Amanda M. Burkhardt, PhD
Primary Investigator
Dr. Amanda M. Burkhardt is an Assistant Professor at USC’s Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy. She holds a BS in Microbiology from the University of California, San Diego and a PhD in Immunology from the University of California, Irvine.
Her research career has focused on the development of novel vaccines and adjuvants, discovery of cytokines and chemokines, and tuning immune responses to vaccine formulations using adjuvants based on Toll-like receptors and nanoparticles.
Dr. Burkhardt has lectured and mentored doctoral, undergraduate and medical students, developed engaging course curriculum, and authored multiple patents and journal articles based on her findings. She coordinates and lectures in multiple courses in the School of Pharmacy’s undergraduate degree programs. She is passionate about creating opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research, which is what inspired her to launch Trojan CALM at USC.
Student Researchers
Gabe Resendiz
Gabe Resendiz is a USMC veteran and a fourth-year transfer student at the University of Southern California pursuing a B.S. in Pharmacology and Drug Development from the Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy. At USC, he is an active member of USC’s Pre-Pharmacy Society and the USC Veterans Association. He hopes to use Trojan CALM as a learning tool to gain insight and understanding of the researcher experience. One of Gabe’s life goals is to contribute toward the discovery of a new therapeutic treatment, in which he hopes to implement the skills fostered throughout his time with Dr. Burkhardt and Trojan CALM.
Jason Hoang
Jason Hoang (he/him/his) is a junior pursuing a B.S in Pharmacology and Drug Development with a Psychology minor at the University of Southern California. He has participated in Trojan CALM for over a year, and is excited to not only aid in the development of the research project, but also to cultivate various laboratory skills. Jason looks forward to generating new understandings about stress while simultaneously growing as a student, scholar, and researcher.
Gelaine Esperacion
Gelaine Esperacion has earned dual B.S. degrees in Pharmacology and Drug Development as well as in Biopharmaceutical Sciences at the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She is advancing her education by working her way towards earning her Pharm.D. as a current P1 student at USC Mann. With a focus on clinical research and development, she has held the position of president at the USC Pre-Pharmacy Society in the past year and served as the lead student ambassador of USC Mann Undergraduate Programs. Driven by her passion for improving community health and well-being, Gelaine is eager to continue contributing to Trojan CALM, aiming to help others better understand stress and offering effective strategies for its management.
Jennifer Nguyen
Jennifer Nguyen has earned her B.S. in Pharmacology and Drug Development and is currently working her way towards also earning her M.S. in Biopharmaceutical Marketing at the Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. At USC, Jennifer serves as finance chair for Teach for Los Angeles and has been a member of the Pre-Pharmacy Society. Through Trojan CALM, she aspires to gain valuable insights into the process of trials in human subjects, paralleling the skills crucial for future endeavors in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to this, she aims to empower her peers in understanding and managing stress, recognizing its impact on both positive and negative aspects of life.
Michelle Bitus
Michelle Bitus is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing her B.S. in Pharmacology and Drug Development at the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She is involved in multiple groups on campus, such as USC’s Pre-Pharmacy Society and USC’s Slavic Cultural Club. She has also participated in the USCompassions program, allowing her to become close with her community that she will be serving as a clinical pharmacist in the future. Trojan CALM will provide another way for Michelle to work with her peers while also giving an opportunity to better understand how she can help them through the lens of stress.
Mikey Null
Mikey Null is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Southern California earning his B.S. in Pharmacology and Drug Development at the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. With Trojan CALM, he is excited to gain a first-hand understanding of the research process and to learn more about the relationship between extracurricular activities and stress levels among university students. Outside of the lab, Mikey is a Trustee Scholar and is a Student Ambassador for USC Mann. Having been an active member of USC’s Pre-Pharmacy Society for the past few years, he has advanced and is now currently the president of PPS for the 2024-2025 school year. He is also an active member and section leader of the Spirit of Troy Trojan Marching Band.
Jasmine Elasaad
Jasmine Elasaad is a third-year undergraduate student studying Psychology (B.A.) at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. Having worked on prior research projects in the fields of molecular biology and psychology, she is excited to continue learning new laboratory techniques and working with human subjects through Trojan CALM. With aspirations of becoming a psychiatrist and serving as a crisis counselor, she is excited by the prospect of helping others to manage their stress levels.
Madison Don
Madison plans to apply for a PDP at the school of gerontology during which she will try to get her medical assistant (MA) certification and work with older adults. Later, she will apply and hopefully begin medical school, to become a doctor. Madison is involved in American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), Alpha Epsilon Delta (pre-medical) fraternity’s associates program, a grader for a Gerontology course, and volunteer at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles working in the Child Life department.