America graduated with BA.s in Psychology with a minor in Biology from California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) in May 2022. Her undergraduate research focused on the effects of adolescent sucrose exposure on oxycodone/cocaine self-administration in adulthood as well as on operant novelty seeking in rats. America found a passion for research in Dr. Gancarz lab at CSUB and is now continuing and expanding her learning in Dr. Harraz's Lab for her PhD thesis. America is very easy to approach and is outgoing! And loves to listen to music. 

A.A.S. in Biotechnology from Baltimore City Community College,  

B.S. in Biology from Notre Dame of Maryland University.  

Research interest: I worked in labs studying neurodevelopment disorders and the neurobiology of autoimmune diseases, making me drawn to Neuroscience. I have an interest in understanding the psychology and neurobiology of drug addiction. 

Zuhdi is pursuing his degree as a biology and psychology double major at UMBC. He is interested in researching the neurobiology of major depressive disorders and their treatments. He wants to learn more about the underlying mechanisms that contribute to depression and how it can be counteracted. He enjoys playing basketball and listening to music.

Pursuing a Bachelors of Science in biochemistry at Thomas Jefferson University. Ahmad is passionate about understanding the molecular pathways in the body and tying this knowledge to healthcare advancements. He has an interest in neuroscience and understanding how biochemical processes in the nervous system can further inform and improve various medical treatments.

Myiesha is a junior psychology major at the University of Maryland with a strong interest in the neurobiology of substance abuse and addiction. She is particularly interested in the role of BASP1 in addiction-related neural pathways and aims to explore how research on BASP1 and its autophagy-mediated mechanisms can inform and improve addiction treatment strategies for human populations. 

Huda is a rising senior at River Hill High School and is passionate about molecular cell biology and neuroscience. She is interested in learning more about the dopamine transporter (DAT) and how the autophagic degradation of DAT can influence behaviors related to cocaine addiction. 

Lab Alumni:

Postdoctoral Fellows:

Graduate Rotation Students:

Undergraduate Research Interns:

High School Research Interns: