Meet the team

Alexander R. French, Ph.D.

Alex earned his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, where he worked with both the Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert and Rohit Pappu labs. He then obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at the University of Chicago engineering optogenetic proteins in the labs of Dr. Tobin Sosnick and Dr. Ron Rock. As a postdoc in the Mathew Tantama lab in the Department of Chemistry at Purdue University, he engineered novel biosensors for studying small molecule dynamics...(read more)

Alex next joined the lab of Richard van Rijn in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry at Purdue University, where he studied how opioids can be re-engineered to treat alcohol use disorder and other disorders, and helped develop ClickArr a novel screen for discovering G protein-coupled receptor agonists with novel properties. He next worked in the Catherine Christian-Hinman lab in the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques to study the role of brain-derived estrogens in modulating epilepsy in the context of Alzheimer’s Disease. Alex joined the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Wyoming as an assistant professor in 2024 where his lab studies the effects of psychedelics and alcohol on the brain and how psychedelics can be made into novel treatments for addiction.

When not in lab, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife, Lizzie, and their two kids. Together, they hike, play, try new foods, and are just generally a hoot.

Postdoctoral fellows

Gee Woo Nam, Ph.D.

Gee joined the French Lab in 2025 as a postdoctoral researcher, bringing with him a multidisciplinary background in chemical biology, pharmaceutical sciences, and therapeutic development. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Biology, where he focused on multifunctional small molecules targeting neurodegenerative disease pathways, with an emphasis on metal–amyloid interactions, oxidative stress, and enzyme modulation. His earlier master’s research investigated photodynamic therapy in breast cancer, while his industry experience involved the topical formulation of bioactive compounds. In the French Lab, Gee is excited to apply his research expertise to study the in vitro and in vivo neuropharmacological effects of psychedelics in the context of combating alcohol use disorder. Outside the lab, he enjoys jiu-jitsu, video games, mountain biking, and volunteering.

Graduate students

Paul Ottu

Paul joined the French lab in 2025 as a Ph.D. student in the Graduate Neuroscience Program. He is a passionate biochemist with expertise in computational biology, molecular docking, and drug discovery. He holds a First-Class B. Tech in Biochemistry from Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Nigeria. His undergraduate research explored pro-inflammatory gene expression in STZ-induced diabetic models treated with Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, leading to insights into the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Paul also worked on bioactive compounds from medicinal plants as potential inhibitors of key disease pathways. His...(read more)

work focuses on identifying potential therapeutic compounds for metabolic diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders through computational and molecular biology techniques. In the French Lab, Paul is working to further our understanding of the neuropharmacology of psychedelics in alcohol use disorder and the signal transduction pathways mediating psychedelic-assisted decreases in ethanol consumption. Outside of lab and class, Paul enjoys reading books, serving God, and watching football matches.

Undergraduate students

Lily-Marie Hitchcock

Lily-Marie joined the French Lab in 2024 as a second year undergraduate at the University of Wyoming studying physiology with a pre-medicine focus. She is excited to expand her knowledge of signal transduction, psychedelics, and addiction in a collaborative laboratory environment and learn new research techniques. Outside of the lab, Lily-Marie enjoys exploring the outdoors, volunteering in a clinical setting, and spending time with her sorority sisters.

Jasmin Mahoney

Jasmin is a chemistry major at the University of Wyoming with aspirations to go to medical school after graduation. Jasmin strives to be involved on campus and is a member of multiple student organizations, along with being the co-chair of the United Multicultural Council. She joined the French Lab in 2024, and looks forward to learning more about the biochemical pathways and signals of the brain. When not in the lab or at class, you could probably find her reading a good book, going to fun campus events, or painting in the studio.

Mia Sharp

Mia joined the French Lab in 2024 as a third year undergraduate studying pre-pharmacy with the intention to go into research. Having spent the last year in a hospital setting, Mia is very interested in the idea of refining psychedelics to be used as therapeutics, and is excited to cultivate her skills in the laboratory. Outside of the lab, Mia enjoys getting outdoors, baking, and spending time with her friends and family.

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