LAB MEMBERS

AMY LEE, PH.D.

Primary Investigator

Amy received her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Virginia with Kevin Lynch working on adrenergic receptor localization in the brain. She developed an interest in Ca2+ channels during her postdoctoral training with Bill Catterall at the University of Washington. She is broadly interested in the structure/function relationships of Ca2+ channels and how their activity shapes neuronal function. Outside of the lab, Amy enjoys running, yoga, spending time with her family of musicians, and on occasion, breaking out her cello to join them.

JUAN DE LA ROSA VÁZQUEZ, PH.D.

J. WESLEY MADDOX, PH.D.

Research Associate

Wesley received his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at Louisiana State University with Dr. Evanna Gleason. He identified a novel mechanism in which nitric oxide activates the calcium permeable transient receptor potential canonical 5 (TRPC5) channel, which leads to a calcium-dependent increase in evokedand spontaneous vesicular GABA release from retinal amacrine cells. His primary research interest is understanding how the retina processes visual signals from the environment prior to being sent to the brain for further processing and interpretation. Outside of the lab, Wesley enjoys spending time with his partner, exploring the outdoors, and watching movies.

JUAN DE LA ROSA VAZQUEZ, PH.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Juan received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry Sciences at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav) in Mexico. Under the mentorship of Dr. Guillermo Avila, he characterized novel antagonistic effects of the isoindoline MDIMP on different Cav family members in a heterologous expression system. His current research interests include understanding the regulation of the Cav1.4 channel by pH, splice variation, and other modulatory influences, and the significance of this regulation for the transmission of visual information by retinal photoreceptors. Outside of the lab, Juan enjoys biking, watching anime series, cooking, and reading.

JIAXIN SUN, PH.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Jiaxin received her Ph.D. in Physics at Syracuse University with Dr. Liviu Movileanu. She characterized a nanopore-based platform for examining protein complexes with their binding partners using single-channel electrophysiological recording techniques. Her current research interests include developing antibodies for specific calcium channel subunits and analyzing the roles of synaptic proteins at photoreceptor synapses. Outside of the lab, Jiaxin enjoys trekking, scuba diving, and exploring ancient civilizations.

ANGEL ROBLES, PH.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Angel received his Ph.D in Biological Sciences at the Institute of Neurobiology, UNAM in México. Under the mentorship of Dr. Fernando Peña, he described the beneficial and deleterious effects of a microtubule stabilizer in a model of tauopathy. He is currently interested in the role of Cav channels in neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity in brain and retinal circuits. Outside the lab, Angel enjoys playing basketball, reading, hiking and trying new food places.

CARLIE PAYNE, B.S.

Graduate Student

Carlie received her BS in Biochemistry from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. She is currently working on investigating how the calcium channel Cav1.4 traffics the channel to the ribbon synapse. Outside the lab, Carlie enjoys drawing, playing tennis, traveling, kayaking, and going on walks with her dog.

WAI-LIN KAUNG, B.S.

Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate/ Lab Manager

Wai received his BS in Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin. He has particular interests in the roles of Ca2+ sensors in regulating somatosensory and retinal function. Outside of the lab, he likes to compete in powerlifting competitions and enjoys rock climbing.

CHRISTOF GAULT, B.S.

Research Engineering/Scientist Associate/ Lab Manager

Christof earned his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas in Austin. He is currently involved in projects involving in vitro and in vivo electroretinography with a focus on mouse models of congenital stationary night blindness. Outside of the lab, Christof enjoys swimming, practicing piano, and traveling

WILSON SUN

Undergraduate assistant

Wilson is working on his BS in Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Austin. He has special interests in researching the properties of N-type Calcium ion channels and molecular mechanisms for retina cell regeneration. Outside of the lab, Wilson likes to mentor and research in his Freshmen Research Initiative lab, learning to make his own colognes, and spending time with friends and family.

AYLA AMJAD

Undergraduate assistant

Ayla is working on her BS in Public Health at the University of Texas at Austin. She currently works on genotyping and mouse colony maintenance, and she is interested in researching the effects of Cav coupling to CaBPs on axonal regeneration. Outside of the lab, she likes to play the guitar and do various arts and crafts (painting, crocheting, embroidering, jewelry making).

MEREDITH LINNELL

Undergraduate assistant

Meredith is working on her BS in Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently working on maintenance of the mouse colonies and genotyping of the transgenic mice lines. Meredith is also interested in the mechanisms underlying the differing morphologies of ribbon synapses in rods versus cones. Outside of the lab, Meredith plays for the UTWNB Ultimate Frisbee team and enjoys baking, reading, and crocheting.

LEYLI AKHMEDOV

Undergraduate assistant

Leyli is an undergraduate Pre-Medical student at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing her BS in Psychology. She is interested in how neural changes can manifest themselves socially and behaviorally. She is currently assisting with mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, behavioral experiments, and general lab upkeep. Outside of the lab, Leyli is a member of the social service org Texas Spirits, plays for the UTWNB Ultimate Frisbee team, and crochets.