Principal Investigator
Petra Popovics, PhD
I am fascinated about the biology of the lower urinary tract. I hope that my research will help to eliminate age-related pathology in the prostate and the bladder and significantly improve urinary symptoms. I am also enthusiastic about scientific outreach and promoting the next generation of scientists, especially of those who are underrepresented in science.
Research Focus
- BPH Pathology & Tissue Remodeling
- Epithelial-Stromal Interactions
- Mouse Models of Prostatic Fibrosis
- Advanced Histology & Molecular Biology
The Popovics Lab Research Team
We are a dedicated group of staff and students focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of BPH and tissue remodeling.
Mariah Jensen-Wachspress
PhD candidate
I graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2018 with a B.S. in Biology. I worked as a preschool teacher and volunteered as an EMT until I decided that I wanted to be back in an academic lab setting. I spent 4 years at Children’s National Hospital working on sickle cell disease and viral specific T-cell research and that time in clinical research helped me decide to pursue my PhD. I am very excited to start work in the Popovics Lab, learning new techniques and expanding my knowledge, and I hope to eventually become an expert in the field of benign urological research focusing on BPH. My interests outside of science include baking, crafting, building furniture, and spending time at the pool and beach.
Fun Fact: Mariah only understands scientific notation in E format
Samantha McGuire
PhD candidate
I graduated from Jefferson College of Health Sciences with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, where I engaged in research exploring the anti-cancer potential of American mistletoe extracts against various breast cancer cell lines. This experience sparked my interest in scientific research, leading me to pursue a Master’s degree in Biomedical Research at Eastern Virginia Medical School. My research focused on studying and characterizing a novel RNA modification, glycosylated RNA, in prostate cancer. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student in the Popovics lab, eager to expand my skills and techniques while contributing to the characterization of BPH. My goal is to improve our understanding of this disease, ultimately enhancing outcomes for those affected.
Fun Fact: Sam would rather swim with sharks than go to a social event
Thaissa Horne
Research Assistant
I believe that being a scientist is more than just a job; it's my identity. Ever since I was a little girl, I've been a natural-born questioner, always eager to unravel the mysteries of the world around me. My passion for scientific inquiry led me to pursue a career as a scientist, and I found my true calling in the field of biomedical sciences. After earning my bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences in Brazil and completing my master's degree in medical research in Spain, I now find myself in the U.S., honored to be a part of the Popovics Lab. I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and to contribute to meaningful research endeavors.
Fun Fact: Thaissa can't tell left from right
Elizabeth Acheson
Research Assistant
I graduated from Northumbria University in Newcastle, England with a Bachelor of Animal and Plant Biology. After Graduation I worked in the field of veterinary medicine at a general practice where I worked with a board array of animals, from household pets, to farm animals and even exotics. After several years, I found myself missing the academic lab setting and I am excited to begin this new chapter at the Popovics Lab to continue their research efforts.
Fun Fact: Liz won't kill cockroaches unless they're inside
Clarissa Leal de Oliveira Mello Ortolan
Research Assistant
I have always been driven by a curiosity for the "whys" and "hows" of the world around me, which made pursuing a career in science a very natural path to follow. I majored in biomedicine before going on to complete both my master’s degree and my PhD in biological sciences. Throughout my graduate studies, my research focused on the cell death pathways of cancer cells, working to better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in triggering cancer cell death, especially in the context of ER stress and microenvironment redox state. Beyond academia, I’ve had the unique opportunity to apply my scientific knowledge in a different arena, spending several years working as a Technical Consultant for Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Patents. While that chapter was immensely rewarding, my passion for hands-on research never faded, and I am thrilled to return to the bench. I am excited to bring my background in molecular and cellular biology back to active research as part of the Popovics Lab!
Fun Fact: Clarissa can get so focused that she once almost hit her husband with the car while trying to find where she was going
Darel Snead
MD student
I am currently a member of the MD Class of 2029 at Eastern Virginia Medical School. I graduated from Virginia Tech in 2025, earning two Bachelor of Science degrees in Microbiology and Medicinal Chemistry. While at Virginia Tech, I studied the influence of nitrification and temperature on disinfectant decay and opportunistic pathogen regrowth in household water heaters. Fueled by a passion for both research and medicine, I joined the Popovics Lab at EVMS in hopes of helping characterize BPH, learning more about this insidious disease, and carrying this knowledge forward as I care for patients in a rural family medicine clinic. Outside of research and medicine, I enjoy cooking, reading fantasy and sci-fi, outdoor activities, video games, sports, and making memories with friends and family.
Fun Fact: For his fun fact, Darel is playing a little game of Two Truths and a Lie: he owns and rides a motorcycle, he has been sued for $500,000, and he shattered his nose playing beach football. Think you know which one is the lie? Incorrect. The lie is that there was a lie. Darel has done all three.
Past lab members
Dita Julianingsih
Research Assistant
I am delighted about the invaluable opportunity to conduct research in Popovics Lab. I am genuinely enthusiastic about engaging in comprehensive studies, dedicated work, and acquiring profound knowledge, particularly focusing on benign prostate hyperplasia in mouse models.
Didem Ozcan Tezgin
Postdoctoral Fellow
I completed my PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut, where I evaluated a novel antifolate that reproduces many of the biochemical and cellular effects of methotrexate in immune-relevant cell models, while evading cellular methotrexate resistance. As a Scientist at Montai, I contributed to cellular model development in the Early Discovery Biology Team.
As a Postdoc at the Popovics Lab, I am excited about contributing to the characterization of pro-inflammatory signaling and translational anti-inflammatory biomarker identification in benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Kamiyah Corinaldi
MD student
I am currently a member of the MD 2029 class at Eastern Virginia Medical School. I graduated from Colorado State University (CSU) and obtained my Bachelor's of Science in Honors Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry. During my time at CSU, I worked with Dr. Diane Ordway to investigate the bacterial burden of Nontuberculosis Mycobacterium in lung epithelial cells. I have also had the pleasure of working with Dr. Jo Handelsman at the Wisconsin Institute of Discovery. During this time, I worked as a Tiny Earth researcher and extracted antibiotic compounds from soil microbes. As I eagerly begin this transition to Dr. Popovic's lab, I hope to enhance my knowledge pertaining to BPH pathogenesis and how to combat this disease. With this newfound comprehension, I will be able to tackle difficult medical conundrums, while establishing medical prosperity for my future patients.
Fun Fact: I know American Sign Language, and to keep up with the language I practice while listening to music!
Savannah Ward
MD student
As a medical student at Eastern Viriginia Medical School, I know that research is the backbone of medical knowledge and its practice. Beyond this though, and most importantly, research improves the lives of our patients! Graduating from Virginia Tech with degrees in both Biological Sciences and Political Science, I have always recognized not only the power in objective information, but the role that true and effective discourse can have, strengthening understanding as it supports a growing engine of change, seeking out better outcomes. On my journey to medical school, I scribed for many different clinics, helping with ongoing research, and ultimately completing graduate school prior to joining the EVMS MD class of 2028. Throughout my time at work, school, and the hospital, I can say that my appreciation for the sheer value research can offer us all has only continued to expand. I am honored to serve in Dr. Popovics lab where I can do my part to gather objective information, interpret data in a meaningful way, and ultimately seek better lives for the many suffering from the complications of benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Priya Singh
MD student
I graduated from The College of William & Mary in 2024 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Data Science. As a student in the EVMS MD Class of 2028, I am excited to build on my experiences in community service and research. During my time at W&M, I managed a local food pantry, co-captained the Bhangra team, and conducted cardio-oncology research at VCU’s Pauley Heart Center. At EVMS, I am involved with the HOPES Ophthalmology free clinic, Street Health, and serve as Vice President of the EVMS chapter of Association of Women Surgeons. I am thrilled to be working in the Popovics Lab as I grow as a researcher and expand my knowledge about BPH and urology.
Kasun Gunawardena
MD student
I graduated from Duke University’s class of 2023 and went joined EVMS’s Medical Student Class of 2027 the following year! During my time at Duke, I spent time researching the effect that heavy metal pollutants have on developing Zebrafish in regards to both behavior and kidney development. Environmental health and science is an especially interesting topic to me alongside Urology and Nephrology. I have been loving my time in Dr. Popovics lab and working at the cross section between hospitals and wet labs, transferring research from bench to bedside! Whether it’s Immunohistochemistry or undergoing tissue collection, there’s never a dull moment in lab.
Samara Silver
Research Assistant
Growing up, I always had a fascination with science and medicine. My favorite television programs were open-brain surgeries and medical-related shows, rather than Dora and other kid's shows. While I did not realize it at the time, looking back I realize how peculiar it was that I was not watching regular kid shows as a four-year-old. Aside from watching medical shows and reading scientific writings, I also enjoy going to the beach. Additionally, I can play the piano and the flute.
Samara is currently attending medical school at Howard University.
Kayah Tucker
Master's student
As a non-traditional student, my educational path has taken many turns. Yet, I've enjoyed every step of the way. I graduated from ODU with B.S. in Biology in 2017 before working as an EMT for two year. I then went on to pursue a post-baccalaureate professional degree from EVMS to bridge the gap between medical school. I graduated in 2021 with a M.S. in Biomedical Science despite the COVID epidemic. My exposure to the epidemic was the precise reason I decided to pursue a second Master's degree in Biomedical Research. I wanted to make a direct impact on diseases that disproportionately disadvantage marginalized communities. I've since acquired a unique set of skills and scientific techniques that will undoubtedly aid me in my next endeavor that is medical school. My dream is to be a representation for young black/brown girls around with a love for science and medicine.
Leah Butler
Undergraduate student
I am a Biology major with a Pre-Medicine concentration and Chemistry minor at Norfolk State University, with a lifelong passion for medicine and a goal of becoming a reconstructive and trauma urologist. I am a former participant of the EVMS Summer Urology Internship and now help mentor and support incoming students in the program. 2024 Mayo Clinic Plummer Scholar and 2025 EVMS/CHKD Summer Scholar. I’ve earned national recognition as a 2025 ERN 1st Place Winner in Chemical Sciences and a 2023 ABRCMS winner. As ACS Community Outreach Chair and a Beta Kappa Chi member, I am committed to service, science, and inspiring others. Joining Dr. Popovics’ lab is an exciting opportunity to further develop my research skills in urology and grow as a future physician-scientist.
Julie Singh
Postdoctoral fellow
My research interest is to understand prostate pathology and its effect on lower urinary symptoms in aged man. I love to work with like-minded scientists working on Prostate Pathology and excited to join Popovics lab. I'm sure together we will make a difference in the world and will contribute in development of advance treatment regimen for prostate pathology in aged man.
Nikita Thakur
MD student
Chunghwan Ro
MD student
