Our TeAM

Principal Investigator

Sarah (she/her) completed her Ph.D. with Dr. Kathryn Cunningham at the University of Texas Medical Branch and performed subsequent postdoctoral training with Dr. Chris Pierce at University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers Health. She joined the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Texas A&M as an Assistant Professor in January of 2025. Sarah has been fascinated by the neurobiology underlying substance use disorders since she was an undergraduate. Outside of the lab, Sarah loves adventures with her husband and two boys, her three dogs, gardening, cooking, and puzzles. 

Research Scientist

Juan completed his Ph.D. with Dr. Paul Wellman at Texas A&M University (TAMU) and then a two-year postdoctoral training with Dr. Jeffrey Zigman at UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW). He then went on to contribute to and manage the gene therapy labs of Dr. Steven Gray at UTSW and Dr. Doug Martin at the Scott-Ritchey Research Center found at Auburn University. Eight years later, he has returned to his roots at the TAMU Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences as a Research Scientist, eager to resume his contributions to the field of substance use disorders. Outside of the lab, Juan enjoys reading horror and thriller novels, listening to soundtracks, and cooking loved and new recipes with his spouse.

Research Technician

Jordan earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Texas A&M University in 2024 and plans to further his education in graduate school. Outside of work, he enjoys working out, fishing, and reading. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant (beginning Summer 2025)

Keyaan is a Psychology major at Texas A&M who is on track to graduate in the Spring of '26 and plans to pursue the medical field as a physician. Outside of academics, he loves to watch movies and TV shows, read the occasional book, and destress with video games.

Undergraduate Research Assistant (beginning Summer 2025)

Minie is a senior majoring in neuroscience and expects to graduate in 2026. After graduation, she plans to take a few gap years to gain more clinical and career experience before enrolling in medical school. Outside of the lab, she loves traveling, taking photos with her film camera, watching movies, rock climbing, and spending time with her family.

Undergraduate Research Assistant (beginning Fall 2025)

Kayla is an undergraduate student at Texas A&M University, class of 2027, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology while completing her pre-medical requirements with the goal of going to medical school and becoming a psychiatrist. She is passionate about understanding the human brain and hopes to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health. Outside of academics, Kayla enjoys running, shopping, traveling, spending time at the beach, and being with friends and family.

Undergraduate Research Assistant (beginning Fall 2025)

Arshi (she/her) is a sophomore Biomedical Sciences major here at Texas A&M. She hopes to pursue medicine/healthcare and continue working in research throughout her career! Outside of university, Arshi enjoys hiking, reading (especially fantasy-romances, dystopias, and historical fiction!), and the New York Times Games.

Undergraduate Research Assistant (beginning Fall 2025)

Dana Kardonik is an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry, class of 2028. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine or research after graduation. Outside of school, Dana enjoys travelling, playing tennis, swimming, and watching movies.