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.
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.
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.
Mimi Lu
Hello! My name is Mimi and I graduated from UCLA with a BS in Physiological Science. I am from San Francisco and in my free time I enjoy painting and hiking.
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.
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.
Nathan Wang
Hi, my name is Nathan and I recently graduated from Berkeley with a double major in bioengineering and neurobiology. I’m interested in developing gene and stem cell-based therapies for neurological and neuro-oncological diseases. In my free time, I enjoy baking new recipes, playing piano, and finding new matcha places.
Stuti Bakshi
Hi! My name is Stuti and I recently graduated from UCLA with a major in Psychobiology major and minor in Applied Developmental Psychology. I’m from Portland, OR and enjoy calligraphy and playing the guitar in my free time.
Wesley Zhou
I am a recent UCLA Molecular Biology (MCDB) and History graduate. 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.
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!
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.
Lily Kiaei
I am a third-year Physiological Sciences major from Westchester, New York. In my free time, I enjoy workout classes such as Yoga and Pilates, going to the beach, and trying new coffee spots!
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.
Susanna Rivera
I am a third-year Neuroscience major from Fresno, California, and am a participant in UCLA’s COMPASS Program through CIRM. I have an interest in studying neuropathology and regenerative medicine. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new music, stargazing, and spending time with my family and friends.
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.
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.
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.
Gloria Tang
I am a first-year molecular, cellular and developmental biology major from Singapore and Hong Kong, with an interest in gene therapy research. In my free time, I enjoy painting, playing the guitar and going on jogs.
Chloe Wang
Hi! My name is Chloe and I am currently a first-year neuroscience major from London with a career interest in medicine and research. In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends, horse riding, and listening to music.
Grant Ruttenberg
My name is Grant, and I am a junior in high school at Windward. I have a passion for studying and I aim to deepen my knowledge of molecular biology. In my free time, I enjoy playing guitar and lifting weights.