I am new faculty as of August 2025 in Molecular and Cellular Biology at KSU. I am a developmental Neuroscientist interested in the genetics and signaling biology of neurons at all cell stages. As a scientist, I am driven by my own curiosity and to make new discoveries that may someday help humanity. Before becoming a developmental neuroscientist, I earned a Master's in Behavioral Neuroscience and had a career as an addictions neuroscientist for 3 years at the National Institute on Drug Abuse. I am a husband and father of two three. I enjoy exercising, cooking, learning Spanish, playing chess, and relaxing.
Karsen Brantley, MPH
I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Berry College in 2023 and then completed a Master’s of Public Health degree at Emory University in 2025. I am passionate about the way public health education can have an impact on our communities and have participated in many different research settings throughout my years in school including those in exercise science, biochemistry, economics, and cell biology. In my free time I love to watch and play soccer and ultimate frisbee, as well as read and play the NYT crossword.
Current Students
Nicolias Jordan, BS
I obtained my Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Oglethorpe University in 2026 and am now a first-year Graduate Student in the MSIB program here at KSU. My research interests are mainly based in molecular and marine biology, with a focus on organelles termed cilia. In the lab, I am investigating the role of neuronal cilia in our model system C. robusta. Eventually, I would be interested in developing therapies and/or identifying targets for ciliopathies. During my free time, I like to garden, read, hike/go camping, listen to music, and learn languages.
Maya Fakhra
I am a biology undergraduate currently working as a dental assistant, with plans to pursue dental school. I have always been drawn to research because I enjoy understanding how things work at a deeper level and being able to apply science in a hands-on way. During my undergraduate labs, I found working in a lab setting especially exciting, which further grew my interest in research. I’m passionate about the health field and science, and I’m excited to keep learning and building skills that will support my future in dentistry. I’m also interested in learning more about neurodevelopment, especially how it can be impacted by different factors that can be studied in the lab, and gaining a deeper understanding of how many variables can influence development.
