DEMARCO LAB

My name is Igor Delgado, I come from Brazil. I am a first‑year PhD student. I am a Biologist and a specialist in Forensic Biology. Two fun facts about me: I used to be a professional soccer player and a CSI. Moreover, while working in the police force, I participated in a study with flies focused on determining the time of death of cadavers based on their life cycle. I prefer the drosophilas from the Demarco lab; they are much friendlier and don’t smell bad 😄.

Hi, I’m Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman! I’m from the vibrant country of Bangladesh and currently a second-year PhD student in the Biology department at the University of Louisville. My research focuses on stem cell biology, specifically investigating how a high-sucrose diet impacts stem cell niches and maintenance in Drosophila melanogaster male gonads. Beyond the lab, I’m a passionate cook (my biryani is a crowd favorite!) and an avid foodie. When I’m not experimenting with flies or spices, you’ll likely find me hiking, playing soccer, or immersed in a great science fiction novel. A fun fact about me: I love mentoring undergraduate students and guiding them to discover their own passion for research. Feel free to connect with me if you’d like to chat about science, food, or anything in between!

My name is Will Sanders and I am a first‑year PhD student originally from Bowling Green, KY.

Hello everyone, my name is Kyle Hart and I am an incoming graduate student in Dr. Demarco’s lab. I currently work on how changes in metabolism affect the Drosophila intestinal stem cell niche. I really enjoy snowboarding and playing tennis

Hi Everyone! My name is Tia Alchureiqi and I am from Lexington, KY. I am currently a Junior on the Pre-Med track majoring in Neuroscience and Spanish. When not in the lab, I love to explore local coffee shops and learn new languages. Although flies are what I study, chihuahuas are my spirit animal.

Hi everyone, my name is Mason Buck, and I am a second-year student here at the University of Louisville. I am majoring in biology also while acquiring a minor in psychology. I joined research as a freshman here because it was something I always wanted to get involved in and learn more about, now I enjoy it and have a passion for my projects. I have deep aspirations after my undergraduate years to attend medical school and become an internal medicine doctor. I am also a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity here at U of L as well as one of TriBeta the biological honor society. 

I am a junior from Woodstown, New Jersey, pursuing a degree in Biology with a focus on biomedical sciences. Driven by my passion for healthcare, I plan to attend medical school after completing my undergraduate studies to achieve my goal of becoming a physician. I appreciate my involvement in Dr. DeMarco's lab, as it challenges me academically and has connected me with a fun, close‑knit group. In addition to my work in the lab, I am also a member of the University of Louisville field hockey team. Beyond the field, I enjoy staying active through running and weightlifting. In my downtime, I love to unwind by reading, watching movies, and solving puzzle books.

My name is Matthew Mastronardi, I am from Bowling Green, Kentucky. I am a sophomore studying biochemistry with future goals of becoming an Orthopedic surgeon.

Hello! My name is John. I grew up in Louisville, KY and am a Freshman Pre‑Med student majoring in Biochemistry. After graduating, I hope to go to medical school and become a doctor. In my free time, I love studying my Bible, playing basketball, and watching sports!

 I am a junior majoring in Biology, with plans to pursue both a Master's and Doctorate in the field. Born in China and raised in Versailles, Kentucky, I’ve always been curious about the world. Notably, in biology and genetics, which started in middle school when I extracted DNA  from strawberries—a moment that solidified my fascination with molecular science.

My name is Sophia Parker, and I am a junior biology student on the pre-med track, pursing an accelerated BS/MS in biology. I have been a part of the Demarco lab since November 2023, during which I have also been a member of the varsity field hockey team at UofL (Go Cards!).  I am from New Hope, Pennsylvania,  but a fun fact is I am originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado!

I am an Honors Freshman majoring in Biology and Biochemistry. I have a declared minor in Physics, and plan to declare minors in Chinese and Spanish. I work at Norton Heathcare as an aide, and plan to pursue medicine in the future as a surgeon!