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 B.S. 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 a range of disorders, an interest he continues to pursue. Outside of the lab, he enjoys fishing, soccer, and being disappointed by the New York Jets.
PhD Students
With a long-standing interest in neuropharmacology as a means to better improve the lives of those with neuropsychiatric disorders, Daniel first completed a BS in Psychology from Francis Marion University in his native Florence, South Carolina. Afterward, he lived abroad for several years in Australia to complete an MPharm at Griffith University. His thesis project utilizes fiber photometry to investigate the neurophysiological effects of novel muscarinic antipsychotics, and he is currently beginning the search for post-doc opportunities on his road to becoming a PI in academia. In his rare spare time, he enjoys listening to, and dabbling in making, music, as well as writing.
4th YearDaniel Joyner
Curran Johnston
Curran is originally 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
Amber Peaslee
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 YearResearch 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.
2nd YearUndergraduate Students
Kendra Rhein
Class of 2027
Major in Psychology
Izzy Ramage
Major in Public Health
Minor in Biological Sciences
Class of 2027
Class of 2028Kate Oosthuizen
Major in Biological Sciences
Minor in Counseling Education
Class of 2028Vaishu Sarikonda
Major in
Michelle Perry
Major in Biomedical Engineering
Minor in Neuroscience
Class of 2029Sophia Samborski
Class of 2029Major in
Class of 2029Vianne Phan
Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Class of 2029Laasya Bodducherla
Major in Biomedical Engineering
Class of 2029Sash Krishnakumar
B.A.R.S.C. M.D. Program