Emrick Lab

Liz Ronan

Postdoctoral Fellow

B.S. Neuroscience, University of Michigan
M.S. Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan
Ph.D. Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, 2022

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Royal Oak, Michigan
Interests:My research broadly aims to understand how animals sense their external world to produce behavioral outputs. Currently, I am focused on uncovering the neural and molecular mechanisms by which structures within the oral cavity detect and transduce various sensory cues, including touch, temperature, and pain.  

Sienna Perry

Oral Health Sciences, DDS/PhD Student

B.S. Genetics and Developmental Biology, Cornell University, 2020

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Blauvelt, NY
Interests: I am interested in sensory neuroscience and the interpretation of pain. My current research project is about elucidating the innervation of the temporomandibular joint and understanding how these neurons play a role in chronic pain. In my free time, you can find me cycling (both indoor and outdoor), long walks with my dog, or trying to make new recipes.

Deanna Cannizzaro

Neuroscience PhD Student

B.S. Neuroscience, Bucknell University, 2021

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Pequannock, NJ
Interests: I am broadly interested in sensory neuroscience and neuroimmunology. My current research is focused on mapping the sensory neurons that innervate the salivary glands and understanding how these neurons may regulate saliva production and composition. Outside of the lab, you can find me hiking with my dog, reading sci-fi/fantasy, playing Zelda, or tap dancing.

Leen Dakhilalla

Lab Manager, Research Lab Specialist

B.S. Neuroscience, Michigan State University, 2023

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Canton, MI
Interests: I am an aspiring dental student with a broad interest in Neuroscience, particularly in the mechanisms of innervation within the oral cavity. I hope to deepen my understanding of the dental field through the lens of research. When I'm not working, I enjoy creating art, going on walks, and reading.

Ling-Yu Liu

Research Investigator

B.S. Biology, Tunghai University, Taiwan
Ph.D. Life Science, Tunghai University, Taiwan

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Hsinchu, Taiwan
Interests: I am interested in metabolism and lipid homeostasis in neuroscience. Currently, I am trying to tackle the questions of how the pain interacts with reflex. When I have free time, I like exploring nature and baking chiffon cakes.

Aditi Jha

Undergraduate Student

B.S.E. Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Expected 2025

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Louisville, KY
Interests: I’m interested in the intersection of tissue engineering and traditional dentistry; I enjoy learning about the computational side of research. I hope to attend dental school in the future to pursue this in practice. Outside of the lab, you’ll find me tinkering with med devices, rollerblading, painting, and reading.

Kayla Moehn

Neuroscience PhD Student

B.S. Genetics & Biotechnology and B.A. Philosophy, New Mexico State University, 2023

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Rio Rancho, NM
Interests: I am interested in understanding how animals modulate behavioral outputs in response to sensory information. In the lab, I hope to understand how sensation in the tooth alters behavioral responses in mice by using ethologically relevant behavioral paradigms and physiological measures. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing with my cat Dewey (whose behavior I will never understand), watching Breaking Bad, golfing, and exploring the outdoors.

Kelli Hunter

Undergraduate Student

B.S. Biomolecular Sciences University of Michigan, Expected 2026

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Interests: I am broadly interested in neuroscience and gaining a better understanding of pain and reflex by mapping sensory neurons. I hope to use my experience and knowledge from the lab to pursue dentistry in the future. . Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, giving tours on campus, and watching movies with friends and family.

Lizzy Lee

Undergraduate Student

B.S. Biomolecular Sciences & B.A. Spanish
University of Michigan, Expected 2026

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea & Jenison, Michigan
Interests: Through the research at the dental school, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing the mouth, head, and neck, as well as the connections between the mouth and the brain. In the future, I aspire to attend medical school and use my proficiency in English, Korean, and Spanish to help as many families as possible, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder access to quality care. In my free time, I like playing pickleball, listening to audiobooks, or crocheting with my roommates.

Romy Wilson

Undergraduate Student

B.S. Chemistry
University of Michigan, Expected 2026

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Powell, Ohio
Interests: My interests lie in the field of chemistry with expectations to go into the medical field. Currently in the lab, I am working to define how sensory neurons present in the salivary glands affect the composition of saliva output. During my free time, I like to spend my time with family and friends, go to concerts and sporting events, and listen to fun podcasts.

Shuhao Wan

Mechanical Engineering PhD Student

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2022
B.S. Aerospace Science and Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2022

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Shanghai, China
Interests: My research focuses on elucidating thermosensation mechanisms within the oral cavity, thereby establishing a foundation for further exploration of thermal therapies in dental applications. I seek to leverage my engineering background to introduce new approaches and insights into dental and neuroscience studies. In my leisure time, I make ship models, play the guitar, and do gardening.

Amy Chang

D.D.S., University of Michigan Expected 2026

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Lisle, Illinois
Interests:As a dental student, I am interested in understanding the complex mechanisms underlying oral sensation and pain perception. Engaging in research has helped me become a better clinician and problem solver. In my free time, I love to travel and am excited to visit Taiwan and Kenya in the coming year!

Sabrina Wang

Undergraduate Student

B.S. Neuroscience, University of Michigan, Expected 2027

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Northville, Michigan
Interests:I find myself most intrigued about the brain and how its neural complexity works to impact our behavior on a daily basis. I hope to attend medical school pursuing my interest in neuroscience as well as participate in research along the way! Aside from working in lab, you can find me figure skating, watching new tv shows/movies, building legos, and drinking lots of bubble tea/coffee.

Julia Philip

Undergraduate Student

B.S. Biology, Health, and Society University of Michigan, Expected 2027

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Novi, Michigan
Interests:I'm interested in the intersection of psychology and dentistry, studying how sensory input from the tooth influences behavior in mice. I hope to apply my lab experience and knowledge to a future career in dentistry. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, watching crime documentaries, and playing tennis!