Our Team

Jenny Hsieh, Ph.D. | Semmes Distinguished Chair in Cell Biology

The most fascinating cell in the body is the stem cell. How a single pluripotent stem cell develops into the trillions of cells in the human body or how stem cells continue to give rise to new neurons in the adult brain remains a mystery. My lab studies the cellular, genetic, molecular, and circuit mechanisms of the brain and nervous system using human iPSCs, 3D brain organoids and mouse models. Outside of the lab, my family and I love to explore San Antonio at local music fests, rodeos, or hill country wineries. I also enjoy hosting get-togethers, especially inviting the team over for poolside relief in the Texas summer heat!

Sergio Gamero-Alameda, B.S.

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Alcala, in Spain. I joined Hsieh Lab in 2017 at UT Southwestern as a lab technician. At UTSA, my role in the Hsieh lab changed to a lab manager. Outside of work, I spend my time birding, hiking and enjoying nature.

Vanesa Nieto-Estevez, Ph.D.

Hi there, I am Vanesa. I got my B.S. in Biology in the University of Alcala and my Ph.D in Neuroscience at the Cajal Institute (Madrid, Spain). I joined the Hsieh Lab in 2015 as a postdoctoral fellow; now I'm an Assistant Professor of Research at UTSA. I’m studying genetic epilepsy using 3D organoids. When I am not in the lab, I like traveling, especially to see animals in the wild.

Parul Varma, Ph.D.

Hi, this is Parul. I have my PhD in Nuclear Architecture and Chromatin Organization where I studied the role of nuclear matrix components using Drosophila melanogaster as the model system. Currently, I am studying gene expression dynamics in genetic and acquired epilepsies using mouse and human model systems. I am a Molecular Biologist turned into a Bioinformatician; now I'm an Assistant Professor of Research at UTSA. Recently, I have taken up interest in single cell data analysis and spend most of my time running codes and developing R skills. Other than lab, I love to work out, travel and take part in creative art classes.

Gabby Martinez, B.S.

My name is Gabby Martinez. I received my B.S. in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology from UTSA and am currently pursuing an M.S. in Kinesiology also at UTSA. I joined the lab in January 2023 as a Laboratory Technical Assistant. I've also been a professional powerlifter for two years now, hold five current American Records in various weight classes and divisions, and I have held a total of 21 American Records in my lifting career thus far. When I am not in the lab or on campus, I enjoy training for my next powerlifting meet and spending time with my two rescue dogs, rescue cat, and my friends and family.

Aranis Muniz Perez, B.S.

Hello! My name is Aranis Muniz Perez and I recently graduated UTSA with a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Neuroscience. I work as a research assistant in the Hsieh lab. Outside of the lab, I love reading, cooking, and going on hikes with my friends. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I hope to complete a PhD in cell biology and work as an industry scientist.

Eva Diaz Guerra, Ph.D.

Hi, my name is Eva. I have a PhD in the Stem Cell field. I was investigating the role of hormones in the mouse mammary gland stem cells. After that, I did my first postdoctoral research at the Cajal Institute (Spain). I was studying the role of transcription factors (Tbr1 and Nurr1) in olfactory bulb development. In addition, I was investigating the effects of APOE polymorphism in Alzheimer’s disease using iPSC technology. Recently, I joined the Hsieh’s Lab and I am interested in studying sporadic Alzheimer’s disease and genetic epilepsy using 3D brain organoids. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my family and friends.

Kaisha Meyer, B.S.

My name is Karina (I go by my middle name, Kaisha) and I'm a PhD student in the Neuroscience program at UTSA. My fascination in brain metabolism and its dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases lead me to pursue a PhD, so here I am. Currently, I am using patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells to model Alzheimer's disease with the end goal of uncovering convergent mechanisms between epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. I love to sleep, hike, run, and runaway to the mountains.

Zacharie Maloney, B.S., M.S.

Zacharie Maloney is a PhD student in UTSA's Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Joint UTSA/UTHSC Graduate Group in Biomedical Engineering. Zach's project focuses on using engineering approaches to promote vascularization of human cerebral organoids. Joining the Hsieh Lab in Fall 2021, Zach brings experience in biomedical engineering, systems biology, and software engineering.

Adebayo "Bayo" Adeyeye, B.S., M.S.

I have a B.S. degree in Biochemistry and an M.S. degree in Environmental Science investigating the concentrations and movement of estrogen compounds in Cibolo Creek, a perennial stream in the Texas Hill Country that receives treated wastewater effluent. I assist with retrovirus packaging, molecular biology, histology, and confocal microscopy. I also help with animal husbandry and perform behavioral assays including cognitive testing in mouse models of mTLE. The lab members are awesome to work with. In my free time, I watch and play soccer.

Sara Mirsadeghi, B.S., M.S.

Hi there, I’m Sara. I got my B.Sc. from Shahid Beheshti University in Biology and my M.Sc. from the ROYAN institute in Developmental Biology, both in Tehran, Iran. I worked as a research associate in the electrophysiology lab in ROYAN institute for six years and have joined the Hsieh lab in 2023 as a Ph.D. candidate. I’m interested in neurogenesis, either in adult brain or brain organoids. I’m studying the adult neurogenesis contribution to hippocampal activity, especially in epileptic hippocampus. I’m also interested in the concept brain-on-chip! And what does that mean? It means that you can put the organoids onto electrodes and record their network activity or employ electrical stimulation to manipulate their activity. My aim throughput this Ph.D. is to learn from nature by recording the electrical activity of hippocampal circuit in mice brain, then, grow hippocampal organoids in a dish and record their network activity via multi-electrode array chips. Outside of work, I’d like to take long distance walks, read books and watch TV shows. I’m definitely a travel lover and don’t miss a chance to roam around the globe!

Marissa Coppin, B.S.

Hello! My name is Marissa Coppin and I am an undergraduate researcher pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Psychology and a concentration in Pre-Medicine. Outside of working in the Hsieh lab and other extracurricular clubs, I am a director of STEMulate, a nonprofit organization that works to provide STEM education to disadvantaged districts in San Antonio. I also enjoy exercising and eating a healthy diet. After my undergraduate degree, I hope to pursue a DO/PhD or MD/PhD medical degree and become a physician specializing in either neurology or PM&R.

Alonna Rios, B.S. - works with Parul and Vanesa

Hello! My name is Alonna Rios. After earning my B.S. in Biology, with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology, and a minor in Psychology, I joined UTSA as a M.S. student in Biology. I am pursuing a concentration in Neurobiology to further prepare me for a PhD in Neuroscience and my future career as a neuroscientist. I am currently studying a genetic mutation in chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 2 (CHD2) that is associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), a severe form of childhood epilepsy. This project uses patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiated into human cortical organoids (hCO) to understand the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to the pathophysiology of CHD2 mutation. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, spending time outdoors, and being with my family.

Andrew Brown, B.S. - works with Eva

Hi! My name is Andrew Brown. After earning my B.S. in Biology at Tuskegee University in 2023, I became a Biology M.S. student here at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Raised in Philadelphia, PA, I moved to Houston in 2019 and recently came to San Antonio to join the Hsieh Lab and complete a thesis concentrated on Neuroscience before pursuing an M.D. In my free time, I like to exercise, go hiking, try new foods, and spend time with my family and friends

Alex Gandy - works with Eva

Hello, my name is Alexander Gandy and I am a junior undergraduate researcher pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience. I am currently a member of the R.I.S.E. program and seek to further my education with a PhD. I wish to follow my dream of owning a research facility and exploring the vast facets of the brain and all it entails!

Maryfer Gutierrez, B.S. - works with Sara

Hello there! My name is Maryfer Gutierrez and I’m a senior undergraduate research student working at the Hsieh lab. I am pursuing a bachelors in Neuroscience with a Pre-Medical concentration at UTSA after transferring from UTRGV my sophomore year. I was born in McAllen, TX but I grew up in Mexico until it was time to move to the U.S to start college. The brain is the most sophisticated organ in the universe! And I hope that during my experience here at the Hsieh lab I can make my small contribution to try and address the greatest scientific challenge in history: how does the brain work? I joined Sara Mirsadeghi in the Hsieh lab to learn how the hippocampus, the center of learning and memory, functions in mice as well as hippocampus organoids. We are planning to learn from in vivo hippocampus circuit and recapitulate that neuronal network in vitro, using organoids. After completing my undergraduate degree, I intend to attend medical school to hopefully become a neurologist or even conducting my own research! During my spare time I enjoy reading, solving puzzles and spending time with friends and family!

Sophia Carleson, B.S. - works with Sara

Hello! My name is Sophia Carlson, and I recently graduated UTSA with a B.S. in Biology. I currently work in the Hsieh lab as a research assistant and assist Sara Mirsadeghi in studying the effect of aberrant adult neurogenesis on epilepsy in the hippocampus. We use animal models as well as brain organoids to study neurodevelopment in health and disease. My future goals consist of attending medical school and becoming a pediatric physician! Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones and fur babies, painting, and gardening!

Diana Perez - works with Bayo

Hello, My name is Diana Perez and I am an undergraduate researcher pursuing a Bachelors in Neuroscience, a concentration in Pre-Medical Neuroscience, and a minor in Biology. I am not from San Antonio, but I was born and raised in Laredo, Tx. Outside of the lab, I attend the Pre-Medical Society at UTSA, I volunteer at Corazon Clinic, and at Peterson Clinic. Furthermore, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family. After my undergraduate degree I would love to pursue my MD/PhD in order to become a Neurologist one day!

Nico Enerlan - works with Bayo

Hi, my name is Nico. Growing up I struggled a lot with my mental health. At first, this struggle led me to be interested in topics such as psychology and neuroscience to understand more about why I felt the way that I did, but the more I kept learning the more I wanted to know about the human brain and why it functions the way it does. Soon enough, I developed a passion for the human brain and all things related. Now, I am a student at UTSA majoring in neuroscience. My own mental health struggles have inspired me to heal those who are facing their own issues and challenges as well as spread awareness and tear down the mental health stigma through knowledge and research. This is why after my bachelor's I hope to get into an MD/PhD program where I can become a physician-scientist practicing psychiatry and researching molecular psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, or any other related fields. With my future research, I hope to find new ways to diagnose psychiatric illnesses/disorders and find novel treatments for them.

Adyasha Aruk - works with Kaisha

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Amber Elizalde - works with Zach

My name is Amber Elizalde and I am pursuing B.S. in Neuroscience with a concentration in Pre-Medicine. After my undergraduate degree I plan on pursuing an MD/PhD and becoming a neurosurgeon. Besides my academic interests I love weightlifting, going on hikes, and painting

Mia Soerensen - works with Vanesa

Hey! My name is Mia Soerensen and I am a sophomore undergraduate research student majoring in neuroscience with a pre-medicine concentration. Outside of the lab I enjoy being outside and spending time with my friends, I am also a part of the women’s volleyball team at UTSA! After completing my undergraduate degree, my goal is to go to medical school and become a neurologist.

Yanessa Vitela - works with Vanesa

Hello! My name is Yanessa Vitela and I am an undergraduate research student pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a Pre-Medical concentration here at UTSA. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, but my time in San Antonio has helped me grow academically, socially, and professionally. Outside of the Hsieh Lab, I am an active member of VAW Global Health Alliances, an organization committed to providing underserved communities with access to medical treatment, as well as Women in Medicine, a women’s organization that dives into the field of healthcare and gives students the opportunity to speak with physicians in different specialties. While often busy, I value spending time with friends and family and make sure to squeeze that in whenever I can! After receiving my undergraduate degree, I hope to attend medical school and become a physician specializing in pediatric neurology or neonatology.

Lauren Jingles - works with Vanesa

Hello, I'm Lauren Jingles, originally from New York City and now a newcomer to the San Antonio area. Having spent 15 years in the vibrant atmosphere of New York City, I pursued my education in Boulder, Colorado, before transferring to The University of Texas at San Antonio. I am currently a junior undergraduate student, working towards a B.S. in Molecular Microbiology & Immunology. My future plans include obtaining a PhD in either epidemiology or infectious diseases. I aspire to contribute to increasing the representation of Black women in STEM fields who achieve their PhDs.

Samhitha Boyana - works with Aranis

Hello! My name is Samhitha Boyana and I am from San Antonio, TX. I am currently a freshman undergraduate research student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience with a pre-medical concentration. Outside of the lab, I love to hike and watch movies. After receiving my bachelor's degree, I plan to attend medical school to specialize in psychiatry or neurology to diagnose/treat psychiatric disorders.

Varsha Ponnala - works with Aranis

Hello! My name is Varsha Ponnala, and I am a sophomore undergraduate researcher pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry. I am currently a member of the APPEX program and the Brain Exercise Initiative at UTSA. Outside of lab, I enjoy biking at trails and spending time with friends and family. After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I plan to obtain a dual MD/PhD degree and become a physician-scientist.