Laura Dennis holds a B.S. in bioengineering from Oregon State University and works at several labs at OHSU and the Portland VA. She has worked in the BRAIN Lab for 10 years, using multi-modal neuroimaging techniques to study the effects of methamphetamine and alcohol use disorders on the brain. Outside the lab, she enjoys Timbers games, travel and cuddling with her mini dachshund.

Jazryn Nagum holds a B.A. in psychology with a minor in neuroscience from the University of Portland. Her research interests include substance use and the relationship between pain and cognitive function.

Juyoung (Gloria) Choi holds a B.S. nursing and is registered nurse. Her research interests include clinical improvement, neurocritical care and patient safety and quality care. She likes staying active, trying new experiences, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Matthew Cordova is a student working on a B.A. in psychology and a B.S. in cell, molecular and biomedical sciences at the University of Portland. His research interests include environmental factors that affect mental health disorders and biological mechanisms like sleep and cognitive function. He enjoys spending time outdoors and running. Cordova is part of the University of Portland's cross-country team.

Richard Fuentes holds a B.A. in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in biology, communications and psychology from San Diego State University. He works as a mental health counselor on a child & adolescent psychiatric unit, while serving on the board of directors for Students for Sensible Drug Policy. His research interests include harm reduction, altered states of consciousness, and emerging addiction treatments.

Kylie Koney holds a B.A. in biology and a minor in psychology from the University of Portland. She is currently a second-year medical student at OHSU and is interested in the fields of child & adolescent psychiatry as well as addiction medicine. Outside of school and the lab, Kylie enjoys reading, hiking, and going to concerts.

Wesley Ng holds a B.S. in biology with a minor in neuroscience from the University of Portland. In the BRAIN Lab, he works on projects studying sex-based differences and neuroinflammation related to substance use. He is interested in clinical medicine and understanding addiction pathways and treatments. Outside the lab, Ng enjoys playing video games, hiking and trying new food spots.

Esteban Rigales holds a B.A. in psychology with a minor in neuroscience from the University of Portland. He is interested in the relationship between substance use and mental illness, and the neurobiology of personality disorders. Outside of the lab, Rigales enjoys fishing, camping and cooking.

Rén Rosz currently holds their M.D. from UAG and is pursuing an M.P.H. at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. They are going into Emergency Medicine and are interested in research that works to link street to clinics and addresses the Social Determinants of Health. Rén is an avid foodie, who likes spending time on patios and porches, making art, and playing music.

Melissa Steinert holds a B.S. in biology from the University of Portland. Her interests include neuroscience and nuclear medicine. Outside the lab, she enjoys drawing, catching crabs, and watching bad TV shows.

Maja Strusinska-Thayer holds a B.S. in biology with a minor in neuroscience from the University of Portland. She is a clinical research assistant for OHSU's Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, and a volunteer in the BRAIN Lab. 

Sophia Swain holds a B.A. in psychology and a B.S. in biology with a minor in neuroscience, both from the University of Portland. Her research interests include substance use and understanding its role in daily functioning. Outside of the lab, Swain loves exploring the Pacific Northwest and watching nature documentaries.