We have positions for graduate students interested in studying GPCR signaling mechanisms. See "Contact/Join" for more information.

Meet the team

We are hiring!

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 novel dimensions of GPCR signaling bias. The long-term objective of his lab is to contribute to the development of improved treatments for substance misuse and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

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.

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.

Brandee Anderson

Brandee joined the French Lab in 2025 as a research assistant and in 2026 entered the Graduate Neuroscience Program at the University of Wyoming. She earned her B.S. in Biology with cellular, molecular, and biomedical emphasis at Boise State University. In her undergrad, she worked alongside Dr. Richard Beard in the progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and neutrophil-mediated blood brain barrier dysfunction. She is excited to apply her knowledge toward developing a deeper understanding of the neuropharmacology of alcohol use disorder. Outside of lab Brandee enjoys reading books, watching ice hockey and spending time outdoors.

Undergraduate students

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.

Xander Lindsey

Xander is a physiology student with a minor in literary studies and has aspirations of going to medical school. Xander is very involved on campus, where he is a member of multiple student organizations. He was previously the president of the University of Wyoming's NMDP chapter. He is also a LAMP learning assistant and supplemental instruction leader for organic chemistry. Xander joined the French Lab in the summer of 2025 and has since developed knowledge and skills in psychedelic compound pharmacology, mouse surgery, data analysis, and coding. Outside of the lab, Xander works as a CNA at Ivinson Memorial Hospital and spends his free time reading classic literature, running, and participating in intramural sports.

Zach Friel

Zach joined the French Lab in 2025 as a junior physiology major pursuing a pre-medicine track. Zach enjoys learning more about psychedelic-induced behavioral responses and the neural circuitry underlying these effects. Wherever there is a box to be made or an HTR to be counted, Zach is there. Outside of the lab, Zach enjoys playing sports such as golf and pickleball. He is also passionate about volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and teaching as a laboratory TA for courses including Organic Chemistry, Anatomy, and General Chemistry.

Jayton Meyer

Jayton joined the French Lab in 2026 as a third-year physiology student on a pre-medicine track. Jayton is interested in exploring alcohol use disorder and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. He is excited to learn more about the physiological effects of psychedelics on the brain and contribute to research in this emerging field. Jayton enjoys the outdoors, exercise, and learning about human physiology and health.

Ethan Newell

Ethan joined the French Lab in 2026 as a sophomore in biology. He is excited to contribute to the molecular biology questions in the lab. Outside the lab he enjoys playing hockey.

Lab Alumni

Postdocs

Gee Woo Nam, Ph.D. - USPTO

Undergraduate students

Lily-Marie Hitchcock - medical school

Jasmin Mahoney - medical school

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