THE TEAM
STAFF
Josiane L. Broussard, Ph.D., CEO
Josie is an Associate Professor at Colorado State University in the Department of Health and Exercise Science. Before CSU she was a mentored junior faculty member at the University of Colorado Boulder where she trained in circadian biology with Professor Kenneth P. Wright, Jr. Prior to Colorado, Josie completed her postdoctoral work with Dr. Richard Bergman in Los Angeles, focused on obesity and insulin resistance in an animal model. For her graduate work, Josie studied molecular metabolism and sleep with Dr. Eve Van Cauter at the University of Chicago. Before that, she majored in neuroscience at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA and before THAT she grew up on the coast of Maine.
Ellen Lyon, M.S., Chief Operating Officer
Ellen is a Research Associate and manages the SAM Lab at CSU. She has a background in clinical exercise physiology and previously worked in diabetes and vascular research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Ellen keeps the lab organized and running smoothly by overseeing every aspect of our research including IRB regulation and compliance, data collection and organization, participant recruitment and communication, student and staff training, scheduling, and inpatient study visit coordination.
Caitlin Stackpool, M.S., Chief of Staff
Caitlin supports Dr. Broussard and assists in administrative duties of the SAM Lab at CSU. She has a background in clinical exercise physiology and previously worked in program and project management. Her previous roles included both clinical and community-based education and intervention, with an emphasis on diabetes and hypertension. Caitlin uses a person-first approach and leverages her skills of organization, problem solving, and collaboration to stay proactive and support productivity for the team.
POST DOCS
Lamya'a Dawud, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow
Prior to joining the SAM Lab, Lamya'a received her B.A., M.S. Degrees in Integrative Physiology from CU-Boulder. She then earned her Ph.D. in Integrative Systems Biology from CU-Denver. Lamya'a spent the first two years of her Post Doc Fellowship using proteomics, metabolomics, RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics techniques to determine the neural mechanism(s) underlying stress-buffering effects of microbiome-based interventions. She now wants to become an expert in clinical research and perfect her people researching skills---The animals will miss her but us SAMmies are loving her!
Erin Kishman, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow
Before joining the SAM lab, Erin obtained her B.S. from Grand Valley State University and her M.S. from Western Michigan University both in exercise science. She then earned her PhD in exercise science from the University of South Carolina, where her research focused on sleep and physical activity throughout the postpartum period. Her PhD training introduced her to sleep research which led her to pursue more training in the SAM lab. As a SAMmie, she is excited to learn more about circadian science and its impact on metabolism.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Catherine Lowry, B.S.Ed., Ph.D. Student
Cat obtained her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology at Baylor University and entered the MS program at CSU in 2021. She is interested in subjective and objective appetite measures as well as renal function. Cat has experience in both health and performance exercise settings. In her free time, Cat coaches equestrian vaulting (gymnastics and dance moves done on top of moving horses)!
Grissy Sime Mora, M.S., PhD Student
Grissy obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Nutrition from University of Connecticut. She is now mastering her skills of RNA isolation and clock genes from different tissues in the wet lab at the moment. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing and hiking.
A. Tyler Inman, M.S., Ph.D. Student
Tyler obtained his Bachelor's Degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and began his career in the US Army. As a junior leader, he served as a Rifle Platoon Leader in the 82nd Airborne Division and a Stryker Company Commander in the 4th Infantry Division. Most recently, Tyler served as the Regimental Executive Officer for the 2d Cavalry Regiment. Tyler obtained his Master's Degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University and is a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff Officer's College. Now that Tyler is in Colorado pursuing his PhD, he enjoys exploring Colorado with his wife and children.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Haley Bernard
Haley returns to the SAM lab (Summer Intern 2023) after obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Whitman College. Haley plans to pursue a physical therapy degree in the future. In her free time, you can find her in the mountains hiking, biking, and climbing!
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (UGRA)
Haleigh Croft - Lead UGRA
Haleigh is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Health and Exercise Science. Haleigh is contemplating studying Occupation Therapy in graduate school after obtaining her Bachelor's degree and possibly even applying to volunteer with the Peace Corps first!
Chieko Link
Chieko is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Biology and English with a Spanish Minor. Chieko hopes to attend medical school after graduation to become a general surgeon.
Emma Fischbeck
Emma is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences and with a Spanish Minor. Emma hopes to attend PA school after graduation.
Levi Benter
Levi is currently pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science. He is exploring all of the different avenues that a scientific career can offer him--maybe we'll convince him to go the research route! He already knows how to get his hands dirty from his experience in landscaping, fire mitigation, and preservation of historical sites.
Sisika Farmiga
Sisika is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, with minors in both Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry. She is interested in research and how the brain and sleep impact bodily functions. In the future, she plans to further her education as a DPT and start a career as a neurological physical therapist.
Jordan DeNiro
Jordan is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Biology. She is no stranger to the night life of a sleep researcher - she is also an EMT! After graduation, she plans to enroll in Paramedic School and, ultimately, pursue a career as a Physician Assistant.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
