TEAM LEADER / PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
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DAIN B. BEEZER, PH.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Department of Life and Physical Sciences
Talley-Brady Hall, Rm 213
Fisk University
1000 17th Avenue N
Nashville, TN 37208
Tel: 615-329-8619
Dr. Dain B. Beezer graduated with a BS in chemistry in 2010 from Fisk University, Nashville, TN. In 2013, he completed his Masters degree in synthetic chemistry while working in Jeffrey Johnston's research group at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. He then conducted his dissertation research in Eva Harth's research group, also at Vanderbilt, and graduated in 2017 with a Ph.D. in chemistry with a focus on polymer chemistry. He completed his post-doctoral studies at the Center for Excellence in Polymer Chemistry at the University of Houston, and In August 2020, he started his independent career as an Assistant Professor at Fisk University, which brought him back to Nashville, TN. In June 2022, his research group was awarded a NSF Research Initiation Award (RIA) to design polymeric scaffolds capable of influencing cellular behavior.
Dr Beezer’s teaching efforts include General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and upper level graduate courses in organic and polymer chemistry. He serves as the Discipline Coordinator in Chemistry at Fisk University and has an adjunct appointment in the Department of Chemistry at Vanderbilt University as part of his participation in the Fisk Vanderbilt Master’s to PhD Program. He also serves as a faculty advisor for the Fisk-UIUC Masters-to-PhD bridge program and the Fisk University NIH Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) program for Undergraduate Research Scholars.
TEAM
Undergraduates, Graduates and Postdocs interested in joining the team, should contact Dr. Beezer directly by email at dbeezer@fisk.edu.
LINDSAY MARRIOTT
Research Assistant
Lindsay earned her Bachelor’s Degree at McGill University in Political Science and Spanish, but always had a keen interest in chemistry. After a career in the non-profit field, she returned to the physical sciences through Beezer Labs. Lindsay works on biocompatible hydrogels with the goal of targeted drug delivery. She is currently enrolled in chemistry courses at Fisk University and enjoys helping facilitate undergraduate lab classes. Lindsay was offered Fisk's Outstanding Scholars and Leaders Award; however, she chose to continue working with Beezer Labs. She is planning to pursue her M.S. in Chemistry.
KYRA BANKS
Graduate Student
Kyra graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana in May 2021 as a Summa Cum Laude graduate with a B.S degree in Chemistry Pre-Med. Throughout her college experience, she developed distinct interests in Organic and Polymer Chemistry. As a current Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters to PhD Bridge student, she hopes to enhance her research skills as a polymer chemist in Dr. Beezer’s lab. She would love to become a cosmetic scientist to develop and improve natural hair and skin products.
ELIZABETH DANIELS
Undergraduate Researcher
Elizabeth Daniels is a junior student at Fisk University joint majoring in Biology and Spanish. Elizabeth is also appointed MARC U*STAR Scholar at Fisk University. On campus, she is a Student Assistant for the W. E. B. Du Bois Honors Program, a Career Peer Mentor in the Office of Career Planning and Development, and a Student Health Ambassador through the HBCU Wellness Program. After graduation, she plans on becoming a physician scientist by pursuing an MD/PhD with a focus on health disparity research. Elizabeth is looking forward to building on her research experience and learning about synthetic chemistry and the development of polymers for biomedical applications.
JOSHUA AMOSU
Undergraduate Researcher
Joshua Amosu is an international student from Lagos, Nigeria. He is currently a sophomore student at Fisk University majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Joshua is very much involved in various activities on campus including being an ambassador of the Office of Career Planning and Development (OCPD), a volunteer with the Brain Exercise Initiative (BEI) – Fisk Chapter, as well as the treasurer of the African Students Association (ASA) of Fisk University.
After graduation, he plans on becoming a physician scientist by pursuing an MD/PhD. His love for research and the sciences has brought him to being an undergraduate researcher, learning and working towards the fabrication of advanced polymeric biomaterials for regenerative medical applications.
LISA WATSON
Undergraduate Researcher
Lisa Watson is a Junior International student at Fisk University majoring in Biology. She hails from Takoradi, Ghana. On Campus, she is a member of the Global Initiatives Council, and a Resident Assistant. Lisa is also on the Fisk Women's Golf team. Lisa aspires to pursue a Masters Degree in Physician Assistant. She hopes to increase her laboratory skills and learn more about the application of Polymer Chemistry in the Biomedical field.
MADISON HALL
Undergraduate Researcher
Madison Hall is a sophomore biology major at Fisk University, hailing from Benicia, CA. She participates actively in a multitude of campus organizations, such as the Fisk LEAD program, Regional Club, Fisk Rotaract Club and Fisk: Going Against the Grain. In the future, Madison intends to obtain an MD/PhD and serve as a pediatrician. She has become an undergraduate researcher because of her interest in science and research. Since she began working in the lab, Madison has strengthened her understanding of Polymer Chemistry and other STEM-related topics. Madison is currently working on the synthesis of hydrogels and functionalized polyglycidols.
SANIA COLBERT
Undergraduate Researcher
Sania Colbert is a Sophomore Biology major at Fisk University. Hailing from Ravenna, OH, Sania is a very active member on Fisk campus participating in multiple organizations including Fisk University Choir, Fisk: Outload, and Fisk LEAD program. Pursuing her MD/PhD and through her love for research Sania aspires to work in Clinical research for pediatric oncology. Since being in the lab Sania has realized the unlimited possibilities within the field of STEM. Sania is currently working on the synthesis of functionalized polyglycidols and hydrogels.
MALIA JENNINGS
Undergraduate Researcher
Malia Jennings is a Junior majoring in Biology at Fisk University. A proud native of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Malia is attending Fisk University to carry on the legacy of her alumni father and aunt. Over her three years at Fisk, Malia has had the honor of being a Presidential Student Ambassador and HCA Healthcare Scholar. After graduation, Malia plans to pursue her PhD and possibly explore a career in cosmetics development. She also aspires to become a postdoctoral fellow for the CDC. In the lab, Malia is currently conducting experiments to analyze the interactions between cells and polymers for biomedical use.