CURRENT MEMBERS
Robert Carrillo (aka Nufo), Ph.D.
Principal Investigator - He/Him
Assistant Professor, Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology —— PH.D., PHARMACOLOGY, YALE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, 2009 —— B.S., CYBERNETICS, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES, 2001
I became fascinated with the brain during an undergrad class. How the heck are we able to retain information and recall things almost instantly?! And how do the BILLIONS of neurons in our brains organize themselves to form functional circuits?? It's truly remarkable that we exist at all considering the myriad of coordinated steps required to create "order" out of chaos (e.g. billions of neurons need to form trillions of synapses!). And I am the luckiest mofo to work with such an amazing team to answer these and other important questions. I am also deeply passionate about outreach and providing opportunities to those who do not have the resources that other more privileged may have. Other interests: cars/motorcycles (sadly, I haven't had a car since moving to Chicago!), nerdy stuff (computers, video games), sports (go Lakers, Niners, and A's!), finding cozy cafes (mostly to work... yes, boooo), road trips, and finding hole in the wall restaurants/bars.
Fun Fact: I've had plastic surgery... But where? hhmmm (insert thinking face emoji)
James Ashley, Ph.D.
Staff Scientist - He/Him
Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School — — B.S., Biology, University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth
I have been fascinated with biology since I was a small child. I have essentially been a staff scientist for almost 20 years, but even in graduate school I was highly collaborative. Throughout my scientific career, I have sought to understand the mechanisms behind synaptic outgrowth and function. During my graduate work, I explored several fundamental pathways underlying Drosophila nervous system development. This work required me to develop expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, advanced imaging techniques (confocal, transmission electron, and scanning electron), electrophysiology, and rigorous genetics to address the nuances of these mechanisms. I continue to apply these techniques, and teach them to the next generation of scientists in the lab. When not in lab I can be found working on my house and barn, or crafting something from wood. I also ride horses competitively in the American Ranch Horse Association, so I can be found training for several hours a week with my horse.
Fun Fact: Most of the world moves too slowly for my taste
Ellen Lesser, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher - She/Her
Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of Washington, 2024
As a graduate student at the University of Washington, I became fascinated by the delicate and powerful wings of insects. I used connectomics to investigate the neural circuits that sense and control wing movements, which led me to questions about how neurons become specialized for a given circuit. To pursue this curiosity, I joined the Carrillo and Heckscher labs, where I am studying developmental regulation of electrical specialization in neurons. Outside of the lab, I like to read, collage, and ice skate.
Fun Fact: I have won multiple pumpkin carving contests
Ruiling (Renee) Zhang
DRSB Graduate Student - She/Her
B.A., Biological Sciences / Psychology, Cornell University, 2020
My research focuses on investigating the signaling mechanisms behind various cell surface proteins. I used diverse molecular biology techniques to determine the functional outcome of cell surface proteins interactions and investigate novel interactors. When outside of lab, I enjoy watching sports and movies.
Fun fact: I spent over 80k minutes on Spotify last year
Rio Salazar
CMB Graduate Student - She/Her
B.A., Biology, williams college, 2020
I'm interested in how cell surface proteins function combinatorially to instruct synaptic connectivity between neurons and their corresponding partners. Using genetic, imaging, and biochemical approaches, I investigate how cell surface proteins from different subfamilies act together through adhesive and repulsive interactions to regulate synaptic target specificity. Outside of lab, I like dancing (salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia), long-boarding, and watching reality competition shows.
Fun Fact: My name has been passed down in my family (unfortunately not named after the classic 2011 film). Rio was first a nickname given to my grandfather, then it was given to my father for his middle name, and now it's my first name!
Parisa Tajalli Tehrani Valverde
DRSB Graduate Student - They/She
M.S., Cell and molecular biology of the cell, Universitá degli Studi di Milano, 2019
B.S., Chemistry, Santa Clara University, 2015
Understanding the tipping point between healthy states and diseased states excites me! I’m currently investigating how perisynaptic glia at the NMJ participate in ALS etiology and working to establish the fly tripartite NMJs of the dorsal longitudinal muscles and leg muscles as nimble systems in which to study develpment and disease. Rain, snow, or shine, you’ll catch me biking out of lab to go organize with our graduate student union GSU-UE local 1103 or cook house dinner for 20 at my housing cooperative.
Fun Fact: Find me upside down doing acro yoga or let me convince you to come out social dancing!
Luciano Simonetta
DRSB Graduate Student - He/Him
B.S., Biology with honors, Florida International University, 2021
I am fascinated by the assembly of neural circuits and how neurons find their appropriate partners with robust precision. I'm focused on the sub-cellular localization of cell surface proteins in motor neurons and how they are used to drive partner recognition events at their dendrites (premotor-motor circuit) and axon terminals (motor-muscle circuit). Outside of lab, I love to cook (not bake, hate baking), photography, and fixing things.
Fun fact: I learned that Narwhals actually exist when I was 21 years old
Idris Ayantoye
MSTP Neurobiology Graduate Student - He/Him
B.S./M.S., Molecular Biochemistry & Biophysics, Illinois Institute of Technology, 2019
Proteins on the surfaces of cells, such as motor neurons, enable recognition and the formation of precise connections with their muscle targets. My research aims to study synapse development and specificity at the Drosophila (fruit fly) neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Because these proteins are conserved in humans, investigating how they interact in Drosophila allows us to study them in greater detail, overcoming the challenges posed by the complexity of the mammalian nervous system. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing and watching football (soccer).
Fun Fact: MS10 >>> CR7
Robin Mitchell
Neurobiology Graduate Student - She/Her
B.A., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mills College, 2022
I am interested in the interplay between adipose tissue metabolism and nervous system function. My research investigates the mechanisms by which secreted and cell-surface proteins regulate diet-dependent structural plasticity at the adult NMJ and explores potential consequences for locomotor behavior. Outside of the lab, I cherish my time in the gym, playing sports like pickleball and volleyball with friends, and reading and writing poetry.
Fun Fact: I worked as a butcher for four years. Even though I prefer microdissections, I miss my macrodissections...
Vasudha Aher
DRSB Graduate Student - She/Her
B.S. / M.S., Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education - Pune, 2023
I’m broadly interested in the development of neural circuits. In the lab, I pursue this by studying how moonwalker neurons rewire over metamorphosis and the molecular mechanisms that drive neuronal partner recognition across developmental stages. I also work with Renee to use proteomics to identify cell surface proteins that interact with DIP-alpha to drive circuit assembly. Outside the lab, I like reading books, running, lifting weights, and engaging with the arts like live music, theater and movies.
Fun Fact: I have never broken a bone in my body unintentionally (my teeth have been drilled into many times intentionally)
Hunter Richardson
MSTP Neurobiology Graduate Student - She/Her
B.S., Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2019
I’m an MD-PhD in the Neurobiology department, currently working on the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. I have interests in baking, neurodegeneration, and dressing up (not usually all at once).
Fun Fact: I wore my first pair of Converse for 10 years, before replacing them with the exact same shoe.
Camille Casiño
Research Analyst
B.A., Neuroscience, University of Chicago, 2021
My love for neuroscience was born out of a desire to understand how experiences shape the way we move through the world. I am especially interested in the relationship between form (neural circuits, neuronal morphology, protein expression) and function (connectivity, behavior, and more). Outside of the lab, I love playing the piano, volleyball, bouldering, cooking, and reading postmodern literature.
Fun Fact: I am a former high school physics teacher and volleyball coach! Go Stuy Beasts!
FORMER MEMBERS
Graduate Students
Yupu Wang, Ph.D
DRSB Graduate Student / Post-doctoral Researcher
Ph.D., DRSB, University of CHICAGO, 2022
B.s., BIology, Peking UNIVERSITY, 2018
Meike Lobb-Rabe, Ph.D
CMB Graduate Student
PH.D., CMB, University of Chicago, 2023
B.S., Cell and Molecular Biology, Seattle University, 2015
Undergraduate Students
Christopher Cardenas
B.S., Neuroscience, University of chicago, 2025
Darian Estevez
B.S., BIology, University of chicago, 2025
Manu Sundaresan
B.S., BIology AND PHILOSOPHY, University of chicago, 2024
Katie DeLong
B.A., BIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, 2021
Nicholas Cordero
B.S., NEUROSCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, 2021
Iris Berman
B.A., BIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, 2023
Jude Brewer
B.S., BIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, 2022
Katherine Hou
B.A., BIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, 2022
Luke Shackleford
B.A., BIOLOGY, Lyon University, 2020
Purujit Chatterjee
B.A., BIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, 2019
Gabriel Rojas-Bowe
B.A., Cell and Molecular Biology, UNiversity of Puerto rico, 2020
Laboratory Technicians
Omr Kassem
B.S., Neuroscience, University of Chicago, 2022
Stephanie Dunning
B.A., Biology, University of Kentucky, 2019
Veera Anand
B.S., NEUROSCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, 2019
Violet Sorrentino
B.S., Biology, University of Chicago, 2017
Chloe Weisberg
B.A., Biology, University of CHicago, 2014
Cristian Camacho
General business administration, northeastern university, 2018
Certified CUlinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu, 2013
High School Students
See Outreach page