Lab Members

PRINICPAL INVESTIGATOR

VICTORIA MACHT, PhD

prestonv@uncw.edu

Dr. Victoria Macht’s overarching scientific goal is centered on understanding the mechanisms linking neural and immune function and dysfunction with behavior across the landscape of neurodevelopment in both sexes. After receiving her B.S. at Furman University in Psychology, she completed a Masters and Doctorate of Experimental Psychology at the University of South Carolina under the guidance of Drs. Sandra Kelly and Lawrence Reagan where she examined the neurobehavioral consequences in a model of fetal alcohol exposure and neuroimmune disruptions in a model of Gulf War Illness. She then moved to North Carolina to work with Dr. Fulton Crews, former director of the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill where she expanded her examination of developmental alcohol exposure and found that adolescent alcohol-driven cholinergic dysfunction contributes to innate immune disruption of adult neurogenesis in both males and females. In January 2025, Dr. Macht was thrilled to start her independent lab at the University of North Carolina Wilmington where she continues to focus on the intersection between developmental alcohol exposure, innate immune signaling, and hippocampal circuitry on cognitive-behavioral disruptions across the lifespan. Outside the lab, Dr. Macht enjoys art, gardening and hanging out with her husband, two kids, and giant fluffy rough collie, Nala.

Hunter Kelley, B.S.

hgk6205@uncw.edu

Hunter Kelley is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Psychology with a Neuroscience and Behavior concentration. Following his undergraduate studies earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Evolutionary Studies, he is interested in the use of preclinical models to further an understanding of the physiological mechanisms behind reciprocal processes of neuroinflammation and substance abuse induced neural deficits in hippocampal areas, with a focus on adolescence as a critical developmental period in which these deficits present. He has worked as an undergraduate research student in the Microglial Lab under Dr. Rachel Kohman, which involved the use of immunohistochemical techniques to investigate sex differences in hippocampal neurogenesis and TLR-4 functioning following the induction of an LPS inflammatory challenge. Following the completion of a Master of Science degree, he plans to pursue Doctoral studies in Neuroscience with a focus on preclinical models of substance abuse and neuroinflammation, with hopes of pursuing a career in academia. Outside of research, Hunter enjoys reading, gardening, playing instruments, and spending time with his dog. 

alstone@uncw.edu

Eymani Alston joined the Macht Lab as a research technician and lab manager after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Eymani is interested in how early-life stressors and trauma impact neurodevelopment and increase vulnerability to psychopathology, risky behaviors, and learning/behavioral challenges in children and adolescents. She began her research career at the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies under the mentorship of Dr. Fulton Crews, where she worked alongside Dr. Victoria Macht on projects investigating the neurobiology of adolescent binge alcohol exposure on neuroimmune signaling and hippocampal neurogenesis. Through this work, Eymani gained experience supporting preclinical studies involving behavioral testing, immunohistochemistry, and neuroanatomical analyses aimed at understanding how developmental alcohol exposure alters brain function and behavior. In January 2025, Eymani transitioned with Dr. Macht to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she continues to contribute to research examining the intersection of developmental alcohol exposure, behavior, innate immune signaling, and hippocampal circuitry across neurodevelopment. Eymani plans to pursue graduate training in school psychology, with the goal of applying her research experience to contribute to effective, trauma-informed interventions within educational settings. Outside of the lab, Eymani enjoys going on adventures with her dog, Buster, reading, and experimenting with new baking recipes.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS & RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS

Daniel Park

dsp1594@uncw.edu

Daniel Park is a Sophomore student at UNCW majoring in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. He joined the Macht Lab in Spring of 2025 in search of hands-on experience in psychology research and lab work which will further develop his skills for a future career in psychiatry. Outside of the lab Daniel enjoys honing his cooking abilities, playing tennis, and making music.

Sarah Neveux

sln6308@uncw.edu

Sarah Neveux recently graduated from UNCW where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis. Currently, most of her experience stems from the field of behavior analysis; She worked in Dr. Carole Van Camp’s TABS Lab where they focused on translational areas of behavior analysis regarding physical activity assessments and interventions. She also gained hands-on experience with the Transition Program for Young Adults, where she implemented and practiced behavior technician skills. One of her current interests and goals include gaining a deeper understanding on the neurophysiological differences in individuals on the autism spectrum (ASD). She hopes to work towards accomplishing this by immersing herself in the field of developmental and behavioral neuroscience. With this, she is eager to gain experience, and hopes to learn as much as she can in the Macht Lab. Outside of the lab, she enjoys learning new things, trying new foods with her partner, and spending quality time with her two albino ball pythons, Beans and Taco.