Samantha Weaver, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Comparative Biosciences
srweaver@wisc.edu
Office: 3254 in the School of Veterinary Medicine South, 2015 Linden Drive
Phone: 608-265-9979
I am originally from Northfield, MN. After completing my B.S. at UW-Madison, I stayed for a Ph.D. in Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology studying mammary gland physiology, followed by a 6-year postdoctoral fellowship in the Mayo Clinic Department of Orthopedic Surgery. I joined the faculty in the Department of Comparative Biosciences in the School of Veterinary Medicine at UW-Madison in fall of 2024. My research interests are focused on the molecular underpinnings of musculoskeletal development and disease. Outside the lab, I’m wrangling my two daughters with my husband and our dog, named Michael.
Trevor Wolfe
Ph.D. Candidate, Molecular and Environmental Toxicology
I graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2022 with a forensic chemistry major and a biology minor. After taking the summer off for some much needed R&R, I moved to Madison to start grad school as a PhD student in the Molecular and Environmental Toxicology program. I joined the Weaver lab in March of 2025 after realizing that my original lab was not the best fit, and my current projects include modeling fracture repair in WT and GIRK3 KO mice and investigating the effect of GIRK channel modulation on BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
Anna Jesch
M.S. Candidate, Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology
I earned my B.S. in Neurobiology from UW-Madison in 2024. My research in the Weaver Lab focuses on bone mineral accrual in an adolescent rodent model of pharmacological puberty blockade. After completing my master’s degree, I am pursuing a career in academic medicine while continuing to explore my love of endocrinology. Outside of the lab, I am an avid marathon runner and enjoy curling up on the couch to read or watch a show with my cat Sundae.
Jennifer Adams
Ph.D. Candidate, Comparative Biomedical Sciences
I joined the Weaver lab in 2025, after graduating from Amherst College with a B.A. in Biochemistry in 2024. At Amherst, I researched the activation mechanism of the classical protein tyrosine phosphatase, SHP1. I grew up in Cary, NC, and outside the lab, I enjoy reading fiction novels and watching movies with friends.
Hazel Lietz
M.S. Candidate, Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology
I graduated from UW-Madison in 2025 with a B.S. in Biology and joined the lab that same year. I’m originally from Evanston, IL, and I love any city near a body of water. In my free time you’ll find me going on long walks and petting any dog I find.
Ada Oldfather
Veterinary Student, Summer Scholars Program 2025
I am originally from Milwaukee, WI. I attended the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities for my BS in Environmental Sciences, then I returned to Wisconsin for my DVM (Class of 2028). I am interested in equine sports medicine which led to joining the Weaver Lab to study the underlying mechanisms of and potential therapies for diseases like osteoarthritis (though I also love beef cattle and small ruminants). Outside of school, I enjoy running, biking, and occasionally riding a horse.
Andrew Leland
Research Intern / Lab Manager
I earned my B.S. In Biology with a minor in psychology 2023. After graduating, I spent a year working for Thermofisher, where I was a third-party tester for pharmaceuticals. I joined the Weaver lab in order to gain experience in academic research. I am currently applying to UW Madison for PhD programs. Outside of lab, I enjoy all types of cycling, playing video games, and collecting shiny trinkets.
Will Hartman
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Zachary Johnson
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sophia Juntilla
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a junior undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison working towards a B.S. in Biology as well as a certificate in Business and Accounting Fundamentals. I am also a part of the Biology Core Curriculum at UW Madison. Outside of lab, I love to spend time going on walks, trying out new coffee shops, and reading!
This could be you!
Contact Sam for more information