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OUR TEAM

Pablo Lara-Gonzalez, PhD
Principal Investigator

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 student
GAANN Fellow

I am a third-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 second 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 first 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, Bio199 student
UROP & SURP fellow

I am a third-year undergraduate 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

Maab Elsayed, Bio199 student

I’m a Biological Sciences major at UC Irvine and a Bio Sci 199 student. I transferred from community college after earning my Associate’s in Chemistry with an emphasis in Natural Sciences. Since joining the lab, I’ve become especially interested in developmental and cell biology and how these processes help us better understand how humans work. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, staying involved in causes that impact my community, and spending time with friends—usually exploring cafés or studying together.

Powel Mousaian, Bio199 student

I am a third year undergraduate here at UCI majoring in biology on a career path in the medical field. I am currently assisting in research regarding cell cycle proteins in cancer cells under the mentorship of postdoctoral researcher, Amrutha. On my own time, I like to play basketball, piano, and lift.

Emma Ng, Bio199 student

I'm a second 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!

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.

Aqilla Ikrar, work/study student

I'm a first 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.

Heeva Hatam, work/study student

I’m a first-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

This could be you!

Alumni

- Maria Andrade Ludena, PhD rotation student
- Gio Reyes Jison, Bio199 student
- Jackson Blackman, PhD rotation student
- Janette Hernandez, work/study student
- Vy Tran, Bio199 student and Lab Assistant

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