Medha is a biophysicist interested in how mechanical forces shape neural processes. She enjoys developing multi-disciplinary and novel approaches for studying complex biological processes. She also enjoys reading, hiking, yoga, cooking and exploring the local beaches.

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 Bio | CV 

medhap at uci.edu

Das Panicker (A.K.A. Panic in a previous avatar) is interested in the role of Piezo1 in neural stem cell differentiation. He likes ‘out of this world’ ideas in neurosciences, serotonin, and stem cells, but is still looking for the time to pursue all of them.

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mmpanick at uci.edu

Jami is a cell biologist who enjoys developing and applying novel technologies to understand how cells interpret their environment to shape cell fate and function.  She also enjoys spending time with her husband and four daughters. Also on the list of passions is: improving in Crossfit, walking the dog, visiting the beach, visiting Pubs with her husband and friends, reading novels, and keeping up with the politics and policies that affect the health of the local and global environment and the strength of democracy in the U.S. and Europe.

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jnourse at uci.edu

Ignasi is a Chemist and Bioengineer studying how physical environmental cues modulate processes such as cell migration, communication and differentiation. He moved from Catalonia to California to work on Piezo1 and learn more about microscopy, data analysis and neuroscience. Ignasi is a big movie fan who also enjoys eating out, going for walks in nature, and following the news on politics.

icasanel at uci.edu

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Laura is a SoCal native, born and raised in San Diego, CA. While at UCSD, she developed a passion for molecular biology and biophysics through her work in the Tezcan lab, and eventually received her BS in Biochemistry/Chemistry from UCSD in 2020. Laura’s current research interests center around how glycosylation affects neural stem cell differentiation, and through her work in the Pathak and Flanagan labs hopes to evaluate the role that N-glycan branching plays in modulating neural stem cell adhesion and response to mechanical stimuli. Outside of lab, Laura loves to climb, play DND and boardgames, and binge endless amount of TV while cuddling with her cats.

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lwillia5 at uci.edu

Blake is a second-year medical student with a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has a strong interest in the intersection of neuroscience and human behavior. Outside of medicine, Blake enjoys playing soccer and relaxing at home with video games.

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nourseb at uci.edu

​Caleb is a curious PhD student who loves breaking science down to its basics. He digs into the math behind biological systems, aiming to untangle the complex puzzles of life—even if every answer just leads to more questions. Unafraid of the unknown, Caleb tackles each challenge with an open mind and a relaxed spirit. When he's not in the lab, you might find him painting or catching up with friends, blending his passion for discovery with a laid-back, sociable side.​

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cwhendri at uci.edu

George completed a PhD at the University of York, UK investigating the role of calcium channels in higher plants. Since then, he has worked as a cell biologist studying calcium signaling at University College London and UCI, and DNA-based memory at Boise State University. His interests in calcium-channels, single-molecule imaging and data analysis are all being put to use helping with Piezo1 studies in the Pathak lab.

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george.dickinson at gmail.com

Kianna graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Human Biology and Society. While at UCLA, she worked in a historical food studies lab which examined enzymes and proteins in food additives. When she's not in the lab or working towards her goal of attending medical school, you can find Kianna spending time with friends and finding new cafes to try.

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kiannad at uci.edu

Joseph Si graduated from UCI with a B.S. in Human Biology. Drawn to how mechanical forces can influence neural stem cell behavior, he is excited to explore how these forces can influence neural stem cell fate which complements his aspiration to pursue a career in medicine. In his free time, he enjoys spending time playing volleyball as a 3x Volleyball Intramurals "Almost Champion." He also enjoys spending time with his friends and cat!

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jvsi at uci.edu

Trisha is a second year student at Stony Brook University, and part of the joint 8 year BS/MD program with Renaissance School of Medicine. She became very interested in neural stem cell research from her past research, and wants to pursue it more in the future. In addition, she is an aspiring physician who hopes to incorporate research into clinical practice. In her free time, Trisha loves going to different restaurants & cafes, baking new recipes, and binging TV shows!

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trishasm at uci.edu

Tina Bui is a 2nd year biological sciences major at UCI. She is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. Tina enjoys spending time with her friends, sewing, and thrifting.

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thynb at uci.edu

Josue is a first-year Pharmaceutical Sciences major at UCI. He hopes to graduate from pharmacy school to obtain his PharmD and continue in a residency program in order to become a psychiatric pharmacist. He is specifically interested in how drugs can be potentially used to help cure psychological/neurological disorders within humans. When not in lab, you can find him reading, running, studying, or hanging out with his family and friends.

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josuemf1 at uci.edu

Elsa (named after Elsa the Lioness from Born Free) loves to explore the world, play with fellow dogs, and meet new people. She specializes in driving away "failed experiment blues".