The Breit Lab Team
Current Members
Principle Investigator
Dr. Kristen Breit
I started this lab because I wanted to continue my independent research program examining the effects of prenatal drug exposures on brain and behavioral development. I am particularly interested in the effects of poly-drug consumption during pregnancy, particularly with the use of electronic cigarettes. I worked at Disneyland in the character department during college, and I still love all Disney history. I also paint, cross-stitch, and listen to podcasts in my spare time.
Graduate Research Assistants
Brielle Turano
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology
I joined the Breit lab because of my interest in the relationship between the biological processes of the brain and mental health disorders. My undergraduate neuroscience degree and my experience working in an alcohol and drug recovery center through my master’s program is what led me to want to know more about this relationship. I am specifically interested in how substances affect the brain and the symptoms that present as a result of this. My future goals are to become a certified neuropsychologist where I can use neuropsychological measures to gain and understanding of a person’s cognitive functioning following long-term substance abuse, TBIs or concussions. In my free time I am either working out at the gym with my fiancé or cuddling with my dog watching The Real Housewives.
Shannon O'Loughlin M.S. Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. Clinical Psychology
I am a current doctoral student in WCU's Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. program and working as a Graduate Assistant in the Breit Lab. My past research experience has been examining cognition post-recovery from a concussion in human participants. I am currently interested in how drugs interact with cell function (voltage, metabolism, inflammation, and synaptic communication) in individuals with mental health symptoms. A fun fact about me is I have a black cat named Splat!
Dana VanOcker MS. Psychology: General
I attained my Bachelor of Science degree in pre-veterinary science, including a certificate of artificial insemination in cattle. Following graduation, I primarily worked with small animals in rescue, private practice, daycares, training, and kennels. After becoming a single parent, my career aspirations shifted. I newly joined the Breit lab at WCU for graduate school, eager to harmoniously interweve the two fields of animal science and psychology. As a person with a relational style, I am drawn to the idea of joining and collaborating with the cohort of students within the department, as well as with pertinent faculty. Working in the Breit lab will be an intriguing element towards further acquiring, challenging, and applying a higher level of critical thinking abilities. I am eager to dive into the world of research and understand the importance of validity, replication, and subsequent application. In my free time, I enjoy playing Pokémon Go with my son. We also own two cats and two rabbits.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Gianna Parrish
B.S. Cell & Molecular Biology
I joined the Breit Lab eager to learn more about biopsychology, gaining hands-on experience with a great team and being involved in the very thing that, no matter how small, allows medicine and science to continually evolve and advance. I am passionate about bridging the gap between clinical practice and scientific inquiry; I personally see research as a way to integrate research findings with medical knowledge, something that ultimately benefits us all. In the future, I hope to pursue an MD/PhD and become a physician scientist for Doctors Without Borders. When I'm not in the lab or studying, I enjoy going on walks and listening to podcasts.
Jesse Van Tassel
B.S. Psychology
After hearing about the Breit Lab from my advisor, I joined in spring of 2025 to get hands-on lab experiences. My research interests include biopsychology, neuroscience, animal behavior as well as trauma and drug research. This lab felt like the perfect fit for my interests. After getting my bachelors degree in psychology in 2026, my plan is to go to graduate school and follow the career path of neuropsychology. A fun fact about me is that I am a member of wcu’s equestrian team!
Ilyas Muqbel
B.S. Psychology
I joined the Breit Lab in the Fall of 2023 as I wanted to gain research experience and working on live animals was very intriguing to me. Some of my research interests include neuroscience, brain development, and biology. My career goals would be to go into grad school for a MD/PhD and join in a clinical environment, whether it be in research or surgery. A fun fact about me is that I have played the clarinet for 10 years.