.S. Molecular Genetics
The Ohio State University (2014)
Chelsea Bray (2015-2018)
B.S. Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology Minor
Biological Sciences Scholar
Subsequent Position: MEDPATH at The Ohio State University
Titikorn Chunchai, MSc (Spring 2019)
Ph.D Neurophysiology (2019)
Home University: Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Alan Gordillo (2016-2020)
B.S. Neuroscience, Honors
Subsequent Position: Medical Student at Cleveland Clinic
Aline Sayd Gaban (Fall 2016 - Winter 2016)
Ph.D Biomedical Research (Current)
M.A. Biochemistry
B.S. in Biological Sciences
Home University: Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Spain
Current Research Staff
Zoe Tapp-Poole, Ph.D.
(Co-Advised by Dr. Olga N. Kokiko-Cochran)
Ph.D. Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2017-2023)
B.S. Neuroscience (2017), University of Pittsburgh
Thesis Title: Neuroimmune Responses to Sleep Disturbances after Traumatic Brain Injury
Current Position: Post-Doctoral Researcher at Ohio State University (Pyter Lab)
Chelsea Bray (2018-2021)
B.S. Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology Minor (2018), The Ohio State University
Current Position: Medical Student at The Ohio State University
Sabrina Lisboa (2015-2016)
Ph.D Pharmacology- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto - USP
Home University: University of Sao Paulo- Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
Damon DiSabato, Ph.D.
B.S. Neuroscience and Psychology, Honors (2014) Ohio State University
Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2014-2021)
Thesis Title: Interleukin-1 in the stressed CNS: From microglial source to neuronal destination
Current Position: Health Program Specialist at NIH (NINDS)
Kristina Witcher, MD, Ph.D.
B.A. Biochemistry and Neuroscience (2013) Oberlin College
Ph.D. Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2014-2019)
MD (2021), Ohio State University (Medical Scientist Training Program 2013-2021)
Thesis Title: Cortical microglia undergo dynamic structural and transcriptional responses to diffuse traumatic brain injury
Current Position: Ob-Gyn Resident at University of Maryland
Brooke Benner (2014-2016)
B.S. Biology, Minors in Chemistry and Exercise Science, University of Mount Union (2014)
Subsequent Position: Graduate Student at the OSU BSGP (Ph.D Cancer Immunology 2021)
Former Research Staff
Christopher Burnsides (2013 - 2014)
B.S. Biological Sciences, The Ohio State University (2008)
Subsequent Position: Emergency Medicine Resident at Cleveland Clinic
Elisa Navarro (Summer 2014 - Winter 2014)
Ph.D Physiology and Pharmacology Program (2016) (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain)
B.S. Biochemistry, UCM, Spain
Home University: Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
Ashley Fenn, Ph.D.
B.S. Zoology & B.S. Biochemistry (2009) Colorado State University
Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2009-2014)
Thesis Title: "Mechanisms and Consequences of Microglial Priming and Dysregulated M2a Responses with Age and Central Nervous System Injury"
Subsequent Position: Associate at McKinsey & Company
Jared Smith (Summer 2014)
OSUMC SUCCESS Program Summer Student
Home University: University of Alabama, BirminghamFormer Visiting Scholars
Emmanuel Villanueva (Summer 2014)
NIGMS MARC Undergraduate Student in Training
Home University: University of California, MercedAnzela Niraula, Ph.D.
(Co-advised by Dr. John Sheridan)
B.A. Neuroscience (2011) Bates College
Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2013-2018)
Thesis Title: Blood-borne factors regulate monocyte function during psychosocial stress: a case of corticosterone and IL-6
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Colgate University
Brant Jarrett, Ph.D.
B.S. Psychology, M.S. Psychology, Brigham Young University
Ph.D. Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2009-2013)
Thesis Title: "Chemotherapy Induced Deficits in Cognition and Affective Behavior"
Postdoctoral Researcher with Dr. Godbout (2013 - 2014)
Current Position: Senior Director of Medical Affairs at Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
B.A. Psychology & B.A. Mathematics (2008) Saint John's University
Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2008-2013)
Thesis Title: "Stress-induced Monocyte Re-distribution and Microglia Activation Underlies Development and Recurrence of Anxiety"
Current Position: Associate Professor of Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati
Kyle Atcheson (2013-2015)
B.S. Biomedical Science, Honors
Subsequent Position: Medical Student at the University of Pittsburgh (MD, 2019)
Paige Trojanowski (2013-2016)
B.S. Neuroscience, Honors
Thesis Title: "Sequential Activation of Microglia and Astrocyte Cytokine Expression Precedes Alterations in Immunoreactivity Following Systemic Immune Challenge"
Subsequent Position: Clinical Psychology Graduate Student at George Mason University (PhD, 2022)
Joni Ford (2013-2016)
B.S. Neuroscience
Former SUCCESS Students
Katie De La Rosa (Summer 2012)
OSUMC SUCCESS Program Summer Student
Home University: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NHJung Park (Summer 2013)
OSUMC SUCCESS Program Summer Student
Home University: Brandeis University, Boston, MAVikram Sharma (2012-2014)
B.S. Neuroscience
Subsequent Position: Sales Consultant at DePuy Synthes, Columbus, OH
Daniel Moussa (2013-2016)
B.S. Biomedical Science, Honors
Thesis Title: "Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury Using Methylene Blue Infusion"
Subsequent Position: Medical Student at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Anthony Cleland (2008-2010)
B.S. Biology, Honors
Thesis Title: "TGFbeta Increases CX3CR1 Expression and Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Induced Microglia Activation."
Subsequent Position: Anesthesiology Resident at St. Louis University School of MedicinePrincipal Investigator
Allison Dugan (2010-2013)
B.S. Biology, Honors
Thesis Title: "Regulation of the Central Nervous System Inflammation by Anti-inflammatory Cytokines in Activated Microglia and Impairments in Aging"
Subsequent Position: Graduate Student, University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio TX
Former Trainees
Jacqueline Lieblein-Boff, Ph.D.
Ohio State Biochemistry Program (M.S 2005-2007, 2010-2012)
Thesis Title: "An Early-life Infection with E.coli in BALB/c mice causes long lasting deficits in Behavior, Brain Development and Microglial Reactivity"
Subsequent Postion: Senior Scientist, Abbott Nutrition, Columbus, OH
Christopher Henry, Ph.D.
Ohio State Biochemistry Program (2006-2011)
Thesis Title: "Role of Primed Microglia in the Aging Brain in Prolonged Sickness and Depressive Behavior Concomitant with Peripheral Immune Stimulation."
Subsequent Position: Project Engineer at ABB, Columbus, OH
Angela Wynne Corona, Ph.D.
B.S. Biochemistry (2006) Binghamton University
Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2007-2011)
Thesis Title: "Regulation of Microglia in the Brain by Fractalkine signaling: Implications for inflammation-associated sickness and depression."
Subsequent Position: Business Development Manager at BioMotiv, Cleveland, OH
John Skendelas (2010-2013)
B.S. Microbiology, Honors
Thesis Title: "Methylene Blue Reduced Brain Edema, Neuroinflammation, and Behavioral Deficits associated with a Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury."
Subsequent Position: Medical Student at The Ohio State University (MD, 2017)
Former Undergraduate Students
Jenna Patterson (2012-2015)
B.S. Biology, Honors
Thesis Title: "The Role of the Spleen in Re-Establishment of Macrophage Trafficking to the Brain and Anxiety in Stress-Sensitized Mice"
Subsequent Position: Medical Student at The Ohio State University (MD, 2020)
Daniel McKim, Ph.D.
(Co-advised by Dr. John Sheridan)
B.A. Psychology and Biopsychology Honors (2011)
The William Paterson University of New Jersey
Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2012-2017)
Thesis Title: Neuroimmune and Hematopoietic Regulation of Stress-induced Anxiety
Subsequent Position: Assistant Professor at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Diana Norden, Ph.D.
(Co-advised by Dr. Michele Basso and Dr. John Sheridan)
B.S. Biochemistry & Chemistry (2010) Campbell University
Ph.D. Biochemistry, Ohio State University (2011-2015)
Thesis Title: “Astrocyte Mediated Regulation of Activated Microglia: Implications for Exaggerated Microglial Activation in Aged Mice Following Peripheral Inflammatory Challenge”
Subsequent Position: Postdoctoral Researcher at Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Current Undergraduate Students
Megan Muccigrosso, M.S.
B.S. Biological Science, Minor in Psychology (2011) University of Missouri, Columbia
M.S. Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Ohio State University (2012-2015)
Thesis Title: "Cognitive Deficits after Traumatic Brain Injury are Exaggerated by Microglia-Associated Reactivity to Immune Challenge"
Subsequent Position: Marketing Coordinator at Chemline Inc., St. Louis, Missouri
Jonathan Godbout, Ph.D.
Professor of Neuroscience
Faculty Director, Chronic Brain Injury Program
B.S. Cell and Structural Biology (1996) University of Illinois-Urbana
Ph.D. Biochemistry (2001) University of Illinois-Urbana
Postdoctoral Fellow (2001-2005) University of Illinois-Urbana
My Ph.D. training was in the laboratory of Gregory Freund, M.D. I continued at the University of Illinois as a postdoctoral fellow with Rodney Johnson, Ph.D. In 2005, I was hired as an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. In 2012, I was tenured and promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, and in 2017 I was promoted to full Professor. Currently, I am in the Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, and Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair at the OSU Wexner Medical Center. My research interests are neuroimmunology, neurotrauma, and behavior.