I received my MD from the University of Zagreb School of Medicine in Croatia and my PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham under the mentorship of Zsuzsanna Bebok. My doctoral thesis focused on identifying consequences of the synonymous codon change for isoleucine 507 on protein folding and function in the most common disease-causing mutation in cystic fibrosis, as well as mechanism of action of corrector-potentiator combinations. In my current efforts I aim to understand molecular mechanisms that underlie neuropsychiatric disorders using mouse models of addiction and depression in combination with biochemical, behavioral, and surgical techniques.

I enjoy spending free time with family and friends, reading, and travelling.

I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2012 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. During my time at Carnegie Mellon, I interned at Merck & Co. in the lab of Dr. Lili Zhang and explored tau hyperphosphorylation in the rTg4510 mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease. After graduation and a brief career as an IT consultant, I returned to research and joined the lab of Dr. Eric Nestler at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, which studies the epigenetic regulation of genes involved in addiction and depression. I enrolled as a Ph.D. student in the Neuroscience Program at Michigan State University in 2015. My current work in the Mazei-Robison lab focuses on how drugs of abuse alter serum-and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) signaling in the VTA.

I graduated from Bradley University with a BS in Psychology in 2017. I enrolled as PhD student in MSU’s Neuroscience Program in the fall of 2017. My current work in the Mazei-Robison Lab is investigating cell type-specific changes in gene expression in the ventral tegmental area induced by chronic opiates and stress.

I am a sophomore majoring in Cellular & Developmental Neuroscience, Genomics & Molecular Genetics, and Spanish. I am working with Marie on her project investigating drug-induced changes in SGK1 signaling in the brain. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, skiing, hiking, and traveling. After graduating from MSU, I hope to enroll in an M.D./Ph.D. program and do research with Alzheimer's Disease.

I studied aquatic & fisheries biology and photography at Grand Valley State University. After graduation I began working as a chemistry quality assurance analyst at Mead-Johnson Nutritionals in Zeeland, MI; followed by some research and development work in a cell culture lab at Alticor in Ada, MI. My academic career began at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic medicine where I was fortunate enough to study nicotine and alcohol addiction pathways with Dr. Chris Butt. I enjoyed my first three years at MSU working in the lab of Dr. Barbara Atshaves studying biochemical mechanisms of obesity before joining Dr. Robison and Dr. Mazei-Robison’s labs. I enjoyed a very successful career rowing competitively at the intercollegiate and international levels as well as coaching at Forest Hills Northern high school and GVSU, and still find the opportunity to study photography in my free time.