The Vita Lab investigates how repeated mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) combined
with episodes of binge-like alcohol exposure during adolescence influences brain function
and behavior across the lifespan. Using an integrative approach that spans molecular,
behavioral, and systems-level analyses, our research seeks to uncover the mechanisms
by which these adolescent experiences shape long-term neurobiological outcomes.
I completed my graduate training in the laboratories of Dr. Ray Grill and Dr. Pramod
Dash, earning a PhD from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2020 with
work focused on the impact of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on the blood-brain
barrier (BBB). Following this, I joined the Department of Physiology at LSU Health
Sciences Center as a postdoctoral trainee under the mentorship of Dr. Patricia Molina
and Dr. Nicholas Gilpin, where I expanded my research to include the effects of alcohol
exposure on the brain.
In 2024, I established my own laboratory in the Department of Physiology at LSUHSC.
My research investigates how the combination of repeated mTBI and ethanol exposure
during adolescence can cause deleterious effects across the lifespan, using a combination
of molecular, behavioral, and systems-level approaches. My work is supported by funding
from the NIH.
Outside the lab, I enjoy comic books, traveling, crafting, and spending time with
my dogs.
Loren Johnson
I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Louisiana Tech University. I work
as a Research Associate in the labs of Dr. Elizabeth Avegno and Dr. Sydney Vita, where
I run the alcohol vapor exposure, behavioral assessments, and breeding colonies.
In my free time I like to read and spend time with my family.
Kyle Gallegos, MS
I am originally from Lantana, Texas, and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Biology from
the University of North Texas in 2019. I went on to pursue my Master of Science at
Texas Christian University, where I graduated in 2023. Under the Mentorship of Dr.
Shauna McGillivray, my master’s research explored the complex host-pathogen dynamics
of Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax), with a specific focus on iron acquisition from hemoglobin.
After completing my degree, I served as an adjunct instructor at TCU, teaching a non-major
biology course from 2023 to 2024. Currently, I am a PhD student in Dr. Sydney Vita’s
lab, where my work examines the combined effects of repeated mild Traumatic Brain
Injury and binge-like alcohol consumption in adolescence. Outside of research, I thoroughly
enjoy reading psychological thriller novels, consuming caffeine, and spending time
with friends and family.
