Dr. Juhee Khan

I am a neuroscientist with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Calcutta, India. My training spans molecular neuroscience, animal models, and translational approaches to brain repair.

Past Research: My past research has focused on how oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and injury disrupt brain function, and how we can design small molecules, peptides, biomaterials, and stem cell–based strategies to protect and repair the brain. I have extensive experience with rodent models of traumatic brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and peripheral nerve injury, as well as stereotaxic surgery, behavioral assays, and advanced imaging.

Scientific Interests: I am broadly interested in mechanisms of neuroprotection and neuroregeneration, hormonal and molecular regulation of neural circuits, and how sensory systems adapt to injury and disease. I enjoy connecting molecular and cellular mechanisms with systems-level questions, particularly how changes in oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuromodulation shape neural circuit function and plasticity. In the McCullagh Lab, I am excited to bring this perspective to studies of auditory and sensory processing in health and disease.

Fun Activities & Life Outside the Lab: Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring new places, and discovering local culture and food. I love cooking, hanging out with friends, and travelling whenever I get the chance, as well as staying connected with colleagues and friends in the scientific community.

Safayet Prodhan, PhD student

Major: PhD in Integrative Biology

Past Degrees: BS and MS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Main Scientific Interests: Neuroscience has fascinated me since my undergraduate studies. In the McCullagh Lab, I plan to investigate myelination deficiency in the auditory brainstem and its role in sound localization in Fragile X Syndrome.

Fun Activities & Life Outside the Lab: In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing soccer, learning about random topics on YouTube, and exploring quiet, natural places.

Abby Budd

Major: B.S. in Psychology Minors in Neuroscience and Nutritional Sciences (Graduated May 2026)

Main Scientific Interests: Neurobiological and neuroendocrine processes, particularly how alterations in these systems influence neuronal function and synaptic plasticity. I enjoy assisting with projects examining myelination and sound localization in the laboratory. In the future, I hope to contribute to work investigating alterative plant-based therapies for the treatment of mental health disorders!

In my free time, I love to read, hike, and travel. I also spent a lot of time with my friends and family!

David Gelnar

Major: Psychology (graduated Spring 2026)

My interests lie at the intersection of clinical psychology and neuroscience, particularly in the study of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders. I hope to pursue licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and contribute to the development of evidence-based approaches to mental health treatment.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether that means playing a round of disc golf or tackling a new rock-climbing route.

Caden Miller

Major: Biology

Scientific Interests: I am interested in various sciences and am working to gain experience and narrow down my specific interests. In the lab I have assisted research regarding reproductive systems.

For Fun: I like to play music in my band and the local Stillwater open-jam scene, listen to live music, and play video games.

Rudra Gandhi

Major: Biology
Minor: Neuroscience

I am captivated by the idea of how the brain functions differently from one individual to another. I am particularly interested in understanding the neurological differences in neurodivergent individuals and how these variations influence behavior, cognition, and everyday life. I plan to pursue neuroscience research as my career path in the long run.

I love traveling, participating in debates, watching stand-up comedy shows, and sketching.

Laney Schliesser

Major: physiology and microbiology pre-med

Hopes of going to medical school upon graduation. In the lab, I’m focusing on myelination deficits in FXS auditory pathways and assist with other seizure response and behavior projects on the side.

For fun I like to leatherwork and collect house plants.

Alaina Gonzalez

Major: Zoology and Biology

Scientific Interests: I am very interested in specializing in general rodent biology. I think rodents are fascinating as they belong to the largest mammal order, are incredibly diverse, and are important for ecosystems across the world. I also think they’re very cute, with the lesser blind mole rat being my favorite. I hope to expand our knowledge on the physiology of various rodent species and the pressures that influenced their evolution.

For my hobbies, I enjoy drawing, playing video games, walking, taking care of my chinchilla, and collecting my childhood toys: Littlest Pet Shops. I’ve had my collection for over 15 years and I’m getting close to reaching 600 LPS!

Hollis King

Senior in Biochemistry at Missouri Southern State University

Scientific Interests: I enjoy learning about biochemistry and neuroscience. I’m interested in the many ways our brain is always changing chemically and structurally depending on our environment. I also enjoy learning about experimentation and how experiments are actually ran to get results.

Leisure Activities: In my free time I like spending time with my buddies, reading, writing, listening to music, and learning about new things.

Zachary Walling, M.A., LPC, is a psychotherapist and educator from Stillwater, Oklahoma. He earned his M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma and is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience at Oklahoma State University. His interests include affective neuroscience, psychophysiology, brain imaging research, emotional processing, and the translation of neuroscience findings into clinical practice. Through his work with the McCullagh Lab, he is gaining hands-on experience in neuroscience research and exploring the biological foundations of behavior and mental health.

Danielle Buttrum

I have a Bachelors Degree in Biology with Pre-Medical Sciences Concentration. What interests me most about the “Sound of Science” project is the mission to provide education on one of the most universal parts of life. How sound is interpreted and processed can be very hard to understand and visualize even though it is an everyday tool for most of us. I believe being able to provide a visual and interactive experience for people to help make that bridge is something amazing. I’m also interested in getting to interact with the community in such a meaningful way. For fun, I enjoy collecting vinyls.

Ladan Abdolahipourbadizi

I’m studying for an MFA in Graphic Design. What interests me most about the “Sound of Science” project is the way it transforms scientific concepts related to sound into interactive and engaging experiences for audiences. I’m especially interested in being part of a creative educational project that combines science, interaction, and public engagement in such a unique way.
For fun, I enjoy dancing, especially salsa.