With her eye to a microscope, Suehelen Garcia (PhD ’28, NEURO) scanned a glass dish containing a tiny zebrafish submerged in a small droplet of water. The fish is genetically modified so that certain neurons glow when activated. For weeks, Garcia and her lab partner, Addie Hamilton (PWS ’25), had been searching for signs of multisensory integration—the neural process by which the brain weaves together inputs like sight, sound, and touch. After many attempts, Garcia saw the image on the screen reveal a faint glow, igniting excitement and curiosity within her.
This radiant moment of discovery illustrates what mentored research in the College of Life Sciences is all about. Faculty members in the College guide and collaborate with students like Garcia.
In the Suli Lab at the Neuroscience Center, faculty and students work together to uncover the intricacies of brain development through the rapid growth and genetic versatility of zebrafish. At the heart of this research is a powerful message: developmental differences in humans aren’t problems to solve but mysteries to understand.
“Sometimes it’s not about fixing something,” explains Dr. Arminda Suli. “It’s about accepting and understanding each other for the unique people we are.” In her lab, students learn to respect and seek to understand neurodivergence. This perspective has profoundly shaped their scientific and personal growth. “We’re not trying to get rid of autism spectrum disorder. People who are affected by it have beautiful things to offer,” says Allie Dietz (NEURO ’24). “It’s more about figuring out how we can take everybody’s individual strengths and weaknesses and use them together to grow our community.”
Under Suli’s guidance, students study the fundamental processes of sensory integration and neurodevelopment. Their focus is on understanding the superior colliculus, which is responsible for receiving and processing sensory stimuli. Located deep within the human brain, the superior colliculus is difficult to study, so the Suli Lab focuses its research on the optic tectum in zebrafish, which is both structurally and functionally similar.
Sometimes it’s not about fixing something. It’s about accepting and understanding each other for the unique people we are.
Each student’s project focuses on a different aspect of how the brain processes the world, and their combined research will help them to better understand and assist individuals with sensory processing disorders like autism. "Although we do take very different directions, each project fits together like pieces of a puzzle to tell a cohesive story about brain development," Kevin Gray (MS ’26, NEURO) shares.
Kevin Gray focuses his research on how oxidative stress affects the development of neurons in the optic tectum and potentially the superior colliculus.
Isaac Greenwood is targeting a gene in zebrafish that is associated with autism spectrum disorder in humans to determine the behavioral outcomes when the gene is mutated in the optic tectum.
Allie Dietz worked on developing a novel genetic system for gene expression and manipulation in selective embryonic areas to allow scientists to better study embryo development.
Beyond scientific achievement, the students see their work as a way to go forth and serve. “Knowledge is light, and anything that’s of light is of God,” Gray says. “So, as we do our research with integrity and share it with the world to help others, we can change perspectives and inspire others to try new ideas. ” Isaac Greenwood (NEURO ’26) sees this research as a way to “pass the torch to the next generation of scientists who can help us all understand neurodiversity,” ultimately creating a better world. Dietz acknowledges how the experience has taught her deeper empathy: “Understanding differences and respecting them—that’s something I’ll carry into every aspect of my life.”
The students credit much of their progress to Suli’s mentorship. “Having a professor who believes in me has motivated me to believe in myself,” Dietz explains. Through her encouraging guidance, Suli creates a space for students to learn and grow.
These students are not just contributing to scientific discovery in the lab; they are also deepening their faith in their Creator. “God knows the laws of science perfectly. He’s taught me a lot through science: resilience, determination, and to see His hand all around us,” Gray says. As he explores the complexities of brain development, Gray better understands the intricacies of God. “Anything that brings knowledge and truth is of God, and God is the Master of Science,” he shares.
God knows the laws of science perfectly. He’s taught me a lot through science: resilience, determination, and to see His hand all around us.
In the small, glowing neurons of a zebrafish brain, these students glimpse the brilliance of divine design. Their journey, illuminated by faith, compassion, and discovery, shines as a beacon of light for both the scientific community and the world.