Department of Biology - Ball State University
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 five kids, Sophia-Noel, David, Michael, Augustine, and Zelie-Therese at St. Francis of Assisi Church, tending to their gardens, raising goats, birdwatching, and reading old fairy tales.
QUINN ANDERSON
Graduate Student
Quinn is a graduate student from Newark, Ohio, pursuing his Master's Degree in Biology and a Certificate in Biotechnology. After graduating from Taylor University in 2021, he enrolled at Ball State University and joined the Smaldino Lab. Quinn is currently using mouse models to study the role of DHX36 on gene expression within the brain. In his free time, Quinn loves to be outdoors, be it hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, as well as skiing and snowboarding. After he graduates in May 2023, he plans to attend medical school.
EVAN ROGERS
Graduate Student
Evan is a soon to be 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 embryonic development of the heart. Outside of the lab, Evan is an alumni 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
Accelerat Masters Program Student
Dylan Seiler is in the accelerated Masters Program 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.
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. Charline joined the Smaldino Lab in the spring semester of 2022. 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.
PAST LAB MEMBERS
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)
Clinical Chemistry and Lab Automation Support at Roche Diagnostics
AMARI CROSBY
(B.S., 2017)
Lab Assistant II, Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, MI
KATANA LIPSCOMB
High School Summer Research Student (’18)
DEKAYLA ELLIOT
High School Summer Research Student (’17)
DESTINEE SAUNDERS
(B.S. 2021)
Phlebotomist
EMILY SCHMIDT
(B.S., expected 2021)
Secondary Science Education
HASNA ALASHI
(M.S., 2021)
Applying to law schools...
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)
Applying to law schools...
Tyler Osborne
(B.S., 2022)
Tyler is applying to Medical Schools and recently welcomed his beautiful Daughter, Rosie, into the world.
Taylor Karns
(M.S., 2022)
Taylor successfully defending her thesis and is now completing a 1-year fulltime BSU-Lilly Co-Op fellowship studying heart regeneration in mice.