Dr. Opendak immigrated from St. Petersburg, Russia when she was 2 and grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Columbia University, working with Dr. Peter Balsam. She then earned her Ph.D. at Princeton working in Dr. Elizabeth Gould's lab and completed her postdoctoral research fellowship at NYU Langone Health under the mentorship of Dr. Regina Sullivan. Dr. Opendak joined the faculty at Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in August 2021.

When not in lab, Dr. Opendak enjoys movies, sci-fi novels, and being a proud mom to son Pete and her dogs, Linus and Benny. 

Hola, my name is Cesar! I graduated from the University of Arizona with my BS and PhD in Neuroscience. For my PhD, I worked with Dr. Julie Miller on developing a model of Parkinson's disease using zebra finches. I then joined the Opendak Lab in May 2022 to study the molecular drivers underlying the effects of early life stress on the neural circuits subserving social behavior throughout development.

Outside of the lab, I am involved with initiatives to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM. I have previously worked with organizations in Tucson, AZ, including Casa Alitas (Asylum center), URM SRPs, and other STEM initiatives. As a Mexican-American, this work inspires me and helps me center my work around people.

Shana earned her PhD in neuroscience through the UCL–NIH Graduate Partnership Program, mentored by Drs. Essi Viding and Andrew Holmes, respectively. Her doctoral research established a translational approach to understanding social threat learning in mice and humans. She went on to investigate plasticity in long-range brain circuits supporting cognitive function during her postdoctoral work with Dr. Joshua Gordon at NINDS. Shana joined the Opendak Lab in February 2026 to explore the effects of early-life adversity on the development of social learning and behavior. Outside the lab, she is usually keeping up with her two kids, following sports, or imagining what life might be like as a standup comedian. 

Hi! I’m Elaina. I’m a Senior at Johns Hopkins studying neuroscience and psychology, with a hope to go into academia when I finish grad school. My main academic interests are in neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism and ADHD, and in how environmental factors affect development (a perfect fit for the Opendak Lab!). I enjoy reading, digital art, and constantly cuddling with my dog Milo.

Hi, my name is Hillary. I graduated from Gettysburg College majoring in Experimental Psychology and Mathematics, and minoring in Neuroscience. In my undergraduate lab, I mainly explored the role of the reward circuit on decision making. My current research interest focuses on how the learning and memory circuits can be altered throughout development due to addiction and/or adversity, all of which I hope to explore more with the Opendak Lab. Outside of lab, you will see me either attempt to follow another bread recipe or dye my hair.

Hi! My name is Matthew. I graduated from Lehigh University in 2025 with a Bachelors in Molecular Biology and am currently a masters student at Johns Hopkins in the Biotechnology program. In my undergraduate lab, I worked with Dr. Vassie Ware on bacteriophages with an emphasis on exploring the protein-protein interactions responsible for cytotoxic genes and how they affect bacterial growth. My current research interests are in how socialization can alter stress responses in developing pups as well as exploring different pathways of interest that we have found during our lab work. Outside of the lab I love to explore different cities with my friends, try out new restaurants, or watch movies. You can also find me in dance classes and I’m also a model in the DMV area. 

Hello! I’m Isaac. Before joining the Opendak Lab I graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2023 with a BSc (Hons) in psychology, and then worked as a postbaccalaureate fellow at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, where I studied the role of the endocannabinoid system in schizophrenia phenotypes. I am most interested in the cells and circuits of social behaviour and their relation to psychiatric illness, and am eager to explore this area in the Opendak Lab and in grad school in the future. Outside of the lab, I like to discover new cities via their cafes and coffee shops, so am excited to explore Baltimore, as well as DC and Philadelphia! I also can usually be found at a boxing/fitness class, reading, or at home watching a British TV show.

Hello! My name is Freud, and I am a sophomore studying Molecular Biology with a minor in Psychology at Johns Hopkins University. Research topics that I find most interesting are neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism, to contribute to better treatments and understandings. Post graduation, I intend on attending medical school to pursue an MD. Outside of research, I love listening to music, working out, and watching movies/shows. 

Hello! My name is Freud, and I am a sophomore studying Molecular Biology with a minor in Psychology at Johns Hopkins University. Research topics that I find most interesting are neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism, to contribute to better treatments and understandings. Post graduation, I intend on attending medical school to pursue an MD. Outside of research, I love listening to music, working out, and watching movies/shows. 

Hi! My name is Mika, and I am a freshman from San Francisco. I am majoring in Behavioral Biology with a minor in Film and Media Studies. I am most interested in understanding how environmental factors affect brain development and susceptibility to mental illness. I hope to understand the mechanisms through which these influences manifest and learn to identify potential interventions to mitigate negative effects. After graduation I aim to either pursue an MD or go into bioengineering research. Outside of lab I enjoy playing drums, watching movies, thrifting, and baking! 

Hello! My name is Keita and I am a Freshman at Johns Hopkins University studying Neuroscience and Music. I am very interested in both sensory systems and neurodegenerative diseases. I hope to go to medical school after graduation, and possibly study abroad before then. Outside of lab and school, I like to watch baseball and play piano !

Hi! My name is Chloe. I'm a junior (Class of '24) studying Neuroscience and Psychology at Johns Hopkins University. I am broadly interested in cognitive neuroscience and how the environment affects development. I hope to pursue either a MD or psychological research following graduation. In my free time, I enjoy art, photography, and watching movies!