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.
J. WESLEY MADDOX, PH.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
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.
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.
GREG ORDEMANN, PH.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Greg completed his PhD with Dr. Darrin Brager at the University of Texas at Austin. In investigating synaptic transmission in the hippocampus of a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome, he found a lack of LTP onto the distal dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons and identified that a hyperpolarizing shift in the activation of A-type potassium channels caused the dysfunction. Greg’s research interests involve the study of ion channel function and the effects they have on cellular and synaptic function. Outside of lab, Greg enjoys spending time with his wife and dog as well as hiking, running, and pretty much any outdoor activity.
JOSUE LOPEZ, PH.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Josue completed his PhD in the Molecular Physiology and Biophysics program at the University of Iowa. His thesis project involves the characterization of Calcium Binding Protein 1 (CaBP1) expression and function in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Josue's current interests are in the mechanisms that regulate pain sensation as well as nerve regeneration. Outside the lab, Josue enjoys hosting a weekly music radio show at the University of Iowa radio station KRUI 89.7 FM.
DIANA HERNANDEZ, Ph.D.
Diana received her Ph.D. in Neurosciences from the Graduate school of the University of Tubingen (Germany) and the School of Medicine of the University of Albacete (Spain). She studied the underlying pathways of memory consolidation in primates in collaboration with the NIH, the University of Washington, and the University of California. Her current interest includes the study of the expression of calcium channels and synaptic proteins in the retina. Outside of the lab, Diana enjoys spending time playing with her kids, going to dance, and traveling.
Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate
ANGIE HUANG, B.S.
Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate
Angie received her Bachelor of Science in Biology, Genetics and Genomics at The University of Texas at Austin. She is interested in reproductive science and developmental biology. In the lab, she is studying the role of Cav1.4 in photoreceptor synapse maintenance through conditional knockout of alpha2delta4. Outside the lab, Angie enjoys gardening, painting, and playing video games.
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
JUAN DE LA ROSA VÁZQUEZ, PH.D.
LAB ALUMNI
POSTDOCTORAL TRAINEES
Names and Current Positions
ANISHA MORING, Ph.D.
Director, Business Development, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
KUAI YU, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Scientist,
Emory University
GUIYING CUI, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor,
Emory University
IRINA CALIN-JAGEMAN, Ph.D.
Professor,
Dominican University
FREDERICK GREGORY, Ph.D.
Program Manager,
Neurophysiology and Cognitive
AKIRA INAGAKI, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor,
Nagoya University
CARL CHRISTEL, Ph.D.
Vice President,
US Operations at Sirion Biotech
KEITH BRYAN, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist,
Integrated DNA Technologies
VASILY KEROV, Ph.D.
Data Science Manager,
Advance Auto Parts
TIAN YANG, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist,
Decibel Therapeutic
EDGAR GARZA-LOPEZ, Ph.D.
Postdoc,
Vanderbilt University
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Names and Current Positions
ALYSSA TIPPENS, Ph.D.
WW Strategic Collaborations Strategy & Operations Lead at Bristol Myers Squibb
LISA KREINER, Ph.D.
Contract Scientific Editor,
American Journal Exports
MEAGAN JENKINS, Ph.D.
M. Jenkins Medical Communications, LLC
KRISTIN KIM, M.S.
D.M.D candidate,
U. Louisville School of Dentistry
SHI YI WANG, Ph.D.
Postdoc,
Duke University
JESSICA THOMAS, Ph.D.
Postdoc,
Vanderbilt University
BRITTANY WILLIAMS, Ph.D.
Postdoc,
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
ANNETTE KLOMP
Graduate student,
University of Iowa
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Names and Current Positions
DRAKE BOUZEK, M.D./Ph.D.
Pediatric Pulmonary Fellow, University of Washington
NATALIA CARDONA, B.S.
Lead Engineer,
Arconic
DANIEL SOH, D.D.S
Dental surgeon
JI-EUN CHOI, M.S.W.
Clinical Social Worker, Massachusetts General Hosipital
GRANT STALKER, B.S.
MD student
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
MACKENZIE MCKNIGHT, B.S.
MD student
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
MARKUS DREALAN, B.S.
PhD Program,
University of Minnesota
AMARIS MENDOZA
Undergraduate,
University of Texas-Austin
RESEARCH ASSOCIATES/INTERNS
Name and Current Position
XIAONI LIU, PH.D.
Project Leader,
Boston Consulting Group
PhD student,
Brandeis University
Resident, OB/GYN
Nassau University Medical Center
JORDAN BREFFLE, B.S.
SAMIKSHA ANNIRA, M.D.
KATE RANDALL, B.S.
PhD student
Oregon Health Sciences University