Our Team

Dr. Samantha Fortin began her career in behavioral neuroscience in 2010 when she joined the laboratory of Dr. Harvey Grill at the University of Pennsylvania as a research technician. Her experience in the Grill lab provided an unmatched foundation in scientific research, introduced her to a talented community of scientists and inspired her interest in the neural circuitry of ingestive behavior. Sam went on to get a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Illinois at Chicago with Dr. Mitch Roitman. Here, she studied how physiological state regulates phasic dopamine signaling and learned the value of a dedicated and holistic scientific mentor. To build upon her graduate training, Sam sought out the expertise of the incredibly supportive Dr. Matthew Hayes at the University of Pennsylvania. As a post-doctoral fellow and a Research Associate in the Hayes Lab, Sam focused on investigating sites of action for endogenous regulation of feeding behavior and novel targets for obesity therapeutics. The Fortin lab opened in September of 2025 at UConn Health.

Sam is a native of Connecticut and is very excited to be back in the Farmington Valley where she enjoys raising her two little girls, pottery, gardening, and visits from her neighborhood bears.

Sarah received their Bachelors in Biology and Women and Gender Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They conducted research in Dr. Donita Robinson's pharmacodynamics lab, completing an honors thesis titled, "Adolescent Alcohol Induced Reductions in Choline Acetyltransferase Expression: Association with Sex and Behavioral Flexibility." Sarah also has a particular interest in science communication and accessibility, leading them to serve two years as the Editor-in-Chief of Carolina Scientific, the premier student run scientific journal at Chapel Hill. Previously, they worked with Dr. John Bruno and Dr. Savannah Ryburn in the Department of Biology at Chapel Hill. There, they worked in Dr. Bruno's molecular biology laboratory extracting shark DNA from samples sold in fish markets around the United States to determine seafood mislabeling rates. You can find the publication here. Sarah hopes to go to graduate school and earn their Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a related field. They are largely interested in behavioral neuroscience, polypharmacy, molecular biology, and pharmacology. When not in the lab, Sarah enjoys watching horror movies, hiking with their partner and dog Crater (see below), and traveling to new places.

Abby is a current graduate student in the Biomedical Sciences PhD program at UConn Health and officially joined the Fortin Lab in April 2026. She received her Bachelors in Arts in Neuroscience and Human Development from Connecticut College. While completing her undergraduate degree, Abby participated summer research internship programs at the Medical College of Wisconsin (SPUR) and at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine (SURP). At MCW, Abby worked in the laboratory of Dr. Pui-Ying (Penny) Lam, investigating the role of calcium signaling on macrophage chemotaxis using a novel fish model: Danionella cerebrum. At NYU, Abby worked in Dr. Adam Mar’s lab in the rodent behavior core. Here, she behaviorally phenotyped a novel transgenic mouse strain, furthering research on the effects of neuron-derived neurotrophic factor (NDNF) on motor and cognitive functioning. Her undergraduate thesis, titled “The Role of Chronic Activity-Based-Anorexia in Drug-Paired Environmental Preference,” was conducted in the Neuroscience Program under the mentorship of Dr. Joseph Schroeder.

When not in lab, Abby enjoys watching reading, traveling with friends, and spending time at home with her cats. She is happy to be continuing her education in Connecticut, where the weather is more suitable for cozy snow days with hot chocolate than her native San Jose, California.

Mya is a third-year undergraduate Honors student on the pre-med track at the University of Connecticut. She plans to graduate in May 2027 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neurobiology and a minor in Chemistry. She enjoys all things science and hopes to become a neurosurgeon one day.

Mya completed a summer research internship in Dr. Ellen Hoffman’s neuroscience lab at Yale University, where she developed interests in behavioral neuroscience, pharmacology, and translational research.

Currently, Mya serves as Vice President of her residence hall council, Programming Chair of the UConn Rescue Club, and works as a chemistry tutor for her peers. Outside of school, she volunteers as an EMT, plays tennis, and enjoys spending time with friends.

Luke Simon is a first-year undergraduate student in the Special Program in Medicine (BS/MD) at the University of Connecticut. He is interested in neuroscience, clinical care, and translational research, with plans to pursue a career as a physician-scientist.

Luke has gained clinical experience as a pharmacy technician at St. Vincent’s Medical Center and as a certified EMT with Trumbull Emergency Medical Services, where he provides direct patient care. He has also been involved in research at the Ayer Neuroscience Institute, contributing to protocol development and observing neurological and surgical care.

Outside of the lab, Luke is involved in community service and leadership, including serving as a CPR/AED instructor with UConn Rescue and participating in student organizations such as Rang De Storrs.

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