Meet Our Researchers

Dr. Foster

Dan is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He is originally from Geneseo, NY, and has a BS in Biochemistry from Bucknell University, and a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan. His post-doctoral work at the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt University built on his long-standing interest in G-protein-coupled receptor pharmacology. He has worked on numerous projects elucidating these receptors as potential therapeutic targets for numerous disorders, an interest that he continues to pursue. Outside of the lab, he enjoys fishing, soccer, and being disappointed by the New York Jets.

PhD Students

4th Year

Daniel Joyner

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Curran is from Central Texas and earned a B.S. in Physics from Southwestern University and an M.S. in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on fiber photometry data processing and AI-assisted analysis of rodent behavior. He has worked with Dr. Foster at both Vanderbilt University and the University of South Carolina, contributing to the development of computational tools for neuroscience research. Outside the lab, Curran enjoys smoking brisket with his sous chef (his cat), Sonya.

3rd Year

Curran Johnston

Amber is originally from Dayton, Ohio, and earned her B.S. in Neuroscience from The Ohio State University. She is currently using whole-cell patch clamp to investigate the influence of CB2 receptors on dopamine neurons. Outside the lab, Amber enjoys running, swimming, and spending time in the sun. She is currently training for her first marathon in November 2026, though she's perhaps best known for running local races in a hot dog costume.

1st Year

Amber Peaslee

Research Specialist

Misha May

Misha is from Fort Mill, South Carolina. He has a B.S. degree in Neuroscience with a concentration in Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience. He hopes to attend medical school and become a vascular neurosurgeon. In his spare time, Misha enjoys reading, trying new foods, hiking, teaching ballroom dance, and going to the beach. Misha also enjoys cross-country road trips, traveling to new countries, and experiencing new cultures. Fun fact, Misha can speak 3 languages.