Current Students
Graduate Students
Jonathan (Jon) Vincent
Jon is an MD/PhD student at UKCOM with a passion for understanding the impact of neuroinflammation on the brain after traumatic brain injury (TBI). He joined the lab in the summer of 2022 and his research is focused on investigating the effects of interleukin-1 (IL-1) on synaptic plasticity following TBI. He hopes to become a physician-scientist at an academic medical center, treating TBI and stroke patients, while running an independent translational research lab.
Jon is from Cincinnati, OH, and prior to pursuing his medical/graduate studies, he earned his undergraduate degree in neurobiology while a NCAA Division-1 football player for the University of Cincinnati. He also gained valuable research experience in structural biology and clinical neurodiagnostics and neurorehabilitation. His hobbies include watching movies, writing stories, and cooking.
Elika Moallem
Elika grew up in Wayne, NJ, where she attended William Paterson University and completed her MS in Biotechnology in 2021, with her thesis titled “Neuroprotective Effects of Estrogen after a TBI and LPS-induced microglial activation.” She was awarded the Monroe Spivak Award for Excellence in Graduate Thesis Research by the Biology Department.
Elika joined the Bachstetter lab in 2022, where she currently researches the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on an Alzheimer’s disease-relavant mouse model. Her research interests include investigating the role of microglia and astrocytes in neuroinflammation as well as the development of novel therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.Beyond her academic pursuits, Elika enjoys cooking, reading, painting, and learning more about her own culture. She is an active member of the Iranian Student Association at UK, where she currently serves as the Vice President.
MaKayla Cox
MaKayla is an MD/PhD student at UKCOM. She joined the Bachstetter Lab in the summer of 2023, and she is interested in exploring neuroinflammation and neuroimmunology. Her current research is examining the role of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) in dementia and TBI. and cognitive decline, with future plans to explore the role of endothelial IL-1 in CCH.
MaKayla is from Alton, Illinois. She attended the University of Illinois Springfield where she played on the women’s soccer team. She earned her undergraduate degree in biochemistry with minors in Spanish and public health. MaKayla worked in a neuroscience and pharmacology lab during her undergraduate studies, and she interned in a neurology laboratory at Washington University SOM St Louis. She also worked for Pfizer as a Bioassay Scientist II on gene therapies. Outside of her academics, MaKayla enjoys crossfit, running, and watching F1 races. She has done a triathlon and a few half marathons, and she plans to run a full marathon soon! She also has the cutest dog ever!
Undergraduate Students
Annie Perkins
Annie joined the lab in September of 2023. She is a sophomore at UK studying Biology and German. She is from Fort Thomas, Kentucky and is very excited to get started with research.
Sarah Morrow
Sarah joined the lab in 2023. She is a sophomore studying Agricultural and Medical. Biotechnology with minors in biology and microbiology.
Reese Karem
Reese is a junior studying Neuroscience and Psychology on the pre-medicine track. She is from Louisville, KY and is a member of the sorority Tri Delta.
Caroline Keltner
Caroline is from Indianapolis, IN, and she is studying Neuroscience with a minor in Biology. She is a part of the Phi Mu sorority at UK.
Klair Adkins
Klair joined the Bachstetter Lab in Fall 2025. She is a sophomore studying neuroscience, and she plans to attend medical school.
Klair is from right outside of Louisville, KY near a small town. She loves to cook and bake, play board games, and create visual art. One of her goals (outside of academics) is to finally take a trip outside of the United States.
Some fun facts about Klair are that she has an extra bone, was stung by a stingray on her high school senior trip, and she has pained a mural in a post office in Alaska!
Omar Abou El-Ezz
Omar joined the lab in June 2024, and he is a sophomore studying Neuroscience. Omar is from Lexington, Kentucky, and his future plans are to pursue an MD.
Xavion Wallace
Xavion joined the lab in June 2024. He is in the class of 2027 and studying neuroscience with a minor in psychology. Xavion is from Oak Grove, Kentucky. He’s very adventurous and loves to play the guitar, travel, bond over music, and likes to try new things! In the future, he plans to pursue an MD and become a Neurosurgeon.
Maria Wanderley
Maria is a sophomore studying neuroscience with a minor in Spanish. She joined the lab in January 2025. Maria is originally from Brazil, and she has lived in Lexington for 5 years! She is bilingual and loves reading, traveling, and going to concerts with friends. In the future, she plans to attend medical school and become a pediatrician.
Cate Cox
Cate joined the lab in January 2025, and she is a junior studying neuroscience on the pre-physical therapy track. Cate is from Bowling Green, Kentucky, and she loves sushi, running, and movies!
Eden Anderson
Eden is a sophomore studying Human Health Sciences on the pre-medicine track. She is from Lexington, KY and is a member of the Lewis Honors College. In her free time, Eden enjoys reading and working out.
Alexis Blinetsky
Alexis is a sophomore studying neuroscience on the pre-medicine track. She is from Louisville, KY, and she loves making all types of art - including knitting, crocheting, painting, and sculpting! She also loves listening to music, cooking and baking, and thrifting and sewing.
Grace Walton
Grace is a sophomore studying neuroscience on the pre-medicine track. She joined the Bachstetter Lab in Spring 2025. She is from Lexington, KY, and her favorite fast food is Canes! She enjoys nature walks, traveling to the beach, and drawing portraits.