Our Team

Lara Counts graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in Natural Sciences. She is currently a graduate student at Washington University in St. Louis pursuing a Master of Public Health with a specialization in Global Health. Her previous research experiences have been focused on microbiology and maternal and child health. In her free time she enjoys hiking, backpacking and exploring the city with her friends.

Sam Hayes grew up in an American, Midwest town too small for stoplights. She graduated from Southern Illinois University with a BS in Biology and a curiosity in diseases. She then attended Saint Louis University and graduated with a Master of Public Health and a concentration in Epidemiology and Biosecurity Disaster Preparedness. When not working, Sam can be found baking macarons, seeking new coffee shops, and striving to cook every egg dish possible.

Lauren Hunstad grew up in St. Louis and is currently attending Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she is majoring in chemistry with a minor in biology. She is planning on a future career in research, in a chemistry or virology-related field. At Drake, she is in Women in STEM and Kappa Kappa Gamma, works in the chemistry stockroom, and serves as the VP of Membership Development on the Panhellenic Council. Outside of school her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, reading, and watching Formula 1.

Emily Hunter graduated from the University of Miami in 2018 with a BS in Biology. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Public Health at Saint Louis University with joint concentrations in epidemiology and behavioral science and health education. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in clinical research and mix her biology background with newfound epidemiology skills. She is eager to join the Fritz lab and learn more about how community health and infectious diseases intersect. Emily’s hobbies include reading thriller novels, hanging out in Forest Park and trying new STL restaurants with her friends.

Hannah Kinzer graduated from Lawrence University with a BA in Biology and completed her MPH at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Public Health Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. Her research focuses on equity and communication in infectious disease prevention. Her interests are informed by her experiences in immunobiology, epidemiologic surveillance, community-based participatory projects, and health communication research. Outside of her studies and research, you can find Hannah running, volunteering at community events, and trying new recipes.

Madison Martin-Giacalone graduated from Truman State University with a BS in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Madison is currently a masters student at St. Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice, where she is concentrating in Epidemiology and Maternal and Child Health. She grew up in the St. Louis area and is happy to be back home where she is close to family. Madison plans to pursue a career in research in perinatal epidemiology, and work to improve birth outcomes in the St. Louis area. In her free time, Madison enjoys taking her dog to the park, reading a good book, and riding horses.

Chris O’Connor grew up in the far off suburbs of Chicago (fan of all Chicago teams except the White Sox). He received his BS and MA in Biology from Drake University. From there he went on for his PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is currently enrolled in the MPH program at Washington University in St. Louis with an emphasis in Epidemiology/Biostatistics. When he’s not studying/working, he enjoys playing with his twin boys and occasionally picks up the guitar and will sing a song or two (sometimes in front of other people).

Samik Partha grew up in Madison, WI, and is a huge Milwaukee Bucks fan. He is currently an undergraduate at Washington University as part of the University Scholars Program in Medicine and is majoring in biology and minoring in anthropology: global health. In the future, he looks forward to attending Washington University School of Medicine and exploring his interests in infectious diseases, cancer biology and immunology. Outside of work, Partha enjoys singing, riding his bike and volunteering at local food pantries.

Rinat Tal graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a BA in Anthropology: Global Health and the Environment and minors in Biology and Medical Humanities. She is continuing her studies with the goal of attending medical school in the next few years. Her interests and previous experience have centered around maternal and child health. When she is not working or studying, Tal enjoys singing, cooking and spending time in Forest Park.

Kyle Whittington grew up in Southern Illinois and earned a BS in Biological Sciences from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He is now a medical student at SIU School of Medicine, taking a year off after his third year to participate in the TL1 Program at Washington University. During this year he is excited to take part in clinical research with a focus on rural health and purse a masters degree. He’s a huge NBA fan, St. Louis sports supporter and willing participant in any game that keeps score.