Dr. Fischer (he/him) is a faculty member at Duke University with research experience spanning respiratory disease (including cystic fibrosis, COPD, and environmental lung injury), immunology, vaccine responses in infants and immunodeficient populations, and population health disparities. Since 2016, he has served as a faculty advisor and mentor to student instructors in the Research Scholars Program. Dr. Fischer has mentored learners across all stages, from undergraduates to junior faculty, and is known for tailoring his mentorship approach to empower each trainee’s research goals, whether through hands-on experimental guidance, clinical research support, or assistance with grants and IRB processes.

Ayodele (she/her) has conducted research since high school with interests in malnutrition, child and youth health, public health, social determinants of health, neurology, and maternal-infant welfare. Through teaching and near-peer mentorship in RSPr since 2023, she supports students in navigating research at Duke and developing confidence as emerging scholars.

Loiko (she/her) works at the intersection of biomedical and electrical engineering and conducts tissue engineering research. A former RSPr scholar and Pratt Research Fellow, she supports RSPr through course instruction and program logistics, and enjoys guiding students through the process of research discovery.

Jain (she/her) researches oncogenic hyperactivation and forced differentiation in CIC::DUX4 sarcoma in the Duke Wood Lab and works with Duke iGEM to engineer RESPIRA, a tool targeting lung biofilms. She teaches the RSPr house course, mentors students beginning research, and helps develop curriculum and research opportunities within the program.

Khan (she/her) has conducted interdisciplinary research since her freshman year through RSPr, with work spanning Biology, Global Health, Evolutionary Anthropology, and Sickle Cell Disease research in the School of Nursing. She supports RSPr through teaching and peer mentorship, helping students build confidence, develop critical-thinking skills, and identify research opportunities that align with their interests.