Lab Alumni
William Gerdes (‘24)
Will grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia, and is pursuing a degree in Chemistry at the University of Wyoming, with plans to graduate in December 2024. He aims to attend medical school and become a general surgeon. As an INBRE Undergraduate Research Fellow in the Bedford Lab, Will has developed technical skills in stereotaxic injections, perfusions, and sterile procedures—experiences that align closely with his surgical goals. In his free time, he enjoys fly fishing, practicing Jiu-Jitsu, and camping. Before transferring to UW in spring 2023, Will played football at Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama.
Grace Baas (‘26)
Grace is a Laramie, Wyoming native and a freshman at the University of Wyoming, pursuing a degree in Animal and Veterinary Science with concentrations in Animal Biology and Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and a minor in Equine Science. She plans to pursue a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine after graduation. Grace joined the lab to explore new areas of research and deepen her understanding of animal behavior and neuroscience. Through her experience, she has also gained valuable insight into the critical role laboratory veterinarians play in ensuring high standards of animal care and husbandry. Outside the lab, Grace enjoys spending time with her mustang, Mr. Curly Fries, organizing community service events with the Wyoming Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association, and learning about all things animal-related.
Kaylynn Hoglin (‘23)
Kaylynn was born and raised in Evanston, Wyoming, and is pursuing a dual B.S. in Biology and Psychology at the University of Wyoming, with plans to graduate in December 2023. She aspires to attend graduate school with a focus on molecular neurobiology. In the Bedford Lab, Kaylynn works as a research assistant, primarily supporting Rachel’s chipmunk research while gaining hands-on experience in neuroscience and mouse husbandry. Outside the lab, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors—camping, hiking, and mountain biking—and diving into books or topics that spark her curiosity.
Update: Kaylynn is currently a Staff Research Associate in the Pollen Lab at UCSF.
Ryan Pitesky (‘24)
Ryan Pitesky is an undergraduate student from San Diego, California, studying Physiology with a minor in Music at the University of Wyoming. Supported by an INBRE Undergraduate Research Fellowship, his current project in the Bedford Lab focuses on social dominance hierarchies in mice, with particular interest in Shank3b mutants that display altered social behavior. Ryan plans to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant and is gaining clinical experience by shadowing and volunteering at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. Outside of academics, he plays violin in the University’s Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, and enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with friends.
McKinzie Wade (‘23)
McKinzie is from Monument, Colorado, and is completing her undergraduate degree in Physiology with a minor in Neuroscience at the University of Wyoming. She will graduate in December 2023 and plans to become a physician assistant specializing in neurology. In the Bedford Lab, McKinzie completed her senior capstone project with support from an INBRE Undergraduate Research Fellowship, investigating the neural circuitry and behavior underlying social dominance hierarchies in male and female mice. Outside the lab, she enjoys Marvel movies and staying active through lacrosse, softball, and volleyball.