GBSO Marketing Officer, Lewis Barr, sat down for an exclusive interview with 2025-2026 GBSO President, Ryan Dannemiller, who was excited to give GBS students an inside look into her life as the head of GBS student outreach activities.

Where are you from?

I am from Franklin, Tennessee. It is right outside of Nashville.     

What university did you attend to earn your undergraduate degree? What did you study, and when did you graduate?

I received my bachelor’s in biology from the Belmont University in 2022.

What inspired you to choose UAB for graduate school?

The people. I felt the community at UAB was welcoming. It seemed like a fin place to do science.

What year are you? Whose lab did you join? 

I am a fourth year CMDB student in Dr. Anna Thalacker-Mercer’s Lab.

What is your project focused on?

My project focuses on nutrient availability in how it impacts the skeletal muscle regenerative process.

Why did you join GBSO?

I like to be involved in the GBS community. I want to help foster and environment where people feel comfortable interacting with each other.

What is you goal as GBSO president?

Graduate school is a busy and stressful journey for many students. To help GBS students with their journeys, my goal is to provide opportunities to foster new professional and social connections.

What is your overall career goal?

 I want to work in academia and run my own lab as a PI.

What hobbies do you pursue in your free time?

I like to read.

Top 3 books: Nightshade University, On the Wings of Blood, and The Zodiac Academy series.

I also like to work out and cook.