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
Niya Fried
BA Student - Biochemistry; Neuroscience and Premedical Studies Co-Majors
Hometown: Solon, OH
Project: My project is focused on expanding the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids in bacteria. My prior work characterized the activity of several O-methyltransferases on a variety of phenylpropanoid substrates, identifying some novel activities not previously observed in the literature. I am now working to leverage these activities in longer biosynthetic pathways.
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: My project is focused on characterizing a suite of synthetic biology tools in several new E. coli strains, some with enhanced electron transport chains capable of more efficient ATP regeneration. These strains will serve as a platform for optimized production of bioactive compounds by better meeting the substantial ATP requirements of these pathways.
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 - Microbiolgy
Hometown: Mahtomedi, MN
Project: My current project is testing a new heme-dependent enzyme for viability in a modified psilocybin biosynthesis pathway. The goal of this project is to increase the sustainability of our bacterial psilocybin pathway by starting with less substituted substrate, which could also lead to higher titer biosynthesis of psilocybin derivatives.
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: My work in the Jones Lab includes characterization of synthetic promoters using a mCherry reporter, as well as evaluation of an enzymatic alkylation system to biosynthetically produce non-natural hallucinogens. These compounds are of interest because of their candidacy in treating a variety of mental health conditions.
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: My project revolves around the characterization, optimization, and scaled-up selective biosynthesis of baeocystin, which is enabled by a previously identified PsiM mutant. This work will enable further study into the therapeutic potential of baeocystin by offering a more sustainable and cost-effective production approach.
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: My project focuses on the production of baeocystin, a non-psychedelic intermediate in the biosynthesis of psilocybin. I am currently evaluating the impact of two different amino acid mutations in PsiM that individually cause a buildup of baeocystin production. Specifically, I am interested in the synergistic effects of these mutations on both baeocystin production and substrate selectivity.
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
Siena Madsen
BS Student - Chemical Engineering; Energy Co-Major; Environmental Engineering Minor
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Project: I am working to characterize a new biosynthetic pathway, which will expand the N-alkylation capabilities of our existing tryptophan- and tryptamine-based biosynthetic pathways. This will allow us to widen the breath of psychedelic-inspired compounds, both natural and nonnatural, that can be produced using our lab’s bioengineered pathways.
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
Abby Wilhelm
BS Student - Biomedical Engineering; Premedical Studies Co-Major
Hometown: Chantilly, VA
Project: Starting Spring 2026!
Interests: I love learning more about the links between mental and physical health, side effects of pharmaceuticals, and gut health. I enjoy being in a lab environment and learning how to use new equipment. Outside of the lab, I love crocheting, staying active, and exploring new places.
Contact: wilhela6@miamioh.edu
Clare FitzGibbon
BS Student - Biomedical Engineering
Hometown: Newbury Park, CA
Project: Starting Spring 2026!
Interests: I am interested in genetics, medicine, and bioengineering of pharmaceutical drugs. One thing that excites me about research is the development of new skills and knowledge! In my free time I enjoy skating on the Varsity Synchronized Skating team here at Miami as well as fashion and listening to music.
Contact: fitzgict@miamioh.edu
Rogue Carruthers
BS Student - Microbiology
Hometown: Hamilton, OH
Project: Starting Spring 2026!
Interests: Outside of academics, I am interested in mycology, TTRPGs, hiking, binging TV shows, and learning random hobbies from YouTube.
Contact: carrutrr@miamioh.edu
Alumni
Audrey Topazian - Undergraduate Researcher (2025) Current: Undergraduate Student at Miami University (Oxford, OH)
Nolan Brown - Undergraduate Researcher (2023 - 2025) Current: Undergraduate Student at Miami University (Oxford, OH)
Zachary Abrahms - Undergraduate Researcher (2022 - 2025) Current: MD-PhD student at Washington University (St. Louis, MO)
Lindsay Pulling - Undergraduate Researcher (2025) Current: Undergraduate Student at Miami University (Oxford, OH)
Felicia Guagliardo - Undergrad. Researcher (2023 - 2024) MS (2024 - 2025) Current: Current: Chemical Engineering PhD Student at University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
Grace Kemmerly- Undergrad. Researcher (2022 - 2024) MS (2024 - 2025) Current: Veterinary Medicine Student at University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI)
Alexa Wiwi - Undergraduate Researcher (2022 - 2025) Current: Chemical Engineering PhD Student at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC)
Erin Connors - Undergraduate Researcher (2024 - 2025) Current: Crisis Consultant at Community Health Alliance (Cincinnati, OH)
Charles Ellis - Undergraduate Researcher (2023 - 2025) Current: Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (Spain)
Andy Pennix - Undergraduate Researcher (2023 - 2024) Current: PET Technician at PharmaLogic (Cincinnati, OH)
Anna Wirsch - Undergraduate Researcher (2022 - 2024) Current: Undergraduate Student at Miami University (Oxford, OH)
Bill Gibbons - Research Associate (2020 - 2024) Current: Visiting Assistant Instructor at Miami University (Oxford, OH)
Jens Bartel - Visiting Undergraduate Researcher (2024) Current: Undergraduate Student at Carleton College (Northfield, MN)
Grace Runge - Undergraduate Researcher (2023 - 2024) Current: Neuromonitorist at Evokes (Mason, OH)
Madeleine Keller - Undergraduate Researcher (2021 - 2024) Current: Chemical Engineering PhD Student at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)
Asia Flores - Undergrad. Researcher (2021 - 2023) MS(2023-2024) Current:
Mohammad Majdi - Postdoctoral Research Associate (2023-2024) Current: Postdoctoral Research Associate at University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN)
Claire Cashdollar - Undergraduate Researcher (2021 - 2023) Current: Process Engineer at Georgia Pacific
Teagan Carpenter - Undergraduate Researcher (2021-2023) Current: Medical Student at The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
Zoe Platow - Undergraduate Researcher (2022-2023) Current: Neuroscience PhD Student at University of California - San Francisco (San Francisco, CA)
Maddy McKinney- Undergraduate Researcher (2019-2022) Masters Student (2022-2023) Current: Technical Solutions Engineer at Epic (Madison, WI)
Jessica Flower - Undergraduate Researcher (2020 - 2023) Masters Student (2023-2024) Current: Senior Associate in Process Development at Amgen (Boston, MA)
Brooke Bollinger - Undergraduate Researcher (2020-2023) Current: Strategy Analyst at Deloitte (Cincinnati, OH)
Fiona Kanis - Undergraduate Researcher (2019-2023) Current: Research Technition at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (Oklahoma City, OK)
Elle Hellwarth - Research Associate (2022-2023) Current: Chemical Engineering PhD Student at the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Phil O’Dell - Undergraduate Researcher (2018-2021) Masters Student (2021-2022) Current: Chemical Engineering PhD Student at the University of Delaware (Newark, DE)
Nicholas Kaplan - Undergraduate Researcher (2017-2021) Masters Student (2021-2022) Current: Chemical Engineering PhD Student at the University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
Ben Powell - Undergraduate Researcher (2020 - 2022) Current: EDP Engineer at Georgia-Pacific (Palatka, FL)
Gabriel Tonucci - Undergraduate Researcher (2020-2022) Current: Research Technition at University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH)
Quinn Nguyen - Research Assistant (2022) Current: Chemistry PhD Student at the University of California - Irvine (Irvine, CA)
Lucas Friedberg - Masters Student (2020-2022) Current: Technical Sales Development Program at Ciena (Atlanta, GA)
Lexie Adams - Undergraduate Researcher (2017-2021) Current: Chemical Engineering PhD Student at Stanford University (Palo Alto, CA)
Caroline Broude - Visiting Undergraduate Researcher (2021) Current: Chemistry PhD Student at the University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Jack Verderber - Undergraduate Researcher (2020 - 2022) Current: Systems Engineer at RoviSys (Aurora, OH)
Alexis Enacopol - Undergraduate Researcher (2017-2020) Current: Senior Validation Engineer at Medline, Inc. (Chicago, IL)
Chantal Monnier - Undergraduate Researcher (2017-2019) Current: Registered Dietitian at Metrocare Services (Dallas, TX)
John Brinton - Masters Student (2017-2019) Current: Supervisor Manufacturing Services at Inventprise LLC
Zhangyue ‘Tom’ Wei - Undergraduate Researcher (2017-2019) Current: Biomedical Engineering PhD Student at TU Eindhoven (Eindhoven, Netherlands)
Jones Lab
Dr. Jones working on the bioreactor
Jones Lab Mentor and Mentee reviewing conclusions
Jones Lab Spring 2021
Jones Lab Spring 2021
AIChE Conference 2021
AIChE Conference 2021
AIChE Conference 2021
AIChE Conference 2021
Undergraduate Poster Competition Awardees
AIChE Conference 2021
Jones Lab Dinner in Boston!
Lexie Adams, Jones Lab alum, presents our psilocybin research at the 2021 AIChe Conference
AIChE Conference 2021
Jones Lab participates in the AIChE Beer Brewing Competition
