Navonil Banerjee, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar Originally from India, Navonil received his BS in Biochemistry and MS in Biotechnology from University of Calcutta, India. He received his PhD in Neurobiology from U Mass Medical School, where his thesis work focused on neuropeptide signaling mechanisms underlying innate and adaptive behaviors in C. elegans. In the Hallem lab, Navonil seeks to understand the neural basis of CO2 response in skin-penetrating nematodes and C. elegans. Navonil spends his free time reading, watching movies, cooking and exploring national parks. |
Astra Bryant, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar Originally from the SF Bay Area, Astra is a postdoctoral fellow studying the neural mechanisms underlying thermosensation in soil-transmitted helminths. She earned a BA in Biology from Bryn Mawr College, and a PhD in Neuroscience from Stanford University. Before joining the Hallem lab, Astra worked on a wide array of topics in systems and circuits neuroscience. Astra is a founding member of the science communication group NeuWrite West. Outside of the lab, Astra enjoys cycling, playing softball, and painting the Pacific Ocean. |
Michelle Castelletto, Ph.D.
Project Scientist Michelle earned a PhD in Parasitology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied the genetics of Strongyloides. In the Hallem Lab, she focuses on developing genetic tools to investigate the neurobiology of Strongyloides. Michelle’s non-science interests include sewing, cycling and spending time at the beach. |
Ivan Chavez
Undergraduate Researcher Originally from the Inland Empire in Southern California, Ivan is a fourth-year undergraduate at UCLA majoring in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. His current research interests include elucidating microbial interactions, particularly between parasitic nematodes and bacteria. He enjoys audiobooks, coffee shop ambience, serving as an undergraduate learning assistant, and finding new movies to watch. |
Stephanie DeMarco, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar A Southern California native, Stephanie is a postdoctoral fellow studying skin penetration in soil-transmitted helminths. She earned a BA in Molecular and Cell Biology from UC Berkeley and a PhD in Molecular Biology from UCLA, where she studied the social behavior of the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Before joining the Hallem Lab, Stephanie was an AAAS Mass Media Fellow at the Los Angeles Times. Outside of the lab, Stephanie enjoys writing about science, traveling, and tap dancing. |
Tiffany Mao
Lab Manager Born and raised in LA County, Tiffany earned a BA in Fine Arts from UCLA. Preceding undergraduate courses, Tiffany began her career at UCLA working in a Drosophila lab and has since been employed at UCLA for more than 12 years. As manager for the Hallem Lab, she makes sure everyone is able to get the tools they need to conduct their research. Leisurely interests include creating art, assembling crafts, collecting toys, and watching television series or movies. |
Elisa Rojas Palato
Undergraduate Researcher Elisa grew up in the small town of Yuba City, CA. She is a Neuroscience major and Chicanx/o/a Studies minor. Elisa enjoys exploring Los Angeles with her friends and doing community service work. When she is not studying for her classes, she enjoys working out, listening to music, and meeting new people. |
Ruhi Patel
Postdoctoral Scholar Ruhi received her B. Tech in Biotechnology at Anna University in Chennai, India, where she was born and raised. She earned her Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry at UCLA, where she characterized the genetic pathways that regulate the molting cycle of C. elegans. As a postdoctoral fellow in the Hallem lab, she seeks to understand how mechanosensation enables soil-transmitted helminths to locate and infect their hosts. When not playing with or thinking about worms, Ruhi loves to bake, cook, and practice martial arts. |
Name |
Former Position in Hallem Lab |
Arezoo Barnia |
undergraduate lab helper, technician |
Leopoldo Bello-Luna |
undergraduate researcher |
Taylor Brown |
graduate student |
Mayra Carrillo |
graduate student |
James Cevallos |
undergraduate researcher |
Keely Chaisson |
graduate student |
Wendy Fung |
undergraduate researcher |
Spencer Gang |
graduate student |
Manon Guillermin |
graduate student |
Daniel Lee |
technician |
Joon Ha Lee |
undergraduate researcher, technician |
Jackie Lopez |
undergraduate researcher |
Ryo Okubo |
technician |
Jennifer Peña |
undergraduate researcher |
Sophie Rengarajan |
graduate student |
Feli Ruiz |
undergraduate researcher, technician |
Anastassia Tselikova |
undergraduate researcher |
Mia Vang |
undergraduate lab helper, researcher |
Emily Yang |
undergraduate researcher |
Kristen Yankura |
postdoctoral fellow |
