Principal Investigator: Erin Talbert, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in the Department of Health & Human Physiology
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center (HCCC) and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC).
Students
About Ella
Ella is a master's thesis student in physiology. She graduated with an exercise science degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She plans to pursue a doctoral degree and one day become a lead investigator. Currently, she is working on understanding why myosteatosis occurs in pancreatic cancer patients with cachexia. Outside of the lab, Ella loves to go to the gym to lift weights, forage and plant fun foods in the community gardens, and paint pictures of the things she loves.
Daniel Ayeltigah
About Daniel
Daniel is a master’s thesis student in Physiology from Ghana. He holds a degree in Biological Science from the University of Energy and Natural Resources and a Master of Philosophy in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. His previous research focused on how stress, physical activity, and dietary patterns affect metabolic syndrome. Currently, his research interest is in understanding the mechanisms underlying cancer cachexia and its relationship with skeletal muscle. Outside the lab, he enjoys watching movies and listening to music
Mikayla (Kayla) Kolpin
About Kayla
Kayla is a post-baccalaureate research intern from Schaller, Iowa. She earned her bachelor's degree in Human Physiology from the University of Iowa in 2025 and is currently applying to medical school. In the lab, her research spans both clinical and translational science, focusing on how body composition influences post-operative outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients, how circulating cytokines may predict body composition changes over time, and the role of MEK/ERK signaling in myogenesis. Outside of lab, Kayla likes to stay active and enjoys trying new coffee.
Jackie Ott
About Jackie
Brandon Cole
About Brandon
Brandon is an undergraduate researcher from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is studying Biomedical Sciences on the Pre-Med track and has future plans to go to medical school and become a physician. In lab, he is working on understanding what genes and pathways exacerbate myosteatosis. Outside of lab, Brandon loves to watch the Los Angeles Rams football team.
Lab Alumni
Sydney Allison - Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student, 2020-2021
Connor Flynn - Undergraduate Student, 2020-2021
Jayarani Putri, PhD - Postdoctoral Scholar 2021-2022
Natalia Weinzierl - Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student, 2021-2023
Emily Kalmanek - Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student, 2021-2023
Ashley Freeman, MS - Master's Thesis Student, 2021-2023
Oscar Cruz, Undergraduate Student, 2023
Marina Gomes Barbosa, Master's Thesis Student, 2022-2024
Wren Kavars, Undergraduate Student, 2024
Lauryn Peck, Undergraduate Student, 2024
Yabing Wang, MS - Master's Thesis Student, 2023-2024
Connor Lofing, Undergraduate Student, 2024-2025
Divine Riwhie, MS - Master's Thesis Student, 2024-2026