Elizabeth Waters, Lab Manager, Ph. D. Candidate

Elizabeth Waters received her bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and forensic science from Syracuse University. She joined the Easley lab in 2021 but has been a laboratory technician at UGA since 2017. Her research focuses on using non-human primate pluripotent stem cells to explore potential treatments for male-factor infertility. This project investigates whether functional haploid spermatids can be derived in vitro from pluripotent stem cells to offer patient-specific solutions. She is also working toward her Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Outside the lab, Beth enjoys going to the gym and spending time with her friends and her dog, Sadie.

Arina Chernikova, Ph. D. Student

Arina received her Bachelor’s in Biochemistry with Honors from Lomonosov Moscow State University and has just begun her scientific path as a graduate student here at the University of Georgia. She is passionate about science in general, but takes exceptional interest in epigenetics and cell biology. There has been a lot of cultural exchange for Arina lately, so outside the lab she really enjoys her friends showing her around and sharing American/Indian/Iranian/any-other traditions. She cooks borscht and takes them to the ballet in return! 

Austin Hammond, Master’s Student

Austin is a first-year Master’s of Public Health student with a concentration in Environmental Health Science. He received his B.S. in Biology from the University of Georgia. His current research project focuses on comparing the epigenome of those exposed to nicotine, opioids, cannabis, and alcohol to identify epigenetic hotspots. In his free time, Austin enjoys crafting and DIY projects.

Mia Rivera

Mia is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Biology. After graduating, she plans on attending graduate school for a master’s in Reproductive Clinical sciences and working as an embryologist. Mia has worked as an intern at an IVF lab in Atlanta for three summers and during breaks. At UGA, she is a mentor in the Clarke County Mentor program and helps with other volunteer work. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, trying new restaurants, and going on walks.

Madeline Bray

Madeline is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry and Dance. After graduating, she plans to attend dental school with the intention of becoming an oral maxillofacial surgeon. At UGA, she is a Chemistry Learning Assistant for General Chemistry I as well as a Peer Learning Assistant for Anatomy and Physiology I. She volunteers with the Guide Dog Foundation and graduated her first seeing eye dog, Maggie Mae, in the summer of 2024. 

Zaheen Kamruddin

Zaheen is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Environmental Health Science with minors in General Business Administration and Biology! After graduation, Zaheen is planning on attending medical school to pursue a M.D. and working within the healthcare field. She has interned at an IVF lab, worked as a medical assistant, and as an undergraduate research assistant in the last three years. At UGA, Zaheen has been a member of UGA MSF for three years as well as dedicating time into the multicultural clubs through UGA India Night and ICX. She is also working as an Organic Chemistry tutor to assist UGA students and interned at the Athens Wellness Clinic.  In her free time, Zaheen loves to cook, travel,  try new yoga classes, and watch football! 

Emma Harris

Emma is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Regenerative Bioscience and minoring in Applied Biotechnology and Biology with a certificate in Bioethics and Healthcare. After graduating, she hopes to attend medical school and work in rural areas of Georgia. At UGA, she volunteers with Destination Dawgs as a peer mentor and serves on the Executive Council of Zeta Tau Alpha. Outside of UGA, she works as a medical assistant and volunteers with Compassus Hospice. In her free time, Emma loves to go on walks, spend time with friends, and go shopping! 

Sophia Lee

Sophia Lee is an undergraduate Biology major at the University of Georgia with aspirations of becoming a dentist. She is interested in human biology and healthcare and is passionate about promoting overall well-being. With experience in community service and clinical exposure, Sophia is dedicated to contributing to her research group and aims to combine scientific knowledge with her future career in dentistry.

Susanna Ashworth 

Susanna is a third-year Health Promotion Major with an emphasis in Behavioral Medicine. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school in hopes of becoming an OBGYN. Susanna has done research in the Infant and Maternal Nutrition Lab and serves as the Match Secretary for the Womxn’s Rugby Club. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her loved ones, and anything involving being outside. 

Isabella Delatorre

Isabella is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in biomedical physiology and minoring in applied biotechnology. After graduating she plans on working in the field of biotechnology before applying to medical school; she hopes of becoming an emergency medicine physician. She is involved in a number of organizations on campus including SWAB, AMWA UGA, and Latinos UNIDO’s. In her free time she enjoys volunteering at a local hospital’s emergency department, spending time with friends and family, and reading. 

Leslie Easton

Leslie is a third-year undergraduate majoring in biology and plans to attend grad school to become a physician assistant. At UGA, she is a member of Delta Gamma sorority and the pre-PA association. Outside of UGA, she works as a certified nursing assistant and volunteers with the Athens-Clarke County Animal Services. In her free time, Leslie enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and playing soccer. 

Morgan Brown

Morgan is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Biology with a minor in Spanish and a certificate in Disability Studies. After graduation, she hopes to attend medical school and pursue a career in pediatrics. Outside of the lab, Morgan is an intern at ESP and a peer mentor for Destination Dawgs. She also volunteers for Saint Mary’s Hospital. In her free time, she loves to travel, go on dog walks, and play pickleball!

Alyse Steves, Ph.D., 2018