Dr. Ahmed Abdelmoneim  BVMS, MS, PhD

Dr. Abdelmoneim joined LSU SVM as an assistant professor in January of 2020. He graduated from College of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University (Egypt) in 2007.  He also earned a masters degree in Ecotoxicology (2011) from University of Poitiers (France), and his PhD in Aquatic Toxicology from Purdue University (USA) in 2016.

Dr. Abdelmoneim worked as a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University (USA) for four years both at the Department of Food Science and the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior. His research focuses on understanding the effects of exposure to contaminants and chemicals of concern on the neuroendocrine system of organisms. 

Research Staff

Graduate Students

Demetrius McAtee BS

Demetrius is a graduate student investigating the impacts of developmental exposure to arsenic contaminants on the stress circuitry of organisms. Demetrius is working towards his PhD in Biomedical and Veterinary Medical Sciences with a concentration in Comparative Biomedical Sciences and upon graduation, he plans to pursue medical school. Before joining our group, Demetrius gained prior research experience during two NSF internships at Princeton University and Alabama State University, respectively, and during his undergraduate career at Southern University Agricultural and Mechanical College in Baton Rouge. Geaux Tigers! 

Melanie Wilson BA, BS, MLT

Melanie is a PhD student investigating the impacts of environmental toxins on neuronal development and the potential behavioral changes related to those impacts. Before joining our group, Melanie was an electron microscope specialist within the Pathology Department at Weill-Cornell Medical College. While there, she gained invaluable experience in writing, standardizing, and optimizing laboratory procedures. Prior research experience includes research assistantships within the mycology laboratories at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry as well as a REU internship at the American Museum of Natural History's Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics. When not in the Vet Med School she can usually be found shouting enthusiastically from the bleachers of any LSU home soccer game.

DVM Students

Patrik Rollefson

Michelle is a DVM student at the School of Veterinary Medicine at LSU. Before joining, he pursued and received a degree in marine science from Rider University in 2021. His ultimate goal is to become an aquatic veterinarian. He loves working with anything except dogs and cats, with a particular interest in zoo, exotic, and wildlife medicine. 

Undergraduate Students

Michelle Flores-Acosta

Michelle is a junior at the College of Science and Ogden Honors College at LSU. She is broadly interested in investigating the impacts of environmental contaminants, such as PFAS, on organismal health and development. She previously served as an ambassador for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. After graduation, Michelle plans to pursue graduate education in environmental toxicology.

Emma Tsai

Emma is a freshman at the College of Science and Ogden Honors College at LSU. She is curious about how chemical exposures harm the health of organisms. After graduation, Emma plans to attend medical school. 

Hayden McKay

Hayden is a freshman at the College of Science at LSU. He is interested in studying the impacts of environmental contaminants, such as chlorinated naphthalenes and perchlorate, on organisms' structural and functional development. After graduation, Hayden plans to pursue graduate education in epidemiology before attending medical school. When not studying, he can usually be found cheering at every LSU home football game. Geaux Tigers!

Rachel Beach

Rachel is a freshman at the College of Science and Ogden Honors College at LSU. She is interested in observing the effects of carcinogens on the early growth and development of organisms. Following graduation, Rachel plans to pursue a graduate education before attending medical school. When she’s not in class or studying, Rachel enjoys spending time outdoors and with friends.