Ball State University, Department of Biology
Lab Members
PHIL SMALDINO, PH.D.
Principle Investigator
Phil completed a B.S. and M.S. in biology at SUNY Fredonia and SUNY Buffalo, respectively, before completing a Ph.D. in cancer biology at Wake Forest University in 2013. During his doctoral training, Phil met his future wife, Melissa Smaldino, who was completing a Ph.D. in neuroscience. Phil and Melissa spent the subsequent 3 years as a Postdoctoral Fellows at the University of Michigan before starting a lab at Ball State University in 2016. Phil and Melissa enjoy spending time with their six kids, Sophia-Noel, David, Michael, Augustine, Zelie-Therese, and Rosa-Maria, attending St. Francis of Assisi Church, tending to their gardens, raising goats, chickens and sheep, birdwatching, and reading old fairy tales.
Johann Georg Melchior Schmidtner, ca. 1700, "Mary Undoer of Knots"
EVAN ROGERS, B.S.
Graduate Student
Evan is a graduate student pursuing his Master's Degree in Biology and a Certificate in Biotechnology. He is currently using mouse models to study the impact of Dhx36 on the embryonic development of the heart. Outside of the lab, Evan is an alumnus of his fraternity, Sigma Chi. In his free time, Evan enjoys hiking, going to concerts, and spending time with his friends and family.
DYLAN SEILER, B.S.
Graduate Student
Dylan Seiler is an accelerated Master's Program student studying the role of Dhx36 in C9orf72 ALS/FTD in mice. In his free time, Dylan likes to read or spend time with friends and family. Outside of the Smaldino Lab, Dylan enjoys camping and backpacking.
JOSEPH GUMINA, B.S.
Graduate Student
Joseph is a graduate student from Woodridge, Illinois, pursuing a Master of Science in Biology at Ball State University.
Joseph plans on furthering his undergraduate investigation into DHX36 and its role in ALS and Frontal Temporal Dementia. Following the completion of his degree, Joseph plans to attend medical school. Hobbies he enjoys include serving as the president of the Men’s Club Ultimate Frisbee Team and performing in a variety of University music ensembles as a classical pianist and saxophonist.
EMMA EUBANK
Undergraduate Student
Emma is an undergraduate student majoring in Biology and Pre-Medicine. She is studying the role of Dhx36 in cancer. In her free time, Emma enjoys watching movies, working out, and hanging out with her friends. Outside of the Smaldino Lab, Emma is also a member of the BSU Softball team. Go Cards!
CHARLINE CHARLES
Undergraduate Student
Charline is an undergraduate student majoring in Biology and Pre-Medicine. In her free time, Charline enjoys working out and watching horror movies with her friends. Originally from Immokalee, Florida, a favorite pastime of hers is sunbathing on the beach whenever she is home.
LOLA HANCHAR
Undergraduate Student
Lola Hanchar is an undergraduate pursuing a degree in microbiology. Afterward, she plans to earn a Master of Science in Biology degree. In the lab, she is studying the effect of Dhx36 on heart development in embryos. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, fishing, and doing yoga.
Omar Habous
Undergraduate Student
Abbey Wiggam
Undergraduate Student
Abbey is a Biology major with genetics concentration and plans to pursue genetic counseling after graduation. Abbey loves spending time with friends and family, making music and playing bassoon in campus ensembles. She also enjoys learning other languages and has a goal of one day becoming a polyglot
Lab Alumni
ADAM RICHARDSON
(M.S., 2019)
Eli-Lilly Co-Op recipient '20, Research Associate II Cancer Drug Development
ANTONIO CHAMBERS
(M.S., 2019)
Senior Biologist, Eli Lilly
PETER BEERBOWER
(B.S., 2018)
Is finishing an M.S. degree in Genomics and Bioinformatics at North Dakota State University.
ABBIE SCOTT
(M.A., 2020)
Auburn Veterinary School of Medicine, Class of 2024
NICK MARZOLF
(B.S., 2018)
Senior Field Engineering Specialist at Roche Diagnostics
AMARI CROSBY
(B.S., 2017)
Lab Assistant II, Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, MI
KATANA LIPSCOMB
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High School Summer Research Student (’17)
DEKAYLA ELLIOT
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High School Summer Research Student (’18)
DESTINEE SAUNDERS
(B.S. 2021)
Phlebotomist
EMILY SCHMIDT
(B.S., expected 2021)
Secondary Science Education
HASNA ALASHI
(M.S., 2021)
PhD program at the University College London
JOSEPH HUANG
(M.A. Candidate, 2021)
University of Illinois - Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2025
MEREDITH SHARLOW
(B.S.,  2021)
Elli-Lilly co-op recipient (21-22). Applying to grad schools...
SIARA SANDWITH
(B.S., 2021)
University of Michigan, Cellular and Molecular Biology PhD Program
MICHAEL REISINGER
(B.S., 2021)
Scientist at LabCorp
Tyler Osborne
(B.S., 2022)
Indiana University School of Medicine, Class of 2027
​​Taylor Karns
(M.S., 2022)
Elli-Lilly co-op recipient (22-23).
Now a Senior Biologist at Eli Lilly studying heart regeneration.
Quinn Anderson
(M.S., 2023)
Research Scientist at Case Western University and Cleveland Clinic and recently married to his wife Caitlin, congratulations!
Ahmad Ahmad
(B.S. 2025)
Ahmad recently joined the lab of Dr. John McKillip at BSU to pursue his new found passion in microbiology.
Alex Gestwicki
High School Research Student (2022)