Research Team

  • Dr. Ioana Emilia Pavel - Professor, Phys. Chemistry

    Dr. Pavel has served as a research mentor and chemistry faculty for 15+ years. Her research has been recognized by the American Chemical Society Omega in the "Women at the Forefront of Chemistry" issue. In her personal time, Ioana enjoys spending time with her family, friends, students, and being outdoors.

  • Laurynn Torres - Graduate Student, Marine Biology

    I am a native Washingtonian with a dream of having my own rehab facility for both marine and terrestrial wildlife, my background is in wildlife ecology/conservation and marine ecology/society. I plan to have a long professional career with NOAA doing ecological research and working with endangered species.

  • Shuvadeepa Basu - Graduate Student, Biomedical Sciences

    My current research is on using silver nanoparticles for efficient drug delivery of antibiotic and anticancer drugs. My long-term plan is to do advanced research on cancer therapy.

  • Emma Kenyon - Graduate Student, Biomedical Sciences

    I graduated from Baylor University with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry. I’m especially interested in microbiology, infectious and chronic diseases, and how molecular techniques can be applied to clinically relevant research. Outside the lab, I love painting animals and spending time with my bunny, Cupid.

  • Ayesha Khalid - Graduate Student, Chemistry

    My research interests are in water quality and developing methods for the detection of inorganic and organic hazardous contaminants of fresh and sea water.

  • Daniel Adams - Graduate Student & Lab Tech Assistant, Chemistry

    I graduated from the University of San Antonio with a B.S. in Biology, focusing on microbiology & organic chemistry. I later completed the A.S. programs in Process Technology and Environmental/Petrochemical Laboratory Technician at Del Mar college. I have extensive past experience in zoology, horticulture, medicine education and marine water chemistry.

  • Alexandra Padron - Graduate Student, Chemistry

    I earned a B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Biology and am currently a pre-dental student with a strong interest in pharmacology and biomedical sciences. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, creating arts and crafts, and volunteering at my local children’s hospital.

  • Alex Aromin - Graduate Student, Marine Biology (co-chair)

    My research focuses on examining the ecological and evolutionary implications of long-term exposure to contamination in marsh plants and microbial communities. Outside of graduate school, I am an avid gamer (board games and video games) and collect plants and mushrooms.

  • Rubena Casas - Honors Research Student, Clinical Lab Science

    I am an Honors undergraduate student and Ronald E. McNair Scholar pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry. My research interests include using cell culture to investigate the impacts of nanotechnology-based applications on cellular behaviors and functions. My goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology. Outside of the lab, I spend my time working as a math tutor at the community college and volunteering at a local free clinic.

  • Lauren Reyna – Honors alumni and volunteer, Biochemistry

    I am an honors undergraduate biochemistry student, research assistant, nationally certified Emergency Medical Technician, and aspiring physician with training and knowledge in lab practices and emergency medicine. I am excited to further the field of medicine through my contributions to the underserved and through my research on nano-applications to anticancer drugs.

  • Eduardo Amador - Undergraduate Student, Environmental Science & Studio Art

    I am pursuing research opportunities in healthy environmental practices and medicinal plants as part of Dr. Pavel's team. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors and drawing. 

  • Renata Vega - Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Sciences

    I am currently working under the guidance of Kyra Kaiser on research focused on the development of alternative antimicrobial agents to address bacterial antibiotic resistance. I aim to apply the technical and personal skills gained through my involvement with Pavel Lab to my future independent research and my professional aspirations of attending medical school after graduation and obtain a degree in medicine.

  • Madison Hallmark - Honors Research Student, Biology (co-advising with Dr. Orbach)

    I am currently researching the presence of heavy metals in bottlenose dolphins and exploring the implications of these findings for human health. I plan to pursue higher education in marine biology, building on the lab and field techniques I’ve gained in Dr. Pavel’s and Dr. Orbach’s research labstion goes here

  • Mazzy Barrientos - Undergraduate Student, Chemistry

    Mu current goal is to expand my knowledge in analytical chemistry instrumentation. I plan to apply to the M.S. in Chemistry Program after graduation to prepare for employment as an industrial chemist.

  • Austin Carey - Honors Research Student, Environmental Science

    I am an honors undergraduate student in environmental science. I am passionate about water quality and conservation research, and plan to pursue a master's degree in the future. Outside of school I enjoy playing video games, watching movies, and going to the beach.

  • Jamie Larson - Undergraduate Research Student, Biomedical Sciences

    After I graduate, I plan on pursuing an MD through medical school and look forward to applying the lab techniques and experience I’ve gained in this lab. I’m also a BLS/CPR instructor and work at a surf and skate shop. In my free time I enjoy surfing, sailing, skating, and drawing.

  • Thomas Barreda - Honors Research Student, Biology

    I hope to earn at least a master's degree, though I am unsure of what it will be. My scientific interests include microbiology, genetics, and the growing field of genetic modification. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and playing piano.

Former Students

Graduate Students

  • Wendy Rangel - Chemistry

  • Kyra Kaiser - Chemistry

  • Victoire Delattre - Chemistry

  • Nicholas Shropshire - Chemistry

  • Praveen A. Kumar - Environmental Sciences

  • Arathi Sesha L. Paluri - Biomedical Sciences

  • Marjorie M. Markopoulos - Biomedical Sciences

  • Seth W. Brittle - Environmental Sciences

  • Lirim Sopaj - Chemistry

  • Kristina N. Steingass - Chemistry

  • Mia Burnett - Chemistry

  • Ashley Wilcox - Chemistry

  •  Miriam Crane - Chemistry

  • Kelsey Hood - Chemistry

  • John Ryan - Chemistry

  • Kraig Strayer - Chemistry

  • Greg Bowers - Chemistry

  • Ali Md. Akbar - Chemistry

  •  Kevin O’Neil - Chemistry

  • Jessica Dagher - Chemistry

  • Daniel Foose - Chemistry

  • Michelle L. Edwards - Chemistry

  • Jessica L. Fraley - Chemistry

  • Kevin M. Dorney - Chemistry

  • Jessica Dagher - Chemistry

  •  Adam C. Stahler - Chemistry

  • Catherine B. Anders - Chemistry

  • Joshua D. Baker - Chemistry

  • Arathi S. L. Paluri - Pharmacology and Toxicology

  • Marjorie M. Markopoulos - Pharmacology and Toxicology

  • Jennifer Monahan - Chemistry

Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP)

  •  Avianna Christine Gay - Chemistry

  • Kyra Kaiser - Biomedical Sciences

  • Nasanna Henley - Biomedical Sciences

McNair Scholar Student 

  • Rubena Casas - Clinical Lab Science

SLOAN Ph.D. Student, Puerto Rico

  • Genesis Lorenzana Vazquez

 

Grad-Prep Student

  • Candra McDonald - B.S. in Biology

 

Honors Undergraduate Research Students

  • Thomas Barreda - Biology

  • Madison Hallmark - Marine Biology

    • Co-advising with Dr. Orbach

  • Rubena Casas - Clinical Lab Science

  • Lauren Reyna - Biochemistry

  • Nasanna Henley - Biomedical Sciences

  • Nhi Lam - Chemistry

  • Austin Williams - Biology

  • Peter Papaioannou - Neuroscience

 

FSU-RISE Undergraduate Student

Juliely Niyogushima - Chemistry

 

STREAMS Undergraduate Students

  • Janeishly Román González

  • Jasmine Johnson

  • Juliely Niyogushima

Undergraduate Research Students

  • Rourke Zigrossi - Environmental Sciences

  • Craig Eubanks - Environmental Sciences

  • Nasanna Henley - Biomedical Sciences

  • Frances Cruz - Biochemistry

  • Christina Montez - Environmental Sciences

  • Chisom Anijekwu - Environmental Sciences

  • Hector Watt - Environmental Sciences

  • Benjamin Jordan - Biochemistry

  • Megan Solis - Chemistry

  • Victoire Delattre - Chemistry

  • Kyra Kaiser - Biomedical Sciences

  • Nicholas Shropshire - Chemistry

  • Brent Kirkland - Chemistry

  • Avianna Christine Gay - Chemistry

  • Jordan Lamar - Chemistry

  • Samuel Herndon - Biomedical Engineering

  • Jessica Williams - Chemistry

  • Caitlyn Harris - Biomedical Engineering,

  • Patrick Graska - Crime and Justice Studies

  • Paula L. Silva - Biology

  • Josh A. Stanley - Health and Fitness

  • Whitney Danet White - Biology

  • Jeremiah D. Penick - Chemistry

  • Stefanie Grace Burban - Biology

  • Marien Chantal Dusabe - Chemistry

  • Matthew Muncrief - Biology

  • Peter Papaioannou - Neuroscience

  • Gilman Alexander - Pre-Med

  • Allison Lee Raskan - Chemistry

  • Kristina Noelle Steingass - Chemistry

  • Stephanie Williamson - PreMed

  • Benjamin Secor - Biomedical Engineering

  • Travis A. Keeling - Chemistry

  • Caleb J. Hemmelgarn - Biomedical Engineering

  • Janice M. Sikon - Chemistry

  • John D. Ryan - Chemistry

  • Cody B. Fourman - Chemistry

  • Ashely M. Wilcox - Chemistry

  • Miriam Crane - Chemistry

  • Nhi Lam - Chemistry

  • Daniel Foose - Chemistry

  • Trevor Bobka - Chemistry

  • Valerie N. Dagher - Chemistry

  • Allie Meyerhoefer - Environmental Sciences

  • Tala Ebrahimian - Biological Sciences

  • Elizabeth Williams - Biological Sciences

  • Austin Williams - Biological Sciences

  • Zachary Arnold - Chemistry

  • Tazeen Ahmed - Biological Sciences

  • Diane Iragena - Chemistry

  • Alice Chang - Chemistry

  • Tai Lam - Clinical Laboratory Science

  • Garrett Case - Biomedical Engineering

  • Kent Weaver - Chemistry and Physics

  • Jessica Dagher - Chemistry

  • Jerry K. Lawson - Biological Sciences

  • Emily Artz - Psychology

  • Alekya Mudireddy - Biomedical Engineering

High school students:

  • Jeremiah Penick

  • Susu Saleh

  • Rebecca Gresh