Lab Members
The Forsythe Team is just starting! If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out: dforsythe@scu.edu
Desiree Forsythe
she/her/hers
PI, Assistant Professor​
Research Interests: Please see my research tab!
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Anything Else to Share: I am a first generation, queer, white woman. My identities and experiences shape both how I perceive the world around me and the scientific interests I hold. When I'm not in the lab, you can find me hiking with my two cattle dogs Copper and Ruadh, traveling with my partner, Sean, reading a good book, or (attempting) to watercolor.
Tiffany Kinyua
she/her/hers
Sophomore
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Major: Neuroscience
Minor(s): African American Studies and Biotechnology
Research Interests: I am interested in exploring the intersection of cultural neuroscience and biotechnology, particularly how cultural practices influence brain activity and how biotechnology can develop personalized interventions.
Anything Else to Share: I’m passionate about bridging the gap between scientific research and underrepresented communities through education and outreach.
Jessie Tsai
she/her/hers
PharmD Candidate ‘26 (Chapman University)
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Research Interests: I am interested in promoting equity for minorities who may face unique challenges at their institution by exploring the ways that students navigate through hardships and resist discrimination.
Anything Else to Share: As a student pharmacist, I have an interest in both practicing pharmacy and teaching future student pharmacists as well. With that, I hope to build a greater understanding of what non-academic support students may need and how to support them in the future through my research.
Tammy Bui
she/her/hers
Senior (Chapman University)
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Major: Health Sciences
Research Interests: I am interested in exploring the relationship between STEM education and marginalized communities, focusing on how STEM students navigate their fields by leveraging the resources available to them and the skills they already possess.
Anything Else to Share: As a first-generation student aspiring to become a healthcare professional, I value education and am committed to contributing to meaningful improvements.
Amarachi Onyewuenyi
she/her/hers
Major: Public Health Science & Biology​
Minor: Gerontology
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Santa Clara University ‘27
Research Interests: I’m interested in exploring how undergraduate students in STEM academic fields, particularly pre-med/health and non-medical STEM majors, perceive and engage with their STEM identity. I intend to investigate how factors like upbringing, social experiences, financial background, and personal beliefs shape these perceptions. By studying the experiences of pre-med and health science students, we can better support their success and address broader issues of underrepresentation within schools and healthcare.
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Anything Else to Share: As a second-generation pre-medical student, I am passionate about improving maternal healthcare access for Black and African American women. My studies abroad at the University of Bristol through the Black Activism and Social Justice program allowed me to deepen my dedication to racial equality.
Student Researcher
This could be you! Please contact me if you are interested in joining our lab!