Nisali graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2023 with a B.S. in Chemistry, where her research-focused curriculum enabled her to work in
two laboratories during her undergraduate education. She conducted computational chemistry and molecular dynamics studies of the PICK1 protein to better understand its role in various disorders, including substance use disorder, under the direction
of Dr. Yi He. She also participated in molecular biology research on Ribosomally synthesized and Post-translationally modified Peptides (RiPPs), natural products with diverse functions, including antibiotic activity, under the direction of Dr.
Mark Walker. Now a third-year dental student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, Nisali has spent the past two years contributing to the development and clinical incorporation of AHA copolymers, under the direction of Dr.
Devatha Nair and Dr. Michael Schurr. She also had the opportunity to present her research at the 2025 American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) Annual Meeting in New York. In addition to her research involvement,
she serves as Vice President of the CUSDM Research Group and currently leads a flagship project supported by CUSDM aimed at addressing the significant dental shortage in New Mexico, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field of dentistry
through research, leadership, and service.
Mason Gueller is a first-year dental student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 2024 with a BS in Microbiology and has always had a strong interest in the bacteria that positively and
negatively affect the human body. Working for 2 years as a pharmacy technician and 3 as a dental assistant, Mason has experience in different facets of the healthcare world and is interested in learning more about the human body through his studies
at dental school. He has been a part of Dr. Schurr and Dr. Nair’s labs since June 2025 and primarily focuses on how Acrylated Hydroxyazobenzene affects the oral microbiome of denture patients.