People

Jessica L. MacDonald, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience

Postdoc: Harvard University

PhD: Neuroscience, University of British Columbia

Hons. BSc: Physiology, University of Toronto at Mississauga

Email: jemacdon@syr.edu

Angelica Kowalchuk, PhD

Research Associate

BS Biology/Microbiology, BYU-Idaho
PhD Integrative Genetics and Genomics, UC Davis

Ashis Sinha, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

B.Sc. Physiology University of Calcutta

M.Sc. Biochemistry, University of Calcutta

PhD: Neuroscience, SUNY Upstate Medical University

Rett Syndrome is a severe debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder. Currently there is no effective treatment for this devastating disease. My project focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the neuronal and cortical phenotypes seen in Rett syndrome. I am currently looking at the role of different types of cells in the nervous system in contributing to Rett Syndrome pathology. My ultimate goal is to use this knowledge and understanding to develop effective therapeutic interventions for treating this disorder and improving the quality of life of patients affected by this condition.

C.J. Arnell

PhD Candidate

BSc Biochemistry University of Hertfordshire
MRes Molecular Biology University of Hertfordshire

Cited2 has been found to be a key regulator of cortical expansion and development of callosal projection neurons in the mammalian brain. Disruptions in Cited2 lead to behavioural deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. My project focuses on the regulation of Cited2 and how CITED2 modulates the epigenetic landscape, which leads to gene expression changes that control the development of the neocortex.

Nasim Khatibi

PhD Candidate

BSc Cellular and Molecular Biology

My project focuses on vitamin D modulation to restore homeostasis to multiple disrupted pathways as a therapeutic approach for Rett syndrome.

Sara Brigida

PhD Student

BA Neuroscience Skidmore College

My project focuses on further characterizing the role of Cited2 in cortical development and investigating folic acid as a means to improve deficits caused by loss of Cited2 function.

Undergraduate Researchers:

Nicholas Bouton

Anna Cally

Catherine Stephens

Lab Alumni:

Niko Wagner

PhD Candidate

B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Research Interests: My project focuses on the protein Cited2, and its role in cortical development.  This protein has known functions in other organs but is novel in the brain.  We aim to explore several aspects of how Cited2 functions in the developing brain, from molecular mechanisms to its effects on behavior as an adult.  In addition, we will explore how those mechanisms and behaviors are altered by maternal nutrition.  Current Position: Reveal Biosciences

May Ribeiro

PhD Candidate

BSc: PUC-Campinas, Brazil

Research Interests: My project seeks to investigate disruptions in molecular mechanisms that contribute to Rett syndrome, with a particular focus on the identification of potential therapeutic avenues that could alleviate the symptoms of the condition. Current Position: CRISPR Therapeutics

Ketan Marballi, PhD – Research Associate

Hyuck Kim, PhD – Postdoctoral Fellow

Lorelle Parker – Research Technician

Seth Moore – Research Technician

Alaba Danagogo- Undergraduate Researcher

Brady Iles- Undergraduate Researcher

Jaclyn Jakubowski – Undergraduate Researcher

Gila Fridkis – Undergraduate Researcher

Camerin Ortiz – Undergraduate Researcher

Abigail Johnson – Undergraduate Researcher