Meet the lab!
Doug McMahon, Ph. D.
Currently Stevenson Professor of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt, I obtained my BA and PhD in Biology from University of Virginia (1980, 1985), and was awarded the 1987 Donald B. Lindsley Prize in Behavioral Neuroscience from the Society for Neuroscience for my dissertation research in circadian rhythms. From 1986-1990 I was postdoctoral fellow in Neurobiology at the Biological Laboratories at Harvard University, in the laboratory of Prof. John Dowling with whom worked on retinal neuromodulation. I started my own laboratory in the Department of Physiology at the University of Kentucky in 1990, and in 2002 moved to the department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt. Thanks to the many terrific lab team members the laboratory has been continuously funded by the NIH for 33 years and we have authored 105 publications.
Manuel Giannoni-Guzmán, Ph. D.
Research Assistant Professor
As a Research Assistant Professor in the McMahon Lab, my primary research interest centers around exploring the intricate mechanisms of circadian rhythms in honey bees, particularly focusing on their neural and molecular aspects. My fascination lies in unraveling how these rhythms, which are critical for behaviors like navigation and time memory, are influenced by various environmental factors, including pesticides. I am deeply involved in developing innovative molecular tools to dissect the neural components of the circadian clock in bees. This includes the use of fluorescent and bioluminescent reporters to study the electrical properties of neurons and gene expression rhythms in the bee brain. My work not only contributes to a
fundamental understanding of bee circadian biology but also aims to develop strategies to enhance bee health and resilience, ensuring the sustainability of these essential pollinators in our ecosystems. Outside of the lab, I have a passion for powerlifting, immersing myself in books, enjoying films, exploring nature through hiking and scuba diving, and engaging in FPS gaming.
Olivia Cox
Ph. D. Candidate
Olivia H. Cox is a Ph.D. candidate in neuroscience in the lab of Dr. Doug McMahon at Vanderbilt University. Her research focuses on the molecular underpinnings of the mammalian circadian clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Specifically, she is interested in SCN plasticity and how environmental perturbations may affect core clock functioning on a molecular level. Currently, she is investigating these dynamics at the level of gene expression, e.g. genes that contribute to core mechanisms of the clock such as ability to entrain to seasonal photoperiods. Prior to graduate school, she spent 4 years as a laboratory technician studying epigenetics in the Department of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University. Her broader research interest is to combine tools from the fields of neuroscience and epigenetics in order to lay the molecular groundwork needed to solve circadian-related problems in human health.
Maya Anderson
Undergraduate Researcher & MARC scholar
Maya joined the McMahon lab in June of 2022 as a undergraduate researcher. She is currently a MARC scholar and is majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology. As a member of the lab, she has explored the role of temperature on entrainment of honey bee circadian rhythms and the development of a ex-vivo marker for honey bee circadian clock neurons. Post graduation, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D in the field of circadian rhythms. Outside of lab, her hobbies include ballroom dancing, drawing, and writing.
Rachael Garcia
Undergraduate Research Assistant
My name is Rachael Garcia I’m an undergraduate research assistant and a candidate for honors in biological sciences. I’m a senior and my majors are Biological Sciences, Spanish, and Medicine Health and Society.
Ella Halbert
Research Assistant
Ella joined the McMahon lab in January of 2024 as a research assistant, and she is broadly interested in the ways environmental cues shape brain function and behavior. Before joining the lab, Ella received a BA in Biology and Hispanic Studies from Oberlin College. As part of a National Science Foundation-Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU), Ella studied the ecological interactions between two frog species and Culex territans, the amphibian-biting mosquito. She also worked on various climate change and biodiversity projects in Acadia National Park in 2023. She hopes to continue working on ecologically-relevant research in the McMahon lab. Outside the lab, Ella enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and crafting.
Keith Kim
Lab Technician
Hi! My name is Keith Kim, and I am a lab technician. I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A in Neuroscience in May 2024 and have been working here since. Other things I like to do outside of lab are climbing, cooking, and keeping aquariums.
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The McMahon lab is actively recruiting post-docs and graduate students.