Isak Beck

I am from Louisville Kentucky and graduated in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Louisville. As an undergraduate, I designed and started undertaking a clinical study about the usefulness of AI-based tools autism care. I’m interested in acquiring more research experience in behavioral and cognitive science and sought out the Biomed PREP program to learn more about research and decide on a path for a PhD in psychology.

 Urelys Casiano-Esquilin

I graduated in June 2023 from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico in San Juan with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. During my undergraduate career, my research project with Dr. DeLeon-Rodriguez focused on understanding microbes in the atmosphere and biobays. I also participated in a Summer research program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I studied the effect of chives-derived exosomes-like nanoparticles on obese mice gut microbiome. I am interested in pursuing a PhD in Microbiology and being part of the Biomed PREP program should allow me to gain new experiences and knowledge and perform research that will prepare me for my graduate research.

 Julia Corman

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with minors in Philosophy and Biology in May 2023. I was involved in several research projects with different mentors, including plant pharmacological production of anti-viral protein Griffithsin, development of serological of assays and PCR detection in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and effects of in-utero nicotine exposure via vape and cigarettes on neurodevelopmental outcomes and gene expression in mice. I am interested in translational neuroscience, specifically how circadian disruptions impact neural circuitry and development. Through the biomed PREP, I hope to get more experience with graduate-level coursework, get more exposure to common neuroscience research techniques, as well as receive further training on responsible conduct of research. 

 Mark Yorio

I am from North Carolina and graduated in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of North Carolina Pembroke. Throughout my undergraduate years, I pursued research focusing on the effect of dietary supplementation on age-related decline. I am interested in pursuing a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology and would like ultimately to study the cellular regeneration of cephalopods and better understand the cellular mechanisms at play. The biomed PREP should help me further solidify my scientific identify and provide me with tools to become a successful graduate student.