CURRENT LAB MEMBERS
Our people are at the core of what makes the The Parent Lab such a unique and fulfilling place to work. We’re proud of the diversity of our staff, with each member contributing their unique skills to the projects we’re working on. Together, we’ve planned and executed some of the most innovative and cutting edge experiments. Find out more about our team members below.
CALEB LEVINE
I am from East Brunswick, New Jersey, and I joined the lab in August of 2023 as a PhD student. I graduated from SUNY Albany in upstate New York with a BS in Chemistry and Psychology in May of 2020, where I studied brain insulin signaling in rats and the relationship between Alzheimer's and Type II Diabetes. More recently, I've spent the last few years working at PsychoGenics in Paramus, New Jersey, where I worked testing treatments for a variety of neurodegenerative diseases on different mouse models. Under Dr. Parent, I'm excited for the opportunity to further my understanding of brain metabolism and its relationship to Alzheimer's Disease. Outside of the lab, I love playing piano, cooking, and baking cookies without a recipe.
TRENTON BUCKNER
I was born in Columbus, Georgia. At the end of my first year at Georgia State, I joined the lab because I wanted to receive direct exposure to neuroscience research and develop foundational science skills. Furthermore, this lab’s research felt translational to my future research interest since I aspire to investigate the underlying processes behind human diseases like Alzheimer’s through an intersectional lens. I’m excited to grow my relationship with neuroscience and experience the innovative nature of the field. Outside the lab, I enjoy socializing with friends, listening to music, and traveling.
JANA MAHGOUB
I was born in Egypt, raised in Quebec, Canada, and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2015. I am currently pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience with a concentration in pre-med at Georgia State. In early 2024, I was accepted into the Perimeter Research Assistantship program which provided the opportunity to join the Parent Lab. I’ve always been fascinated with the brain and research was a perfect way to combine my interests and my passion for applying what I learn to real-world situations. I aspire to become a primary care physician and make a meaningful impact on underserved communities. Outside of lab, I love hanging out with friends and exploring new hobbies.
KAM-REN DOUGLAS
Born in Albany, GA, I enrolled at Georgia State University as a neuroscience major to pursue a career in medicine. Passionate about neuroscience and the future of medicine, I joined Dr.Parent’s lab as an undergraduate in the fall of 2024. I assist as much as possible around the lab with any experiments, routine upkeep, and digital tasks. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, exercising, and learning about neuroscience. I am excited to be a member of this wonderful team and cannot wait to see what the future holds for this lab.
KATE HALFON
I was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia. I came to Georgia State University for their biomedical science program and had an interest in disease from the start. In the Spring of 2025, I was awarded the Beckman Scholarship and joined the Parent lab where I discovered my love for neuroscience research. In the future, I hope to get my MD/PhD to conduct more neuropathological research and eventually specialize in pathology. Outside of the lab and school, I love to do CrossFit, hang out with my friends, and go to concerts.
DIANA CIOCAN
I was born in Romania and moved to the United States in 2015. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Biomedical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. I’ve been heavily influenced by my personal experiences to pursue Alzheimer’s Disease pathology research and treatment, and it is a lifelong goal of mine to work on innovative solutions to combat this disease. I joined the Parent Lab in the Summer of 2025 to get more hands-on experience in a laboratory environment, and my experience here so far has been beyond phenomenal. I am excited for the things I will learn and experience in the coming semesters! Outside of lab, I figure skate competitively on behalf of Georgia Tech. I also enjoy crocheting, trying new restaurants, and watching movies!
MAHASHRI VIDYADARAN
I am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree in Neuroscience at Georgia State University. I joined the Parent Lab as an undergraduate research assistant in September 2025. I was interested in the lab’s focus on Alzheimer’s disease, since it represents an important area of clinical neuroscience that aligns with my interests as a pre-med student. Through this experience, I hope to explore the intersections of neuroscience research and neurobiology, as well as other areas within the field in the future. Outside of the lab, I enjoying listening to music and crafting.