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.
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.
Allison Kidwell
Allie joined the lab in the spring of 2022. She is from Nicholasville, Kentucky, and she is studying Neuroscience and Pharmacology. She plans to start PA school in the spring. One fun fact about Allie is that she loves to crochet!
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.
Alayna Mack
Alayna is a junior from Charlotte, NC, pursuing a degree in Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Pharmacology. She joined the lab in May 2024 as an AARTS scholar.
Omar Abou El-Ezz
Omar joined the lab in June 2024, and he is a sophomore studying Neuroscience.
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. His fun facts are that he was born with an extra finger and knows how to play the guitar! In the future, he plans to pursue an MD and PhD in Neurosurgery.
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!
Mohammed Abd
Mohammed joined the lab in August 2024. He is a junior studying Neuroscience on the pre-medicine track.