Miranda Fisher, Post-Doctoral Fellow
Miranda received her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of South Carolina in 2019, with focus on the pharmacogenomics of addiction. There her research consisted of investigating the role of CREB target gene, Neuregulin-3 in hippocampal-dependent nicotine withdrawal-related behaviors. As a postdoc at the University of Kentucky, Miranda is worked on multiple projects that involve establishing in vivo imaging techniques to study hippocampal and cortical physiology in rodent models of addiction. Miranda has moved on from the lab and is currently a MSL with Otsuka.
PROJECT TITLE: The Role of the CREB target gene, NRG3, in Hippocampal-Related Withdrawal Phenotypes.
Mohit Kumar, Post-Doctoral Fellow
Mohit has completed his master’s degree (M.Sc.; Biotechnology) in 2012 and later received his Ph.D. (Biochemistry) from Panjab University, India in 2019. His Ph.D. research was focused on to investigate the therapeutic potential of gasotransmitter (H2S) in metabolic brain disease (Hyperhomocysteinemia). While not working in lab he likes to explore natural places, do hiking, reading historic books and watching documentaries.
PROJECT TITLE: Pathophysiology of Blood Brain Barrier in Nicotine Dependence
Erin Anderson, Post Doctoral Fellow
Erin Anderson earned her B.S. in Biochemistry and B.A. in Chemistry from North Carolina State University before working in both industry (for such companies as Bayer, Syngenta, and Karo Bio) before returning to pursue her PhD.
Erin joined the Turner lab at UofSC in the College of Pharmacy in Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences to study neuroinflammation in substance use disorder. Her research has focused on nicotine withdrawal and both brain region and sex differences in microglial response.
In any time outside of the lab, she reads incessantly and enjoys time with her husband and overly demanding tiny doxie.
PROJECT TITLE: Sex-specific Effects of Nicotine Withdrawal Induced Neuroinflammation.
Dr. Luyi Zhou, Post-doctoral Fellow
Luyi (Lily) received her B.A. in Biotechnology (2003) from East China Normal University in Shanghai, before she went to NYC to pursue Ph.D. studies in Biology (2009) at City University of New York. After graduation, she joined Ronald See’s lab at Medical University of South Carolina and later Jill Turner’s lab at USC for post-doctoral training. Her studies have focused on the behavioral and molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in drug addiction. Recently, Luyi accepted a position at Southern Illinois University. She enjoys food and movies while not in the lab. She lives happily with her husband and their cute baby Alex.
PROJECT TITLE: Genetic and Functional Underpinnings of Impulsive Choices During Relapse.
Adewale Adeluyi, Post-Doctoral Scholar
Adewale received his Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Ibadan. Adewale then went on to complete his Masters of Public Health at the Arnold School of Public Health, USC. Adewale is currently completing a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard University.
PROJECT TITLE: Genomic Regulation by Chronic Nicotine and Acute Withdrawal Effects
Lilian Custodio Goncalves, Post-Doctoral Scholar
Lilian received her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University Federal of Parana, Brazil where she worked in the clinical setting and academia for several years. She then moved to Kentucky to pursue a residency and Master of Science degree at the University of Kentucky Orofacial Pain Center. After completion of her clinical training, she earned her Ph.D. in Physiology. When not in the lab, she enjoys movies, fencing and spend time with her husband and kids.
Emily Prantzalos, Post Doctoral Scholar
Emily received her B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2020. She received her PHD from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy in 2025. She currently is pursuing a career in medical liaison. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies with her fiancé and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Jack Keady, Post Doctoral Scholar
Jack Keady is originally from St. Louis Missouri. He received his PhD from the University of Kentucky in 2025. He currently works as a post-doctoral scholar, where his research is focused on understanding how chronic drug (nicotine and opioid) exposure and withdrawal reshape brain function at the cellular and molecular levels. His work integrates preclinical transcriptomics data with electronic health records in order to identify novel therapeutic targets for smoking cessation and opioid use disorder.
Taylor Elder, Post Doctoral Scholar
Taylor graduated from UK in 2017 with a BS in psychology and a minor in neuro. She received her PhD from the University of Kentucky in 2025. Taylor has worked in labs that specialize in cardio and neuro research before continuing her education in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program. Outside of the lab, Taylor spends her time trying to keep her plants alive and hanging out with her husband.
Alexia Alsum, Post Doctoral Scholar
Alexia received her B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering from Dordt University in 2021. She received her PhD from the University of Kentucky in 2025. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, trapshooting, and spending time with her dog.
Jane Palagi, Master Student
Jane is a current student at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy pursuing a Doctorate of Pharmacy and Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She plans to graduate with both degrees in Spring 2024. Outside of school and lab, Jane enjoys playing guitar, reading, and spending time with friends.
Lindsey Guerin, Biochemistry Undergraduate Student
Lindsey is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She came down to USC to study Biochemistry and is working towards earning a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a Neuroscience minor.
PROJECT TITLE: Oxidative Stress during Nicotine Withdrawal Drives Withdrawal Phenotypes
Rachel LeMalefant, Biochemistry Undergraduate Student
Rachel graduated in 2016 with her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of South Carolina. Her academic interests include medicine and neuroscience, and she is excited to see how these two can come together in neuropharmacological research. Rachel is currently attending Drexel Medical School in Philadelphia.
PROJECT TITLE: The Role of CREB Target Genes in Nicotine Withdrawal Behaviors.
Anthony Marcelletti, Undergrad (Graduate Student)
Anthony is received his BHS in Clinical Leadership and Management with a minor in Biology in Spring of 2022. He plans to pursue a MD degree and continue with his research endeavors at the University of Kentucky. In his free time Anthony enjoys going to concerts and traveling.
Kai Johnson, Master Student
Kai moved from Omaha, Nebraska after receiving B.S. degrees in biochemistry and anthropology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2021. He is now a graduate student in the pharmaceutical science masters program and has joined the Turner lab under a co-mentorship. Outside of studying opioid pharmacology, Kai enjoys spending free time on outdoor activities or playing his violin.
