Martin Wallner Ph.D

My work focuses on the question why problems with nitrogen excretion leads to predominantly neurological problems, despite the brain being shielded from peripheral compounds by the blood-brain barrier. Currently we are working on the effects of guanidinoacteate (GAA), the precursor for creatine, that accumulates in patients with certain enzyme defects. We find that GAA can interfere with inhibitory neurotransmission by mimicking GABA on GABA(A) receptors, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in mammalian brains. I am also looking forward to contribute to the state-of-the-art gene therapy approaches developed in the Lipshutz lab.

In my free time I enjoy gardening and sports, like cycling, swimming and skiing in the beautiful local mountains around Los Angeles.

Project Scientist

Rachel Reyes Ph.D

Rachel received her Ph.D in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics from USC where she explored the role of the gut microbiome on voluntary alcohol consumption and subsequent neuroinflammation within a mouse model of behavior. Before joining our lab, she worked at CHLA and investigated rare genetic mutations related to chromatin dysregulation and syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders/intellectual disability. In her free time, Rachel enjoys reading, watching cheesy TV sitcoms, and playing video games.

Project Scientist

Aleks Bogoniewski

Aleks is currently a graduate student in the Molecular and Medical Pharmacology program at UCLA. As an undergraduate researcher, he was selected for the UCLA CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research fellowship under the guidance of Dr. Harley Kornblum. During his time in the fellowship, his research centered around cerebral organoid development and analysis from patients with the heterozygous PTEN mutation.

During his free time, Aleks enjoys hiking, running, and exploring LA.

Graduate Student

Isabel Day

My name is Isabel and I recently graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in molecular, cell, and developmental biology and a minor in disability studies. In my free time I enjoy hiking, yoga, caring for my many plants, and exploring California with friends.

Staff Research Associate

Taryn Diep

My name is Taryn and I’m a recent MCDB graduate here at UCLA.  I’m currently working on a project with Rachel where we are testing the efficacy of a transposon-based gene therapy for Arg1 deficiency in collaboration with a biotechnology company.  In my free time, I like to swim, bake, and try out new cafes around LA with my friends.

Staff Research Associate

Stuti Bakshi

Hi! My name is Stuti and I am a recently graduated Psychobiology major and Applied Developmental Psychology minor from Portland, OR. In my free time, I enjoy working out, playing volleyball, trying out new recipes, and playing poker with friends.

Staff Research Associate

Grace Wu

My name is Grace, and I recently graduated from UCLA with a major in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, and a minor in Food Studies. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and exploring good food with my friends.

Staff Research Associate

Nyla Buie

I am a second year Cognitive Science major from Pennsylvania. My research interests include gene therapy and studying neurology. I enjoy working out, watching movies, and trying new food places around LA!

Undergraduate Researcher

Kiran Singh

I am a 3rd year biology major and musicology minor student. I am from Chico, CA and I enjoy golfing, snowboarding and exploring.

Undergraduate Researcher

Rachel Xu

I am a second year molecular, cellular, and developmental biology major from San Diego. I am currently working on a project involving transposon based gene therapy with Taryn. In my free time, I like to watch TV, crochet, and go to the gym!

Undergraduate Researcher

Wesley Zhou

I am an undergraduate student at UCLA studying Molecular Biology (MCDB) and History. My research interests lie in understanding different urea cycle disorders and finding appropriate and sustainable gene therapies for them. In my spare time, I enjoy working out, playing basketball, and familiarizing myself with world events.

Undergraduate Researcher

Shimona Gupta

I am a first-year Human Biology and Society major from Northern California. My research interests lie in genetics and molecular biology, specifically gene editing and gene therapies. In my free time, I enjoy learning new instruments, roller skating, and trying different coffee places.

Undergraduate Researcher

Gia Boisselier

I am a second-year Biology major currently interested in gene therapy research.  In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing basketball, and collecting vinyl records.

Undergraduate Researcher

Maya Moreno

I am a third-year Biology major from Sacramento, participating in the CIRM COMPASS scholars program to deepen my knowledge of regenerative medicine. In my free time, I like to read, hike, and spend time with my family!

Undergraduate Researcher

Sarah Chi

I am a third-year Cognitive Science major at UCLA with an interest to pursue medicine as a career. In my free time, I love playing tennis and golf with family and friends, exploring good matcha cafes in LA, and running.

Undergraduate Researcher

Alexa Garcia

Hello! My name is Alexa and I am a current second year at UCLA majoring in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. In my free time, I love to go on runs and listen to all kinds of music!

Undergraduate Researcher

Diya Arora

I am a first-year Neuroscience major here at UCLA. In my free time, I enjoy playing badminton, reading, and playing the piano.

Undergraduate Researcher