People

Patrick Hannon, PhD

Assistant Professor  
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 2015

Science and achievement in the laboratory is accomplished by extraordinary teamwork. I am fortunate that the teammates in my lab are a hardworking, inspiring, and close-knit bunch. I feel that those associated with my lab are passionate about all aspects of life. We really are about making science, research, and life fun, and the descriptions below are designed to showcase some of the fun we have outside the laboratory. My passions include hiking, traveling, and exploring new places and cultures with my wife, Grace. We also enjoy playing with our cat (Chief) and dog (Alma) and cheering on our favorite sports teams: University of Illinois Fighting Illini, Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Blackhawks. 

Hong Xu, PhD

I have been working at department of physiology and the department of pharmacology and nutrition science before. I graduated with a PhD in pathophysiology from the University of Shantou, China.  I join Dr. Hannon Lab at May, 2022, and I fell in love with OB/GYN research, especially, the effect of toxic on the ovary. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, and listening to music.

Elizabeth Hayden

I will be entering my sophomore year at the University of Kentucky in the fall of 2024, pursuing a double major in Nutrition and Neuroscience with the intention of attending medical school. I have always wanted to engage in laboratory research, and at the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars, I found the Hannon Lab. The Hannon Lab’s research particularly resonated with me due to its significant societal impact and focus on reproductive health. I am excited to contribute to this team and continue to gain a deeper understanding of reproductive health through the lab's research initiatives. In my free time, I love to travel, read, play with my dogs (Clover and Pumpkin), dance, and listen to the best band of all time…One Direction.

Sunny Ghuneim

PhD Student
University of Kentucky, 2022

I graduated from UK with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology (ABT) in 2022 and then started the Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) program later that year. The Hannon Lab was the first lab I rotated in and I loved it so much I committed to pursuing my PhD under Dr. Hannon’s mentorship. Coming in with an agricultural and medical degree, I wanted to include both aspects in the research that I conduct, so investigating the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals and climate change on female reproduction is extremely interesting to me. Outside of research, I enjoy traveling, music/concerts, and spending time with friends and family.

Katie Land

PhD Student & Senior Laboratory Technician 
University of Kentucky, 2021 

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology and Pharmacology from UK in 2021 but have been conducting reproductive toxicology research with Dr. Hannon since 2018, originally as an Undergraduate Research Assistant and now as a Senior Laboratory Technician (post-graduation). During my time here, I unexpectedly fell in love with research and discovered my passion for reproductive medicine. Thus, I have decided to complete my Doctorate in Pharmacology (PhD) in the Hannon Lab. My post-doc goal is to direct the laboratory division of an IVF clinic at a university hospital or in a private practice setting to help couples who are experiencing infertility and same-sex couples create life and grow their families. I also plan to stay heavily involved in research to contribute to building a framework of how to provide better healthcare for individuals suffering from different reproductive disorders. Outside of the lab, you can find me studying in a local coffee shop, playing with my cats (Arlo & Otis) and dog (Camo), going to concerts, traveling, or spending time with my friends and family. 

Brittney Williams

PhD Student
Washington State University, 2019

I graduated in 2019 with a degree in animal science from Washington State University. I worked several jobs as a horse trainer, intern at Kentucky Equine Research, and lab tech at Ardent Animal Health before starting my PhD at the University of Kentucky. I fell in love with animal research before transitioning to human medicine to pursue my career goal of working for a pharmaceutical company in drug development. I am excited to expand my skills in Dr. Hannon's lab using both in vitro and in vivo techniques to explore toxicological effects on human reproduction. In my free time, I enjoy my time outside, with hobbies including kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking.