Current Lab Members

Julia Do

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Nutritional Sciences, May 2024
Northeastern State University

Julia Do is a senior at NSU majoring in nutritional sciences and minoring in Spanish. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Rho Theta Gamma, and National Student Leadership and Service. She is a student worker at the College of Optometry admin office and an optometric technician at Arrow Eye Clinic. After graduation, she plans on attending optometry school to work as an optometrist.

Anne Martin

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Biochemistry, May 2024
Northeastern State University

Anne Martin is from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She will graduate from NSU in the Spring of 2024 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. She is involved in the OK-LSAMP program and NSU’s Honors program, and with their support, Anne plans to graduate in Biochemistry with a master’s degree or more. After schooling, she hopes to work in the cosmetic chemistry field.

Erica Dotson

Research Technician

B.S. Psychology, May 2022
Northeastern State University

Erica Dotson grew up in Wagoner, Oklahoma. She graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern State University in May of 2022 with a B.S. in Psychology. During her time at NSU, she also minored in chemistry and criminal justice studies. Her career goals include attending medical school, specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry, and working in tribal healthcare in Oklahoma.

Lauren Wilcox

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology, May 2024
Northeastern State University

Lauren Wilcox is from Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. She is a senior at Northeastern State University and is majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology. She is currently the president of Tri Sigma, vice president of the Pre-Professional Health Club, and a member of the pom squad and Honors Program. Once she graduates, she plans on attending medical school and one day working as a pediatrician.

Hayley Garcia

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Biochemistry, May 2024
Northeastern State University

Hayley Garcia is from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is majoring in biochemistry and minoring in business at NSU. She is a member of the NSU Women’s Soccer team and serves as the social media representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. After graduating, Hayley plans on applying to the NSU College of Optometry in hopes of becoming a successful optometrist and establishing her own clinic.

Quan Yan

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Biochemistry, December 2023
Northeastern State University

Quan Yan is from ZheJiang, China. He came to NSU through a study abroad program with a Chinese university, spent a year studying the language, and passed the language exam to enter NSU. During this time, Quan discovered his interest in biology and chemistry. He plans to pursue master’s and doctoral studies after graduation. He enjoys spending his free time fishing and working out.

Former Lab Members

MacKenzie Bethel

Undergraduate Researcher

Doctor of Pharmacy
May 2027
University of Oklahoma

Austin Fisher

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Biochemistry
May 2022
Northeastern State University

Myka Heimbach

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Biochemistry
May 2023
Northeastern State University

Maggie Loftin

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology, December 2023
Northeastern State University

Carson Loncarich

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology
May 2021
Northeastern State University

Angela Madira

Post-Baccalaureate Fellow

B.S. Biochemistry (2017)
Cal State LA
MPhil Health, Medicine and Technology (2018)
University of Cambridge

Conager McBroom

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology
May 2023
Northeastern State University

Bethany Meija

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology
May 2024
Northeastern State University

Shelby Rose

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology
December 2023
Northeastern State University

Hanna Russell

Undergraduate Researcher

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
May 2027
Oklahoma State University

Luis Vasquez

Postbaccalaureate Researcher

B.S. Computer Science
May 2023
Northeastern State University

Melissa Vera

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Biochemistry
May 2022
Northeastern State University

Madison Whitekiller

Undergraduate Researcher

B.S. Biochemistry
December 2021
Northeastern State University

Diffie Antwi

Undergraduate Researcher

Premed and Africana Studies
May 2021
Wellesley College

Olivia Akinsunmoye

Undergraduate Researcher

B.A. Biological Sciences
May 2021
Wellesley College

Chantelle Batacan

Undergraduate Researcher

B.A. Data Science
May 2021
Wellesley College

Chantaly Villalona

Undergraduate Researcher

B.A. Geological Sciences
May 2022
Wellesley College

Dr. Cammi Valdez

Principal Investigator

Dr. Cammi Valdez is a vascular biologist, faculty member, and champion of making STEM accessible. As a Latina woman scientist, she is a strong advocate for empowering and advancing women, first generation students, and people of color in STEM. Dr. Valdez is currently an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Northeastern State University and the Past President of the national McNair Association of Professionals (MAP). Previously, Dr. Valdez served as the Director of the McNair Scholars Program at Wellesley College and as Assistant Director of Research and Fellowships at Harvard College. Dr. Valdez received a B.S. Professional in Chemistry and a B.S. in Mathematics from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she was an OK-LSAMP Scholar, and earned her PhD in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology from Harvard University. During graduate school, her scholarship and work was recognized with the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, NASPA Massachusetts Richard F. Stevens Outstanding Graduate Student Award, 60th Nobel Laureate Meeting Harvard Ambassador, and serving as a Harvard GSAS Commencement Marshal. Passionate about student advocacy, Dr. Valdez served two terms as the Harvard Graduate Student Council President during graduate school. Her research in vascular biology has been published in numerous journals including The American Journal of Pathology as well Current Diabetes Report.