John Kim, Graduate Student
John Kim received a Bachelor of Science in Life Science and Biotechnology degree from Yonsei University, South Korea. During his time as an undergraduate student, he conducted in vitro research examining the effects of FK-506 derivatives on neurogenesis in mice. In 2016, he took a brief break from his studies to fulfill his obligatory military conscription where he served as a member of the Republic of Korea’s Naval Special Warfare program. John is currently pursuing a M.S. in Kinesiology. His main research interested focuses on examining the mechanism behind the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function. Outside of the lab, John enjoys lifting, BJJ, swimming, and running.
Tori Holthaus, Graduate Student
Tori joined the NHB lab in 2021 and is completing a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences. Her research interests include examining dietary patterns and the role of the food matrix for the promotion of cognitive function. Tori received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Wisconsin in 2016 and has been practicing clinical dietetics for several years. Tori’s hobbies include weightlifting, travel, and spending time with her husband, friends, and her two cats, Topaz & Aurora.
Shelby Martell, Graduate Student
Shelby Martell received a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology in 2021 from Eastern Illinois University. Shelby joined the lab in 2021 and is completing a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Shelby’s research focuses on cognitive and visual function in persons with multiple sclerosis and the potential role of nutrition to improve these deficits. In her free time Shelby enjoys coaching softball, watching sports, and cooking.
Laura Rosok, Graduate Student
Laura Rosok received a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Jazz Performance from the University of Miami in 2020. As an undergraduate research assistant in the Brain Connectivity and Cognition Lab, Laura examined brain connectivity in children with autism using fMRI, as well as the relations between major depressive disorder and the default-mode network. Currently pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience, Laura’s research investigates the links between cognitive development and nutritional status in children via MRI, EEG, cognitive batteries, reflection spectroscopy, heterochromatic flicker photometry, blood markers, and dietary recalls. In her free time, Laura enjoys singing, listening to live music, reading, going to coffee shops, and working out.
Charlotte Roman, Graduate Student
Charlotte Román received a B.S. in Psychology with minors in Human Services and Spanish from the University of Georgia in 2022. During her time as an undergraduate, she worked as a research assistant in the lab of Dr. Allison Skinner-Dorkenoo investigating how biases are formed and maintained. Charlotte is currently pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience. Her primary research interests are nutritional neuroscience and dietary factors as they relate to cognition. She is currently examining how carotenoid consumption impacts cognition and academic achievement in childhood in a placebo-controlled clinical supplementation trial with lutein and zeaxanthin using EEG, heterochromatic flicker photometry, reflection spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography, and cognitive and academic tests. In her free time, Charlotte enjoys reading, watching horror movies, and spending time with her two cats.