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, Behavior, Cognition and Neuroscience (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 sophomore 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 disruptors BPA and TBT affect estrogen signaling and visual behavior in zebrafish. Through looking at changes in optomotor responses and subsequent molecular analysis, Claire aims to understand the short and long-term functional consequences of these disruptors. Outside of the lab, she enjoys hiking, raising houseplants, and exploring D.C. with friends.

Jenn Jensen, BCaN PhD student, 2021-present

Nate Fleming, MS student, 2022-present

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-present

Justin Ciocirlan, BS student, 2023-present

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. 

Leehy Gertner, BS student, 2023-present

Justine Lee, BS student, 2024-present

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-Present
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

Sonora Robles, BS student, 2022-present

Jonathan Barley, BS student, 2023-present

Abby McDonald, BS student, 2022-present

Annika von Eschen, BS student 2024-present

Darko Harb, BS student, 2023-present