Lab Members
Melissa M. McGovern, PhD
Assistant Professor
Departments of Otolaryngology and Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh
Melissa received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Illinois College in 2013 and her Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Neuroscience from Southern Illinois University in 2017. While in graduate school, she investigated the ability of the neonatal cochlea to naturally regenerate lost cells in the lab of Dr. Brandon Cox. Following graduation, Melissa completed her postdoctoral training at Baylor College of Medicine in the lab of Dr. Andy Groves, where she studied the ability of the mature cochlea to be reprogrammed by the activation of transcription factors. Melissa’s joined the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh in May 2023, where she investigates the genetic barriers in supporting cells that prevent their conversion into hair cells.
McGovern Lab Staff
Janelle Gleim, M.S.
Laboratory Manager
I grew up just outside Hershey PA and worked at Chocolate World during the summers. I graduated from Mercyhurst University in 2016 with a Bachelors of Science in Applied Forensic Science concentrating in Forensic Anthropology. While in Undergrad, I had the opportunity to work as part of the Forensic Scene Recovery Team which works with local law enforcement to assist in evidence recovery. I went on to achieve a Masters of Science in Human Biology from Chatham University in 2018. I have been with the University of Pittsburgh since 2019. First as a Laboratory Technician in the Center for Vaccine Research (CVR), and now as Melissa’s laboratory manager. Outside of the lab I like to hike, paint, garden, read, and browse antique stores.
Maria Egidio, B.S.
Research Technician
I'm from northeast PA and I graduated with my bachelor's in Biological Sciences from Pitt in 2024. While I was an undergraduate, I also had minors in Spanish and English Literature! My first research experience at Pitt was with Dr. Deasy of the department of Health and Rehab Sciences, looking at regenerative therapy with mesenchymal stem cells. I've been with the McGovern lab since July 2024, and since then I have learned a lot about intricacies of the inner ear and the endless possibilities of gene therapy. I hope to continue my education and pursue a doctorate in audiology at Pitt next fall! When not in the lab I love to travel, bake, and do puzzles.
Liliana Burlingame, B.A.
Research Technician
I am from northeast Ohio and I received my B.A. in Neuroscience from the College of Wooster. My first research experience was with Dr. Nick Brandley studying visual acuity in Carolina grasshoppers, where I first became interested in sensory neuroscience. After graduation in 2024, I joined the McGovern lab to gain research experience and further explore my interests. I hope to continue my education and pursue a PhD in the future. When not in the lab I enjoy reading, baking, and exploring the city.
Joey Collura
Graduate Student - IBGP Program
I grew up on the other side of Pennsylvania in Macungie, and I came to Pittsburgh for my undergraduate degree in Microbiology and just haven't left! I struggled to find a lab to gain research experience during my undergraduate years due to the effects of the pandemic, but in the last semester of my senior year I was offered a spot in Dr. Shuda's lab working on Merkel Cell polyomavirus. After completing my bachelor's degree, Dr. Shuda offered me a technician position in his lab, where I worked alongside him and Drs. Yuan Chang and Patrick Moore at the Hillman Cancer Center. Since I was in 7th grade I always said I wanted to get my PhD, but after completing my degree I was not sure that was the path I wanted to take. Thanks to the great mentorship I received under Dr. Shuda, he pushed me to pursue a graduate degree and helped me obtain a first authorship paper. I was then accepted to the IBGP program right here at Pitt, and after my first year I decided to join the CMP program. My second rotation was with Dr. McGovern, and I was absolutely fascinated by the research being done in her lab. My interests were solidified after successfully dissecting my first cochlea and seeing the intricate structure of the cochlea, developing a deep interest in the mechanisms behind the formation of the Organ of Corti. Outside of the lab, I love playing with my two cats Milly and Willy, working on cars, fishing, and playing video games with friends.
Alissa Buck
Former Research Technician
I received my B.S in psychology and minor in neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, I am working towards a PharmD and Masters in PharmacoAnalytics and Outcomes Research at the University of Pittsburgh. After undergrad, I worked in human research to better understand anxiety, depression, aging, and mental health medication. I then moved into bench work, which is how I ended up working with Dr. McGovern. In the lab, I have worked on projects relating to understanding the genes relating to hearing loss and supporting cells in the cochlea. My current project involves using patient data to understand the relationship certain genes and phenotypes have on hearing loss. Upon graduation, I plan to work in pharmacovigilance or a specialty field. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my cats, crocheting, biking, and spending time with loved ones!
Support Staff
Milly
Willy
Peanut Winifred
Maggie Jane
Kaiya Penelope
Monica
Monica
Karen
Jack
Taylor
Dolly
Everest
Professor Bits
Jolene
Jessica
Group Activities
DNA hoodies
MARC 2025
Picklesburgh
The Puttery
SURP 2026