Our Team
Postdoc Harvard University
Ph.D. University of Toronto
BSc. University of Toronto
As a scientist I have studied different facets of nervous system biology, starting with neural tissue alternative splicing during my Ph.D. in the Blencowe lab, followed by developmental neurobiology during my postdoc in the Schier lab.
My goal is to be a supportive and accessible mentor, cultivate a lab of equity and diversity, and promote a work-hard-but-rest-and-have-fun attitude. Science is my primary inspiration but I am also a climber, skier, hip-hop dancer and fair-weather cyclist.
Marisa Reed
Technician
marisa.reed {a} pennmedicine.upenn.edu
BSc. Drexel University
Marisa earned her undergraduate degree in Biology, concentrating in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, and Genetics with a minor in Neuroscience at Drexel University.
There she volunteered in Dr. John R. Bethea’s lab, studying the efficacy of TNFR2 agonists as a therapeutic agent for motor function in EAE males versus females, and gained valuable research experience through three Co-ops.
Outside of science, Marisa enjoys reading, swimming, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.
Abby Siniscalco
Lab Manager/Technician
abigail.siniscalco {a} pennmedicine.upenn.edu
BSc. University of Vermont
Abby earned her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at the University of Vermont.
For her senior thesis research, she investigated the role of crk-family adaptor proteins in the development of zebrafish hair cells along the lateral line.
Outside of science, Abby enjoys reading, cooking, and the outdoors!
Jessie Greenslade
Graduate Student, NGG
jessie.greenslade {a} pennmedicine.upenn.edu
BSc. George Mason University
Jessie earned her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at George Mason University.
She then worked in the lab of Dr. Mervyn Monteiro studying disruptions in protein clearance and novel neuropathology associated with ALS-linked mutations in the UBQLN2 gene.
In the Raj lab, Jessie is investigating the transcriptional and genomic accessibility profiles of neural cells as they transition to their final cellular fates.
Outside the lab, Jessie enjoys playing volleyball, exercising, paint by numbers, and being with friends and family!
Hemagowri Venkatasubramanian
Postdoc
hemagowri.veeravenkatasubramanian {a} pennmedicine.upenn.edu
BSc. The Ethiraj College for Women, affiliated to Madras University
MSc. Vellore Institute of Technology
Ph.D. SRM Institute of Science and Technology
During her Ph.D., Hema studied chemical mediated disruption of estrogen synthesis pathway in different fish models and also performed functional characterization of zebrafish apc mutant model during early stages of development.
Outside of research, Hema likes yoga and aerobics, reading, cooking and exploring places for food and entertainment.
Alumni
Rotation Students
Diego Jimenez DSRB Fall 2023
Joan Donahue DSRB Spring 2023
Katie Toohill DSRB Winter 2023
Maggie Cassidy G&E Fall 2022
Olivia Fish G&E Spring 2022
Reiko Tomizawa DSRB Spring 2022
Samantha Fallacaro DSRB Winter 2022
Technicians & Lab Managers
Aiden Masters 2022-2023 Now: Medical student at University of Vermont
Hannah Doll 2021-2022 Now: Graduate student at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Visiting Students
Elif Otugen-Moussu 2023 Visiting from University of Paris-Saclay
Postdocs
Roshan Perrera 2022-2024
Summer Students
Amelia Dennis 2024
Sarah Koh 2023, 2024
Leslie Sanchez Gonzalez 2023