STAFF SCIENTIST / LAB MANAGER

Dr. Melvin M. Bonilla completed his Ph.D. in 2014 from the Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology at UNR. His graduate research focused on sexual selection, sperm competition, and epigenetic regulation. His research interest can be divided into two main interests: 1) The effects that ecological and stochastic process can have on phenotypes. 2) The underlying genetic and epigenetic variation that contributes to evolutionary innovation.

He accepted a post-doctoral position in the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard School of Public Health, to explore the role that environmental processes can have on epigenetic regulations. During this time, he expanded his molecular toolbox, developing and optimizing many NGS workflows.

In 2017, Melvin joined the Shubin Lab at The University of Chicago to work on evolutionary development in sharks and skates. He was promoted to senior scientist and lab manger allowing him to be involved in various research interest using a wide range of taxa to explore questions highlighting key evolutionary transitions in tetrapod.

Melvin joined The Groman Lab in January of 2024, and is interested in integrating molecular techniques to better understand the underlying mechanism that link neurodevelopment, decision-making, and addiction susceptibility.

mmbonilla@uchicago.edu

RESEARCHER
Marcini completed her B.S in Neuroscience at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2019 where she worked on Dr. Maki’s Women’s Mental Health Research Program, investigating the mercurial gut microbiome and dynamic mental health changes throughout pregnancy and after delivery. Her research continued at the University of Chicago’s Comprehensive Cancer Center where she worked with a team researching novel, antigen-specific T-cell therapies in ovarian cancer, specifically working to identify and engineer HLA class-specific T cell receptors. Marcini enthusiastically joined the Groman Lab in 2024 largely due to both taking a deeper dive into her field of interest, Neuroscience, as well as for the lab’s culture: inherent integrity, respect, and individual development, values that align with hers. Marcini’s current interests include the systems and underlying neural circuits of learning during development as well as the deterioration of memory. She adores and spends the majority of her free time with her quintessential ‘Big Fat Greek’ family. Otherwise, you can find her enjoying time spent volunteering as a CASA of Cook County, reading, fishing, hiking, camping, hanging out with her silly English bulldog, Ramona, and automotive restoration.

Marcini.Bakis@bsd.uchicago.edu

RESEARCHER

Taysha graduated from the University of Chicago in 2024 with a B.S in Neuroscience and minor in Visual Arts. She worked under Dr. Rosenberg’s Cognition Attention and Brain lab investigating the relationship between sustained attention fluctuations and memory formation. Her research continued with studying the effects of caffeine use on adolescent cognitive behavior. Seeking to get more experience with animal labs and a general deeper look into the field of behavioral neuroscience she joined the Groman lab in June of 2024. Her research interests include the neurological pathways underlying decision making and related behavior during adolescence, and potential implications for rehabilitation programs. Outside of the lab she enjoys spending time with friends, baking, and making art!

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER

Stirling is a second year undergraduate at the University of Chicago majoring in neuroscience while being on the pre med track. He was born and raised in Hawaii. His research interests are neurological diseases andI he is a part of the football team at UChicago.

ssakashita@uchicago.edu

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER

Olly is an undergraduate at the University of Chicago, studying Neuroscience and Economics. In his spare time, he loves music / concerts, running, Aston Villa and traveling! He is from Birmingham, UK, but loving life out here in the US!

oliverclarke@uchicago.edu

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER

Jurgis is a second year student studying Neuroscience on the pre-med track at the University of Chicago, where he also plays on the varsity football team. He was born in New York City and grew up in Connecticut. He likes working with animals and is interested in the science behind decision making and emotions. A huge Packers fan, he likes watching sports and spending time outside in his spare time.

jschmedlen@uchicago.edu

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER

Mariella is a first year undergraduate at the University of Chicago, studying Neuroscience on the pre-med track, with an interest in decision-making. She was born and raised in San Francisco, California. In her spare time she loves reading, running, and doing yoga. 

Mariella@uchicago.edu