Anthony received his medical degree and completed a master’s on the Science of Stress at the University of Athens. He then trained as a psychiatrist at Duke University and continued with a PhD and postdoc in Molecular Biology at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry and Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. Anthony's passion is to uncover how lasting epigenetic changes result from stressful experiences and shape health or disease trajectories as individuals age. He is also a practicing psychiatrist at UNC. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling the world, playing piano, and reading fiction.

After obtaining her bachelor's in Ukraine, Oksana relocated to the US and gained experience across diverse lab settings, working both with cells and rodents. Oksana is interested in learning and utilizing novel, cutting-edge molecular biology and other lab techniques. Her current role as lab manager is to oversee all wet lab operations and to facilitate ongoing projects that examine the epigenetic mechanisms linking psychosocial stress with disease risk. Outside of the lab, she loves spending time with her family, going to local coffee shops and produce farms, and exploring state and national parks.

Sofia graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and in Human and Social Development. During her undergraduate years she worked in Dr. Jae Lee's lab where she investigated the role of an epigenetic protein in the acute pathophysiology of spinal cord injury. Sofia is currently in the UNC's Neuroscience graduate program where she is studying the epigenetic mechanisms through which life stress and adversity program immune function. Outside of the lab, she enjoys watching sports, hiking, and attending community service trips.

Hazel obtained a B.S. in Neuroscience with a Minor in Creative Writing from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2021. Her previous research was in HIV pathogenesis at the De Paris Lab. She is currently a PREP scholar investigating the association between DNA methylation status, psychosocial stress, and cardiovascular health outcomes in underrepresented populations using computational methods. Outside of scientific research, Hazel plays the viola, runs long distance, and writes books, short stories, and poetry.

Sebnem recently earned her medical degree from Acibadem University in Istanbul, Turkey. She is passionate about mental health awareness, patient care, and scientific research. In the lab, her focus is on investigating how psychosocial stress and inflammatory states intersect and their potential implications for cardiometabolic health. Sebnem’s long-term aspirations include obtaining residency training and becoming a practicing psychiatrist in the US. Outside of work, she enjoys blogging, traveling, painting, going to the theatre, and spending time with friends and family.

Christina is majoring in Biology and Religious Studies with a minor in Chemistry. Currently, she is working to establish a cell model linking stress and inflammation in connection with cardiovascular disease. Christina is particularly interested in exploring the effects of psychosocial stress on the human body and hopes to enter medical school after completing her undergraduate education. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, trying out new recipes and spending time with friends and family.

Kayal is majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Creative Writing. She is particularly interested in research that involves human subjects and is currently working on a study that examines how healthcare workers react, at the behavioral and molecular levels, to stressful cues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside the lab, Kayal loves ultimate frisbee and taking pictures.

Madi is majoring in Biology and Medical Anthropology. She is particularly interested in research regarding the physiological effects of chronic stress as well as how systemic racism affects medical treatment. Madi is hoping to enter Master’s and Doctoral programs in public health after her undergraduate education is completed. Outside of the lab, she loves spending time with friends and family and traveling.

Amrita is a high school senior interested in computer science, bioinformatics, and genomics. She is currently working on a research project that examines stress-related epigenetic modifications in breast cancer. She is involved in many extracurricular activities at her school and is an avid volunteer for the cause of STEM education of young girls through organizations like TechGirlz and Young Women In Bio. She is also a community member of the National Center for Women & Information Technology. Her hobbies include playing piano and music composition, chess, and Taekwondo.

Undergraduate Student, 2021-2023

Postdoctoral Scholar, 2021-2023

Undergraduate Student and Research Technician, 2020-2023