Lab Manager

Nathan "Aura" Pence

Aura has been with the Johnson Lab since November 2018, and has been lab manager since September 2020. He completed his Bachelors of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience at Michigan State University in December 2020 with Honor. 

Aura’s research interests focus on endophenotypes and aberrant dopamine expression associated with neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, but he lends a supportive hand in most AWJ Lab experiments. He aspires towards a professorship after completing graduate school; he is currently enrolled at Holy Apostles College and Seminary pursuing a Master’s in Thomistic Theology.

In addition to Neuroscience studies, Aura owns an audio recording studio and pursues professional photography, having received a previous degree as a Digital Media Specialist from Lansing Community College. He also designed awjlab.com!