Meet The Team

Spring 2025

Front (left - right): Chloe Schmidt, Sydney Schinkai, Ansley Elkins, Romina Dotson, Maryam Afghan, Mel Walker, Paige Powell, Kylie Rock

Back (left - right): Kylie Artosky, Matt Heselton, Zach Padgett, Greg Aniolek, Elizabeth Mulligan, Sasha Suggs

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Kylie Rock

Assistant Professor

Kylie is a Toxicologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Clemson University. She received her B.S. in Biology from St. Lawrence University and Ph.D. in Toxicology from North Carolina State University (NCSU). As a graduate student, under the guidance of Dr. Heather Patisaul, she investigated the placenta as an important target tissue of chemical toxicity with consequences for brain development and behavior. She pursued this interest in the placenta as a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Tracy Bale at the University of Maryland, investigating the intersections of gene, environment, and development (GxExD) interactions in prenatal programming. She then transitioned back to NCSU as a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Scott Belcher, conducting exposure assessments and investigating associated health outcomes in wildlife and domestic animals. Utilizing her unique research background Kylie aims to implement a One Environmental Health approach in her lab, combining laboratory and field studies to identify molecular, cellular, and physiological changes associated with chemical exposures.

Fun Facts/Hobbies: Born and raised in the Adirondack mountains (NY), Boston Bruins hockey fan, marine biology enthusiast, love hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, board games, and dogs!

Google Scholar

Paige Powell

Lab Manager

Paige graduated with a B.S. in zoology from NC state. During her time there, she worked in an evolutionary ecology lab, studying rapid evolution of mosquito fish in artificial light and the effects of increasing hurricane strengths in brown anoles. She is super interested in how anthropogenic forces drive the natural world. Paige's other academic interests include wildlife biology, animal diversity, and parasitology.

Fun Facts/Hobbies: Outside of academia, Paige loves to hike, work out, and read. She volunteers with an animal shelter and has a pet turtle named Rihanna!

Maryam Afghah

Graduate Student
PhD Bio Sci

Maryam graduated with a B.S. in Genetics from Azad University Tehran Medical Branch, Iran, and an M.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Azad University North Branch, Iran. During her master's studies, she focused on the detrimental effects of Zinc Sulfate as a fertilizer used for chives, examining changes in growth, DNA material, and protein changes. Currently, as a PhD student, she is studying the effects of phthalate exposure on pregnant mice, specifically looking at how exposure during puberty might alter the placenta and fetus.

Fun Facts/Hobbies: Maryam grew up in Iran and loves immersing herself in shows and sitcoms. She enjoys spending time with her little nieces and always cherishes their playful moments together.

Ansley Elkins

Graduate Student
PhD Bio Sci

Ansley graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the College of Charleston. While there, she completed undergraduate research on the expression and stability of transfer RNA (tRNA). She is passionate about women's health and reproductive justice. As a Ph.D. student, Ansley aims to investigate the effects of environmental chemical exposures on women's health and fertility. Through her work, she hopes to advocate for safer environmental practices and contribute to a deeper understanding of how these exposures impact women's health on a molecular and systemic level.

Fun facts/Hobbies: In her free time, Ansley loves to crochet, embroider, watch movies, and cook. She also has a cat named Zeppelin, with whom she enjoys going on walks with!

Zachary Padgett

Graduate Student
MS EnTox

Zach graduated with two B.S. degrees from Coastal Carolina University, one in Biochemistry and the other in Marine Science. During his time there he worked in a research lab using a suite of molecular techniques to detect Pseudo-nitzschia, a marine planktonic diatom that produces a neurotoxin known as domoic acid, in shellfish harvesting grounds. As a graduate student Zach plans to expand upon his prior research experience by investigating how environmental contaminants interact with organismal physiology and contribute to adverse health outcomes.

Fun Facts/Hobbies: Outside of the lab Zach enjoys scuba diving and hiking, and is a HUGE Tennessee Titans fan!

Melissa Walker

Graduate Student
MS EnTox

Mel is currently a M.S. student in Environmental Toxicology program at Clemson University. She is a non-traditional student, returning to pursue a second career after 20+ years working in business. After obtaining her CPA license in 2012, Mel worked primarily in food and beverage manufacturing for 13 years, with a focus on accounting- and finance-related reporting and responsibilities, as well as education and training of colleagues. Mel is excited to gain experience in and contribute as a team member to lab research for the first time and is interested in expanding her knowledge base as she determines her next steps.

Fun Facts/Hobbies: Mel grew up in MN, lived on the West Coast for over 20 years, and had the opportunity to travel the country for over a year, hiking, biking, and enjoying park and forest lands everywhere she went. She also loves cooking, baking and anything that keeps her active.

Sasha Suggs

Undergraduate Researcher

Sasha is a current sophomore at Clemson, and is just beginning to become involved in research! She is very excited to learn more about the effects of EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) on hormone action in the body, and expand her knowledge by gaining hands-on experience in the lab. Sasha is also very interested in other health-related research and hopes to use the data gathered in the lab to help her better understand how she can work to improve women’s healthcare.

Fun Facts/Hobbies: In her free time, Sasha enjoys reading, spending time with her family (mostly playing Scrabble or quizzing each other on trivia), and painting. She is also Ukrainian and LOVES the cuisine!