stryder meadows, phd
professor
In July 2014, I joined Tulane University as an assistant professor in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology. My research interests are in all things vascular including, blood vessel patterning and morphogenesis, anastomosis and arteriovenous malformations.
Prior to arriving in New Orleans, I trained as a postdoctoral fellow and Instructor in the laboratory of Dr. Ondine Cleaver at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas (2008-2014). Using mouse genetic models, my studies focused on understanding the role of repulsive guidance cues, such as Semaphorin 3E, in blood vessel patterning and morphogenesis. UTSW was also where I started many of the projects that will drive my lab at Tulane, thanks to Ondine's mentorship and support.
Before my postdoctoral studies, I was a graduate student in the laboratory of Dr. Paul Krieg at the University of Arizona in Tuscon (2001-2008). Using the frog (Xenopus laevis) as a model system, my work centered on understanding the transcriptional programs regulating skeletal muscle and vascular gene expression during embryogenesis. The desert is where I first became interested in vascular biology.
I received my BS degree in Biology at the University of New Mexico (University near Mom) in 2000. During my time there, I conducted research as an undergraduate student and technician (2000-2001) in the laboratory of Dr. Richard Cripps. One could say that is where I caught the research bug and never looked back.
Favorite piece of lab equipment: Graduate Students
Favorite place at Tulane: Crawfest!
KYLIE Browne, BS, MS
PHD Candidate
Kylie is from New Jersey and, as such, has never pumped her own gas. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2018 with a B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Her interest in biological research led her to join the Tulane CMB PhD program in 2019, and subsequently the Meadows lab in 2020. Her favorite lab activities include working with cultured cells and checking up on her mice. In her free time, she enjoys whittling down her extensive list of shows to watch, listening to music, and MMORPGs.
Favorite piece of lab equipment: The cell culture hood
Favorite place at Tulane: A booth at the Willow Street PJ’s
ANIRBAN RAY, B.Sc., M.sc., ms
PHD CAndidate
Anirban completed his MS in Molecular/Microbial Ecology from BGSU, Ohio, and has a Master’s in Microbiology from Bangalore University, India. Following the completion of his MS, Anirban has worked in many different positions primarily focused on research. However, his inclination towards learning, invention, research and teaching led him to pursue PhD in Cell and Molecular biology at Tulane University. He joined Meadows’s lab in June 2022. In his free time, he enjoys photography, playing cricket, cooking, travelling and reading thrillers.
Favorite piece of lab equipment: qPCR (Lord Voldemo…“You Know Who”)
Favorite place at Tulane: LBC
BELARSI S. OUATTARA, MS, MD
PHD Student
Belarsi completed her medical education at Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie de Casablanca, Morocco, and returned to Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) where she completed her residency in Pathology and earned a Master's degree in Genetics from Université Felix Houphouet Boigny. She worked as a pathologist for four years before moving to the United States to further her studies in Molecular Biology. She obtained her MS in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University and is currently pursuing her PhD in the same field and institution. Belarsi joined Meadows Lab in January 2026, co-mentored by both Dr Meadows and Dr Fang. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, travelling, reading or watching K-drama shows.
Favorite piece of lab equipment: Liquid nitrogen tank… (I am always mesmerized by the fog surrounding the racks)
Favorite place at Tulane: The mini waterfall pool by Commons
Saron S. tadesse, BS
PHD Student
I am originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and completed my undergraduate studies at Soka University of America. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to do research in several laboratories, which sparked my interest in pursuing scientific research. Particularly, I am interested in working on rare diseases to uncover the underlying mechanisms and ultimately develop therapies. I hope to make an impact in third-world countries where there is significant gaps in scientific knowledge. In order to solidify my expertise in research, I joined Tulane University's Cell and Molecular Biology Department and became a member of the Meadows lab in May 2026. Outside of lab, I love learning new languages, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite piece of lab equipment: Biosafety cabinet (BSC)
Favorite place at Tulane: Gibson Quad
Kennen Kelly, Bs, ms
PHD Student
Kennen completed his BS in Psychology at University of New Orleans and his MS in Neuroscience at Tulane University. Following his master's degree, he worked as a lab technician in the Tasker lab. Since then, he has joined the Tulane Neuroscience PhD program in 2025 and the Meadows lab in 2026. In his free time, he plays/coaches soccer, is a big New Orleans Pelicans fan, and loves to make baked ziti.
Favorite piece of lab equipment: The Ethidium Bromide Microwave
Favorite place at Tulane: Soccer field at Reily Center
Mae-Ying Stock-Bordnick
undergraduate researcher
Mae-Ying is an undergraduate student from New Orleans and is majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology and minoring in Studio Art. Her interest in the sciences began in middle school after struggling in biology class. She plans on pursuing a PhD after graduation and entering a career in scientific research. Mae-Ying is part of Tulane’s Synthetic Biology club, and she enjoys reading, watching anime, and petting her cats in her free time.
Favorite Piece of Lab Equipment: centrifuge
Favorite Place at Tulane: 2nd floor of the library
