Ph.D. Candidates

Lance Benson, B.S.
Mentor: Dr. Shengyu Mu, MBBS, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harding University
Research Interests: Mechanisms of development in salt-sensitive hypertension, especially considering the mechanism by which CD8+T cells become activated to contribute to its initiation and progression
Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harding University
Research Interests: Mechanisms of development in salt-sensitive hypertension, especially considering the mechanism by which CD8+T cells become activated to contribute to its initiation and progression

Brian Parks, B.S.
Mentor: Dr. Lisa Brents, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Degree: Abilene Christian University
Research Interest: The effect of prenatal opioid exposure and early life adversity on opioid-induced antinociception and adolescent alcohol use.
Undergraduate Degree: Abilene Christian University
Research Interest: The effect of prenatal opioid exposure and early life adversity on opioid-induced antinociception and adolescent alcohol use.
Pre-Candidates

Katie Deck, B.S.
Mentor: Dr. Shengyu Mu, MBBS, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Degree: Biology, John Brown University
Research Interest: CD8+T cells mechanisms in the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension within the kidney
Undergraduate Degree: Biology, John Brown University
Research Interest: CD8+T cells mechanisms in the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension within the kidney

Christoph Mora, B.S.
Mentor: Dr. Shengyu Mu, MBBS, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry, Ave Maria University
Research Interest: Investigating the role of the immune system in hypertension and heart failure
Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry, Ave Maria University
Research Interest: Investigating the role of the immune system in hypertension and heart failure

Carol Morris, B.S.
Mentor: Dr. Abdelrahman Fouda, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Degree: Biology, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Research Interest: Immune response in retinal ischemic neurodegeneration

Laura Osborn, B.S.
Mentor: Dr. Kim Stephens, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry, Ave Maria University
Research Interest: Changes in epigenetic mechanisms in the development and resolution of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry, Ave Maria University
Research Interest: Changes in epigenetic mechanisms in the development and resolution of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy