Our Faculty
Lab Members
Emma Conroy, M.S.
Laboratory Research Services Professional
I have a multidisciplinary background in psychology, neuroscience, and genomic medicine. I have a B.S. in Psychology with minors in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience and Photography from CU Denver, and a MSc. in Genomic Medicine from Trinity College Dublin. I am passionate about advancing our understanding of lactation biology. Lactation plays a critical role in shaping health outcomes for both parents and infants, and contributing to research that strengthens this foundation is deeply meaningful to me. I am excited to support projects that address essential knowledge gaps and help move the field of reproductive and lactation science forward.
Outside of the lab I'm a lifelong dancer, love reading, and love exploring new places and finding fresh perspectives through travel.
Madison Clark, M.S.
Laboratory Research Services Professional
I graduated from the University of West Florida with a B.S. in marine biology and a M.S. in biology. After graduating I worked as a research technician at Tufts University studying how nutrition affects eye health. Later I moved back to Floria and started working at University of South Florida as a research scientist studying glaucoma and cornea wound healing. I am looking forward to contributing to the field of reproductive sciences.
When not working I enjoy reading, being outdoors, and I love watching reality tv.
Kara Fusco, B.A.
PhD Student
Integrated Physiology Graduate Program
I am originally from Collegeville, PA but have deep family roots in Colorado. After graduating from Colgate University with a degree in neuroscience, I sought opportunities in Colorado to continue my passion for laboratory science and return to my "second home". Working for Dr. Monks and Dr. Martin Carli interested me because of the opportunity to contribute to the underrepresented field of lactation biology by aiming to develop therapies for low milk supply. After working as their PRA for two years, I am starting my graduate education and career in the Monks lab. I aim to investigate the association between maternal obesity and low milk supply with the hope of identifying the molecular mechanisms underpinning this relationship.
Outside of the lab I enjoy fly fishing, yoga, playing fetch with my perfect black lab, and rooting for the Steelers!
I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I attended the University of New Mexico and earned a B.S. in Biology. I have always loved science and have always had a curiosity for understanding the world around me and how the human body functions. I was a dancer most of my life, having reached the pre-professional level by the time I was in high school. However, I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in science. I moved to Colorado to attend graduate school. I began my PhD training in the Biomedical Sciences Program (BSP) at CU Anschutz and later matriculated into the Cell Biology, Stem Cells, and Development (CSD) program. I joined Dr. Monks’ lab in January 2026 to study cell signaling mechanisms in lactation. Outside of the lab, I love to dance, hike, travel, and attend musical festivals.
Roxana Gutierrez, B.S.
PhD Student
Cell Biology, Stem Cells, and Development Graduate Program
roxana.gutierrez@cuanschutz.edu
Our Team
