https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news daily 0.75 2026-01-08 https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r-abdhs-ftjjn-spsyh-rhdbr-9kkac-759mt-pxbzt-d6d2x-twdkr monthly 0.5 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/fb9722db-4587-4d5c-a489-e8223d518a40/uma.jpg News - We have our first Ph.D. graduate! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r-abdhs-ftjjn-spsyh-rhdbr-9kkac-759mt-pxbzt-d6d2x-h449l monthly 0.5 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/10495b3e-36d1-4041-bd5b-0e8e944d6cd0/PXL_20251118_173942558+%282%29.jpg News - Uma is awarded the 2025 Eastern Analytical Symposium Grad Research Award! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r-abdhs-ftjjn-spsyh-rhdbr-9kkac-759mt-pxbzt-d6d2x-twdkr-8ex94-a43f7 monthly 0.5 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/aed7258e-0135-41ea-abd4-4e3c7e091eb7/IMG_1800.jpg News - We welcome Aaron Bouchard to the group! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r-abdhs-ftjjn-spsyh-rhdbr-9kkac-759mt-pxbzt-d6d2x-twdkr-8ex94 monthly 0.5 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/5537a97c-01d8-4a3b-b68f-2ec6da8a7c0f/IMG_4181+%281%29.jpg News - Abby wins the Ronald Suiter Prize! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r-abdhs-ftjjn-spsyh-rhdbr-9kkac-759mt-pxbzt-d6d2x monthly 0.5 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/6e46cf78-59cb-4475-89d8-02db3e78d3b8/Screen+Shot+2024-08-07+at+12.29.05+PM.png News - The Ou lab publishes our third paper! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r-abdhs-ftjjn-spsyh-rhdbr-9kkac-759mt-pxbzt monthly 0.5 2024-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/978ce16c-d1e1-46cc-90c3-f54a10974e9e/Screen+Shot+2024-08-07+at+12.25.15+PM.png News - Congrats to our recent summer research awardees! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r-abdhs-ftjjn-spsyh-rhdbr-9kkac-759mt monthly 0.5 2024-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/9c6b0ba8-c360-47d3-bded-999c8b8a5c40/Screen+Shot+2024-08-07+at+12.18.17+PM.png News - Our lab graduates our first master’s student! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r-abdhs-ftjjn-spsyh-rhdbr-9kkac monthly 0.5 2024-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/cda046e3-233a-4e25-bd8d-501baf9de44b/Screen+Shot+2024-08-07+at+12.16.32+PM.png News - The Ou lab attended Pittcon in San Diego! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r-abdhs-ftjjn-spsyh-rhdbr monthly 0.5 2024-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/c6ab29ca-0fa0-47ca-8cab-d4e7e828f4f6/Screen+Shot+2024-08-07+at+12.12.20+PM.png News - We welcome two new faces to the group! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r-abdhs-ftjjn-spsyh monthly 0.5 2024-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/ff4ada7c-9a90-4cd6-a9aa-52205aa63764/Screen+Shot+2023-11-29+at+7.53.05+PM.png News - Our lab’s second paper is out in RSC Advances! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r-abdhs-ftjjn monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1694116156175-1TKX3FF20R0A5DHGLQVI/IMG_6569.jpg News - We welcome new members to the group! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1694116157206-IGFLJZCP3QX1WK1YTNDI/mrtvL97-0%2521sizeoriginal.jpg News - We welcome new members to the group! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1694116156152-LECHHHMTM0AY2GWFOSL4/pumpkin+pic.jpg News - We welcome new members to the group! https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r-abdhs monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/81cc3103-c574-4ae7-979e-a70959c4ebbe/Screen+Shot+2023-09-07+at+3.34.39+PM.png News - Our lab’s first paper is published in RSC Advances! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283-3gg5r monthly 0.5 2023-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1680717047528-QEF1T2W15NZT2ZWIPJJY/IMG_5089+2.JPG News - The Ou Lab attended Pittcon for the first time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1680717047444-TJ3GVQW54A4BTDA75GDV/1679873152589.jpeg News - The Ou Lab attended Pittcon for the first time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1680717048288-D0WYSL9B9AROTKHR8XTZ/1679873151765.jpeg News - The Ou Lab attended Pittcon for the first time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1680717048417-Q2ZO69YMVXZC3F6NS9E1/1679873158513.jpeg News - The Ou Lab attended Pittcon for the first time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1680717049225-SFC75K5KROJ26QICU24D/1679873164692.jpeg News - The Ou Lab attended Pittcon for the first time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1680717049301-1JZ3YV7SSQJN133OXNZP/1679873157782.jpeg News - The Ou Lab attended Pittcon for the first time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1680717050093-EFU9DSQJ8H3XQEVRQ1L7/1679873164558.jpeg News - The Ou Lab attended Pittcon for the first time! https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n-zs283 monthly 0.5 2023-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1680717692942-XYV5VN9V6QPQ6J8YMX9O/IMG_5363.JPG News - Three new students join our lab! https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87-akdsz-pjj8n monthly 0.5 2023-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1656369852354-PG9HGN92FT728NHXHLEU/IMG_1503+%281%29.jpeg News - Terdha joins the lab in May 2022! https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr-rpt87 monthly 0.5 2022-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1649096496302-2HNYIO6CRJCKIG6XPUPS/Image+from+iOS+%285%29.jpg News - Nikki joins the lab in January 2022! https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48-rganr monthly 0.5 2022-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1632753912191-KQC8M7VQZF4CSHTK884E/VCCBH_pilot_award.jpeg News - Our lab and the Punihaole lab receive the VCCBH pilot grant! https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch-89w48 monthly 0.5 2021-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1629817627245-J4LM9HFE12GKGINRMMBU/isabella.jpg News - Isabella joins the lab in August 2021! https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-y2fch monthly 0.5 2022-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1629305716159-58ZCRJEWIOENH66OWMIL/uma.jpg News - Uma joins the lab in April 2021! https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january-s76n5-pdxph-zExN2 monthly 0.5 2021-08-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1629303340929-HBKTPQFTAU07F30X55NN/anna.jpg News - Anna joins the lab in March 2021! https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/three-new-members-join-in-january monthly 0.5 2021-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1611695083693-PWMZVXYITH6VU7R2JIPP/oneillprofilepic.jpeg News - Two new members join in January 2021! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1611695253802-GLNPMO1QL1IPS4LHNDN9/received_569538536961118.jpeg News - Two new members join in January 2021! https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/megan-joins-the-lab monthly 0.5 2021-08-24 https://theoulab.squarespace.com/news/the-ou-lab-is-born monthly 0.5 2021-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1612816048862-CEVB928CEXY0TM4BG8IB/IMG_7716.JPG News - THE OU LAB is born… https://theoulab.squarespace.com/home daily 1.0 2025-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1612823066833-UH69OC2SMKXEN9JE7GMQ/Screenshot+2021-02-08+at+17.24.14.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/09f4c4f0-17db-4ba8-ba6f-0423f5cd1567/Screenshot+2025-01-17+at+9.06.05%E2%80%AFPM.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/94817fed-8fc2-45d7-9266-54d0568b40d3/Screenshot+2025-01-17+at+8.55.52%E2%80%AFPM.png Home https://theoulab.squarespace.com/team-1 daily 0.75 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/d5f383a0-566c-463c-9499-d27e2499e306/brian+pierce.png Team - Brian Pierce Undergraduate Student Hi! I’m Brian and I’m from here in Vermont about 2 hours south of UVM. I’m a sophomore here at UVM majoring in Biological Sciences and pursuing a minor in Emergency Medical Services. Back home, I practice as an Advanced EMT on a local ambulance service, and I wish to pursue med-school to specialize in emergency medicine with a focus on critical-care and prehospital practice. I like to enjoy the outdoors in my free time by skiing or hiking, and I enjoy my fair share of PC gaming as well! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/3a6ca342-c16e-4e4f-a374-0a10a3e222e1/IMG_0426+%281%29.jpg Team - Toheeb Adegoke Chemistry Ph.D Graduate Student Hi, I am Toheeb. I’m from Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University Ibadan, with some research experience in Analytical Chemistry. I will be modifying electrodes for environmental sensing in the Ou Group. I’m specifically interested in building electrodes for selective and sensitive measurement of heavy metals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/23eb4152-5e19-42b5-834a-8bee7ffda3dc/IMG_4181+%281%29.jpg Team - Abigail O’Connor Chemistry Ph.D. Graduate Student Hi, I’m Abby! I am from Barrington New Hampshire. I have an undergraduate in Biochemistry from the University of Hartford, with research experience in bio organic chemistry and biochemistry. I have an interest in analytical chemistry and I am interested in building electrodes for clinical applications. Outside of lab I enjoy running, painting, and reading. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/bef6729f-aefc-4efc-b0de-a0275cd8c5fe/OU_AsYouArePhotography-4_websize.jpg Team - Yangguang Ou Principal Investigator I am an assistant professor who joined the Department of Chemistry at UVM in Fall 2020. I am also a faculty member in the Neuroscience Graduate Program and the Vermont Center for Cardiovascular and Brain Health. My background and interests span both separation science and electrochemical sensing. In our lab, we leverage these methods to develop new sensing technologies for environmental and neuroscience applications. In my spare time, I like to travel, explore new restaurants, and exercise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/66f5e917-ac49-4b3d-9d07-801e6ca25c94/IMG_1800.jpg Team - Aaron Bouchard Chemistry Ph.D. Graduate Student Hi, I’m Aaron. I am from Plattsburgh, New York and I have a Bachelor's degree in chemistry from Saint Michael’s College where I was captain of the varsity Men’s Swimming and Diving team. During my undergraduate years I gained research experience in various extraction techniques at the forefront of environmental monitoring. Additionally, I developed skills in multiple analytical instruments such as GC-MS and ICP-OES for the quantification of pollutants and characterization of inorganic catalyst efficiency. I have a strong interest in analytical chemistry, and I hope to apply my devotion to the natural sciences to resolve some of the current challenges faced by neurochemical analysis with electrochemical detection methods. Outside of the lab I enjoy reading comics, watching movies, drawing, and various aquatic activities ranging from swimming to kayaking and paddle boarding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/cb0feb74-6a37-43f5-a0c6-7e384f729285/Jill-6+%283%29.jpg Team - Jill Corbit Undergraduate Student Hi! My name is Jill Corbit and I’m from Southern New Hampshire. I’m a senior undergraduate student majoring in neuroscience with hopes of pursuing a graduate degree in the field. I’m super interested in synaptic communication, particularly what modulates neuronal signaling in specific neurotransmitter systems, as well as gut-brain interactions and their roles in neurodevelopment and related disorders. I absolutely love working in the lab and collaborating with others, and in my free time I like to relax with a good book, go on walks, or spend time with my family and friends! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/9428864f-34fe-4557-b30c-49b34fc866f4/IMG_5077+%281%29.jpg Team - Samantha Guenther Undergraduate Student Hi, my name is Samantha Guenther! I’m from Morgantown, WV. I’m a sophomore pursuing a Biochemistry major at UVM. I’m also on the pre-med track. I’m interested in learning about how the biochemistry of our body contributes to our overall health. I’m particularly interested in exploring neurological disorders and their relationship to the chemistry of our gut microbiome. In my free time I enjoy hiking, running, traveling, and playing with my dogs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/396717b5-3754-4d8b-bad7-407cfb194bf1/IMG_7302+%281%29.JPG Team - Luke Williams Undergraduate Student Hi! My name is Luke Williams, and I’m from Connecticut. I’m a junior at UVM studying Biochemistry with a minor in Pharmacology on a pre-Dental track. I’m particularly interested in exploring both the clinical and environmental applications of our molecularly imprinted electrodes. Outside of academics, I enjoy exploring Vermont—fall hikes in the woods, hitting the slopes in the winter, and spending time on the lake in the summer. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/publications daily 0.75 2026-01-08 https://theoulab.squarespace.com/projects daily 0.75 2021-08-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d3b3ed8084b6f00015405ba/1565292381043-ER9AOU1LISY7FVVCNVEQ/20140302_trade+151_0677.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d3b3ed8084b6f00015405ba/1565292406252-8560GSO2A1FLMFQVTG60/Aro+Ha_0073.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d3b3ed8084b6f00015405ba/1565292525597-WCO0DS8F9PHF2V1U45HY/20140228_Trade+151_0067+%281%29.jpg Projects https://theoulab.squarespace.com/join daily 0.75 2026-01-08 https://theoulab.squarespace.com/alumni daily 0.75 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/b00c4ac2-99f4-49b4-a67b-3cc38266e3d8/mrtvL97-0%2521sizeoriginal.jpg Alumni - Ella Partlow Hi! I’m Ella and I’m from Swanton, Vermont. I’m currently a junior majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Statistics. I enjoy learning about everything related to chemistry and neuroscience, and I am particularly interested in the development of biotechnologies to gather quantitative chemical data on certain neurological conditions like depression. While in the group I was awarded the NASA REU scholarship through the VT Space Grant Consortium/NASA EPSCoR, which funded my research for a year. Outside of academics I compete in powerlifting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/db8623ae-db30-4bd6-93c4-5007145af101/Image+from+iOS+%285%29.jpg Alumni - Nikki Villarini Hi! I'm Nikki, and I graduated from UVM in the spring of 2023 with a B.S. in chemistry. I worked in the OU lab from 2022-2024, initially as an undergraduate research assistant and later as a laboratory technician. During my time in the OU lab, I worked on a project that integrated molecularly imprinted polymers with CFMs for the selective detection of met-enkephalin using FSCV. Our work on MIPs has recently been published in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces! While in the group I wa awarded the Chemistry Award for Excellence in Analytical Chemistry. Currently, I’m pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at Colorado State University, where I will continue to explore the field of analytical chemistry. I am forever grateful for the friends that I made and the opportunities that I received during my time in the OU lab! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/31621b6d-af62-4da2-a895-d461ceaf2d65/Terdha+Narla.png Alumni - Terdha Narla Hi. My name is Terdha. I was a pharmacology master’s student and was part of the Ou lab from 2022- 2024. During this time, I worked on three different projects where I developed electrochemical tools for in vitro sensing of tryptophan, copper, and short-chain fatty acids. This work led to co-authorship on two articles which are published in RSC Advances. The Ou lab was extremely supportive in all my research endeavors and helped me in building my capabilities. I am grateful to have received mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities from Dr. Ou and to have been part of her group. I am currently working as a laboratory technician in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Utah, and I plan to pursue doctoral studies in the future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/204e033e-a635-44aa-ae6c-e26a78e04ad1/isabella.jpg Alumni - Isabella Schapira My name is Isabella Schapira I was a chemistry major who worked in the lab from 2021-2023. I worked on developing a method to measure tryptophan using FSCV and CFMs and I’m super proud that my work on this project recently got published! After graduating from UVM, I got a position as a QC Analytical lab technician with Bausch and Lomb. I’m super grateful for my time in the OU lab and I’m excited to continue my career in analytical chemistry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/c78d00ef-fde5-4a60-9d3a-079326c27050/uma.jpg Alumni - Uma Nudurupati Hi, I’m Uma! I am from Kharagpur, West Bengal, India. I have an undergraduate in Chemical Sciences from the University of Hyderabad, India, with research experience in physical chemistry and crystal engineering. I recently graduated with an MS from UMass Amherst, where I studied aggregation and association of structural proteins via light scattering. I successfully defended my Ph.D. at UVM in Fall 2025 developing electrochemical methods to measure reactive oxygen species and Cu(II) ions in relation to neurodegeneration. Outside of the lab, I enjoy writing, reading, crocheting, and playing board games. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/3914d45a-8b0f-454e-aff1-05c484e7e102/oneillprofilepic.jpeg Alumni - Maggie O’Neill Hi my name is Maggie and I joined the Ou group in 2021. I graduated in 2023 with a degree in Biochemistry. While in the Ou group, I worked as an undergraduate researcher and then later as a lab technician. While in the group I helped creating a sensor for tryptophan detection and spearheaded a project measuring basal levels of melatonin in pinealocytes. Now I am working as a QC Microbiologist at NaturesPlus! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/25192c1e-9de7-486e-8431-5a71b10e4943/IMG_2843.png Alumni - Owen Neilan Hello, my name is Owen and I’m from Swampscott, Massachusetts. I just graduated in Fall 2024 with a degree in neuroscience with minors in chemistry and emergency medical services. I am interested in exploring the intersection between medicine and biotechnology/biomedical engineering, specifically as it relates to neurological diseases. While in the group I was awarded the SURF award for summer research. Outside of academics, I am a rower on UVM’s crew team and a cellist in the UVM Symphony Orchestra. I currently work as a medical assistant at UVMMC! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/b03b2231-c9aa-4f0a-b248-84f543a56ec9/Screen+Shot+2023-05-03+at+11.45.55+AM.png Alumni - Kira Gotwals Hi! My name is Kira, and I’m from a small town in Pennsylvania about an hour north of Philly. I just recently graduated with a degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry. I'm pre-med and have always had an interest in medicine, and I am particularly fascinated by the chemistry of the brain and how it impacts diseases and disorders. While in the group I was awarded the APLE summer research award. I love to climb, and most of my free time is either spent climbing at the gym or finding some other way to get outside. I currently work as a medical assistant at UVMMC! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/b24d2e50-3efb-4c68-a5b4-bc3f81c6cd46/bella+taylor.jpg Alumni - Bella Taylor Hi! My name's Bella and I'm from Memphis, Tennessee. I’m currently a sophomore majoring in biology with a minor in psychology. I am on the pre-med track and am particularly interested in the effects of health, such as one’s gut microbiome, on neurological function. I enjoy working out at the gym, playing with my adorable pets, and baking for my family and friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/68d59d99-57c7-46af-b629-106013acdcba/bobby+kelly.jpeg Alumni - Bobby Kelly Hi, my name is Bobby Kelly and I finished my post-baccalaureate pre-medical requirements in Spring 2025. I received my B.A. in psychological sciences here at UVM in the spring of 2023. I am interested in autism research with the aim of improving quality of life and improving accessibility, particularly in a healthcare setting. Outside of academics I enjoy playing guitar and playing with our cat Pandora. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/8c2e2673-410a-4987-a4e7-825f40f8fe6f/Picture1.jpg Alumni - Haruka Kaiwa Hi, I’m Haruka Kaiwa from Sendai, Japan. I’m a 2nd year master student at Yamagata University Yoshida lab(Yamagata, Japan). I worked on "Synthesis and Evaluation of Organic catalysts and Redox molecules for Power Conversion and Storage" in Japan. I collaborated from Oct. to Dec. 2022 to study the optimal conditions for measurements of melatonin at OU lab. After graduate Yamagata University, I will work as a researcher for Nippon Paper group in Japan. Vermont is the first time I have lived in the U.S.. I have climbed mountains 3 times in Vermont and love Vermont's nature and people. My hobbies are traveling, playing sports and taking pictures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/2d6e18ce-31d8-4456-bc26-ec1bb31ea059/anna.jpg Alumni - Anna Sellon Hi my name is Anna and I was in the Ou lab from 2021 - 2023. In 2023 I graduated with a dual degree in Neuroscience and Environmental Science. While in the group, I spearheaded the project adsorbing acetylcholineesterase and choline oxidase onto carbon fiber microelectrodes for acetylcholine detection in the rat hippocampi. I was also awarded the SURF award for summer research from UVM FOUR. You can read about my work through my honors thesis: https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/hcoltheses/591/. Currently I am working toward my goal of being an MD/PhD! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/4b22100f-bce9-4560-b930-a881c3ed82ea/megan.jpg Alumni - Megan Lynch Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/e1b802c6-486f-4ae5-a93a-749b741f7176/adam+davis.png Alumni - Adam Davis Hi, I'm Adam. I'm originally from West Tennessee. While I'm currently a biochemistry major at UVM, I've already received a B.A. from St. John's College. There, I studied philosophy and the history of science and became interested in how we gain knowledge about things that we can't directly experience. I graduated with a degree in Biochemistry in Spring 2025 and have been on the job market for positions in industry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/5bb2c671-f971-46d0-a848-69e70c582a0d/IMG_20190911_093157+%282%29.jpg Alumni - Nathan Robins Nate worked in our lab as a lab tech from Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 and was instrumental in getting the lab started. He built many of the instruments that we use daily and has trained many of the students who are currently in the lab. While he was here, he loved skiing and hanging out with friends in VT. He has made numerous friends in the department and is universally adored. He has since returned to the UK, where he is currently studying as an MD student at King’s College. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/what-we-do daily 0.75 2022-01-14 https://theoulab.squarespace.com/partners daily 0.75 2025-05-09 https://theoulab.squarespace.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-05-09 https://theoulab.squarespace.com/research daily 0.75 2026-01-08 https://theoulab.squarespace.com/research/reactive-oxygen-species-and-amyloid-beta monthly 0.5 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/38dc9059-481f-47c1-a5aa-92e641cdd023/Screenshot+2026-01-08+at+1.46.37%E2%80%AFPM.png https://theoulab.squarespace.com/research/molecularimprinting monthly 0.5 2021-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1613055975691-MQRQBFIYTSFSM6UCH4HK/histamine_memory.png Research - Molecular Imprinting - Extreme stress/pain at the time of trauma results in an excess release of neurochemicals that results in the creation of strong memories of the trauma. Endogenous neuropeptides are one class of these neurochemicals: it is a naturally produced painkiller to deal with the pain, but also participates in memory formation (though its exact role is unclear). We hypothesize that there is a relationship between neuropeptide levels and classical neurotransmitters (i.e. glutamate, dopamine, serotonin, etc) that ultimately plays a role in the etiology of PTSD. We are thus developing novel, rapid sensing devices to test this hypothesis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1613056326420-0Z7JITANQ43KIH25Q8EI/trp-gut.png Research - Molecular Imprinting - In recent years, there has been a new hypothesis that bacteria in the gut play a crucial role in altering not just our brain chemistry, but also our behavior, including the ability to cause depression. There is indirect evidence that unpredictable chronic stress can alter gut bacteria, which regulate the breakdown of tryptophan into serotonin, altering the amount of serotonin in the brain, resulting in depression-like behaviors. Low serotonin is linked to depression. We aim to develop a tryptophan sensor to test this hypothesis. This work will ultimately elucidate the influence of the gut microbiome on the brain and reveal new therapeutics for depression. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/research/microdialysis monthly 0.5 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/1613056727763-JLWT7MGFLQJV1FJ4044V/trp-gut.png Research - Short-chain fatty acids 90% of the children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also have gastrointestinal problems. We are interested in studying the contribution of the gut to the development of ASD, specifically we are interested in the role of short-chain fatty acids. It has been hypothesized that these molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier, into the brain, and alter neurochemistry. We are developing electrochemical methods to quantifying these small molecules in situ. The ultimate goal is to establish a causal relationship between the gut microbiome and the development of ASD. https://theoulab.squarespace.com/research/metalsensors monthly 0.5 2022-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600732a86e14ab2e06cb3c97/5a42f8f5-1903-4dde-9aa6-674a23a008c6/bare+electrode+cropped+copy.jpg Research - Metal Sensors Atomic force microscopy image of a bare electrode taken by Uma Nudurupati.