Honda Laboratory

Lab Personnel

Stephanie Dawrs

Stephanie Dawrs

Lab Researcher – Honda Lab 
DawrsS@njhealth.org

Education:

University of Hawai’i at Hilo, BS, Biology

Background:

Stephanie graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo with a bachelor’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation and a minor in Chemistry. While at the University of Hawai’i she took part in several research projects studying Hawaiian soil bacterial diversity, the relationship between ambrosia beetles and the transmission of the fungal plant pathogens that cause rapid ohia death, and fruit fly genetics. In June 2018, Stephanie joined the Honda lab where her current research projects include: assessing the relationship between NTM and Kilauea volcanic ash, environmental sample processing, studying factors that impact NTM colony variation, and in vitro studies to investigate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as a risk factor of NTM lung disease. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, rock climbing, camping, and skiing. 

Charmie Vang

Charmie Vang

Laboratory Researcher Technician – Honda Lab
VangC@njhealth.org

Education:

Colorado College, BA Molecular and Cellular Biology and Music

Background: 

As an undergraduate student at Colorado College (CC), Charmie pursued a BA degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Music. In addition to her studies, Charmie participated in research projects on RNA degradation by Rny1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and studied the necessity of the RecA protein in cyanobacteria DNA transcription. Charmie joined the Honda Lab in June 2020 and researches the relationship between amoebae and NTM, the contribution of NTM lipid components to virulence, and the host-pathogen-environmental interactions that contribute to NTM pulmonary disease. Outside of the lab, Charmie enjoys volunteering at local hospitals and schools, hiking, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Rachel Wilsey

Rachel N. Wilsey

Laboratory Researcher Technician – Honda Lab 
WilseyR@NJHealth.org

Education:

Baylor University, B.S. Biology

Background:

Rachel graduated from Baylor University in May 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During her time at Baylor, Rachel studied the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans and investigated mutations that affect integrin binding to RGD motifs, attachment of actin filaments of the body wall muscle to the sarcolemma, and cell adhesion and migration. Rachel joined the Honda Lab in August 2021. She will contribute to projects related to the Kilauea volcano as well as other work focusing on the contribution of sex, gender, ancestry, and aging in NTM lung infection. In her free time, Rachel enjoys snowboarding, listening to music, going thrift shopping, and exploring local coffee shops.

Haley Hendrick

Haley A. Hendrick

Affiliate – Honda Lab 
M.S. Graduate Student, University of Hawai’i Department of Tropical Medicine 
HENDRICKH@NJHealth.org

Education:

Pennsylvania State University, B.S. Immunology and Infectious Disease

Background:

Haley graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 2019 with a B.S. in Immunology and Infectious Disease. At Penn State, she participated in research projects investigating virus transmission between ticks and small mammals in the local forests, as well as the relationship between tick-transmitted pathogens and intestinal parasites in field mice. She also served on a monitoring program for new and emerging pathogens, with the goal of assessing the zoonotic potential of new pathogens. In 2020, Haley was accepted into the Tropical Medicine M.S. program at the University of Hawai'i and is directly mentored by the Honda Lab. Haley's project investigates NTM diversity in Hawai’i feral pigs, with an emphasis on the pathogenic potential of Mycobacterium porcinum in immune cells. When not in the lab, Haley enjoys painting, dancing, roller blading, and costume making.

Ryan Hoyt

Ryan P. Hoyt

Lab Researcher Technician (Summer 2022) – Honda Lab 
rphoyt95@gmail.com

Education:

Metropolitan State University of Denver, B.S., Biology, 2021

Background:

Ryan is a Colorado native, having lived in this state for his entire life. He is an avid technology enthusiast and enjoys everything from computers to cars to videogames. But he discovered his passion for Biology in college and has since performed a variety of research projects including studying: 1) the seasonal presence of E. coli in geese, 2) the effects of different ions on the action potentials of crickets, and 3) the effects of giant viruses on evolution of life on earth. Ryan’s long term academic career goal is to teach biology, specifically genetics, evolution, and microbiology at the college level and integrate basic science research, specifically in the fields of evolution, proteomics, genomics and genomic editing of microbes for clinical and industrial uses.  

Acelyn McGowan

Acelyn McGowan

Student Volunteer – Honda Lab
mcgowan.acelyn@gmail.com

Education:

Rock Canyon High School, Rising Senior

Background:

Acelyn is currently a rising senior at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) in Highlands Ranch CO and is highly immersed in her biology and chemistry courses. Through the impressive three-year biotechnology program at RCHS, Acelyn has gained experience in working with CRISPR and RNAi technology. Acelyn also performed an experimental research project during her junior year working with genetically-modified GFP Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the effects of central nervous system agents on axon regeneration resulting from traumatic brain-injury. Acelyn joins the Honda Lab for a summer project in 2022 assisting with NTM literature searches and compiling these research articles. In her free time, Acelyn enjoys playing competitive volleyball, sewing, painting, and listening to music.