Nasra Ismail is a senior majoring in International Agriculture and Rural Development, concentrating in food systems, and minoring in Health Equities, on the pre-med track. She is deeply interested in bridging healthcare disparities and social inequalities, as well as childhood development. Nasra’s interests have led her to the FIG lab, where she is currently assisting in research on childhood obesity in low SES communities.
Julio Salas is a senior in CALS studying Human Development. His research project is with the Figueroa Lab and he designs neuroscience lesson plans for K-4th graders at the Syracuse Academy of Sciences. Julio loves reading and a good sudoku puzzle.
Adrian Dixon is a senior in CALS majoring in Animal Science. Adrian conducts research on the physiology and management of reproduction dairy cattle in the Giordano Lab. Adrian likes playing the ukulele, cycling, and reading.
Brandon Carlson-Clarke is a senior majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Neurobiology and Behavior. Brandon conducts research in the Warden lab where he explores the neural mechanisms responsible for attractive and avoidance behaviors in response to various stimuli in female mice. Brandon is an aspiring neurosurgeon, medical school professor, and mentor for underrepresented and at-risk youth.
Narda Bondah is a senior in CALS majoring in Biology and Society. She investigates the effects of mitochondria DNA mutations on macrophage response in the August Lab. Narda enjoys peer mentoring and listening to music.
Sasha Anronikov is a senior Biological Sciences major. She has been conducting immunology and virology research in the August Lab since June of 2019. She is currently working on her honors thesis, where her project seeks to understand how the GCN2 protein regulates pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune responses following influenza virus infection.
Outside of school, Sasha really enjoys baking, swimming, and collecting sea glass.
Justin Closser is a senior studying Plant Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His research interests lie solely with the cultivation of the Cannabis plant and ensuring that it is done in the most responsible manner with quality and sustainability at the top of the priority list. Outside of school, Justin enjoys time with his 2-year-old son Jayden, and fiancé Kelly. He also hosts a podcast that has proven to be not only fun but an incredible networking tool.
Omsalama Ayoub is a December graduate in the class of 2022 majoring in Biology. She is interested in the role molecular signaling plays in carrying out the harmonious process necessary for life on Earth. She works in the August lab. Omsalama loves to exercise and hike with her older sister (who is also a biologist). They hiked the Great Smokies which are renowned for their significant biodiversity, rich culture, and history this past summer.
Deanndria Taylor Singleton is a senior Biological Sciences major. Her research interests include Virology, specifically understanding host-pathogen interactions, and all the “tricks” viruses use to go undetected and hijack the molecular machinery of their hosts. Neurobiology & Behavior, particularly understanding the underlying neural mechanisms to mood disorders, are some other research interests of Deanndria’s. Outside of school, Deanndria enjoys running, reading non-fiction, and more recently learning the mixed martial arts in her Taekwondo gym class!