Research Staff
Alyssa Deever
Hometown: Columbus (Worthington), OH
What made you interested in research: The main thing that drew me towards research is the way in which the problem-solving and discoveries performed in the lab translate to real world applications that can improve the health and lives of many people. I like knowing that the work we do in the lab contributes to our overall knowledge of oral microbiology, which can in turn lead to the further development of methods and interventions to improve oral health and quality of life.
Career goal: Forensic Scientist
Current favorite music artist/band: Phoebe Bridgers
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: The things I love best about the Kaspar Lab are getting to meet so many cool students and the many opportunities to learn new things, whether that’s through attending research talks or gaining experience in the lab.
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: Exploring the accuracy and feasibility of utilizing the changes that occur in the oral microbiome over time to determine post mortem interval in crime scene investigations.
Postdoctoral Scholars
Interested in becoming a Postdoc in the Kaspar Lab? Email Justin (kaspar.17@osu.edu) for available opportunities.
Also check out the MARTDOCS T32 program that supports Postdoctoral Scholars in the College of Dentistry.
Graduate Students
Jacob Harris (BSGP Program, MARTDOCS T32 Scholar)
Hometown: Dublin, OH
What made you interested in research: I first developed an interest in studying Microbiology when I was a freshman in High school and watched a documentary on antibiotic resistance. I have been hooked on bacteriology ever since.
Career goal: After I finish my PhD, I hope to continue conducting research in the private sector, focused primarily on health-related applications.
Current favorite music artist/band: Portugal. The Man
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: Working for Justin.
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: I am interested in research that seeks to quickly and accurately quantify and speciate microbes present in a given environmental sample, since it would be a breakthrough in technology that would impact multiple sectors.
Dental Students
Robbie Bettinger (Class of 2027)
Hometown: Bowling Green, OH
What made you interested in research: The ability to learn more about a field I have a passion for as well as being a small part in making a lasting impact on dentistry.
Career goal: To be a general dentist with an emphasis on cosmetic work.
Current favorite music artist/band: Morgan Wallen
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: Whether you are an employed graduate student or an undergraduate student volunteering, Dr. Kaspar treats you with the same respect and is always willing to help when you need it.
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: If modern artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose have a similar impact as real sugar on caries development and periodontal disease.
Nicole Fleming (Class of 2026)
Hometown: Canton, OH
What made you interested in research: I have always been excited about the possibility of discovering something new!
Career goal: Dentist —> Orthodontist
Current favorite music artist/band: Anything Country!
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: Everyone is 1) always willing to help out 2) so fun to talk to and learn from!
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: Does the addition of metal/porcelain brackets during orthodontic treatment significantly impact the oral microbiome?
Iris Shin (Class of 2027)
Hometown: Rocky River, OH
What made you interested in research: In undergrad, I began research in molecular biology, investigating gene functions of a novel bacteriophage. Here, I saw a glimpse of the potential impacts our research could have in the development of phage therapies as solutions for human disease. Furthermore, I enjoyed independent research as it gave me an opportunity to explore my own questions, apply the knowledge I gained in the classroom to real-world processes, and to learn from some of the most brilliant mentors.
Career goal: Dentist and/or Jazz Pianist
Current favorite music artist/band: Tom Misch
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: 10 min gel electrophoresis (w/ precast gels AND portable imager!!)
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: The efficacy of OTC allergy eye drops for the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Jacob Tuckerman (Class of 2026)
Hometown: Hudson, OH
What made you interested in research: I did research in undergrad and I loved being able to learn about a subject, while simultaneously working to find out a new discovery. It’s extremely rewarding to be able to know you’ve made an impact in something you’re interested in.
Career goal: After dental school, my goal is to match into an OMFS residency and become an oral surgeon.
Current favorite music artist/band: Travis Scott
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: The mentorship that Dr. Kaspar provides. He is very eager to help everyone learn and always comes in with a positive attitude.
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: The effects of quorum sensing and associated products produced due to different environmental conditions. I worked on a project investigating this in undergrad and it was extremely interesting!
Undergraduate Students
Vincent Kawana (Rising Junior)
Hometown: Dublin, OH / Tokyo, Japan
What made you interested in research: The opportunity to research in a field that I am deeply passionate about and having the ability to learn how oral microbes affect the transition of oral health disease as well as having the potential to make an impact in dentistry.
Career goal: To become a dentist and help as many people smile and spread awareness on the importance of oral health. Additionally, I would love to become a fitness coach.
Current favorite music artist/band: Drake
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: The support from Dr. Kaspar and the lab members makes me feel truly welcomed. Everyone in the lab is not only kind but also has a great sense of humor, creating an enjoyable and positive environment every time I’m there.
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: The impact of childhood development and interactions on oral health.
Hamsika Arnipalli (Rising Junior)
Hometown: New Albany, OH
What made you interested in research: I am drawn to research because it allows me to delve deeper into niche topics that aren’t covered through class work.
Career goal: I hope to attend dental school and open up my own private practice.
Current favorite music artist/band: Travis Scott
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: Dr. Kaspar of course!
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: How can phage therapy can be used to fight oral diseases?
Allen Choi (Rising Senior)
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
What made you interested in research: I wanted to learn about and experience the research process and develop an understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind oral health.
Career goal: To become a dentist that communicates well with patients, understands their socioeconomic backgrounds, and stays up-to-date on scientific advancements and innovations.
Current favorite music artist/band: Jannabi
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: I love the welcoming and engaging learning environment Dr. Kaspar cultivates in our lab. His mentorship has been vital to my growth as an undergraduate student and researcher.
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: The role of environmental factors, such as diet and socioeconomic status, in shaping the oral microbiome and oral health, and the potential utilization of probiotics, prebiotics, and other therapeutic interventions to reestablish microbial balance and promote oral health.
Sarah Klingerman (Rising Senior)
Hometown: New Albany, OH
What made you interested in research: I became interested in research because I love to learn and challenge myself in new ways. I wanted to apply my knowledge in the classroom to real-world problems and discoveries, especially that relate to my future career in dentistry. I knew that the Kaspar Lab would not only help me achieve these goals but also encourage me in the process!
Career goal: Dentist!
Current favorite music artist/band: Morgan Wallen
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: The welcoming community of members involved in the lab. The support of Dr. Kaspar as well as the other members of the lab makes research that much more fun!
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: How can the development of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare be utilized to make the diagnosis and treatment plans of patients even more efficient?
Huizhen Lim (Rising Junior)
Hometown: Canton, MI
What made you interested in research: Being able to learn in a hands-on way outside of the classroom
Career goal: Dentist
Current favorite music artist/band: Bruno Mars
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: Being able to learn new things all the time and getting support from others in the lab
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: The relationship between neuroscience and oral health
Isabella Williams (Rising Senior)
Hometown: North Hampton, NH
What made you interested in research: I wanted to get involved in research during my undergraduate years because of the hands-on and novel learning experience. More specifically, I knew that working in the Kaspar Lab would allow me to further develop my critical thinking and data analysis skills. I knew the Kaspar lab would provide me with an opportunity to practice manual dexterity using the micropipette. As an aspiring dental student, I hope that this experience will help me develop precise hand skills for the labs I’ll encounter in dental school.
Career goal: Dentist!
Current favorite music artist/band: Jack Johnson
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: The support and encouragement from everybody involved with the lab. I have loved hearing about other members success within and outside of the Kaspar Lab.
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: I am interested in the specific differences in the oral microbiome and overall oral health of patients with Crohn’s disease versus healthy patients. I worked on quantification of different strains commonly found in the oral microbiome this year, so it would be interesting to compare this data to a sample from patient with Crohn’s or a similar chronic disease.
Kyulim Lee, DMD, MS, PhD
Principal Investigator
lee.10122@osu.edu
Justin Kaspar, PhD
Principal Investigator
kaspar.17@osu.edu
Hometown: Blessing, TX
What made you interested in research: It wasn’t until I got involved in a phage biology class, taught by Dr. Ry Young at Texas A&M, that I realized I could have a career and impact in biomedical sciences that was outside of professional school, and that is where my passion was.
Career goal: Opening my own BBQ restaurant
Current favorite music artist/band: Koe Wetzel
The best thing about the Kaspar Lab: All the great people I get to hang out with every day and getting paid for it
A research question I’m interested in outside the Kaspar Lab: How to increase the effectiveness of universal vaccine candidates for some of our most common pathogens, which could include oral microbes
Previous Lab Members
Dental Students
Kacee Soehnlen, April 2023 – May 204, OSU CoD Class of 2026
Sohan Seth, April 2023 – August 2023, OSU CoD Class of 2027
Undergraduates
Michael Rose, October 2020 – August 2021, accepted into Rutgers’ DMD program
Nicole Wilson, January 2021 – May 2022, accepted into Temple’s DMD program
Stefanie Wyszkowski, January 2021 – August 2021, accepted into Penn’s DMD program
Jordan Batagower, January 2021 – May 2023, accepted into Texas A&M’s DDS program
Madisen Bangs, January 2021 – May 2023, accepted into Ohio State’s DDS program
*2nd Place Award in the 2023 OSU Denman Undergraduate Research Forum, Health Under the Microscope Category
Emily Williams, January 2021 – May 2024, accepted into Ohio State’s DDS program
*3rd Place Award in the 2024 OSU Denman Undergraduate Research Forum, Health Under the Microscope Category
Kevin Dong, April 2021 – May 2024, accepted into Ohio State’s DDS program
*OSU College of Dentistry Melfi Fellow, Summer 2021
Paige Bending, April 2021 – August 2022, accepted into Ohio State’s DDS program
Tim Dang, April 2021 – December 2022, accepted into Ohio State’s DDS program
Adam Bouchendouka, April 2021 – May 2024, accepted into Columbia’s DDS program
Delaney Hancock, May 2022 – December 2023, accepted into Ohio State’s DDS program
Lindsey Pia, January 2022 – December 2024, accepted into UConn’s DMD progam