Current Mentees
Jessica-Kim P. Danh, PhD Candidate, RDN
Jessica Danh is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry with concentration in Nutritional Sciences at Georgia State University. She obtained her M.S. in Health Sciences with concentration in Nutrition and completed the Dietetics Coordinated Program at Georgia State in 2020 where she was inducted into the Alpha Eta National Honor Society in Health Professions. Her master’s thesis assessed the dietary intake, nutrition knowledge, and body composition of collegiate athletes. Danh’s current research aims to characterize exosome-like nanovesicles derived from berries and explores their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. She hopes that her research will lead to a better understanding of one of the many ways in which plant foods exert their health benefits.
When she is not in the lab, Jessica enjoys creating art, listening to music, and exercising.
Honors & Awards:
- 2024 First Place Poster Presentation Award, Lewis College Graduate Research Conference, Georgia State University
- 2024 Outstanding Graduate Student Award, Department of Nutrition, Georgia State University
- 2023 CASA Mentoring Award for Undergraduates in STEM, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
- 2023-2026 USDA-NIFA Predoctoral Fellow ($180,000 for three years)
- 2023 Outstanding Poster Presentation, Chemistry Graduate Student Association Research Symposium, Georgia State University
- 2023 Second Place Award for Poster Presentation, Department of Nutrition, Georgia State University
- 2023 Dr. Mildred “Missy” Cody Travel Endowment in Nutrition Award, Department of Nutrition, Georgia State University
- 2021 First Place Oral Presentation Award, Lewis College Graduate Research Conference, Georgia State University
- 2020 Outstanding Graduate Student Award, Department of Nutrition, Georgia State University
- 2020-Present Lewis College Ambassador, Georgia State University
Warda Elamad, PhD Student
Warda Elamad is a Ph.D. student in Chemistry with a concentration in Nutrition at Georgia State University, where she conducts research in the Feresin Lab, focusing on the effects of dietary interventions, such as berries, on conditions such as hypertension and prediabetes. Her academic journey began with a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from Florida International University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Throughout her research career, Warda has contributed to several clinical trials and pilot studies, exploring the complex relationship between diet, metabolic health, and cognitive function. Her work in the Feresin Lab along with her experience as a research dietary technician at Emory University, has deepened her expertise in clinical dietary analysis, patient care, and the application of evidence-based nutrition strategies. In addition to her research, Warda is actively involved in teaching as a graduate assistant at Georgia State University, where she supports undergraduate chemistry courses. Passionate about understanding the mechanisms behind chronic diseases, Warda aims to further explore the connection between oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and dietary interventions. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of dietary strategies that can mitigate the effects of chronic diseases and improve overall health.
Beyond her scientist identity, Warda enjoys baking, yoga, knitting, cuddling with her cat, and hiking!
Cameron McCarthy, PhD Student
Cameron McCarthy is pursuing a Ph. D. in Chemistry with a concentration in Nutritional Sciences at Georgia State University. Cameron completed his M.S. in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University, where he also joined the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine research team. Following the completion of his Master’s, Cameron remained a member of the ISSM research team as a research coordinator and laboratory assistant for a large-scale clinical trial comparing the effects of various exercise training modes on lipolytic flexibility, insulin resistance, and cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in clinical populations. Currently, his research interest largely consists of examining molecular targets of cardiometabolic disease development and progression and understanding the mechanisms of dietary and behavioral interventions to improve disease outcomes.
Ai’isha Mosby, PhD Student
Ai’isha Mosby is in her first year of pursuing a Ph.D. in Health Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition at Georgia State University. She completed the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Accelerated Certificate Program at Agnes Scott College, where she shadowed a perinatologist and joined her first research team. Before moving to Georgia, she worked for a political campaign and learned about science communication and health advocacy. Ai’isha joined Dr. Feresin’s Lab in August 2024 and is interested in studying the impact of nutritional supplements, bioactive compounds, and diet on endocrine disease development and progression.
In her leisure time, she enjoys expressing her creative side through music and dance.
Wesley Grace, BS Student
Wesley is an undergraduate student at Georgia State University seeking a B.S. in Nutrition Science. He joined Dr. Feresin’s lab through the University Assistantship Program in August of 2022. Wesley plans to conduct an honors thesis project.
Wesley enjoys running and spending time with family.
Honors & Awards:
- 2023 Outstanding Poster Presentation from Georgia State University, GA-AL Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Research Symposium
- 2024 Second Place Poster Presentation Award, Lewis College Graduate Research Conference, Georgia State University
- 2023-2024 GA-AL Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Fellowship at Georgia State University
- 2023-2025 NIH Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Fellowship at Georgia State University
- 2023 Nutrition & Dietetics Scholarship, Department of Nutrition, Georgia State University
- 2023 Emeriti Association Just-in-Time Travel Award ($500), Honors College, Georgia State University.
- Presenter at 2023 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists, Phoenix, AZ.
- 2023-2024 Undergraduate Representative on the American Society for Nutrition’s Student Interest Group Executive Committee
- 2023 Travel Award Recipient, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists
- 2023 Presenter at Nutrition 2023, the national scientific meeting for the American Society for Nutrition, Boston, MA.
- Presenter at 2023 Lewis College Research Conference, Georgia State University Undergraduate Research Conference, Atlanta, GA.
- Presenter at 2023 Georgia State University Undergraduate Research Conference, Atlanta, GA.
- 2023 Goldwater Scholarship Nominee, Georgia State University
- 2022-2023 Scholar, Georgia State University Assistantship Program
- 2022 Nutrition & Dietetics Scholarship, Department of Nutrition, Georgia State University
- 2021 First Place Winner, Precalculus Competition, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University
- 2021-Present: President’s List
- 2021-Present: Zell Miller Scholarship
- 2021-Present: Second Century Scholarship
- 2021 Honors College Inductee, Georgia State University
Toba Omotosho, MS Student
Toba is an M.S. student in the Department of Biology at Georgia State University. He completed his BTech in the Department of Biology at the Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria. His undergraduate research focused on the treatment of the overall quality of tomato fruits with oils extracted from lemongrass and chili pepper. Toba joined the Feresin Lab in November 2023, and he is interested in understanding the effect of phytochemicals (especially, berries) on gut dysbiosis that results in chronic diseases under Dr. Feresin’s mentorship.
During his leisure hours, he enjoys playing tennis, pool, and watching soccer games.
Honors & Awards:
- Fall 2023-Present Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Biology, Georgia State University
- 2021 Outstanding Research Presentation Award, Mycological Society of Nigeria Conference.
- 2019-2020 Erasmus Student Intern Award, Universidad De Jaen, Spain. (€4780 Grant in 5 months)
Sasha Fernandes, MS Student
Sasha Fernandes is a first-year graduate student at Georgia State University pursuing an M.S. in Biology. She has obtained a M.S. in Applied Medical Science and a B.S. in Life Sciences from St.Xavier’s College, Autonomous, Mumbai, India. Her master’s dissertation evaluated the antioxidant role of flavonoids extracted from Tagetes erecta and a preliminary study of their possible role in attenuating oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disease.
Sasha enjoys playing the keyboard, singing, and loves to read.
- Fall 2023-Present Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Biology, Georgia State University
Mede Agbonlahor, MS Student
Osa’Mede is a graduate student pursuing a Masters in Biology with a concentration in Medical Sciences at Georgia State University. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in May of 2023 with a B.S. in Biology also from Georgia State University. She joined Dr. Feresin’s lab to gain a deeper understanding of the correlation between berries and other nutritional components in helping alleviate various cardiovascular diseases. ‘Mede also serves as a Teaching Assistant where she helps to spread her love for Biology and the sciences to her students. She plans to attend medical school after graduating in hopes of becoming a surgeon.
In her free time, ‘Mede likes playing Badminton with friends or attending jazz and classical concerts.
Honors & Awards:
- 2022-2023 President’s List, Georgia State University
- 2023 Biology 2107 Lead TA, Georgia State University
- 2021-2022 Hospitality Leader, Baptist Collegiate Ministries at Georgia State University
- 2020-2021 Dean’s List, Georgia State University
- 2019 Nigerian Turkish International College (NTIC) Mathematics Competition Nominee, NTIC
Azeezat Abdus-Salam, MS Student
Azeezat is a Pioneering Nutritional research student with a Passion for Metabolic Disease Management through functional foods and antioxidants. She earned a Masters’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Also earned a B.S. in Biochemistry with Nutrition from Fountain University, Nigeria. Azeezat passionately fulfills the role of a Graduate Teaching Assistant, guiding the next generation of scientists. This role is complemented by a personal commitment to a lifestyle of whole and nutritious foods.
Leisurely, Azeezat likes to garden and listen to music while taking short walks.
Honors & Award:
- Fall 2023-Present Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Biology, Georgia State University
- 2013 Most Promising Undergraduate Researcher Award at the Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology (NISEB) Conference in Nigeria.
Laura Sarabia, MS Student
Laura Sarabia is pursuing a Masters in Dietetics in the Coordinated Program. She completed her B.S. in Architecture at Georgia Institute of Technology before following her passion for health, science, and nutrition at Georgia State. She has an interest in Integrative and Functional Nutrition and the gut microbiome. She currently manages the Panther Dining Hydroponic Farm, where she and her team grow lettuce, kale, and other greens for the GSU dining halls. Her Capstone Project will focus on how plant elicitors affect nutritional content in hydroponically-grown dark leafy greens.
Laura enjoys reading, gardening, and trying new foods.
Anushka Phadke, MS Student
Anushka Phadke is a first-year graduate student at Georgia State University, pursuing an M.S. in Biology with a research concentration. She earned her B.S. in Microbiology, complemented by a minor in Chemistry, from the University of Mumbai, India. Anushka is particularly interested in how gut microbiota and dietary factors/food influence major cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Her goal is to develop strategies that can help diabetic patients through nutrition and gut health.
In her free time, Anushka likes to paint and dance.
Lovia Appiah, BS Student
Lovia is an undergraduate student at Georgia State University pursuing a B.S. in Nutrition Science. She joined Dr. Feresin’s lab through the University Assistantship Program in August of 2023. She plans to conduct an honors thesis project and pursue a career in the field of medicine.
Lovia enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, and baking.
Awards:
- 2023-2025 Scholar, Georgia State University Assistantship Program
- 2023 Barb Hopkins and Cathy McCarroll Endowment Recipient, Lewis College, Georgia State University
- 2023 Dean’s List, Georgia State University
- 2022-2025 Honors College Student, Georgia State University
- 2021-2022, 2024 President’s List, Georgia State University
Sheryl Varghese, BS Student
Sheryl is currently pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry and a minor in Neuroscience. She is interested in going into Nutrition and Neurochemistry in the future. She joined the Feresin lab in the Fall 2023 to learn how nutrition research is conducted.
Awards:
- 2024 First Place Poster Presentation Award, Lewis College Graduate Research Conference, Georgia State University
- 2022 Academic Presidential Waiver, Georgia State University
- 2022 Scholar, Univesity Assistantship Program, Georgia State University
- 2022-Present President’s List, Georgia State University
- 2022 Honors College Inductee, Georgia State University
Jamilah Wells, BS Student
Jamilah Wells is an undergraduate student at Georgia State University pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry through the 4+1 program. She joined Dr. Feresin’s lab in August 2024 after taking the Research in Chemistry course. Jamilah plans to conduct an honors thesis project focused on the antioxidant effects of blueberry supplementation on the kidneys of UM-HET3 mice fed a high-fat, high-sucrose, high-salt diet. She aims to continue her education at GSU to earn a master’s degree in chemistry and eventually pursue a career in medicine as a Physician Assistant.
In her free time, Jamilah enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, and baking.
Honors & Awards
- 2023 – Present Scholar, University Assistantship Program, Georgia State University
- 2022-Present Second Century Scholarship Recipient, Georgia State University
- 2023-Present Dean’s List, Georgia State University
- 2022-2023 President’s List, Georgia State University
- 2023 Honors College Inductee, Georgia State University
Harita Yepuri, BS Student
Harita is an undergraduate student at Georgia State University pursuing a neuroscience degree. She joined Dr. Feresin’s lab in August of 2023 through the University Assistantship Program. Harita aims to conduct an honors thesis project focused on associations between nutrition and symptoms of mental illness.
After hours, Harita finds joy in various creative pursuits, such as graphic design, content creation, and embroidery.
Honors & Awards:
- 2024 Specialty Award in Identity and Belonging, Undergraduate Research Conference, Georgia State University
- 2024 Finalist, Honors College Thesis Pitch Competition, Georgia State University
- 2023 Just-In-Time Award ($500), Honors College, Georgia State University.
- 2023-2024 Scholar, Georgia State University Assistantship Program
- President’s List: Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2023
- Dean’s List: Fall 2021, Fall 2022
- 2021 Honors College Inductee, Georgia State University
Kendall Brand, BS Student
Kendall is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She joined Dr. Feresin’s Lab in the Fall of 2023 through the University Assistantship Program offered by the honors college. She is interested in medicine; specifically pediatric medicine and She is currently working as a medical scribe at Northside Hospital where she has gained experience in a hospital setting.
Honors & Awards:
- 2023-2024 Scholar, Georgia State University Assistantship Program
- 2021-Present Presidents List
- 2021-Present Second Century Scholarship Recipient, Georgia State University
- 2021 Honors College Inductee, Georgia State University
Vishrut Thaker, BS Student
Vishrut is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S in Neuroscience at Georgia State University. He joined the lab in the summer of 2023 to collaborate with Dr. Feresin and Dr. Mabb of the Neuroscience Institute to conduct his undergraduate thesis. His thesis will focus on the clinical trials focusing on assessing cognitive function, endothelial function, and other measures in participants with stage 1 hypertension. Vishrut also works as a research assistant in the Puja K. Mehta Lab at Emory University School of Medicine’s Department of Cardiology, a collaborator of the Feresin Lab, and plans to combine research efforts in nutrition, neuroscience, and cardiovascular disease in the medical field.
Outside of research, Vishrut enjoys meditation, spending time with family, and working on his digital magazine.
Honors & Awards:
- 2024 Second Place Poster Presentation Award, Undergraduate Research Conference, Georgia State University
- 2024 Third Place Poster Presentation Award, Lewis College Graduate Research Conference, Georgia State University
- 2024 Finalist, Honors College Thesis Pitch Competition, Georgia State University
- 2023 Student-Trainee Award and Poster Presentation at Scientific Sessions American Heart Association
- 2023 Poster Presentation Finalist, Emory Department of Medicine Research Day
Nakia Thomas, BS Student
Nakia Thomas, a dynamic second-year student majoring in Biomedical Science and Enterprise at Georgia State University, hails from Washington DC and is a proud graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Beyond her dedication to academics, Nakia is a vibrant individual with a keen interest in researching cellular growth and herbal medicine. Her venture into the world of research commenced after joining Dr. Feresin’s lab following her first-year nutrition class. This experience fueled Nakia’s belief in the transformative potential of biomedical science and nutrition, inspiring her to envision groundbreaking advances that can positively impact the world.
In addition to her scholarly pursuits, Nakia finds joy in creating music, cherishing moments with family, and expressing her artistic side through painting.