Lab Members
Our lab group changes frequently as students go on to complete their degrees; this is our current research group. To see lab Alumni, scroll down.
Johnny Nguyen, PhD
Post-Doctorate Researcher
Ope! I'm a bonafide Fargoan, going through the entire K-12 system here in town before eventually earning my bachelor's degree in microbiology at NDSU. My area of focus for research involves community-engaged learning, but I also help out with using the Microbiology Concept Inventory to guide curricular reform within our undergraduate program. I think teaching is pretty neat. When I grow up, I want to be like Dr. Condry. She's cool. My passions outside of school are like two extremes on a spectrum, because you can either catch me holed up at home, feeding my crippling addiction to video games and anime, or you'll find me traveling the world with my family!
(proof of travel)
Marley Lund-Peterson
Graduate Student (PhD)
My work involves Science Communication in academia. I am in the beginning stages of collecting data on non-biology major undergraduate students. I am interested in looking at the potential correlation between students' trust in science, their demographics, and their level of scientific literacy to see how personal experiences and education impacts trust. I am also in charge of updating and maintaining the Microbiological Science Department's website and social media accounts. In my free time, I tend to change up my hobbies and passions as the wind blows. I love finding new ways to stay active, reading books, and staying up to date on current social media trends and topics.
Alumni
Kaylee Weigel
Graduate Student (Accelerated Masters) 2024
Hi there! I’m an accelerated master’s student earning my BS and MS in Microbiology. My area of research is centered around persistence and mentoring across different education levels in STEM fields. I love learning and education, and I want to be a doctor someday, so after I graduate from NDSU, I will be going to more school (YAY)! I’m a die-hard Minnesotan (who loves the Vikings a little too much), and I would love to practice rural medicine in MN someday. In my time outside of the classroom, I love to travel (I’ve been to 36 states so far), spend time with my family, and have a bunch of random hobbies I pick up here and there!
Marissa Meyer
Graduate Student (Masters) 2023
I earned my bachelor’s degree in microbiology here at NDSU after making the trek out to Fargo from my hometown, Beloit, Wisconsin. I’m currently pursuing a paper master’s focusing on the B-cell’s role in various autoimmune diseases. I really enjoy immunology, so I’m hoping to get a job doing research in this area after I graduate! Outside of academics, I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and working on any of my various artistic projects.
Onora Lancaster
REU Research Program 2021
Hi! I am an undergraduate student who has the opportunity to be a part of the Condry research group as part of the REU program for the summer of 2022. I am a rising senior at Kalamazoo College in Michigan (ask me, and I can point to where I go to school on my hand), and I study Biology and Psychology. I am looking forward to learning more about curricular reform and how alternative forms of learning apply at the undergraduate level of teaching science. In my free time, I love hiking and eating good food!
Macy Rennpferd
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi there! My name is Macy Rennpferd and I was able to be a research assistant on this amazing team from January of 2020 through the spring of 2022. In December of 2021 I graduated with a BA in biological sciences with minors in chemistry and Spanish. Fun fact, I first became interested in conducting research with Dr. Condry after I struggled in her Micro 350 class and received my first B. She taught me so much about learning and growth that I wanted to research the use of concept inventories in any way imaginable. She's amazing. When I grow up I’d love to serve my community as a Physician’s Associate and every single thing I learned and experienced on this team is going to help me to do so!!
Maddie Schroeder
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Maddie Schroeder and I was an undergraduate research assistant within ETC from August 2020 through January 2022. My primary focus within ETC was identifying and analyzing student misconceptions found through the administration of the Microbiology Concept Inventory. Working under Dr. Condry led me to develop my key values as an educator, which includes creating equitable learning opportunities for all students and the development of scientifically literate individuals. I graduated from NDSU in May of 2022 with my bachelors degree in Biological Sciences Education, and will be teaching 7th, 8th, and 10th grade science at Lakeview School District starting this fall!
Matt Parsons
REU Research Program 2020
Hello! My name is Matt Parsons. I was member of the Condry research group over summer 2020 as part of the REU program. My work was focused on students' perception of community engaged learning in STEM courses. I graduated from The Ohio State University in 2022 with a degree in engineering. I am attending Colorado School of Mines to earn a Master's degree in Humanitarian Engineering and Science. In the future, I want to be a college lecturer and implement community engaged learning into my courses. I've been very involved with Engineers Without Borders. I also operate a nonprofit that provides kids in my local area with school supplies and scholarships. It is called The Backpack Fund.
