PSOM - New Hires
Nduka M Amankulor, MD
Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
Nduka.Amankulor@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
800-789-7366
RESEARCH
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Amankulor is a cancer biologist and immunologist engaged in developing new therapeutic strategies for primary (diffuse gliomas and GBM) and metastatic brain tumors.
PREVIOUS INSTITUTION
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Kahlilia Blanco, PhD
Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology
RESEARCH
Dr. Blanco is interested in the role of epigenetics, non-coding RNAs and molecular mechanisms in neuroprotection after stroke.
PREVIOUS INSTITUTION
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health
Damaris Lorenzo, PhD
Associate Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology
RESEARCH
Dr. Lorenzo uses mouse genetics, live cell imaging, and a wide range of molecular biology and biochemical approaches to understand the roles of cytoskeletal proteins in cellular homeostasis and in human disease. Another major interest of her lab is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which cytoskeleton-associated proteins regulate cellular dynamics and bioenergetics in metabolically active tissues, and how their deficits contribute to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
PREVIOUS INSTITUTION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Tim Machado, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
RESEARCH
Dr. Machado studies how the neural circuits controlling movement combine sensory information, memories of past experiences, and internal state to generate plans for specific actions.
PREVIOUS INSTITUTION
Stanford University Schools of Engineering & Medicine
Natalí Chanaday Ricagni, PhD
Assistant Professor of Physiology
Natali.Chanaday@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
215-898-8725
RESEARCH
Dr. Chanaday uses molecular and pharmacological tools combined with live fluorescence imaging (microscopy) and electrophysiology of cultured neurons to investigate how neurotransmitter release is modulated and how synaptic vesicles are recycled. She is particularly interested in trafficking mechanisms of synaptic vesicle molecules and atypical calcium sources that have the potential to set basal neuron properties and shape the type of information neurons can transfer, as well as investigating novel forms of neuronal communication.
PREVIOUS INSTITUTION
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
J. Deanna Wilson, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health
RESEARCH
Dr. Wilson's research interests include reducing substance use-related health disparities, with an emphasis on innovative strategies to treat opioid use disorders in adolescent and adult populations. Her work includes integrating harm reduction into primary care settings, developing low threshold models of care to improve engagement and retention of vulnerable populations, and improving engagement and retention of adolescents and young adults in OUD treatment.
PREVIOUS INSTITUTION
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine