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.

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, Ph.D. Student

Austin received his Master of Public Health with a concentration in Environmental Health Science from the University of Georgia, where he is currently a doctoral student in the Easley laboratory. Austin’s research focuses on the impacts of wood smoke inhalation on male reproductive health, with a particular focus on rural Georgian communities. In his free time, he enjoys crafting and DIY projects.

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. 

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!

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! 

Abigail Bias

Abigail is a third-year Regenerative Bioscience major with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. After graduation, she hopes to attend medical school to become a physician. At UGA, Abigail serves as president of the Crump’s Humanism in Medicine Exposition Scholars program, vice president of the American Medical Women’s Association, and an Honors Teaching Assistant. She is also actively involved in clinical and community service through working as a medical assistant and volunteering at Athens Free Clinic, Family Hospice, and Athens Prison Tutorial. In her spare time, she enjoys watching and playing soccer, running, reading, and traveling!

Aryna Simakovich

Aryna is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Physiology and pursuing a certificate in Infectious Disease. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and become a physician, with a long-term interest in expanding health care and mental health care access for underserved and justice-involved populations. At UGA, Aryna serves as President of Perfect Pair, which is an intergenerational matching organization, and is a Team Leader for VAW Global Health Alliance. She is also an Experience UGA Ambassador, a program that brings Clarke County School District students to campus for educational field trips, and is involved in clinical volunteering at UCBC and community service through Bigger Vision and Athens PBJ. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball and golf, spending time in nature, and being with friends and family.

Britton Karoly

Britt is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Regenerative Bioscience with minors in Biology and Applied Biotechnology. After graduation, she plans to attend PA school with interests in dermatology and pediatrics. She is heavily involved with her sorority, serving terms on both executive and programming councils, where she has developed a passion for service. Throughout her time at UGA, she has been a member of several clubs on campus including Order of Omega, UGA Miracle, and SWAB. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, going on walks with her friends, shopping, and playing pickleball.

Sasha Stupak

Sasha is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician. Outside of the lab she is involved in several organizations and activities on campus, including the medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon and the UGA Club Tennis team, where she serves on the social board. She also works as a medical assistant at a Russian-speaking clinic, where she has the opportunity to support and care for refugee patients. In her free time, Sasha enjoys traveling for tennis tournaments, volunteering at local animal shelters, spending time with friends and family, and going on long walks.

Abigail Garcia

Abigail is a sophomore studying biology on the pre-med track. Some of her campus involvements include Franklin Residential College, Biology PLA, and PROPEL rural scholars. In her free time she enjoys collecting vintage items, sewing, painting, gardening, and working out. Her research interests are focused around rural health. Don’t hesitate to speak to her if you see her around!

Alyse Steves, Ph.D., 2018