Meet the Akizu Lab Members
As passionate scientists, it is our goal to contribute to the foundation of future generations of bright and devoted scientists conveying both our knowledge and enthusiasm for the beauty of scientific research.
We continuously seek to recruit motivated students and introduce them to the fields of neurosciences, genetics, and cellular biology that are part of our everyday research work.
The strategic location of Akizu Lab within Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania offers multiple resources for additional career development and support that significantly complement research training.
Principal Investigator
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Read More about Naiara Akizu, Ph.D.Naiara Akizu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Email Naiara Akizu, Ph.D.
215-590-2232
Naiara Akizu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
aquizun@chop.edu
215-590-2232
Research Interest:
Dr. Akizu's research focuses on cerebellar ataxias and motoneuron disorders, with the specific goals of uncovering the particularities of these neuronal types, understanding disease mechanisms, and exploring treatment options.
Education:
B.S. Biology, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, 2005
Ph.D. Biomedicine, University Of Barcelona, 2010
Postdoctoral Fellows
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Read More about Thomas Roule, Ph.D.
Thomas Roule, Ph.D.
Postdoc
roulet@chop.edu
I am a computational postdoc supporting bioinformatics-related projects in the lab. My work focuses on the transcriptomic and epigenomic effects of EZH1 loss and gain-of-function mutations during neuronal differentiation. Additionally, I collaborate with the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University on single-cell characterization of the Kcnc1-Arg320His mutation (in collaboration with the Goldberg lab), Bap1 gene loss (in collaboration with the Kim lab), and Yap1 gene loss (in collaboration with the Estaras lab). Outside the lab, my passions include skating, vinyl record collecting, playing banjo, and traveling.
Education & Past Research:
Ph.D. Plant Molecular Biology, University of Paris-Saclay (France)
My Ph.D. work focused on the regulation of gene expression by lncRNAs. During a fellowship at the University of California-Riverside I computationally explored how ncRNAs shape the 3D configuration of the rice genome. As a postdoc at the University of Pennsylvania, I investigated the recruitment of the PRC2 complex across plant genomes and help for the development of a ChIPseq analysis pipeline.
Graduate Students
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Read More about Vanessa B. Sanchez
Vanessa B. Sanchez
Ph.D. Candidate
vssnchez@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
I am a Ph.D. Candidate in the Neuroscience Graduate Group, mentored by Naiara Akizu. Beyond the lab, I am tending to my plants, cooking, outside rock climbing, or hanging out with my cat, Jiji!
Research Interests:
My work looks at how the loss of two sorting nexin proteins in the brain affects everything from the cell biology of neurons to behavior.
Education:
B.A. Psychology with a minor in Cell and Molecular Biology, California State University, Fullerton
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Read More about Lilly Ryll
Lilly Ryll
Ph.D. Candidate
lilly.ryll@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
I am a Ph.D. candidate in Penn's Neuroscience graduate group (NGG) co-mentored by Naiara Akizu and Yuanquan Song. When not in the lab, I am an active member of NGG's GLIA organization, enjoy attending pottery class and cuddling with my puppies Freddie and Jolene!
Research Interests:
I am interested in uncovering the molecular mechanisms that underlie axon regeneration, as well as developing technology to improve regenerative medicine research. In the Akizu lab, I currently work on a project to develop neuromuscular junction organoids which can be used to study regeneration and neuromuscular disorders in a human system.
Education:
B.S. Behavioral Neuroscience, Northeastern University (2016-2020)
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Read More about Jasmine Akoto
Jasmine Akoto
Ph.D. Candidate
jasmine.akoto@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Hello! My name is Jasmine Akoto, and I am a current PhD candidate in Naiara Akizu's lab. My hobbies include reading, swimming, running, and lounging on my couch to watch YouTube.
Research Interests:
My overall research interest is to understand the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on an important epigenetic modifier known as Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 1 (EZH1).
Education:
I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BS in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Neuroscience.
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Read More about James BauerJames Bauer
Ph.D. Candidate
James Bauer
Ph.D. Candidate
I am a Neuroscience graduate student mentored by Naiara Akizu. Outside of lab you'll find me rooting for the Celtics, working out, and exploring the city!!!
Research Interests:
I am interested in leveraging stem cell models to better understand and treat neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
Education:
B.S. Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University
Post-baccalaureate in the lab of Dr. Alan Lewis, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Technicians
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Read More about Teresa Jimenez Sanchez-Lugarnuevo
Teresa Jimenez Sanchez-Lugarnuevo
Lab Manager
jimenezsat@chop.edu
I am Teresa Jimenez, a research technician from Dr. Aquizu’s lab focused on the study of childhood neurodegenerative diseases
Education:
2016-2020 B.S. Biochemistry, Complutense University of Madrid
2020-2021 M.S. Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biomedicine, Complutense University of MadridResearch interests:
I am interested in studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to the development of neurodegenerative diseases through the use of animal models. And also, the mechanisms by which brain cancer cells take advantage of their environment to grow and evade the immune system response leading to neurodegeneration. My main goal would be to develop therapies which improves patient’s lives.
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Read More about Stephanie Gagnon, Ph.D.
Stephanie Gagnon, Ph.D.
Stem Cell Technician
gagnons@chop.edu
I am the Akizu lab's stem cell technician. Outside of the lab, you’ll find me traveling, in the gym, or hanging out with my cat.
Research interests:
Stem cells and genetic mechanisms in neurodevelopmental diseases and during aging.
Education:
B.S. in Applied Health Science from Point Loma Nazarene University M.S. in Sport & Health Science from the University of Exeter
PhD in molecular biology in the department of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences from Loughborough University -
Thesis Title: ‘The roles of ageing and physical activity in determining the anabolic response to amino acids and physical activity in skeletal muscle’
Former Members
Postdoctoral Fellows
Marco Flores Mendez (2018-2021): current Research Associate in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Yijing Zhou (2018-2022): current researcher at Prime Medicine (Boston). National Ataxia Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
PhD Students
Carolina Gracia Diaz (2019-2023): current postdoctoral scientist at GSK.
PhD Rotation Students
2024 Madison Sangster, (University of Pennsylvania CAMB rotating student)
2022 Mara Davis, (University of Pennsylvania CAMB rotating student)
2022 Loreilys Mejias, (University of Pennsylvania CAMB rotating student)
2022 Tania Perez, (University of Pennsylvania CAMB rotating student)
2021 Xanthe Heifetz Ament, (University of Pennsylvania Biology graduate group rotating student)
2021 Emily Lubin, (University of Pennsylvania CAMB rotating student)
2021 Jafar Bhatti, (University of Pennsylvania NGG rotating student)
2020 Heidi Elashal, (University of Pennsylvania BMB rotating student)
2019 Roseanne Davila Ribera, (University of Pennsylvania BMB rotating student)
2019 Sarah Campbell, (University of Pennsylvania CAMB rotating student)
2018 Laura Ohl, (University of Pennsylvania CAMB rotating student)
2018 Melissa Barton, (University of Pennsylvania CAMB rotating student)
2018 Mara Cowen, (University of Pennsylvania NGG rotating student)
2017 Melanie Schaffler, (University of Pennsylvania NGG rotating student)
2017 Katelyn Sweeney, (University of Pennsylvania CAMB rotating student)
Technicians
2017-2019 Laura Ballentine
2019-2022 Garrett Otrimski
2022-2023 Sunyimeng Lei
Undergraduate Students & Post-baccalaureates
2024-2025 Brianna Hess, UPENN undergraduate student
2024 Mahima Islam, UPENN summer undergraduate student
2024 Sophia Sorid, Visiting CRISP student
2024 Madeleine Wang, Visiting summer student
2023 Annie Aboye, PREP student (post-bac). Institute on Aging Scholar (2023-2024)
2023 Mary Falstin, CHOP research Institute Summer Scholar Program student.
2023 Tiffney Aina, UPENN summer undergraduate intership program student.
2022-2023 Songy Lee, UPENN undergraduate internship
2022 Mason Shockely, CHOP research Institute Summer Scholar Program student.
2022 Ana Lia Gayan Quijano, University Francisco De Vitoria (Madrid), TFG project
2021-2022 Kelsey Walsh, UPENN Department of Biology Independent study (Biol 399 and 499)
2021 Emma Kielsa, UPENN summer undergraduate intership program student.
2020 Fran Amo Cuellar, University Francisco De Vitoria (Madrid), TFG project
2020 Daniel Ferrera, University Francisco De Vitoria (Madrid), TFG project
2020 Hiab Teshome, UPENN Department of Biology Independent study (Biol 399 and 499) Spring 2019 Pincus-Magaziner Family Undergraduate Research and Travel Fund from the College Alumni Society
2020 Jocasta Manasseh-Lewis, UPENN summer undergraduate intership program student.
2019 Coral Alicea Pauneto, UPENN summer undergraduate intership program student.
2017-2020 Donna Yoo, UPENN Department of Biology Independent study (Biol 399 and 499)
2018 Yohaniz Ortega Burgos, UPENN summer undergraduate intership program student.
2017-2018 Samantha Ratakonda, UPENN Department of Biology Independent study (Biol 399 and 499)
2018 Olivia Romera Rincon, University Francisco De Vitoria (Madrid), TFG project.
2018 Christopher Rodier UPENN undergraduate student
2017-2018 Susmita Roy UPENN Department of Biology Independent study (Biol 399 and 499)
2017-2018 Keri Cronin Haverford College (Philadelphia) Independent study
High School Students
2022 Jay Crowther, (Haverford School High School student)
2022 Danielle Im (Princeton Day School High School student)
2019 Daniel Chou, (Haverford School High School student)
2017 Satch Baker (Haverford School High School student)