OUR TEAM
Amrutha Kizhedathu, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar
I'm Amrutha and I am a postdoctoral fellow. I am interested in studying the mechanisms of cell division and arrest. During my PhD I studied how a group of Drosophila tracheal progenitors stop and start cell division at different stages of development. My current research focuses on exploring the role of a cell cycle protein, Cyclin B3 in cell division during development and in Cancer. In my free time I love to cook, garden and photograph birds.
David Bojorquez, PhD candidate
GAANN Fellow
I am a fourth-year Dev and Cell PhD student. I graduated from UCLA in 2020 with a B.S. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and worked in Flow Cytometry at Exagen to test patient samples for markers of autoimmune diseases. My current research aims to understand how cell cycle machinery contributes to cell fate specification in early embryos. Outside the Lab, I like to go running and play video games.
Johnny Vertiz, PhD Student
NSF-GRFP Fellow
I am a third year Dev & Cell PhD student. I graduated from Cal State Northridge in 2022 with a Bachelors in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Currently, in the lab I am looking at a specific cell cycle protein CDC20 and it’s involvement in cell cycle division and regulation within mammalian cells. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking with friends and playing videos games.
Shabnam Moghareh, PhD student
I'm a second year PhD student in Dr. Lara-Gonzalez's Lab. I graduated from UCI in 2023 with a Bachelor's in Biological Sciences. My research focuses on Cell Cycle control and how quiescence is regulated. Outside the lab, you can find me unwinding by catching up on my favorite TV shows and spending time with my cat, Lucy.
Anh Nguyen, Lab Assistant
I graduated from UCI with a Developmental and Cell Biology major and Health Informatics minor. Under the mentorship of senior researchers and collaborating with fellow undergraduates in the lab, I am exploring the regulatory mechanisms and pathways involving CDK-cyclin complexes using C. elegans and cultured cell lines, which when dysregulated can contribute to the onset of diseases like cancer or developmental defects. In my free time, I enjoy choreographing color guard routines, watching K-dramas, and café-hopping with friends
Jazmin Trigueros, Lab assistant
I'm Jazzy, a lab assistant in Pablo's lab with a passion for biological research. My academic journey took me from studying Biochemistry at Cal State LA, to earning my degrees in Biology and General Natural Sciences at community college. This experience led me to graduate from UCI with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. I am currently assisting with a project investigating cyclin degradation, specifically understanding the driving mechanisms that control cyclin B3. I love silly dad jokes, rock shows, and buying physical books after listening to the audiobook as a reward.
Emma Ng, Bio199 student
I'm a third year Biological Sciences major with a minor in Health Informatics. I am currently working as a Bio199 research student under the supervision of Shabnam Moghareh. I enjoy going to the gym and running in my free time!
Heeva Hatam, Bio199 student
I’m a second-year Biology major at UCI, interested in specializing in Developmental and Cell Biology. I’m excited to explore how cells grow, differentiate, and contribute to complex biological systems. In the lab, I support ongoing research by preparing NGM plates, keeping lab materials stocked, and helping researchers with day-to-day tasks. I’m looking forward to gaining more hands-on experience and deepening my understanding of molecular biology and developmental pathways. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends, thrifting, trying out new matcha spots, and going rock climbing
Aqilla Ikrar, Bio199 student
I'm a second year undergraduate student majoring in pharmaceutical sciences. In my free time I enjoy hiking, playing volleyball for the UCI women's team, and journaling. I am is on the premed pathway, in hopes to become a neurologist.