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. 
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. |
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. 
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. 
Patricia Mendez
Graduate Student Hailing from San Marcos, CA, Patricia earned her BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UC Santa Cruz, where she studied the mechanisms of early spliceosome assembly. She left behind the giant redwoods and the RNA world to return to sunny SoCal, where she is now a PhD student in the IMMP Home Area of the MBIDP. Her research aims to elucidate the neural basis by which skin-penetrating nematodes use salt chemosensation to locate and infect hosts. When she isn't hanging out with her fellow nematode enthusiasts, you can find Patricia vibing to music, volunteering with mutual aid organizations, expanding her taste palate, and caring for her plants. |
Ricardo Frausto
Graduate Student Ricardo was born and raised in San Diego. He earned his B.A. in Biology and Chemistry at Point Loma Nazarene University. After college, Ricardo worked as a research tech and lab manager. He performed research on tumor vascular biology, innate immunity, and corneal biology. He is a PhD student in the MCIP Program, and is elucidating the neural basis of CO2 response in C. elegans. Ricardo plans to become faculty at an undergraduate-serving university, with a focus on helping students from underserved communities achieve their higher education goals. Outside of the lab, Ricardo enjoys being a dad to his two boys, gardening, surfing, and doing multiple DIY projects around the house. |
Name |
Former Position in Hallem Lab |
Arezoo Barnia |
undergraduate lab helper, research technician |
Leopoldo Bello-Luna |
undergraduate researcher |
Taylor Brown |
graduate student |
Mayra Carrillo |
graduate student |
James Cevallos |
undergraduate researcher |
Keely Chaisson |
graduate student |
Stephanie DeMarco |
postdoctoral scholar |
Wendy Fung |
undergraduate researcher |
Spencer Gang |
graduate student |
Manon Guillermin |
research technician, graduate student |
Daniel Lee |
research technician |
Joon Ha Lee |
undergraduate researcher, research technician |
Jackie Lopez |
undergraduate researcher |
Ryo Okubo |
research technician |
Jennifer Peña |
undergraduate researcher |
Sophie Rengarajan |
graduate student |
Feli Ruiz |
undergraduate researcher, research technician |
Anastassia Tselikova |
undergraduate researcher |
Mia Vang |
undergraduate lab helper, undergraduate researcher |
Emily Yang |
undergraduate researcher |
Kristen Yankura |
postdoctoral scholar |
