Current graduate students in my lab:
Bailey Keller: Neuroscience and Clinical and Translational Sciences Dual-Title PhD Candidate
Bailey is i
nterested in understanding how diet and alcohol alters behavior and neurocircutry in the brain. In addition, she also wants to explore commonly co-morbid psychological features of alcohol use disorder such as anxiety and depression. Bailey enjoys the collaborative environment that Penn State College of Medicine has to offer as well as the opportunities for clinical experiences.
Mariam Melkumyan: Neuroscience and Clinical and Translational Sciences Dual-Title PhD Candidate
Mariam is interested in the biological mechanisms underlying mental disorders, such as anxiety. She is particularly interested in the interaction between anxiety, alcohol/cannabinoid use, and neuroinflammation. Mariam is passionate about teaching and fighting the stigma surrounding mental disorders through open scientific communication and aims to use her skills to improve mental healthcare in her home country Armenia. Mariam feels lucky to be a part of Penn State College of Medicine because of the warm and collaborative environment. In her free time, Mariam likes to play with her cat, read fantasy/fiction books, and go on walks
Alexandra Evans: Biomedical Sciences PhD Student
Alexandra is interested in studying the mechanisms behind the cross-sensitization of binge-like behaviors surrounding alcohol and high fat diet in regions of the brain such as the central amygdala and brainstem. She wants to further study how alcohol’s effect on the brainstem impacts pancreatic secretion and satiety. Alexandra feels fortunate to be a part of the Silberman lab as the space has provided her with the tools to be successful conducting pre-clinical research. After graduation, Alexandra wants to pursue a career in clinical trial work.
Zari McCullers: Biomedical Sciences PhD Student
Zari is passionate about studying the effects of addiction and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) on biological processes, and is particularly interested in investigating the relationships between alcohol use, binge behaviors and reproductive cyclicity in female mice. Outside of the lab, Zari is deeply invested: in public policy initiatives concerning science and reproductive justice; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategic work both on and off campus; and science education in K-12 and undergraduate institutions. Zari chose Penn State for the close-knit atmosphere and the opportunity to participate in research that excites her! In her additional time, Zari is an *aspiring* professional instrumentalist (harp and marimba), and she enjoys aerial arts, traveling, community service, and sleeping.
Opeyemi Showemimo: Anatomy PhD Student
Opeyemi is an Anatomy PhD student who is interested in looking at the brain circuit dysfunction and molecular mechanism that underlies PTSD. Her long-term plan is to pursue a teaching career in Anatomy education and to be actively involved in the education system of her country Nigeria which will afford her the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers and mentor students. She believes scientific education and mentorship is pivotal to the ability of the society to innovate, move forward and integrate within the global society. She is excited to be part of the Silberman lab and grateful for the support system in the environment. In her free time, she loves reading, cooking, and watching food channels on YouTube.
Past Graduate Students in my lab
Caitlin Coker, Anatomy graduate student
Caitlin is interested in exploring adolescent ethanol exposure and its association with enhanced ethanol drinking and anxiety-like behaviors in adulthood specifically, the impact of adolescent ethanol exposure on brain stem noradrenergic circuit maturation in mice. Caitlin enjoyed being here at Penn State College of Medicine because of all the teaching and research opportunities that will allow her to become a better teacher, anatomist, and researcher.
Caitlin received her PhD in 2020 and is now an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Angela Snyder, Neuroscience graduate student
Angela is interested in the biological mechanisms underlying behavior. She is particularly interested in stress, drug abuse, and addiction. Angela enjoys combining both behavioral testing with molecular experiments to further understand what differences exist at the cellular level. Angela enjoyed being at Penn State College of Medicine because of the many opportunities for collaboration between labs.
Angela received her PhD in 2021 and is currently a postdoctoral fellow in Marissa Roberto’s lab at the Scripps Research Institute