{"id":1411,"date":"2025-10-24T09:16:53","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T13:16:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/?page_id=1411"},"modified":"2026-04-15T09:07:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T13:07:33","slug":"our-team-fortin-lab","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/our-team-fortin-lab\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Team"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"in-page-tabs\"><ul id=\"menu-fortin-lab-menu\" class=\"menu nav nav-tabs\"><li id=\"menu-item-1475\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page\"><a href=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/fortin-lab\/\">Home<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-1425\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page\"><a href=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/current-research-fortin-lab\/\">Current Research<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-1419\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page\"><a href=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/publications-fortin-lab\/\">Publications<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-1420\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page\"><a href=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/our-team-fortin-lab\/\">Our Team<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-1421\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page\"><a href=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/join-us-fortin-lab\/\">Join Us<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-1423\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page\"><a href=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/contact-us-fortin-lab\/\">Contact Us<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-1424\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page\"><a href=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/blog-fortin-lab\/\">Blog<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div id=\"pl-1411\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-1411-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><h2>Department of Medicine<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"232\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/fortin-samantha-UCH-2025-10-14-04-web-232x300.jpg\" class=\"image wp-image-1497  attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Image of Dr. Samantha Fortin\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/fortin-samantha-UCH-2025-10-14-04-web-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/fortin-samantha-UCH-2025-10-14-04-web.jpg 473w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/facultydirectory.uchc.edu\/profile?profileId=Fortin-Samantha\">Samantha M. Fortin, Ph.D.<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Assistant Professor<\/strong><br \/>\nDepartment of Medicine<br \/>\nDepartment of Neuroscience<br \/>\n263 Farmington Ave., L-3075<br \/>\nFarmington, CT 06030<br \/>\n860.679.4231<br \/>\nsafortin@uchc.edu<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-1-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-1-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-2-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"221\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/giang-sarah-UCH-2025-10-21-05-web-1-e1762369602126-221x300.jpg\" class=\"image wp-image-1496  attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Image of Sarah E. Giang\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/giang-sarah-UCH-2025-10-21-05-web-1-e1762369602126-221x300.jpg 221w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/giang-sarah-UCH-2025-10-21-05-web-1-e1762369602126.jpg 451w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-2-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-2-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><strong>Sarah E. Giang<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Research Technician<\/strong><br \/>\nDepartment of Medicine<br \/>\n263 Farmington Ave., L-3073<br \/>\nFarmington, CT 06030<br \/>\ngiang@uchc.edu<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-2-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-2-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"6\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>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 <em>Carolina Scientific<\/em>, 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/marine-science\/articles\/10.3389\/fmars.2025.1604454\/full\">here<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-3\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-3-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-3-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><h2>Graduate Students<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-4\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-4-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-4-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"217\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/IMG_9375-217x300.jpg\" class=\"image wp-image-1567  attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/IMG_9375-217x300.jpg 217w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/IMG_9375.jpg 579w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 217px) 100vw, 217px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-4-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-4-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"9\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><b>Abby Bendixen<\/b><\/p>\n<p>263 Farmington Ave., L-3073<br \/>\nFarmington, CT 06030<\/p>\n<p>bendixen@uchc.edu<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-4-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-4-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"10\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>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: <i>Danionella cerebrum<\/i>. At NYU, Abby worked in Dr. Adam Mar\u2019s 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 \u201cThe Role of Chronic Activity-Based-Anorexia in Drug-Paired Environmental Preference,\u201d was conducted in the Neuroscience Program under the mentorship of Dr. Joseph Schroeder.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-5\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-5-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-5-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"11\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><h2>Undergraduate Assistants<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-6\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-6-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-6-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"12\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"226\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Image-14-226x300.jpg\" class=\"image wp-image-1566  attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Image-14-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Image-14.jpg 561w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 226px) 100vw, 226px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-6-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-6-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"13\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><b>David Slotter<\/b><\/p>\n<p>slotter@uchc.edu<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-6-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-6-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"14\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span data-teams=\"true\">David is a sophomore undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology on the pre-medical track. In his free time David enjoys running, playing video games, and reading.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-7\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-7-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-7-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"15\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"266\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-03-at-11.04.41\u202fAM-266x300.png\" class=\"image wp-image-1564  attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-03-at-11.04.41\u202fAM-266x300.png 266w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-03-at-11.04.41\u202fAM-906x1024.png 906w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-03-at-11.04.41\u202fAM-768x868.png 768w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-03-at-11.04.41\u202fAM.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 266px) 100vw, 266px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-7-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-7-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"16\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><b>Mya Ajanaku<\/b><\/p>\n<p>ajanaku@uchc.edu<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-7-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-7-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"17\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Mya completed a summer research internship in Dr. Ellen Hoffman\u2019s neuroscience lab at Yale University, where she developed interests in behavioral neuroscience, pharmacology, and translational research.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-8\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-8-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-8-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"18\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><h2>Health Research Program (HRP) Fellows<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-9\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-9-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-9-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"19\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"241\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2025-05-03-at-3.58.53\u202fPM-241x300.png\" class=\"image wp-image-1578  attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2025-05-03-at-3.58.53\u202fPM-241x300.png 241w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2025-05-03-at-3.58.53\u202fPM-822x1024.png 822w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2025-05-03-at-3.58.53\u202fPM-768x956.png 768w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2025-05-03-at-3.58.53\u202fPM.png 950w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-9-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-9-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"20\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><b>Luke Simon<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-9-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-9-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"21\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p dir=\"ltr\"><span data-ogsc=\"black\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Luke Simon is a first-year undergraduate student in the Special Program in Medicine (BS\/MD) at the\u00a0University of Connecticut. He is interested in neuroscience, clinical care, and translational research, with plans to pursue a career as a physician-scientist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ogsc=\"black\">Luke has gained clinical experience as a pharmacy technician at St. Vincent\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ogsc=\"black\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-10\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-10-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-10-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"22\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><h2>Department of Cuteness<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-11\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-11-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-11-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"23\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/IMG_7925-250x300.jpg\" class=\"image wp-image-1518  attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/IMG_7925-250x300.jpg 250w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/IMG_7925.jpg 571w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-11-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-11-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"24\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><b>Raja, Paja, Paj<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Preferred name: Paj<\/p>\n<p>Age: 13 years<\/p>\n<p>From: Chicago, Illinois<\/p>\n<p>Contact: Just don't<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-11-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-11-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"25\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Biggest supporter of Dr. Fortin through multiple academic and professional milestones. Favorite activity is sleeping a lot.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-12\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-12-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-12-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"26\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/IMG_3714-225x300.jpg\" class=\"image wp-image-1501  attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/IMG_3714-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/IMG_3714-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/IMG_3714-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/IMG_3714-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/IMG_3714-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-12-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-12-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"27\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><b>Crater Lake National Park<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Preferred name: Crater<\/p>\n<p>Age: &lt;1 year<\/p>\n<p>From: Savannah, Georgia<\/p>\n<p>Contact: 1-800-PAWS<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-12-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-12-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"28\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>From being born in a litter of puppies named after National Parks to actually visiting National Parks, Crater has had an eventful life. He earned his degree in Playing Fetch from Fido University. Hobbies include destroying indestructible toys, pretending to do tricks for treats, and snoring really loudly.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-13\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-13-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-13-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"29\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/2984574130513923697-1-225x300.jpeg\" class=\"image wp-image-1519  attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/2984574130513923697-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/2984574130513923697-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/2984574130513923697-1-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/11\/2984574130513923697-1.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-13-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-13-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"30\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><b>Random Bear<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Preferred name: ???<\/p>\n<p>Age: ???<\/p>\n<p>From: Avon, Connecticut<\/p>\n<p>Contact: Put out an empty peanut butter jar and he will appear.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-13-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-13-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"31\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>A bear in Dr. Fortin's backyard. Certified personality hire.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-14\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-14-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-14-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"32\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/12\/5378719568384056716-225x300.jpeg\" class=\"image wp-image-1526  attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/12\/5378719568384056716-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/12\/5378719568384056716-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/12\/5378719568384056716-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/12\/5378719568384056716.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-14-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-14-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"33\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><b>Cinder<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Age: 10 weeks<\/p>\n<p>From: Ohio<\/p>\n<p>Contact: She doesn't know what a phone is<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-14-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-14-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"34\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Enjoyer of goat's milk, snow, and cuddles!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1411-15\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1411-15-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-15-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"35\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Image-15-e1776086736128-190x300.jpg\" class=\"image wp-image-1569  attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Image-15-e1776086736128-190x300.jpg 190w, https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/04\/Image-15-e1776086736128.jpg 452w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 190px) 100vw, 190px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-15-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-15-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"36\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><b>Simon and Jet<\/b><\/p>\n<p>From: Connecticut<\/p>\n<p>Contact: Wouldn't be able to pick up a phone even if you called. Will respond to plastic springs though.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1411-15-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1411-15-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"37\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Orange cats that share a braincell.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Department of Medicine Samantha M. Fortin, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Medicine Department of Neuroscience 263 Farmington Ave., L-3075 Farmington, CT 06030 860.679.4231 safortin@uchc.edu 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7240,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-22 23:58:54","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1411"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7240"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1411"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1411\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1579,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1411\/revisions\/1579"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/medicine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1411"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}