Eric Cervantes (2022-Current)
B.S. Neuroscience

Caroline Sawicki, DDS, Ph.D.

(Co-advised by Dr. John Sheridan)

B.S. Pre-Dentistry (2013), University of Dayton

Ph.D Neuroscience & DDS, Ohio State University (DDS/PhD program 2013-2020)

​

Thesis Title: Repeated Social Defeat Stress Promotes Reactive Brain Endothelium and Microglia-Dependent Pain Sensitivity​​ 

​Current Position: Assistant Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at University of North Carolina​

Sabrina Lisboa (2015-2016)

​Ph.D Pharmacology- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto - USP

Home University: University of Sao Paulo- Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil​

Angela Wynne Corona, Ph.D.

B.S. Biochemistry (2006) Binghamton University

Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2007-2011)

Thesis Title: "Regulation of Microglia in the Brain by Fractalkine signaling: Implications for inflammation-associated sickness and depression."

Subsequent Position: Business Development Manager at BioMotiv, Cleveland, OH

Priya Sharma (2022-2023)
B.S. Neuroscience

Ana Leon Rodriguez (Fall 2022 - Winter 2023)​

Ph.D Advanced Biotechnology (current)

M.S. Cellular and Molecular Biology

Home University: Universidad de Malaga, Spain

Anzela Niraula, Ph.D.

(Co-advised by Dr. John Sheridan)

B.A. Neuroscience (2011) Bates College

Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2013-2018)

​

​Thesis Title: Blood-borne factors regulate monocyte function during psychosocial stress: a case of corticosterone and IL-6
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Colgate University

Vikram Sharma (2012-2014)

B.S. Neuroscience
Subsequent Position: Sales Consultant at DePuy Synthes, Columbus, OH

Emma Hans (2018-2021)
B.S. Neuroscience, Studio Art Minor

Subsequent Position: Post-Bacc at National Institute on Drug Abuse

Julia Dziabis (2016-2019)

Andrew Perl (2018-2019)
B.S. Neuroscience

Razeen Thammachack (2023-Current)
B.S. Neuroscience

Paige Trojanowski (2013-2016)

Former Trainees

Chelsea Bray (2015-2018)

Titikorn Chunchai, MSc (Spring 2019)​

Ph.D Neurophysiology (2019)

Home University: Chiang Mai University, Thailand

Former Research Staff

Anthony Cleland (2008-2010)

B.S. Biology, Honors

Thesis Title:  "TGFbeta Increases CX3CR1 Expression and Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Induced Microglia Activation."
Subsequent Position: ​Anesthesiology Resident at St. Louis University School of Medicine

Current Undergraduate Students

Amara Davis
​Neuroscience Graduate Program, NGP (2021 - current)

B.S. Molecular Biology and Political Science, Chemistry Minor, Eckerd College

My research focuses on the interplay between neurons and the immune system after  traumatic brain injury.

Brooke Benner (2014-2016)

B.S. Biology, Minors in Chemistry and Exercise Science, University of Mount Union (2014)

Subsequent Position: Graduate Student at the OSU BSGP (Ph.D Cancer Immunology 2021)

Former Visiting Scholars

Katie De La Rosa (Summer 2012)

OSUMC SUCCESS Program Summer Student

Home University:  Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH

Shane O’Neil, Ph.D.
B.S. Neuroscience & B.A. Chemistry (2016), University of Rochester

Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2016-2021)
​

Thesis Title: How Dysfunctional Microglia/Astrocyte Signaling Leads to Age-Associated Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment ​
Current Position: Post-Doctoral Researcher at Duke University (Filiano Lab)

​Jenna Lapurga (2022-Current)
B.S. Psychology

Kristel Champa (2023-Current)
B.S. Neuroscience

Brant Jarrett, Ph.D.​

B.S. Psychology, M.S. Psychology, Brigham Young University

Ph.D. Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2009-2013)

​Thesis Title: "Chemotherapy Induced Deficits in Cognition and Affective Behavior"

Postdoctoral Researcher with Dr. Godbout (2013 - 2014)
Current Position: Senior Director of Medical Affairs at Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals 

Copyright © Godbout Laboratory. All rights reserved.

Dunni Adekunle-Adegbite (2018-2021)
B.S. Microbiology, Biological Sciences Scholars​​

Nathan Klingele (2022-Current)
B.S. Neuroscience

Damon DiSabato, Ph.D.

​B.S. Neuroscience and Psychology, Honors (2014) Ohio State University

Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2014-2021)

​

Thesis Title: Interleukin-1 in the stressed CNS: From microglial source to neuronal destination

Current Position: Health Program Specialist at NIH (NINDS)

Kyle Atcheson (2013-2015)

Principal Investigator

Lynde Wangler
​Neuroscience Graduate Program, NGP (2020 - current)

B.S. Psychology, Neuroscience and Biology Minors (2018), UNC Chapel Hill

​My research focuses on dissecting the interplay between the nervous and immune systems in the context of the aging brain. Specifically, I utilize transgenic murine models and pharmacological methods to examine the aging brain.

​Thesis Title: "Stress-induced Monocyte Re-distribution and Microglia Activation Underlies Development and Recurrence of Anxiety"

Current Position: Associate Professor of Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati

Former SUCCESS Students

Ethan Goodman

​(Co-Advised by Dr. John Sheridan)​

​Neuroscience Graduate Program, NGP (2019 - current)

B.S. Biology, Neuroscience Minor (2017), Hope College 

​My research focuses on the bi-directional communication between the peripheral immune system and the central nervous system. More specifically, I assess the neuroinflammatory profile caused by stress sensitization and the subsequent implant of hematopoietic stem progenitor cells on the spleen and the reoccurrence of anxiety-like behavior in a murine model.  

Emmanuel Villanueva (Summer 2014)

NIGMS MARC Undergraduate Student in Training

Home University:  University of California, Merced

Jenna Patterson (2012-2015)

B.S. Biology, Honors

Thesis Title: "The Role of the Spleen in Re-Establishment of Macrophage Trafficking to the Brain and Anxiety in Stress-Sensitized Mice"

Subsequent Position: Medical Student at The Ohio State University (MD, 2020)

Caleb Gaffney (2016-2018)

B.S. Zoology, Kent State University (2014)

Subsequent Position: Research Assistant at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Belford Center  

Current Research Staff

Jared Smith (Summer 2014)

OSUMC SUCCESS Program Summer Student

Home University:  University of Alabama, Birmingham

Joni Ford (2013-2016)

Jonathan Packer
​Neuroscience Graduate Program, NGP (2020 - current)
M.S. Experimental Psychology, (2020), Augusta University 

B.S. Psychology, Political Science Minor (2017), University of North Georgia 

​My research focuses on the role type I interferons play in the context of TBI. More specifically, my interests lie in better understanding the consequences of TBI at the micro and macro level. Through this knowledge, I hope that we may find treatment options that allow for recovery of function in those with such injuries. 

Ashley Fenn, Ph.D.

B.S. Zoology & B.S. Biochemistry (2009) Colorado State University

Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2009-2014)

Thesis Title: "Mechanisms and Consequences of Microglial Priming and Dysregulated M2a Responses with Age and Central Nervous System Injury​"

Subsequent Position: Associate at McKinsey & Company

Jung Park (Summer 2013)

OSUMC SUCCESS Program Summer Student
Home University:  Brandeis University, Boston, MA

Starr Jiang (2017-2020)
B.S. Neuroscience, Honors
Subsequent Position: Research Assistant at Harvard University 

Mollie Witzel (2019-2022)
B.S. Neuroscience

Elisa Navarro (Summer 2014 - Winter 2014)

Ph.D Physiology and Pharmacology Program (2016) (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain)

B.S. Biochemistry, UCM, Spain

Home University: Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain​​

John Skendelas (2010-2013)

B.S. Microbiology, Honors

Thesis Title: ​​"Methylene Blue Reduced Brain Edema, Neuroinflammation, and Behavioral Deficits associated with a Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury."

Subsequent Position: Medical Student at The Ohio State University (MD, 2017)

Kara Baetz (2021-Current)
B.S. Neuroscience

Ziniya Shah (2021-Current)
B.S. Neuroscience

Braedan Oliver (2020 - Current) ​collaborator since 2017 (Quan, Sheridan lab)

B.S. Molecular Genetics
​The Ohio State University (2014)​

Christopher Burnsides (2013 - 2014)

B.S. Biological Sciences, The Ohio State University (2008)

Subsequent Position: Emergency Medicine Resident at Cleveland Clinic

Allison Dugan (2010-2013)

B.S. Biology, Honors

Thesis Title: "Regulation of the Central Nervous System Inflammation by Anti-inflammatory Cytokines in Activated Microglia and Impairments in Aging" 

Subsequent Position: Graduate Student, University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio TX 

Nicolas Beckman (2020-2023)
B.S. Neuroscience
​Subsequent Position: Medical Student

Michelle Ouvina (2019-2022)
B.S. Neuroscience

Megan Muccigrosso, M.S.

B.S. Biological Science, Minor in Psychology (2011) University of Missouri, Columbia

M.S. Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Ohio State University (2012-2015) 

Thesis Title: "Cognitive Deficits after Traumatic Brain Injury are Exaggerated by Microglia-Associated Reactivity to Immune Challenge"

Subsequent Position: Marketing Coordinator at Chemline Inc., St. Louis, Missouri

A Research Laboratory o​f Neuroimmunology, Neurotrauma, and Behavior

Zoe Tapp-Poole, Ph.D.
​(Co-Advised by Dr. Olga N. Kokiko-Cochran)

Ph.D. Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2017-2023)

B.S. Neuroscience (2017), University of Pittsburgh 

Thesis Title: Neuroimmune Responses to Sleep Disturbances after Traumatic Brain Injury

Current Position: Post-Doctoral Researcher at Ohio State University (Pyter Lab)

Christopher Henry, Ph.D.

Ohio State Biochemistry Program (2006-2011)

​Thesis Title: "Role of Primed Microglia in the Aging Brain in Prolonged Sickness and Depressive Behavior Concomitant with Peripheral Immune Stimulation."

Subsequent Position: Project Engineer at ABB, Columbus, OH

Wenyuan (Ren) Yin, Ph.D.​

(Co-Advised by Dr. John Sheridan)​

B.A. Biology (2016), Louisville University 

Ph.D. Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2017-2022)

Medical Scientist Training Program, MSTP (2016 - current)

Thesis Title: ​Stress-Induced Neuroimmune Activation in Female Mice and Brain Endothelia

Current Position: Medical Student at OSU

Sam Swanson

​(Co-Advised by Dr. John Sheridan)

​Neuroscience Graduate Program, NGP (2020 - current)

B.S. Neuroscience (2017), University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

​My research focuses on the hypersensitivity to pain following psychological stress. I am interested in studying the  communication between the peripheral immune system and the central nervous system following repeated social defeat in order to determine the mechanisms leading to allodynia.

Chelsea Bray (2018-2021)

B.S. Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology Minor (2018), The Ohio State University​

Current Position: Medical Student at The Ohio State University

Jacqueline Lieblein-Boff, Ph.D.

Ohio State Biochemistry Program (M.S 2005-2007, 2010-2012)

​Thesis Title: "An Early-life Infection with E.coli in BALB/c mice causes long lasting deficits in Behavior, Brain Development and Microglial Reactivity"

Subsequent Postion: Senior Scientist, Abbott Nutrition, Columbus, OH

Aline Sayd Gaban (Fall 2016 - Winter 2016)

Ph.D Biomedical Research (Current)​

M.A. Biochemistry

B.S. in Biological Sciences​

Home University: Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Spain​

Daniel Mo​​ussa (2013-2016)

John Velaquez (2017-2020)

B.A. Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Notre Dame (2017)

Subsequent Position: Medical Student at University of Cincinnati (MD 2023)

Alan Gordillo​ (2016-2020)

B.S. Neuroscience, Honors
Subsequent Position: ​Medical Student at Cleveland Clinic​​

Daniel McKim, Ph.D.

(Co-advised by Dr. John Sheridan)

B.A. Psychology and Biopsychology Honors (2011) 
The William Paterson University of New Jersey

Ph.D Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2012-2017)

​​

Thesis Title: Neuroimmune and Hematopoietic Regulation of Stress-induced Anxiety
Subsequent Position: Assistant Professor at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Nicholas Harmer (2023-Current)
B.S. Neuroscience

Natalie Gallagher (2021 - Current) collaborator since 2015 (Sheridan lab)

B.S. Bioengineering, Materials Science and Engineering Minor 

Lehigh University (2013)​

Diana Norden, Ph.D.

(Co-advised by Dr. Michele Basso and Dr. John Seridan)

B.S. Biochemistry & Chemistry (2010) Campbell University

Ph.D. Biochemistry, Ohio State University (2011-2015)

​Thesis Title: “Astrocyte Mediated Regulation of Activated Microglia: Implications for Exaggerated Microglial Activation in Aged Mice Following Peripheral Inflammatory Challenge” ​

​Subsequent Position: Postdoctoral Researcher at Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 

Rebecca Biltz, Ph.D.
(Co-Advised by Dr. John Sheridan)

Neuroscience Graduate Program, NGP (2019 - 2023)

B.S. Neuroscience, ​Pharmacology and Toxicology Minor (2019), Michigan State University 

Thesis Title:​ P2X7 Antagonism and Neuronal Responses in Chronic Social Stress: Insights into Anxiety and Neuroinflammation

Kristina Witcher, MD, Ph.D.

B.A. Biochemistry and Neuroscience (2013) Oberlin College 

Ph.D. Neuroscience, Ohio State University (Neuroscience Graduate Program 2014-2019)
MD (2021), Ohio State University (Medical Scientist Training Program 2013-2021)

​

Thesis Title: Cortical microglia undergo dynamic structural and transcriptional responses to diffuse traumatic brain injury

Current Position: Ob-Gyn Resident at University of Maryland

Current Graduate Students

Former Undergraduate Students

Jonathan Godbout, Ph.D.

Professor of Neuroscience
​Faculty Director, Chronic Brain Injury Program 

B.S. Cell and Structural Biology (1996) University of Illinois-Urbana

Ph.D.  Biochemistry (2001) University of Illinois-Urbana

Postdoctoral Fellow (2001-2005) University of Illinois-Urbana
​

My Ph.D. training was in the laboratory of Gregory Freund, M.D.  I continued at the University of Illinois as a postdoctoral fellow with Rodney Johnson, Ph.D.  In 2005, I was hired as an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. In 2012, I was tenured and promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, and in 2017 I was promoted to full Professor. Currently, I am in the Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, and Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair at the OSU Wexner Medical Center. My research interests are neuroimmunology, neurotrauma, and behavior.