Eric Wohleb, PhD Principal Investigator

Eric received his doctorate in Neuroscience from the Ohio State University in September 2013 under mentorship of Dr. Jonathan Godbout and Dr. John Sheridan at the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research. Following graduate studies he completed postdoctoral studies in the laboratory of Dr. Ronald Duman at the Yale University School of Medicine from 2013 - 2016. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, with current research focused on the role of neuroimmune systems in shaping synaptic plasticity and behavior.

Justin Bollinger, Postdoctoral Fellow

Justin obtained a B.A. in Psychology at the University of North Carolina and completed his Ph.D. in Psychology and Neuroscience at Indiana University. His graduate work examined sex-dependent stress effects on microglia and astrocytes, and the role of gonadal hormones in regulating sex differences in glial morphology. Justin joined the Wohleb lab in 2018, centering his research efforts on 1) purinergic mechanisms guiding microglia-mediated neuronal remodeling in stress, and 2) astrocytic contributions to blood-brain-barrier integrity and cognitive-behavioral function. His work is supported by a NIMH F32 Postdoctoral Fellowship. 

Outside of the lab, Justin enjoys hunting for vinyl records, collecting oddities and antiques, and is an avid horror fan.

Sam Woodburn, PhD Candidate

Sam is a neuroscience PhD candidate at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He earned his B.S. in neuroscience at Bowling Green State University. Sam’s research in the Wohleb lab focuses on the role of microglia-derived growth factors during chronic stress and antidepressant treatment, as well as sex-differences in neuron-microglia interactions.

Outside the lab, Sam is a vocal mental health advocate with the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Helina Asrat, Research Assistant

Helina recently graduated with a B.A. in Chemistry from Berea College. She did summer undergraduate research internships at the VA medical center and at Duke University that further consolidated her interest in Neuroscience. She is fascinated by the current studies at the Wohleb lab, covering the broader scope of how stress affects the brain. Helina intends to pursue a Masters or PhD in Neuroscience.

Outside the lab, she enjoys being out in nature.