Members — Jones Lab - Miami University

Jones Lab Members

Graduate Students

Ph.D. Student – Microbiology

Hometown: Bombay, India

Project: With over seven years of experience in industrial and academic settings, my current focus is on optimizing and scaling up secondary metabolite production in metabolically engineered E. coli. I am glad to be a part of such a great team.

Interests: Outside of work, I am all about good food, music, and nature trails.

Contact: sena2@miamioh.edu

Abhishek Sen

Undergraduate Students

Nolan Brown

BS Student - Biochemistry and Kinesiology; Neuroscience and Pre-Med Co-Major

Nutrition Minor

Hometown: Economy, IN

Project: I have begun collaboration with one of our senior lab members in an effort to characterize a key enzyme in the pathways of two desired metabolites. I am attempting to characterize the activity and promiscuity of O-methyltransferases (OMTs), enzymes that have the potential to be useful in the production of many high-value products.

Interests: I have a passion for exploring the unknown that is only rivaled by my wish to help people. I enjoy diving into the topic of mental health, especially in regards to alternative therapies for veterans who return with different mental ailments. I hope to use these interests to make a difference in my professional life as a doctor. Outside of this area I enjoy nearly all sports, playing guitar, the outdoors, cooking, and spending time with my family.

Contact: brownnl6@miamioh.edu

Niya Fried

BA Student - Biochemistry; Neuroscience and Premedical Studies Co-Majors

Hometown: Solon, OH

Project: Starting Spring 2024

Interests: I am very interested in neuroscience and exploring potential treatments for mental health/neuro disabilities. I love helping people as I wish to pursue a professional career in the medical field. I am very excited to be in the Jones Lab to further my knowledge within metabolic and biochemical engineering. Outside of the lab, I play tennis, the piano, and teach children tennis.

Contact: friednb@miamioh.edu

Sean Spezzano

BS Student - Biochemistry; Premedical Studies Co-Major

Hometown: Livonia, NY

Project: Starting Spring 2025

Interests: I am interested in the topic of mental health, and I'm so excited to engage in research applicable to advancing the production of mental health treatments! I'm looking forward to gaining my first research experience and supplementing my knowledge, particularly in the field of metabolic engineering, in the Jones Lab. In my free time, I love to sing, play tennis and pickleball, and spend time with friends and family.

Contact: spezzasj@miamioh.edu

Evelyn Cegielski

BS Student - Biomedical Engineering

Hometown: Mahtomedi, MN

Project: Starting Fall 2024

Interests: My interests focus on the relationship between gastrointestinal bacteria and patient digestion and related diseases. I’m very excited to develop a greater understanding of bioengineering and how bacteria can be manipulated to assist in treatments! In my free time, I love to go on runs, play lacrosse, and try new gluten-free recipes.

Contact: cegieler@miamioh.edu

Chloe Morton

BS Student - Biology; Premedical Studies Co-Major

Hometown: Lebanon, OH

Project: Starting Spring 2025

Interests: I have strong fascinations with genetics, anatomy, and medicine. More specifically, my interests focus on the human eye, vision, and related research. I desire to gain knowledge in and experience with genetic engineering to one day bridge my acquired skills to other medical areas, all in hopes of treating and serving others. Outside of the lab and school, I enjoy photography, playing the piano and my violin, decorating cakes, and traveling to new places!

Contact: mortoncj@miamioh.edu

Lily Sawyer

BS Student - Psychology; Premedical Studies Co-Major

Hometown: Greenwood, IN

Project: Starting Fall 2024

Interests: I am interested in the science behind mental health disorders and learning more about the research involved in creating possible medical treatments. I am excited to develop new skills and knowledge while working in the Jones Lab. Outside of the lab, I love to hang out with friends, travel, and play pickleball.

Contact: sawyerle@miamioh.edu

Sophia Pyritz

BS Student - Microbiology and Public Health

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Project: Starting Fall 2024

Interests: I am interested in how DNA and cells can be altered with chemical and bioengineering to make a more effective drug for treating mental health patients. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to
learn about applications of mental health research while also gaining hands-on experience in a lab. In my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, baking, and hanging out with my friends.

Contact: pyritzsk@miamioh.edu

Audrey Topazian

BS Student - Chemical Engineering

Hometown: La Grange, IL

Project: Starting Spring 2025

Interests: I am interested in chemistry and finding ways to help people. I am excited to get involved in research and develop new skills and knowledge. Besides school and academics, I love to cook, spend time with my family and friends, and do crafts.

Contact: topazial@miamioh.edu

Siena Madsen

BS Student - Chemical Engineering; Energy Co-Major; Environmental Engineering Minor

Hometown: Columbus, OH

Project: Starting Fall 2025

Interests: I am interested in green technology and creating something that we can use to help keep the world in a condition that humans can thrive in with population growth. Some areas I am particularly interested in are carbon sequestration, green energy, bio recycling, and water security. I am also passionate about community service and am involved with the service fraternity on campus, Alpha Phi Omega. Finally, I have gotten the opportunity to experience giving back through engineering with my involvement in Engineers without Borders.

Contact: madsens2@miamioh.edu