Biomedical Training Current Trainees

Department of Physiology

Program Description

Current Trainees

Research Environment

Contact Information

The Biomedical Alcohol Research Training Program - Current Trainees

Postdoctoral Fellows
Xavier Chapa-Dubocq, PhD Degree: PhD, University of Puerto Rico: Medical Sciences Center Mentor: Patrica Molina, MD, PhD Research: Examining the Interplay between Alcohol Metabolism and Recovery from Post-Concussion Syndrome Department: Physiology Email: xchapa@lsuhsc.edu The goal of my research is to determine how alcohol consumption post-mild TBI may increase the severity of symptoms related to Post-Concussion syndrome. Specifically, I want to focus on metabolic changes in the frontal lobe of the brain which may be associated to behavioral changes such as impulsivity and decision-making. Additionally, I am interested in developing mitochondria-targeted therapeutics that may help alleviate symptoms found in Post-Concussion syndrome.
Thomas Kyllo, PhD Degree: PhD, LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans MPHTM, Tulane University Mentors: Tiffany Wills, PhD and Nicholas Gilpin, PhD Department: Cell Biology and Anatomy Research: Examining the effects of adolescent alcohol exposure on pain-like phenotypes during adulthood with a focus on midbrain cells and circuits Email: tkyllo@lsuhsc.edu
Keishla Rodriguez-Graciani, PhD Degree: PhD, University of Puerto Rico - Medial Sciences Campus Mentor: Liz Simon, MVSc, PhD Department: Physiology Email: krodr7@lsuhsc.edu
Predoctoral Fellows
Kaitlin Couvillion, BS Degree: BS, Louisiana State University Mentor: Liz Simon, PhD Department: Physiology Email: kcouv1@lsuhsc.edu
Mary Catherine Dematteo, BS Degree: BS, University of Georgie Mentor: Michael Salling, PhD Department: Cell Biology & Anatomy Email: mdemat@lsuhsc.edu I am investigating alcohol use and the underlying neural processes that define binge drinking, as well as its impact on frontal cortex function and cognitive control.
Meagan Donovan Degree: BS, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Mentor: Janos Paloczi, PhD Department: Cardiovascular Center Email: mdono2@lsuhsc.edu I am currently investigating potential therapeutics to target the mitochondrial changes that occur in cardiomyocytes following alcohol exposure.
John Lammons, BS Degree: BS, University of Alabama at Birmingham Mentors: Christopher Taylor, PhD and David Welsh, MD Department: Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Email: jlamm1@lsuhsc.edu I study the impacts of HIV and alcohol on the gut microbiome related to intestinal leak and mucosal immunity.