Dr. Rachel Kohman

Principal Investigator

I completed my doctoral degree at Texas Christian University in Experimental Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychoneuroimmunology, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at Rutgers University and the University of Illinois. In 2012, I joined the Department of Psychology faculty at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. My research program evaluates the functional consequences of inflammation within the brain (i.e., neuroinflammation) as well as attempts to elucidate the physiological mechanisms through which neuroinflammation disrupts cognitive function and measures of neural plasticity.

Madison Clark

Graduate student

I graduated from the University of Georgia with a double major in Biology and Psychology. I'm thrilled to be in my first year of the Psychological Science PhD program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. My research interests focus on uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind age-related neurodegenerative disorders, to identify therapeutic targets that can delay disease progression and enhance quality of life. I'm incredibly excited to be a part of this dynamic research team. Go Seahawks!

Kate Geisinger

Graduate student

I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry at Appalachian State University. I am continuing my studies in the MS Psychology program with a concentration in Neuroscience and Behavior. After graduating I hope to continue my education by pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience and contribute to research surrounding neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases in women.

Sophia Jordan

Undergraduate student

I am a senior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington majoring in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. I have been working in the lab since Fall 2023. Following graduation, I plan to continue my education and get an associate's degree in Public Health. I then hope to attend graduate school and receive my MS in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience. I plan to continue graduate school and pursue a PhD in Psychology. I am not certain what I want to have a focus in, but I am interested in Clinical Psychology and Research Psychology.

Maddie Buscaglia

Undergraduate student

I am an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington majoring in psychology and minoring in neuroscience. I plan to further my education at graduate school in the hopes of earning my PhD in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience. My end goal is to pursue research and conduct studies related to neuropsychology.

Josh Burkhardt

Undergraduate student

I am a Psychology major with a Neuroscience minor and excited to continue my studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue an M.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience and Behavior. Afterward, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology with a concentration in either General Clinical or Psychological Science.