Principle Investigator

Kelly Mulfaul received her Ph.D. from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, for her studies on the role of Toll like receptor signaling in retinal degeneration under the supervision of Dr. Sarah Doyle. She completed her Postdoctoral training at the University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research under the supervision of Dr. Budd Tucker and Dr. Robert Mullins. She joined the Department of Neurscience and Pharmacology in January of 2025. 

Research Assistant

Megan graduated from the University of Iowa in 2024 with a BA in Biology.

As an undergraduate student, she worked as a Student Laboratory Technician in the Decedent Care Center. She also volunteered for a summer in a research lab studying IRHOM2 and its relation to colon cancer.

In March of 2025 Megan joined the Mulfaul Lab as a Research Assistant. She works on the mouse model experiments, colony management, tissue sectioning and staining.

Outside of the lab Megan enjoys crafts such as knitting and crocheting, reading, and hanging out with her cat Lenny. She also likes to travel and explore new National Parks.

Research Assistant

Zoë graduated from the University of Iowa in May of 2025 with a BS in Neuroscience and BA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 

She is currently working in the Mulfaul lab and will transition to a graduate student in the Biomedical Science Program this fall. 

Outside the lab, Zoë enjoys painting, yoga, and spending time outside with her dog, Cici!

Research Assistant

Rachel graduated from the University of Iowa in 2023 with a BA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In her senior year she worked as an undergraduate researcher studying Uveal Melanoma metastasis in fish models.

In January 2024 Rachel joined the lab as a research assistant studying the role of chemokine CCL5 in early AMD. In Fall 2025, she will transition to being a PhD student in the Pharmacology and Neuroscience program within the Biomedical Sciences umbrella program, while continuing her current research.

Outside of lab Rachel likes to workout, read, hangout with friends, and go to music festivals/concerts.