Current KU IRACDA Scholars
Sam Brunclik, PhD (he/him/his)
IRACDA Scholar, 2025–2028
Email: bruncliksam@ku.edu
Office: Haworth Hall 4011
LinkedIn: Sam Brunclik
Educational Background
Ph.D. in Chemistry (2024)
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
Supervisor: Dr. Timothy A. Jackson
Current Research
Mentor: Dr. Joanna Slusky, Molecular Biosciences
Sam received his B.A. in Chemistry from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota in 2019 and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Kansas. His graduate research focused on the study of bioinspired manganese model complexes, and the effects of changes to the ligand sphere on the stability and reactivity of those complexes, using both a combined synthetic and computational approach. Sam joins the IRACDA program under the advisement of Dr. Joanna Slusky, where he will be working to use his knowledge of metal-ligand interactions to help advance a machine learning approach to enzyme classification and design. Sam is a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation in STEM fields and is interested in becoming a professor at a primarily undergraduate university to help bring meaningful science experiences to more undergraduate students.
Austin Eades, PhD
IRACDA Scholar, 2025–2028
Email: a319e329@kumc.edu
Office: Haworth Hall 8035
Educational Background
Ph.D. in Cancer Biology (2024)
University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
Supervisor: Dr. Michael VanSaun
B.S. in Chemistry
Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado
Current Research
Mentor: Dr. Robin Orozco, Molecular Biosciences
Austin is originally from Oklahoma and earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, followed by a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. His doctoral research focused on obesity-driven mechanisms affecting the growth and progression of pancreatic cancer. Specifically, he investigated how to rewire adipose tissue to disrupt the interactions between tumor cells and adipocytes. After finishing his Ph.D., Austin joined the IRACDA program, working under Dr. Robin Orozco. His current research focuses on a phosphatase that exists in all immune cells and has been linked to the regulation of melanoma and colon cancer growth. After completing the program, he intends to become a faculty member at a minority-serving, primarily undergraduate institution to mentor students pursuing careers in STEM and health-related fields while continuing his research.
Jay Sibbitts, PhD
IRACDA Scholar, 2022-2025
Email: jaysibbitts@ku.edu
Current Research
Mentor: Dr. Susan M. Lunte, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Jay received his B.S. in Chemistry from Truman State University and his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Kansas State University. His graduate research focused on the development and application of microfluidic technologies and techniques for the study of cancers and neuroinflammatory diseases. Jay joined the IRACDA program at the University of Kansas and now works under Dr. Susan M. Lunte in the Department of Chemistry. His current research is focused on developing single-cell analysis methodologies to enable a deeper understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease. Jay is pursuing a career in academia where he hopes to share his fascination with science to teach and mentor students in chemistry and STEM.
Victoria Joan Sharp, PhD
IRACDA Scholar, 2025–2028
Email: victoriasharp@ku.edu
Office: Haworth Hall 7003
Educational Background
Ph.D. in Biology (2024)
Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
Supervisor: Dr. Mónica Medina
Current Research
Mentor: Dr. Paulyn Cartwright, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Victoria received her B.S. in Marine Biology at Texas A&M at Galveston and her Ph.D. in Biology at Penn State. Her doctoral research focused on exploring the development and symbiosis of the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana. In the IRACDA program, she is working with Dr. Paulyn Cartwright on how Hydractinia venom is used in the diverse nematocysts and polyps of the animal. She is a passionate supporter of diversity and increasing accessibility of scientific research to underrepresented groups and hopes to continue spreading her love of marine invertebrates through research and teaching.