Dr. Opendak immigrated from St. Petersburg, Russia when she was 2 and grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Columbia University, working with Dr. Peter Balsam. She then earned her Ph.D. at Princeton working in Dr. Elizabeth Gould's lab and completed her postdoctoral research fellowship at NYU Langone Health under the mentorship of Dr. Regina Sullivan. Dr. Opendak joined the faculty at Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in August 2021.

When not in lab, Dr. Opendak enjoys movies, sci-fi novels, and being a proud mom to baby Pete and her dogs, Linus and Benny. 

Hola, my name is Cesar! I graduated from the University of Arizona with my BS and PhD in Neuroscience. For my PhD, I worked with Dr. Julie Miller on developing a model of Parkinson's disease using zebra finches. I then joined the Opendak Lab in May 2022 to study the molecular drivers underlying the effects of early life stress on the neural circuits subserving social behavior throughout development.

Outside of the lab, I am involved with initiatives to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM. I have previously worked with organizations in Tucson, AZ, including Casa Alitas (Asylum center), URM SRPs, and other STEM initiatives. As a Mexican-American, this work inspires me and helps me center my work around people.

Hi, I’m Shanah. I earned my B.Sc. in Advanced Zoology & Biotechnology and my M.Sc. in Neuroscience from the University of Madras in India. Before starting my Ph.D., I expanded my research experience at the National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) under Dr. Neeraj Jain, where I investigated the cortical organization of the mouse motor cortex and its reorganization following a dorsal column lesion. I then moved to Israel to pursue my Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Haifa in Dr. Shlomo Wagner’s lab, where my research focused on studying the vocalizations and neural correlates of social behavior in SD rats.

In 2024, I joined the Opendak Lab at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University for my postdoctoral research. Working with Dr. Maya Opendak, I investigate the effects of early life adversity on social behavior using a combination of techniques such as electrophysiology, fiber photometry, and optogenetics in infant rats, both under anesthesia and in freely behaving conditions. Our goal is to translate these fundamental insights into targeted and effective treatments for psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety and depression. Outside of the lab, I love traveling with friends, exploring new places, hiking, enjoying nature walks, reading, and watching movies or TV shows.

Hi! My name is Nikitah. I graduated from Williams College with a BA in Biology, Neuroscience and a minor in French. Some of my interests in Neuroscience lie in Anxiety Disorders and the role of the environment in the development and course of these disorders which I hope to pursue in grad school.

Outside of lab, I enjoy listening to music for hours, playing and learning new board games, long walks and messing around with random ingredients in the kitchen.

Hi! My name is Vishal Win. I graduated in 2024 from The George Washington University with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Chemistry and Neuroscience, and minoring in Biology. My primary research interests focus on how lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and socialization, can alter neural circuits and affect susceptibility to mental illnesses. In the near future, I aspire to attend medical school and become a physician specializing in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders through interdisciplinary care. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, playing video games, and reading literature on global health issues. 

Hello! I’m Isaac. Before joining the Opendak Lab I graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2023 with a BSc (Hons) in psychology, and then worked as a postbaccalaureate fellow at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, where I studied the role of the endocannabinoid system in schizophrenia phenotypes. I am most interested in the cells and circuits of social behaviour and their relation to psychiatric illness, and am eager to explore this area in the Opendak Lab and in grad school in the future. Outside of the lab, I like to discover new cities via their cafes and coffee shops, so am excited to explore Baltimore, as well as DC and Philadelphia! I also can usually be found at a boxing/fitness class, reading, or feeling at home watching a British TV show.

Hi! I'm Tommy and I am a Junior at Johns Hopkins University studying Neuroscience and Public Health.  I am most interested in the neurological basis of late life disorders and illnesses such as Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. I am planning on pursuing a MD/PhD program after undergrad, focusing on clinical neuroscience. Outside of lab and the library, I love to play sports (run, badminton, rock climbing, lifting), do anything outdoors, read, strum on my guitar, and mess with my baby sister. 

Hi I'm Alli! I'm a Junior at Johns Hopkins University studying neuroscience and computer science. In the future, I hope to go to medical school following graduation. I'm interested in research focusing on neuroscience related to neurological disorders and diseases. Outside of lab, I enjoy going on runs, exploring the city with friends, and painting.

Hi! I’m Elaina. I’m a Senior at Johns Hopkins studying neuroscience and psychology, with a hope to go into academia when I finish grad school. My main academic interests are in neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism and ADHD, and in how environmental factors affect development (a perfect fit for the Opendak Lab!). I enjoy reading, digital art, and constantly cuddling with my dog Milo.

Hi! I’m Emily and I’m a Junior at Johns Hopkins University studying Neuroscience, Behavioral Biology, and Visual Arts. I am most interested in the prevention of neurogenetic disorders (such as Neurofibromatosis and Epilepsy), and the process of recovery after severe TBIs. After undergrad, I hope to obtain a MD/PhD. I enjoy horror movies, roller coasters, and orange jello!

Hello! My name is Oliver and I am a Junior at Johns Hopkins majoring in Neuroscience and Molecular and Cellular Biology. I am most interested in increasing understanding of neurodegenerative diseases for better treatments and therapies. I hope to attend dental school or continue neuroscience research post-graduation. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, folding origami, and exploring the outdoors!

Hi! My name is Maria and I am a junior studying Neuroscience and Psychology at JHU. Before being a part of this amazing lab, I was mostly interested on pediatric neurological disorders and the socio-behavioral consequences of trauma. However after being able to work alongside Rochinelle, I found brain circuitry fascinating. After graduation, I plan to pursue an MD.

Outside of lab, I enjoy trying new recipes, working out, and reading for fun. I am fluent in both English and Spanish and currently trying to learn Portuguese.

Hi, I’m Emily! I’m a junior at Johns Hopkins studying neuroscience and psychology. My main interests are neurological disorders and physical therapy, and I plan to attend graduate school in the future. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing field hockey, hiking, spending time with friends, and trying new recipes!

Hello! My name is Freud, and I am a sophomore studying Molecular Biology with a minor in Psychology at Johns Hopkins University. Research topics that I find most interesting are neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism, to contribute to better treatments and understandings. Post graduation, I intend on attending medical school to pursue an MD. Outside of research, I love listening to music, working out, and watching movies/shows. 

Hello, I'm Alex Yale! I'm a senior at John's Hopkins University studying Neuroscience and Psychology. I'm most interested in researching the behavior and neural circuits involved with psychiatric disorders like Depression and Bipolar disorder, to one day improve the available treatments. After graduation, I plan to work in the research field before ultimately pursuing a higher degree in psychology. Outside of classes and the Lab, I enjoy biking, weightlifting, playing video games, and playing with my twin calico cats. 

Hi! My name is Mika, and I am a freshman from San Francisco. I am majoring in Behavioral Biology with a minor in Film and Media Studies. I am most interested in understanding how environmental factors affect brain development and susceptibility to mental illness. I hope to understand the mechanisms through which these influences manifest and learn to identify potential interventions to mitigate negative effects. After graduation I aim to either pursue an MD or go into bioengineering research. Outside of lab I enjoy playing drums, watching movies, thrifting, and baking!