Suhail Khoja PhD
Suhail Khoja Ph.D. is a Project Scientist in the Department of Surgery at UCLA. His research is primarily focused on CRISPR/Cas9-based correction of ARG1-deficient patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells and use this model to study the neuronal development in ARG1-deficient and ARG1 corrected cells. In addition Dr. Khoja is also investigating the correction of hepatic carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (Cps1) deficiency in mice using In vivo gene therapy.
Besides his research, Dr. Khoja is nature lover and enjoys spending time and traveling with his family and friends.
Suhail is now working as a Senior Scientist at Korro Bio, Inc. in Cambridge MA since 2020.
Xiao-Bo Liu PhD
Researcher
Jenna Lambert
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.
Stephanie Angarita MD
Postdoctoral Researcher
Jennifer Kasten MD
Postdoctoral Researcher
Gloria Cantero PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher
Yue Huang M.D, Ph.D
Yue is currently a clinical instructor in medical genetics and T32 research fellow at UCLA. He is studying the disease mechanism of the remethylation disorders with a focus on the impact of remethylation defects in the early brain development. On his free time, he enjoys hiking, skiing, and explore restaurants in town.
Matt Nitzahn Ph.D
Matt received his PhD in Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) within the home area of the Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Doctoral Program. His work focuses on designing and implementing novel gene- and cell-based therapies, including AAVs and CRISPR/Cas9, to treat urea cycle disorders, in particular CPS1 deficiency. During his free time, Matt enjoys reading fiction, cycling, and searching for the best pizza parlors in town.
Websites:
MBI home page: https://www.mbi.ucla.edu/
CDB home page: https://www.mbi.ucla.edu/cdb/
Andrea Ochoa
Kip Hermann PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher
Denise Tai MD
Postdoctoral Researcher
Brian Truong BS
Brian is a PhD student in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology (2015-2019). His research has focused on developing human induced pluripotent stem cell-based gene therapy strategies for treatment of arginase deficiency. Additionally, with industry collaborators, he has also investigated lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA for treatment of arginase deficiency as well as other urea cycle disorders. During his free time, Brian enjoys kickboxing, lifting weights, and checking out the local nightlife.
Pharmacology home page: https://www.pharmacology.ucla.edu/
Brian defended his thesis in September 2019 and transitioned into the biotech industry sector. He is currently a Research Scientist II at Poseida Therapeutics in San Diego, CA working on developing nanoparticle technology for gene therapy applications.
Patrick Lee PhD
Graduate Student
Adrienne Dow BS
Staff Research Associate
Lizzie Zhang
I graduated from UCLA 2021 with a bachelor degree in neuroscience and a minor in mathematical biology. My current project focuses on arginase deficiency – how an elevation of guanidino compounds could cause impairments of oligodendrocytes and eventually on myelination. In my free time, I enjoy baking, watching movies, and sleeping. Also a food blogger with 270k followers.
Blake Gilmore BS MS
Rotation Graduate Student
Nicholas Jackson
Rotation Graduate Student
Andrew Nguyen BS
Medical Student
Annie Chang
Undergraduate Researcher
Alex Lam BS
Undergraduate Researcher
Michael Lin BS
Undergraduate Researcher
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.
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.
Colleen Le
I received my B.S. in biochemistry here at UCLA in 2022 and am continuing my research throughout this gap year before entering medical school. I am currently working on studying SLC6A8 deficiency in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and designing CRISPR/Cas9 strategies to better understand the disease pathology. In my free time, I like to embroider, punch needle, and analyze films!
Puja Patel
I am a graduated Neuroscience and Psychology double major here at UCLA. In lab, I am currently working on a new gene therapy for Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency and various cloning projects. Outside of lab, I spend my free time watching true crime documentaries, hiking, and playing video games.
Olga Chen
Adam Eliav
Natanya Gunn
I’m a 4th year Biochemistry student at UCLA. I am currently working on testing the gene ride AAV system for Arginase 1 deficiency. Fun fact: I love playing dungeons and dragons
Emma Randolph
Mitchell Rudd
Shannon Asay
Letty Liu
Rebecca Van Dyke
Braydon Morandini
Hi! My name is Braydon Morandini and I am a fourth year MCDB major from Philadelphia. I am currently working on the CPS1 project and have plans of going to medical school post-grad. I love hiking, working out, nature, water sports, and of course, science!
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!
Katie Kyan
I am currently a 4th year Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology major from Hacienda Heights, CA. My project in the Lipshutz Lab focuses on studying CPS1 deficiency. Outside of research, I enjoy painting in my free time and searching for new food places to try in LA!
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.
Rachel Xu
I am a fourth year Human Biology and Society 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!
Leo Cigarroa
My name is Leonides Cigarroa, and I am a second year MIMG student. My hometown is Laredo, Texas where I hope to return to someday to join the family business of cardiological healthcare. When I’m not aiding in the lab or studying for my classes, I frequent the gym and enjoy playing the guitar. Should you ever see me in the Neurological Science Research Building, feel free to say hello!
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.
Rain Wong
I am a 1st-year MCDB major here at UCLA. I am currently studying under Colleen, learning about her work regarding CRISPR/Cas9 and SLC6A8 deficiency. In my free time, I like to play beach volleyball with friends, go to the gym and read manga.
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.
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!
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.
Charlie Lansky
I am a third year Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology major from La Jolla, California. In my free time I enjoy going to the beach as well as playing and watching sports.
Rachel Ross
I am a second-year human biology and society major from San Diego. In my free time, I enjoy spending time at the beach, reading, and traveling.
Isaiah Pollard
My name is Isaiah Pollard, and I am a senior Biology major at Clark Atlanta University from New York City. I am actively engaged in leadership, research, and community service. I am a participant in the UCLA–Clark Atlanta University Medical Pharmacology Pathway Program, with a strong academic and professional interest in trauma surgery, cancer biology, and addressing health disparities in underserved communities. In my free time, I enjoy mentoring peers, exploring medical innovation, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.