Principal Investigator
Dr. Jill Turner
Dr. Jill Turner has investigated nicotinic receptors since 2002, as a graduate student with Dr. Kenneth Kellar at Georgetown University. After graduating, Jill continued her training as a post-doctoral fellow with Dr. Julie Blendy at the University of Pennsylvania. Her main interest lies in how nicotinic receptors can both help and hinder brain function. In addition to science, Jill enjoys books and traveling with her family.
Dr. Jill Turner has investigated nicotinic receptors since 2002, as a graduate student with Dr. Kenneth Kellar at Georgetown University. After graduating, Jill continued her training as a post-doctoral fellow with Dr. Julie Blendy at the University of Pennsylvania. Her main interest lies in how nicotinic receptors can both help and hinder brain function. In addition to science, Jill enjoys books and traveling with her family.
LAB MEMBERS
Miranda Fisher, Post-Doctoral Fellow
Miranda received her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of South Carolina in 2019, with focus on the pharmacogenomics of addiction. There her research consisted of investigating the role of CREB target gene, Neuregulin-3 in hippocampal-dependent nicotine withdrawal-related behaviors. As a postdoc at the University of Kentucky, Miranda is working on multiple projects that involve establishing in vivo imaging techniques to study hippocampal and cortical physiology in rodent models of addiction.
PROJECT TITLE: The Role of the CREB target gene, NRG3, in Hippocampal-Related Withdrawal Phenotypes.
Miranda received her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of South Carolina in 2019, with focus on the pharmacogenomics of addiction. There her research consisted of investigating the role of CREB target gene, Neuregulin-3 in hippocampal-dependent nicotine withdrawal-related behaviors. As a postdoc at the University of Kentucky, Miranda is working on multiple projects that involve establishing in vivo imaging techniques to study hippocampal and cortical physiology in rodent models of addiction.
PROJECT TITLE: The Role of the CREB target gene, NRG3, in Hippocampal-Related Withdrawal Phenotypes.
Erin Anderson, Pharmacy Graduate Student
Erin Anderson earned her B.S. in Biochemistry and B.A. in Chemistry from North Carolina State University before working in both industry (for such companies as Bayer, Syngenta, and Karo Bio) before returning to pursue her PhD.
Erin joined the Turner lab at UofSC in the College of Pharmacy in Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences to study neuroinflammation in substance use disorder. Her research has focussed on nicotine withdrawal and both brain region and sex differences in microglial response.
In any time outside of the lab, she reads incessantly and enjoys time with her husband and overly demanding tiny doxie.
PROJECT TITLE: Sex-specific Effects of Nicotine Withdrawal Induced Neuroinflammation.
Erin Anderson earned her B.S. in Biochemistry and B.A. in Chemistry from North Carolina State University before working in both industry (for such companies as Bayer, Syngenta, and Karo Bio) before returning to pursue her PhD.
Erin joined the Turner lab at UofSC in the College of Pharmacy in Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences to study neuroinflammation in substance use disorder. Her research has focussed on nicotine withdrawal and both brain region and sex differences in microglial response.
In any time outside of the lab, she reads incessantly and enjoys time with her husband and overly demanding tiny doxie.
PROJECT TITLE: Sex-specific Effects of Nicotine Withdrawal Induced Neuroinflammation.
Mohit Kumar, Post-Doctoral Fellow
I have completed my master’s degree (M.Sc.; Biotechnology) in 2012 and later received my Ph.D. (Biochemistry) from Panjab University, India in 2019. My Ph.D. research was focused on to investigate the therapeutic potential of gasotransmitter (H2S) in metabolic brain disease (Hyperhomocysteinemia). While not working in lab I like to explore natural places, do hiking, reading historic books and watching documentaries.
PROJECT TITLE: Pathophysiology of Blood Brain Barrier in Nicotine Dependence
I have completed my master’s degree (M.Sc.; Biotechnology) in 2012 and later received my Ph.D. (Biochemistry) from Panjab University, India in 2019. My Ph.D. research was focused on to investigate the therapeutic potential of gasotransmitter (H2S) in metabolic brain disease (Hyperhomocysteinemia). While not working in lab I like to explore natural places, do hiking, reading historic books and watching documentaries.
PROJECT TITLE: Pathophysiology of Blood Brain Barrier in Nicotine Dependence
Lilian Custodio Goncalves, Post-Doctoral fellow
Lilian received her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University Federal of Parana, Brazil where she worked in the clinical setting and academia for several years. She then moved to Kentucky to pursue a residency and Master of Science degree at the University of Kentucky Orofacial Pain Center. After completion of her clinical training, she earned her Ph.D. in Physiology. When not in the lab, she enjoys movies, fencing and spend time with her husband and kids.
Lilian received her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University Federal of Parana, Brazil where she worked in the clinical setting and academia for several years. She then moved to Kentucky to pursue a residency and Master of Science degree at the University of Kentucky Orofacial Pain Center. After completion of her clinical training, she earned her Ph.D. in Physiology. When not in the lab, she enjoys movies, fencing and spend time with her husband and kids.
Marissa Hessing, Laboratory Manager
Marissa received her bachelors in Animal Science at Morehead State University in 2016. Since then she has worked in animal facilities and other agricultural jobs. She takes care of our animals and helps with all of our labs needs. She is a the newest member of our team and is ready to learn all about our studies.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family. She also loves reading books, hiking and going on bike rides with her wild boys.
Marissa received her bachelors in Animal Science at Morehead State University in 2016. Since then she has worked in animal facilities and other agricultural jobs. She takes care of our animals and helps with all of our labs needs. She is a the newest member of our team and is ready to learn all about our studies.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family. She also loves reading books, hiking and going on bike rides with her wild boys.
Jack Keady, Graduate Student
Jack Keady is originally from St. Louis, Missouri. He is finishing up his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Kentucky. In the fall he will be attending to the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy to begin his studies in pursuit of a PhD.In his free time he enjoys watching the NFL and playing fantasy football with his friends. He also enjoys running while listening to history podcasts."
Jack Keady is originally from St. Louis, Missouri. He is finishing up his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Kentucky. In the fall he will be attending to the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy to begin his studies in pursuit of a PhD.In his free time he enjoys watching the NFL and playing fantasy football with his friends. He also enjoys running while listening to history podcasts."
LAB ALUMNI
Adewale Adeluyi, Pharmacy Graduate Student
Adewale received his Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Ibadan. Adewale then went on to complete his Masters of Public Health at the Arnold School of Public Health, USC. Adewale is currently completing a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard University.
PROJECT TITLE: Genomic Regulation by Chronic Nicotine and Acute Withdrawal Effects
Adewale received his Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Ibadan. Adewale then went on to complete his Masters of Public Health at the Arnold School of Public Health, USC. Adewale is currently completing a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard University.
PROJECT TITLE: Genomic Regulation by Chronic Nicotine and Acute Withdrawal Effects
Dr. Luyi Zhou, Post-doctoral Fellow
Luyi (Lily) received her B.A. in Biotechnology (2003) from East China Normal University in Shanghai, before she went to NYC to pursue Ph.D. studies in Biology (2009) at City University of New York. After graduation, she joined Ronald See's lab at Medical University of South Carolina and later Jill Turner's lab at USC for post-doctoral training. Her studies have focused on the behavioral and molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in drug addiction. Recently, Luyi accepted a position at Southern Illinois University. She enjoys food and movies while not in the lab. She lives happily with her husband and their cute baby Alex.
PROJECT TITLE: Genetic and Functional Underpinnings of Impulsive Choices During Relapse.
Luyi (Lily) received her B.A. in Biotechnology (2003) from East China Normal University in Shanghai, before she went to NYC to pursue Ph.D. studies in Biology (2009) at City University of New York. After graduation, she joined Ronald See's lab at Medical University of South Carolina and later Jill Turner's lab at USC for post-doctoral training. Her studies have focused on the behavioral and molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in drug addiction. Recently, Luyi accepted a position at Southern Illinois University. She enjoys food and movies while not in the lab. She lives happily with her husband and their cute baby Alex.
PROJECT TITLE: Genetic and Functional Underpinnings of Impulsive Choices During Relapse.
Lindsey Guerin, Biochemistry Undergraduate Student
Lindsey is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She came down to USC to study Biochemistry and is working towards earning a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a Neuroscience minor. She is planning to attend graduate school following her graduation next year.
PROJECT TITLE: Oxidative Stress during Nicotine Withdrawal Drives Withdrawal Phenotypes
Lindsey is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She came down to USC to study Biochemistry and is working towards earning a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a Neuroscience minor. She is planning to attend graduate school following her graduation next year.
PROJECT TITLE: Oxidative Stress during Nicotine Withdrawal Drives Withdrawal Phenotypes
Rachel LeMalefant, Biochemistry Undergraduate Student
Rachel graduated in 2016 with her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of South Carolina. Her academic interests include medicine and neuroscience, and she is excited to see how these two can come together in neuropharmacological research. Rachel is currently attending Drexel Medical School in Philadelphia.
PROJECT TITLE: The Role of CREB Target Genes in Nicotine Withdrawal Behaviors.
Rachel graduated in 2016 with her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of South Carolina. Her academic interests include medicine and neuroscience, and she is excited to see how these two can come together in neuropharmacological research. Rachel is currently attending Drexel Medical School in Philadelphia.
PROJECT TITLE: The Role of CREB Target Genes in Nicotine Withdrawal Behaviors.
