Nuñez Lab

Lab Members

Graduate Students
Undergraduate Students
  • Christina Gurski

  • Chris Gertiser

Honorary Members
Former Students
  • Theresa Grandys - Worked in the lab for 2.5 years. Graduate with BS from MSU in 2007, and currently applying to Veterinary Medical Schools.

  • Lianna Greene - Worked in the lab for 1.5 years. Graduate with BS from MSU in 2007, and currently applying to Veterinary Medical Schools.

  • Ilana Marks - Worked in the lab for 2.5 years. Graduate with BS from MSU in 2007, and currently applying to Veterinary Medical Schools.

  • Matt Osher - Worked in the lab for 2 years. Graduate with BS from MSU in 2007, and starting at Wayne State Medical School in the Fall of 2007.

  • Sarah Rothstein - Worked in the lab for 2.5 years. Was Honors Student in Psychology, and performed Honors Thesis. Graduated with BS from MSU in 2007, and currently applying to Graduate Programs in Psychology.

Graduate Students
  • Debbie Soellner

    Currently, I am researching the effects of prenatal exposure to caffeine and alcohol on development.  Primarily, I am interested in understanding how exposure to these drugs may alter receptor functioning and lead to alterations in calcium homeostasis.  I also hope to determine whether changes at a cellular level mediate changes in anatomy and behavior.

    I graduated with a BS in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Central Arkansas.  As an undergraduate, I worked with Dr. Barbara Clancy and Dr. Sunny Anand looking at the effects of neonatal pain on development.  I chose to come to the Neuroscience program for my graduate studies due to the highly collaborative environment and excellent support provided at MSU.

    In Nuñez Lab I have learned many techniques in a short amount of time.  I am now familiar with calcium imaging, primary cell culture, western blotting, immunocytochemistry, unbiased stereology, and multiple behavioral techniques including Morris Water Maze, elevated plus maze, open field, emergence, and developmental behavior tests.

    I have a pretty goofy sense of humor which provides amusement for most of the undergrads in the lab. Oh yeah, don’t call me Deborah.

    In my spare time I enjoy running, traveling, and hanging out with my friends and family. 

    Some day (when I grow up) I hope to have a prosperous career in academia and a family.


  • Chieh Chen

    My current research focuses on the effects that pre- and post-natal androgen manipulation has on the developing hippocampus. For this, hippocampus mediated behavior will be tested, molecular and physical quantification will be conducted, and calcium imaging will be run.

    I have become interested in behavioral neuroendocrinology during my undergrad years at
    UW-Madison, where my career goals were found and set. In researching in this field, I am looking forward to, some day, be able to apply findings to mental disorders.

    During my lab experience at UW-Madison and, currently, MSU, I have learned to conduct ICCs, Western Blots, Calcium Imaging, as well as behavior testing.

    When not doing research, I enjoy being with family & friends, traveling, rollerblading, and soaking up as much sun as I can.

Undergraduate Students
  • Christina Gurski

  • Chris Gertiser

Honorary Members
  • Luke Nuñez

    While he currently does not talk, or spend that much time in the lab doing work of any kind, Luke is an honorary lab member. What do you expect – he was just born in June 2006. One day he will be the center defender for Manchester United, have a PhD in engineering, and support his mom and dad.
| © 2006 | Contact Us |