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.

WAI-LIN KAUNG

Undergraduate assistant

Wai is working on his BS in Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin. He has particular interests in the function of the mechanosensitive ion channel piezo2 and neural regeneration. Outside of the lab, he likes to compete in powerlifting competitions and enjoys rock climbing

CHRISTOF GAULT

Undergraduate assistant

Christof is working to earn his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas in Austin. He is currently responsible for mouse colony maintenance and genotyping of the lab’s transgenic mice lines. Outside of the lab, Christof enjoys swimming, practicing piano, and traveling

WILSON "JINGLANG" 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.