MEET THE LAB
PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR (PI)
Toni R Pak, PhD
James R. DePauw Professor and Chair
Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology
Founding Director, Center for Healthy Aging and Resilience Mechanisms (CHARM)
Hometown: Boulder, CO
Hobbies: Skiing, reading, concerts
Favorite Quote: “The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it” - Neil deGrasse Tyson
Education:
2003 -2007: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Dr. Robert Handa, Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO)
2002: Ph.D. Neuroscience, University of Colorado (Boulder, CO) Advisors: Dr. G. Robert Lynch, Dr. Pei-San Tsai
1997: M.A. Secondary Science Education, University of Colorado (Boulder, CO)
1995: B.A. Environmental, Population, Organismic Biology, University of Colorado (Boulder, CO)
EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS
Karla Ma del Carmen Mendez Maldonado, MS, PhD
Research Associate
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
Hobbies: Spending time with my son & husband, basketball, dance, running & baking
Research: Role of miRNAs in Alzheimer's Disease
Favorite Quote: "All you need is love" - The Beatles
Email: kmendezmaldonado@luc.edu
Education:
2019: PhD, Cell & Molecular Biology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, UNAM
2013: MS, Cell & Molecular Biology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, UNAM
2010: BS, Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Biology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, UNAM
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Mikayla Newby, BS
PhD Candidate; Cell and Molecular Physiology Graduate Program
Hometown: Ramsey, MN
Hobbies: Reading, knitting & yoga
Research: Modifications of Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) under the Influence of Alcohol
Favorite Quote: "We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves" - Marie Curie
Email: mnewby1@luc.edu
Education:
2020: BS, Neuroscience, University of St. Thomas
Yoldas Yildiz, MS
Ph.D. Candidate; Cell and Molecular Physiology Graduate Program
Hometown: Hackney, London, UK
Hobbies: Exploring Chicago, LEGO, traveling & social justice
Research: The Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Sex Differences in Alzheimer's Disease
Favorite Quote: "Do you have a plan? I don't even have a pla." –Phoebe Buffay
Email: yyildiz@luc.edu
Education:
2019: MSc Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London
2018: BA; Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology. Toor Cummings Center for International Studies and Liberal Arts (CISLA) Scholar, Connecticut College
Angela Fan, BS
Ph.D. Student; Cell and Molecular Physiology Graduate Program
Hometown: Hong Kong
Hobbies: Eating, customized mechanical keyboards & going to the gym
Research: Effects of Adolescent binge drinking on RNA binding proteins in the brain
Favorite Quote: "The only true wisdom is in knowing that you know nothing" – Socrates
Email: afan@luc.edu
Education:
2019: BS; Marine Biology, Northeastern University
Brittney Visser, BS
Ph.D. Student; Cell and Molecular Physiology Graduate Program
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Hobbies: Walks with my dog, Gyming, Trying new restaurants
Research: The Role of miRNAs in the Pathology of Alzheimer's Disease
Favorite Quote: "There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living" – Nelson Mandela
Email: bvisser@luc.edu
Education:
2023: BS; Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh
RESEARCH STAFF
Sarah Flury, MS
Lab Manager & Research Specialist
Hometown: Deerfield, IL
Hobbies: Tough Mudder, triathalons & biking
Favorite Quote: "Science is magic that works." - Kurt Vonnegut
Email: sflury@luc.edu
Education:
2015: BS, Biology, Bradley University
2018: MS, Micobiology & Immunology, Loyola University Chicago
Angel Ngai, BS
Research Technician I, UICOM M1 Student
Hometown: Napervile, IL
Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking, horseback riding & bowling
Favorite Quote: "If you wait until you can do everything for everybody, instead of doing something for somebody, you’ll end up not doing anything for anybody.” Malcom Bane
Email: yngai@luc.edu
Education:
2020: BS, Mathematics, Loyola University Chicago
2019: BS, Biology, Loyola University Chicago
Amanda Hartoun, MS
Research Assistant I
Hometown: Skokie, IL
Hobbies: Planning trips, traveling & trying new restaurants
Favorite Quote: “Correction does much, but encouragement does more” -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Email: ahartoun@luc.edu
Education:
2023: MS, Medical Physiology, Loyola University Chicago
2020: BS, Neuroscience, DePaul University
Destiny Deschenes, BS
Research Assistant II
Hometown: Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Hobbies: Memorizing the dances from "Michael Jackson The Experience", reading & finding cool rocks
Favorite Quote: "Life is but an endless series of opportunities, some involving pottery barn" -Bojack Horseman
Email: ddeschenes@luc.edu
Education:
2023: BS, Biology & Psychology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
