Dan Foster
Dan is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He is originally from Geneseo, NY, and has a BS in Biochemistry from Bucknell University, and a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan. His post-doctoral work at the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt University built on his long-standing interest in G-protein-coupled receptor pharmacology. He has worked on numerous projects elucidating these receptors as potential therapeutic targets for numerous disorders, an interest that he continues to pursue. Outside of the lab, he enjoys fishing, soccer, and being disappointed by the New York Jets.
Graduate Students
Curran Johnston
Curran is from central Texas and has a BS in Physics from Southwestern University and an MS in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University. His previous work in the field has been focused on fiber photometry data processing and AI assisted analysis of rodent behavior with Dr. Foster both at Vanderbilt University and the University of South Carolina.
Daniel Joyner
With a long-standing interest in neuropharmacology, he received a BS in Psychology from Francis Marion University in his native Florence, South Carolina, then lived abroad for several years in Australia to complete an MPharm at Griffith University. His research focuses on neural circuitry within the striatum and connected regions and their role in habitual behavior and other aspects of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, OCD and ASD. Utilizing pharmacology, fiber photometry, and electrophysiology, he is working to better understand the interplay of certain neurotransmitters within these regions, how they may go awry, and how we might utilize novel pharmaceutical approaches to optimize these circuits and ultimately improve quality of life for patients.
Research Assistants
Yumin Choi
Min is from Minneapolis, Minnesota and recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Neurobiology and a minor in Global Health. She likes to spend her free outside doing something active, like running and hiking. This is her first year living in South Carolina and she is excited to explore this area!
Undergraduate Students
Becca Carden
Becca is a junior Psychology major and Neuroscience minor at the University of South Carolina. She enjoys spending time at the beach, taking roadtrips, and trying new restaurants. Becca wants to work to earn her PhD in cognitive psychology or neuroscience.
Dillon Burr
Dillon is from Chesterfield, South Carolina and is a rising Junior at the University of South Carolina. He is a member of the Honors College, pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a Forensic Science minor. Dillon enjoys watching the Atlanta Braves and going to on-campus events with friends!
Maddy Lucas
Maddy is a junior from Columbus, Ohio, and is a junior at the University of South Carolina. She is pursuing a degree in Neuroscience with minors in Psychology and Medical Humanities. She enjoys spending her time working out, diving into a good book, or getting involved on campus!
Meghan Wheeler
Meghan is a junior Neuroscience major with minors in Music and Piano Performance. In her spare time, she enjoys writing music, reading horror novels, and researching obscure historical figures and religions. In the future, Meghan is interested in pursuing a PhD in neuroscience, particularly in the realm of chronic pain and aging research.
Pranav Malladi
Pranav is from Atlanta, Georgia and is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina Honors College pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience with a Business Administration minor. In his free time he likes to dance, make music, and work out. In the future he hopes to go to medical school!