Simoska Lab Group Photo
Graduate Students
Courtney Weber (G3)
Courtney Weber is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Simoska Research Group, specializing in analytical chemistry and materials science. Her research focuses on designing electrochemical sensors to monitor human health biomarkers, including studying nanoparticle-modified electrodes and nucleic acid bioreceptor interactions. Originally from Charlotte, NC, Courtney earned her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina Honors College, where she researched emerging contaminants in drinking water as an undergraduate. A dual-sport Division I student-athlete, she competed in both indoor and beach volleyball for the Gamecocks. In her free time, Courtney enjoys serving at her church, visiting family, spending time at the beach, and cheering on Gamecock sports teams.
Olivia Clay (G2)
Olivia Clay graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023 with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and started her PhD studies in the Simoska Lab in the summer of 2023. Olivia is originally from Fairfax, VA but is proud to call South Carolina home! Her research lies in the electrochemical characterization of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in clinically relevant bacteria. Olivia enjoys being able to intersect her knowledge of biochemistry with her current analytical chemistry studies to investigate the global issue of antibiotic resistance. In addition to her research, Olivia loves to teach and hopes to bring her passion for teaching to her graduate research and future career. Outside of the lab, Olivia is a proud mom to her two cats Mochi and Nomi as well as a massive Jeopardy enthusiast.
Megan Whisonant (G2)
Megan Whisonant is a second-year Master’s student in the Simoska group. Originally from York, SC, Megan received her B.S. in Biochemistry and B.A. in History from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. Her undergraduate research, funded through SC-INBRE, utilized computational platforms to study the effects of dietary iron on the taxonomic composition of the Zebrafish gut microbiome. Currently, her research employs electroanalytical methods to study quinone-mediated extracellular electron transfer in bacteria toward the design of more efficient microbial electrochemical technologies. Megan aspires to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at church, experimenting with new recipes, planning, and practicing cursive calligraphy.
Richard Anum (G1)
Richard Anum is a first-year graduate student pursuing a PhD in chemistry.
Undergraduate Students
Reese Lycan (UG4)
Reese Lycan is a senior from Lexington, Kentucky, pursuing a major in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and minors in Computer Science and Public Health. She is USC’s first Truman Scholar since 2019 and will attend medical school after graduating. Reese has been a member of the Simoska lab since January 2023, where she is employing electrochemistry to study preferential carbon sources for opportunistic pathogens. Reese is involved on campus as Student Body Treasurer and a member of Delta Zeta and Alpha Epsilon Delta. She volunteers weekly in the ICU, loves to read, and has tried a variety of hobbies such as hiking, painting, photography, and kayaking, however, these have all proved that she should stick to STEM-related activities.
Natalie Strom (UG4)
Natalie Strom is graduating from the University of South Carolina in 2025 with a degree in Neuroscience and Chemistry and will be starting her graduate studies in the Simoska Lab in the summer of 2025. Her research interests lie in the electrochemical characterization of silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacteria. She is from Pinehurst, NC, and accordingly spends a lot of her free time golfing. In addition, she loves to read and go to the beach to surf. The Carolinas are her forever home, and she is excited to pursue a career in medical research in the realm of infectious diseases.
Addie Meeker (UG3)
Addie Meeker is a junior pursuing a B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Addie has lived in Rock Hill, South Carolina her entire life and is a self-proclaimed, die-hard Gamecock! While her post-grad plans are somewhat unclear, she knows one thing is certain: she LOVES chemistry and wants to pursue a STEM-related career. Outside of the classroom, Addie is involved in several campus organizations, such as the USC Dance Marathon. She also loves to spend time with friends and family, shop, and run! She is so excited to join the Simoska lab!
Emma Vagnoni (UG3)
Emma Vagnoni is a junior biochemistry and molecular biology major at the University of South Carolina. Emma is from the small town of Anderson South Carolina but she really enjoys living in the big Columbia city during the semester. Emma especially enjoys learning new things and pushing herself outside her comfort zone. As a result, she is pursuing minors in theater and Spanish which have proven to be vastly different than her major classes. In her free time when she is not in the lab or working as an RA at the university, Emma likes to crochet, watch TV, and cook for all her friends and family. In the future, she is interested in practicing medicine in a clinical setting, but for now, she is so excited to get to work in the lab!
Olivia Keys (UG3)
Olivia Keys is a junior from Bedford, New Hampshire studying biochemistry and molecular biology. Post-grad she is looking to pursue a career in industry with a focus on rare disease. She is involved in Tri Beta, the Biological Honors Society, and the Carolina Eventing Club team. In her free time, she enjoys reading, embroidery, and running. She is excited to start research in the Simoska Lab!
Sophia Woytowitz (UG2)
Sophia Woytowitz, a biochemistry major at the University of South Carolina, is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Her research journey began as part of the inaugural Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) class, which launched her undergraduate research career. She is now actively involved in the OPPA Pre-Med Mentoring Program and serves as a research editor for IMPULSE, the Premier Undergraduate Neuroscience Journal. Passionate about laboratory research, Sophia focuses on studies related to antibiotic resistance and aims to pursue a career in clinical medicine. In her free time, she enjoys working out at the gym, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family.
Jessica Bunge (UG2)
Jessica Bunge is a sophomore pursing a B.S. with a double major in chemistry and statistics. She is interested in attending graduate school and conducting research as a career, and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to begin research in the Simoska Lab. Jess is from Fort Mill, SC, and in her free time, she enjoys watching movies and going on walks.
Maeve Lembke (UG2)
Maeve Lembke is a sophomore from Buffalo, NY, pursuing a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a minor in Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina. She plans on attending graduate school and pursuing research as a career in the future. Besides working in the Simoska lab, she spends her time sewing, rock climbing, and spending time outdoors.
Helen Vrouvakis (UG2)
Helen Vrouvakis is a sophomore pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She is from Easley, South Carolina. Helen is involved on campus as a member of Delta Delta Sigma and HSA. After graduation, she plans to attend dental school to pursue a career in dentistry. In her free time, she loves to read, go on runs, and pick up new hobbies.
Brienne Hingst (UG2)
Brienne Hingst is a sophomore from Atlanta, Georgia and is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Forensics. In her free time, Brienne loves to read, cross stitch, crochet, and watch TV. She is unclear about her post-grad plans but wants to pursue a STEM-related career. Brienne is excited to be a part of the Simoska lab and to continue doing research.
Abbie Davies (UG3)
Abbie Davies is a junior and just joined the Simoska Lab!