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. 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.
Undergraduate Trainees
Saniya Samura
I am an undergraduate Biological Sciences major with research experience studying anti-inflammatory drug–based systems, including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and presentation at an undergraduate research symposium. My research interests focus on how physiological processes such as inflammation and stress influence cognition, behavior, and health-related outcomes. I am interested in research that links biological mechanisms to real-world psychological and behavioral experiences.
Nistha Patel
I am a second-year undergraduate student at Kennesaw State University pursuing a career as an Anesthesiologist Assistant. I have hands-on experience as a Medical Assistant and in genetics, including PCR-based techniques and data analysis. I am particularly interested in research related to brain development and translational science.
Simran Kaur
I am a biochemistry undergraduate on the pre-medical track, aspiring to become a neurologist. Currently, I work as a medical assistant at a pain management clinic and have a strong interest in patient care. I hold a leadership role in the biomedical research organization at KSU, with prior experience founding and leading student organizations focused on healthcare and cultural advocacy. I am extremely interested in studying how neuroscience-based research can be applied to help treat various neurological conditions. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, baking, hiking, watching shows, and spending time with friends and family.
Maya Fakhra
I am an undergraduate student with lab experience from my coursework and from being a biochemistry teaching assistant. Even though I am still new to research, I'm aware of how things run in the lab and excited to train more! I think it’s great that we use Notion, it’s such a smart way to stay organized and up to date while still having your own space to work and keep track of things.
