Meet The Team

My scientific interests reflect my undergraduate training in behavioral neuroscience (UT-Austin), my graduate work in developmental neurogenetics (UW-Madison), and my post-doctoral training in cardiovascular development and toxicity (UW-Madison). In addition to being a scientist, I am a mom to 3 boys and love running, gardening, traveling, and eclectic food.

I earned my PhD at UC Davis in Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2019. My dissertation focused on the molecular mechanisms of sex determination in zebrafish. Reproductive function is critical to our biology as a species, and our personal fulfilment. However, environmental exposure throughout development can alter reproductive success later in life. During my postdoc in the Plavicki Lab I am studying the effects of environmental chemicals on gonad development and reproductive function. Particularly, I am interested in how developing vasculature in the gonad contributes to reproductive health. If I’m not in lab, I’m probably outside hiking, climbing, backpacking, snowshoeing, biking, or kayaking! At home, my cat (also named Nala) keeps me entertained. I’ve lived in six different states from Rhode Island to Hawaii.

​I am a PhD student and I first joined the Plavicki lab as a research assistant in 2021. I moved to the US from Canada in 2014 and I received my undergraduate degree in Biology from Smith College in 2018. Following graduation, I went on to teach high school Biology and Chemistry in Providence as a Teach for America corps member. My current research focuses on the role of SoxE genes in brain and heart development. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing disc golf, line dancing and singing in a band!

I graduated from Brown in 2022 with a concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As a research assistant, I've treasured the opportunity to integrate my classroom knowledge with hands-on investigation of developmental toxicology. The work we do here in understanding the impacts of toxicants has strengthened my conviction in our combined responsibilities to the environment and thus to our collective health and wellbeing. Outside of the lab, I love spending time rock climbing and exploring nature with friends and loved ones.

I am a second-year undergraduate at Brown University majoring in Chemistry with a focus in Chemical Biology. Currently, I am an undergraduate research assistant in the Plavicki Lab helping, as needed, with fish caretaking and lab procedures. In my free time, I enjoy playing music, writing, and hiking, as well as spending time with my family and friends.

As a senior at Brown who will be graduating in the spring of 2024 with a degree in Neuroscience, I am passionate about exploring the intersection of brain health and public health. Specifically, I am fascinated by the influence environmental conditions have on health and development, which can lead to significant health disparities. At the Plavicki Lab, I have investigated the impact of toxicant exposure on microglial responses to brain injury. This research has clarified the interplay between neurons and microglia in regulating responses to injury. Additionally, I have been involved in exploring novel functions of sox9a/b in brain development. In addition to research, I have contributed to the maintenance of our zebrafish facility since 2021. Outside of lab, I enjoy reading, playing with my dog Langston, and spending time with my siblings!

I’m an undergraduate at Brown University concentrating in public health. I’m interested in both macroscopic and microscopic factors that impact health, whether it be environmental, societal, or molecular. Since joining the Plavicki lab, I’ve been learning about zebrafish biology and working on image analysis. Outside of school, I enjoy crafting and listening to Taylor Swift.

I am a dedicated MSc in Biotechnology candidate, holding a BS in Biology from UMass Boston. My undergraduate research delved into developmental biology, exploring the intricate interplay between telomeres, fertility, and longevity. Currently, my focus lies in investigating inflammatory responses induced by dioxin exposure in danio rerio models. Beyond the laboratory, I am a mother of three, and my interests involve musical theatre, gardening, solving puzzles, and enjoying moments with my two beloved Great Pyrenees.

I am a senior pre-dental student pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Biology. I joined the Plavicki Lab in May 2023 as a facility assistant. I grew up in southern New Jersey (and I miss Wawa). When I’m not in class or the lab, I am studying for the DAT, knitting, or in the gym. I also have a cat at home named Ella! :-)

I am a second-year undergraduate student at Brown University intending to concentrate in Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry. I have always enjoyed being around aquatic animals and have conducted research on zebrafish behavior in response to toxicant exposures. Outside of school, I help run Brown Science Olympiad tournaments, play violin in the Brown University Orchestra, and try to improve my personal best time on setwithfriends.com.

I'm a ScB candidate for Biology in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology track, where I study botany. Here in the lab, I help take care of the fish and the facilities. Outside of the work, I'm interested in various topics such as microscopy, cooking, and hiking.

I am currently a second year at Brown University concentrating in Public Health and LACA (Latin America and Caribbean Studies). Growing up in Puerto Rico, I was ingrained with the belief that medicine is intertwined with our natural surroundings. This idea led me to the Plavicki lab, where I get to learn more about zebrafish and how their study offers valuable insights into human health. When not in the lab or studying, you can find me diving into books from various genres or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

For her PhD, April studied the toxicity of nanomaterials in mixtures and developed alternative methods for in vitro environmental toxicology. During her time as a post-doctoral fellow in the Plavicki lab, she researched the development of pericytes and microglia, and how environmental exposures impact that process in the brain.

Shannon was a PhD candidate in Pathobiology and joined the Plavicki Lab in Spring 2018. Her favorite cell type is the protean, multifaceted macrophage. Her thesis work is dedicated to understanding the role of embryonic macrophages in cardiac development and conduction. Additionally, she is interested in microglial wound response and dysfunction following toxicant exposure. Shannon grew up in NH, love any outdoor activity, and have two dogs, Nala & Sully, aptly named for their resemblance to their respective Disney counterparts! She earned her PhD at Brown University in Pathobiology in 2023.

The etiologies of neurological disorders are complex and understanding the contributions of early-life exposures to environmental contaminants on brain development are of growing interest. As a graduate student in the Plavicki Lab, he was interested in understanding how toxicant exposure affects nervous system development, with the goal of linking behavioral endpoints with the subtle phenotypic differences in neuronal development and activity. He is from New Hampshire and he enjoy spending spare time fishing. He is also an avid soccer fan and follow all of the major leagues in the US and abroad. He earned his PhD at Brown University in Pathobiology in 2022.

Layra earned a B.S. in Biology at Fairfield University. She was a Pathobiology PhD candidate and an NSF-GRFP fellow. Her thesis research focuses on utilizing the zebrafish model to study how genetic mutations and exposures to environmental pollutants affect embryonic development. Her research integrates the fields of neurobiology, developmental toxicology, genetics, and microscopy. She earned her PhD at Brown University in Pathobiology in 2023.

Dana received her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Western Kentucky University in 2018. She earned her PhD at Brown University in Chemistry in 2023. She is currently Co-founder of @ AtomICs.

Manuel received his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Brown University in 2022. From 2021 to 2023, he worked as a Research Assistant in the Plavicki lab.

Her research career has been spent at Brown University, in the Boekelheide lab, studying the effect of environmental toxicants on the male reproductive system. Working with the zebrafish model was foreign to her, but she was excited by the opportunity to use her knowledge and background as she branch into this new field. If she is not at work her favorite activities are hiking with her dog and husband, playing tennis, horseback riding, biking and gardening.

Nikolai joined the Plavicki Lab in Spring 2023, as a visiting Fulbright scholar, and then as a Visiting Senior Research Associate. He is from Belarus, where he worked for more than 12 years as the Chair of the Department of Ichthyology and Aquaculture. He earned his PhD at Belarusian State Agricultural Academy in Fisheries in 2009 and in Aquaculture in 2022.

Rachel received her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology from Roger Williams University in 2013. From 2017 to 2023, she worked as a Research Assistant in the Plavicki lab.

Rekha graduated in 2021 with a B.S. in Biochemistry from Brown University. In the future, she aspires to go to graduate school in the future. She is interested in studying the intersection between biochemistry and environmental science, especially relating to toxicology. In her free time she enjoys biking, climbing, and reading!

Cat graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Biology in the Women's and Children's Health track. While at Brown, she competed on the Varsity Softball team and received Academic All-Ivy accolades in 2019. After graduating, Cat went on to work as a research technician in Dr. Eva Naumann's lab at Duke University studying behavioral and neural connectivity differences in zebrafish with disruptions in genes associated with neuropsychiatric disorders.

Haley graduated from Brown University in 2019. During her time in the Plavicki lab she conducted research under the guidance of April Rodd.

Ratna was a senior at Brown pursuing a Sc.B. in Neuroscience. Her coursework has centered around developmental neuroscience. Outside of lab, she is involved in Brown’s Model United Nations club and is on the Ballroom Dance Team. She really likes art, cooking and baking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.