Meet the Lab

Victoria P. Connaughton, Ph.D. – PI

Dr. Connaughton’s research seeks to identify the neurobiological bases of visual processing in the vertebrate retina and factors that may affect or alter retinal circuits resulting in vision loss, such as disease conditions or exposure to pharmaceutical or environmental agents.  The research approach used in my lab is interdisciplinary, combining physiological, anatomical, and behavioral techniques to identify visual system deficits in both developing and adult animals. In addition to being an active research scientist and faculty member, she is a strong, consistent supporter and advocate of student research.  All experiments in her lab are performed in collaboration with graduate and undergraduate student research assistants, and many of my publications include student co-authors.  To date, Dr. Connaughton supervised > 50 undergraduate student research projects and > 40 graduate theses.  Her students have presented their work at a variety of venues, such as high school science fair competitions, professional meetings, and student research conferences, and also obtained research funding. Dr. Connaughton includes student co-authors on my publications and, after graduating, most of my students continued their training as graduate and/or medical school students.

Ellie McCarthy, BCaN Ph.D Student, 2019
Ellie is currently a Ph.D. student in the Behavior Cognition and Neuroscience program at American University. She received her MS degree in Neuroscience in the winter of 2021 and is currently working towards her dissertation requirements. Her main focus of study is the long-term effects of hyperglycemia in a zebrafish model and is currently looking at neuropharmacological treatments. Ellie has enjoyed teaching multiple labs during her time at American including Behavioral Neuroscience, Intro Biology, and Intro Psychology. In her free time, Ellie enjoys cross-stitch, cross-fit, running Ragnar relays and reading.

Claire Selby,  BS Student, 2022-present

Claire is a senior with a major in psychology and a minor in neuroscience. After graduating, she hopes to obtain her PhD in pediatric neuropsychology. As a part of the EDC group, she is currently studying how endocrine disruptor TBT affects estrogen signaling in zebrafish. Through recording and analyzing electroretinograms (ERGs), Claire aims to understand the short and long-term functional consequences of this disruption. Outside of the lab, she enjoys part-time teaching at the local elementary school, painting, and exploring D.C. with friends.

Jenn Jensen, BCaN PhD student, 2021-

Jenn is currently a Ph.D. student in the Behavior Cognition and Neuroscience program, having earned her MS degree in Biology from American University in May 2023. Her MS research focused on studying how the endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) TBT affects estrogen signaling in zebrafish physiology through electroretinograms (ERGs). She is currently working on satisfying her dissertation requirements which focuses on optic nerve regeneration in adult zebrafish. Specifically, she aims to understand the role estrogen signaling plays in the regeneration of optic nerve tissue after mechanical damage via the Optic Nerve Crush technique by utilizing EDCs to disrupt estrogen synthesis. Outside of the lab, Jenn enjoys teaching labs at AU, reading, spending time with her dogs, and traveling.

Logan Ouellette, BCaN PhD Student, 2024-

Logan is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience program at American University. He has a background with Zebrafish, where in his undergraduate thesis at Augusta University, he developed a new strain of transgenic Zebrafish that is currently being used for Oncology research at the Georgia Cancer Center. While conducting his thesis, Logan also worked on Electromyography data at Emory University’s Neuroscience Department. Over the last year, he worked with mice at Georgia State University, studying the developmental effects of maternal behavior and microglial reactions under a limited bedding and nesting environment. Logan will be working on the Endocrine Disruptors project to focus on determining the developmental effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) when the estrogen or thyroid receptors are blocked. Logan enjoys traveling, hiking, exploring the DC area, and trying unique restaurants in his free time.   

Nate Fleming, MS student, 2022-

Nate is currently pursuing an M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology, having earned his B.S. in Biology from American University in May 2024. His master’s thesis focuses on optic nerve regeneration in adult zebrafish, examining the effects of both mechanical and chemical damage. Nate aims to understand the roles that specific intracellular pathways play in regenerating damaged optic nerve tissue, particularly in response to endocrine-disrupting compounds and mechanical damage via the Optic Nerve Crush technique. In his free time, Nate serves as an EMT with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad and interns in the trauma unit at Suburban Hospital’s Level II trauma center.

Mariely Suarez, MS student, 2024-

Mariely graduated in May from her B.S. in Biology and is pursuing her M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology at American University. As a part of the EDC group, her thesis focuses on identifying the BPA induced estrogenic vs. thyrioidgenic pathways and how independently and interactively these affect retinal development. Outside of the lab, Mariely enjoys going to the gym, exploring DC, and spending quality time with her friends and family. 

Lauren Barrabee, MS student, 2024 –

Lauren graduated from Kenyon College in May 2024 with a BA in Neuroscience and is currently a pursuing a M.S in Cellular and Molecular Biology. As part of the lab she is working with zebrafish and the effects of chronic hyperglycemia. Outside of the lab she is part of the American University club swim team and enjoys spending time with friends and exploring DC. 

Justin Ciocirlan, BS student, 2023-

Justin is a senior with a major in biology and a minor in Spanish on the pre-med track. He aims to attend medical school after graduating to accomplish his dream of becoming a family medicine physician. His past research with the Glucose group investigated a model of Type 2 diabetes in zebrafish. More specifically, he studied how cannabidiol (CBD) might serve as a protective factor against visual and cognitive deficits associated with hyperglycemia. Justin is excited to continue similar research for his biology honors thesis this year. Outside of the lab, Justin loves playing the guitar, working out, and spending time with friends. 

Justine Lee, BS Student, 2024-

Justine is a current undergraduate student pursuing a major in neuroscience and a minor in theater. After graduating, she hopes to attend medical school and pursue a masters in neuropsychology or neural and behavioural sciences.  As a part of the EDC group, she is currently studying how endocrine disruptors, such as BPA, EE2, and TBT, affect estrogen signaling and visual behavior in zebrafish. By completing optomotor response tests and ERGs, she aims to understand more about the functional consequences of the endocrine disruptors. She hopes to expand her research by investigating the neural mechanisms that underlie the behavioural changes observed in the zebrafish exposed to EDCs. In her free time, Justine enjoys exploring D.C. with friends, travelling, hiking, cooking, and more!

Saliho Touré, Post-baccalaureate Pre-med Student, 2023-
Saliho is currently matriculating in a Post-baccalaureate Pre-med program and hopes to attend medical school after its completion. He graduated undergrad in 2021 from American University’s School of International Service with a BA in International Relations, focusing on Foreign Policy and National Security. As a part of the EDC group, his primary area of research is investigating how endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), specifically Tributyltin (TBT), impact dopamine, GABA, and serotonin signaling pathways in zebrafish, and the subsequent effects on behavioral and cognitive functions, particularly learning and memory. In his free time, Saliho enjoys endurance running, hiking on beautiful trails, playing the piano, and exploring  the great outdoor

Abby McDonald, BS student, 2022-

Abby is a current senior with a major in Biology on the pre-med track. After graduating, Abby hopes to attend medical school. In the ZENV Lab, Abby works on the Anacostia Project which looks to test the effects of pollution on the biological presence of the Anacostia River in DC. She works to expose zebrafish to water samples from different locations on the river to understand its effect on behavior, reproduction, and other processes. Outside of the lab, Abby enjoys reading and being a rower for the club Crew team at AU (which practices on the Anacostia River!).

Annika von Eschen, BS student 2024-

Annika is currently an undergraduate student perusing a major in biology and a minor in health promotion on the pre-med track. After graduating she hopes to attend medical school. As a part of the EDC group, she is currently studying how chemicals in the Anacostia river affect zebrafish, focusing on the effects chemicals may have on the reproductive systems and stress levels of zebrafish. Annika hopes to expand this project in the future. Outside of the lab she is a part of the American University Dance time, and enjoys drawing and reading on her free time.

Sonora Robles, BS student, 2022 –

Sonora is a senior majoring in Neuroscience and International Studies on the pre-med track. After graduating, she plans on attending medical school. Sonora is part of the Anacostia research group, which focuses on the effects the Anacostia River has on zebrafish behavior and biological changes. Specifically, how it impacts their stress response, reproductive abilities, and behavior. Outside of the lab, she volunteers as an EMT and enjoys running and building LEGO sets.

Jonathan Barley, BS student, 2023-

Jonathan Barley is a senior at American University from Brooklyn, NY majoring in Neuroscience with aspirations of becoming a physician. He joined the Anacostia Research group in the Fall of 2023, investigating the effects of water samples from the Anacostia River on Zebrafish behavior and physiology. Outside of lab, Jonathan is passionate about fishing, fitness, sneaker collecting, and all activities water- related

Sarah Horn, BS Student, 2024-

Sarah is a senior undergraduate student at American University pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. Her research interests lie in the field of neuropsychology, specifically exploring the effects of endocrine disruptors BPA and TBT on neurodevelopment, vision, and behavior in zebrafish models. Outside of the lab, Sarah enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family.