University of Pittsburgh
O'Donnell Lab Undergraduate Students
Eric Jordahl (Senior)
Originally from: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Currently pursuing a degree in Molecular Biology, and a degree in Classic Civilizations at the University of Pittsburgh
Joined the lab: November 2018
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Eric joined the lab in November of 2018 in his freshman fall semester and is currently working with David Augustine with a current focus on the Evolutionary Rate Covariation (ERC) project to validate new α – arrestin cargos by analyzing the localization and saturation of GFP-tagged cargo proteins lacking specific α – arrestins. In the future, he intends to enroll in medical school after completing his undergraduate studies. In his time out of lab, Eric enjoys reading Greek plays, swimming, and juggling.
Sydnie Davis (Senior)
Originally from: Sylvania, Ohio
Currently pursuing a degree in biology and chemistry with a minor in Spanish at the University of Pittsburgh
Joined the lab: January 2019
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Sydnie joined the lab in January of 2019 during her freshman spring semester at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, she is assisting Ray Bowman in helping to procure quantitative assays of autophagy using the Pho8Δ60 assay in yeast. In the lab, Sydnie enjoys learning new procedures and how to research using yeast cultures! After completing her undergraduate studies, Sydnie intends to attend medical school. When not in the lab, you could find Sydnie participating in various clubs around campus, or curled up with a book in her dorm.
Oscar Chen (Senior)
Originally from: Edison, NJ
Currently pursuing a degree in biology at the University of Pittsburgh
Joined the lab: May 2019
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Oscar joined the lab in the summer of 2019 as part of the HHMI Mentor/Mentee Undergraduate Research Fellowship program. He has been working on the Evolutionary Rate Covariation (ERC) project. His current focus is on defining the relationship between α-Arrestins and the protein cargo they regulate by assessing phenotypic changes via spot assays and fluorescence microscopy. After his undergraduate studies, Oscar intends to attend medical school. Outside of the laboratory, Oscar is an avid sports fan and proudly supports the New York Knicks. He loves to play basketball and bowling in his free time, and currently plays clarinet for the Pitt Orchestra.
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Katie Oppenheimer (Junior)
Originally from: Portland, Oregon
Currently pursuing a degree in: microbiology
Joined the lab: November 2019
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Katie joined the lab in November of 2019 and is currently working with Natalie Hager with a focus on the interaction between alpha-arrestins and Kir2.1 potassium channels. After completing her undergraduate studies, she intends to attend graduate school. Outside of the lab, Katie enjoys reading and spending time in nature.
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Prathiksha Sivakumar (Sophomore)
Originally from: Pittsburgh, PA
Currently pursuing a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry and French
Joined the lab: July 2021
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Prathiksha joined the lab as a lab aide in the beginning of July 2021, and I perform various tasks in the lab. I intend on attending medical school after completing my undergraduate studies. Outside of the lab, I love exploring new places with my friends or watching a good movie. I also enjoy embroidering and going on long walks.
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