TAMIN

Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience

Who We Are

Who We Are

Building Researchers and Innovators in Neuroscience and Society (BRAINS) is a student organization dedicated to a higher understanding of the human mind and body. Its commitment to discovery, collaboration and developing technologies in the field of neuroscience provides an exciting environment for development, growth, and improvement of undergraduate and graduate research at Texas A&M University. In order to fulfill the mission of BRAINS, we provide an enriched environment, promoting interdisciplinary communication and scientific collaboration for all students interested in neuroscience research at Texas A&M University. In addition to scientific advancement amongst the students of Texas A&M, BRAINS is committed to the future of scientific education, funding, and discovery. In order to improve the future of neuroscience, BRAINS regularly participates in outreach activities in the community (i.e. Brain Day; Alzheimer’s Association Walk). It is critical for the public, young and old, to understand past and current work in neuroscience in order to appreciate the need for support, participation, and funding to continue these advances. Collectively, BRAINS is an organization focused on the perpetual pursuit of education, innovation, and unity for advocates of neuroscience within Texas A&M University and beyond.

Email: tamin.sandi@gmail.com

Advisor – Sylvia Bernal

Officers 2023 – 2024

President
Shelby Reid
 Shelby is in her third year of the Neuroscience PhD program where she studies neutrophils in spinal cord injury. Prior to graduate school, she earned her B.S. in Cognitive Neuroscience and Biochemistry from Harding University. In her spare time, Shelby enjoys figure skating, playing video games, and hanging out with her husband and cat.
Vice President (Graduate)
Mia Kreitlow
I was raised in a small home near Ogden, Utah and spent the majority of my childhood and young adult life hiking, playing softball and volleyball, and camping. I graduated from the University of Utah with a BS in Psychology in 2018 and went on to work in a treatment center for troubled youth for two years before deciding to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience. I am currently a third-year PhD student in the Texas A&M Institute of Neuroscience program and work in Dr. Dylan McCreedy’s lab where I study the role of neutrophils in recovery after spinal cord injury. My current hobbies include Jiu-Jitsu, reading, and playing with my two-year-old lab puppy.
Vice President (Undergraduate)
Ashley Lucio
  

Howdy! My name is Ashley Lucio and I am a junior Psychology major from Brownsville, TX. I am completing minors in Neuroscience and Communications and I am also an undergraduate research assistant for Dr. Eitan’s lab where we work towards understanding the effects of opioid addiction on sociability along with a few other projects. For this term, I am serving as the undergraduate Vice President and I am beyond excited to see what B.R.A.I.N.S. has in store for this upcoming year! Gig ’em!

 
TAMIN Graduate Representative
Travis Johnston
  

Howdy! I am Travis Johnston, a 4 th year graduate student from Victoria, Texas. I am in Dr. Jim Grau’s lab where I study the recovery of function after spinal cord injury. Specifically, I am interested in how hemodynamic function influences recovery after neurological injury. I will be graduating with my PhD in May 2023 (hopefully) and hope to be accepted to start medical school in Fall 2023 to eventually become a physician scientist.

 
Treasurer
Alissa Ballard
 Howdy! My name is Alissa Ballard. I’m currently a junior Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience major. I am passionate about studying the intricacies of neuroscience and learning about neural disorders and treatment options. I currently work as a research assistant in Dr. Shapiro’s lab and study TBI and Alzheimer’s research. In my pastime, I enjoy reading, painting, and practicing taekwondo. I am super excited to serve as your treasurer, and I look forward to hearing what ideas and interests you have to share!
Outreach chair
Claire Pitre


 I am a second-year undergraduate Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience major from Austin, Texas. I love playing the guitar and ukulele, and I also spend a lot of my free time enjoying the outdoors and playing hacky sack. I am passionate about researching neurological and psychiatric disorders, and I am currently researching PTSD at the Texas A&M Liberzon Lab. I hope to one day pursue a doctorate degree in clinical psychology to become a pediatric neuropsychologist.
Symposium Chair
Matthew Alwood
 Howdy! My name is Matt Alwood and I’m a 3rd year graduate student in the TAMIN program. I work with Justin Moscarello studying active avoidance behavior in rats. Specifically, I’m interested in studying the role of the dorsal hippocampus in unsignalled active avoidance behavior. In my free time, I enjoy disc golfing at local parks, playing overly complex board games with friends, and trying out new restaurants.
Social Chair and Media Chair
Sandy Georges
  

Hi my name is Sandy, and I’m from Houston, Texas! I am a senior undergraduate molecular and cellular neuroscience major with a psychology minor. I am extremely excited to serve as the social chair for B.R.A.I.N.S. this year and host fun events for our members! Outside of this organization, I am also the president of TAMU AMSA, and I am part of Dr. Rachel Smith’s addiction neuroscience laboratory in the ILSB. I’m very excited to meet everyone, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions or suggestions!

 
GPSC Representative
Lizzy Olsen
 Lizzy is a second year TAMIN graduate student interested in neural development. She is currently working in Aref Zarin’s lab along with her duties as GPSG Representative.
TAMIN Webmaster
Hugo Bayer
 I am a second year TAMIN student interested in the neurobiology of learning and memory, specially fear memories. I am originally from Brazil, and got my Bachelor in Biology and Master in Pharmacology degrees back there. My hobbies include playing video games, chess, rock climbing, watching soccer and playing drums.
Fundraising Chair
Gabrielle Sakel
Howdy! My name is Gabrielle Sakel, and I will be serving as the Fundraising Chair. I have been in B.R.A.I.N.S for two years! I will graduate this December with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. I worked as an undergraduate research assistant at Texas A&M College of Medicine for two years under Dr. Montgomery. Our research studied the underlying mechanism behind aging, and how it impacts Alzheimer’s disease. In my spare time, I enjoy working my two jobs and spending time with friends. After graduation, i intend on going to medical school to become a radiologist.
Career Club Chair
Samantha Plas
 I was born in Kansas City, Ks but raised in Round Rock, Tx where I spent my time swimming, playing soccer, and hanging out with my three sisters, Mom, and Dad. I completed my bachelors degree in Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas and played for the university soccer team. In addition, I worked in a neuroscience research lab investigating post traumatic stress disorder. Continuing my education and research at UT Dallas, I completed my masters degree in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience. I am currently a second-year PhD student in the Texas A&M Institute of Neuroscience program and work for Dr. Israel Liberzon and Dr. Steve Maren, investigating the effects of stress on neural circuits mediating fear extinction. My current hobbies include taking care of my 50+ plants, playing with my two cats, and exploring nature.