Cole Ferguson MD,PhD | Assistant Professor, Principal Investigator
I am a scientist-physician in the Neuropathology Division of the Department of Pathology at UC San Diego. My research broadly focuses on the pathogenesis of inherited neurologic disorders, particularly those arising from defective epigenetic/chromatin regulation and ubiquitin signaling during brain development and in neurodevelopmental disease.
Clinically, I am a Neuropathologist serving as Director of Ophthalmic Pathology at UCSD.
Challana Tea - Graduate Student
I am a PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. I study the role of chromatin regulators in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, karaoke, and going to concerts.
Jai Ramchandra – Graduate Student
I’m a PhD student in Biomedical Sciences who is co-mentored by Dr. Cole Ferguson (UCSD) and Dr. Anjana Rao (LJI). My project focuses on studying the role of Bap1 and its substrate H2AK119ub in regulating DNA methylation, especially non-CG methylation, during neurodevelopment. Outside of the lab, I am a hobby comic book artist and major cat enthusiast (pictured here my iconic tuxedo cat, Couch)!
Zakir Alibhai – Undergraduate researcher
I am a Biology: Bioinformatics major at UCSD. My research interests are focused on investigating the Polycomb Repressor Complex regulation of ubiquitination of chromatin and how defects contribute to human neurodevelopmental disorders. In my free time, I enjoy drinking coffee, reading novels, and spending time with friends.
Rachael Cui – Undergraduate Researcher
I’m a third-year General Biology major at UCSD with Cognitive Science and History minors. Currently, I’m examining patient BAP1 mutations in induced neurons. In my free time, I enjoy baking sweet treats, crocheting, and travelling.
AYANA PERERA – UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
I am a third-year Biology: Bioinformatics student at UC San Diego, interested in leveraging computational and data-driven methods to explore epigenetic mechanisms and solve complex problems in biomedical science. In my free time, I like to do anything outdoors, especially in the ocean, go to concerts, and try new cafes and restaurants.
milo lin – Undergraduate Researcher
I am a first year undergraduate student majoring in Bioinformatics in the Department of Biology. I am interested in applying computer science and data science techniques in the field of biomedical informatics. In my free time, I like to play badminton, solve Rubik’s cubes, and brew coffee.
Shreya Kashyap – Undergraduate Researcher, PATHS scholar
I am a second-year Bioengineering major at UC San Diego. My current project utilizes embryonic stem cells to model epigenetic dysregulation in BAP1 mutant induced neurons. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, reading, running, and trying new restaurants.
Zhendong (Harry) Song - Undergraduate researcher
My project focuses on the function of the Polycomb-Repressive Complex ubiquitin ligases Ring1A and Ring1B in epigenetics regulation in the brain.
Liana Mao – Undergraduate Researcher
I'm a fourth year Molecular and Cell Biology and Global Health double major at UCSD. My current project examines the function of the lysosomal signaling lipid PI(3,5)P2 in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. In my free time, I love reading, going to concerts, and doing any form of arts and crafts.