Cole Ferguson, MD, PhD – Assistant Professor, Principal Investigator
I am a scientist-physician within the Neuropathology Division of the Pathology Department at UCSD. I am broadly interested in the regulation of chromatin and epigenetics by ubiquitin signaling during brain development. I am supported by a K08 grant from NICHD entitled, “Ubiquitin signaling in epigenetic regulation of neuronal development.”
My clinical role is as the director of ophthalmic pathology at UCSD.
Challana Tea – Graduate Research Assistant
I am a PhD student in Biochemistry and Biophysics. My previous research at UCSD focused on exploring mitochondrial dysfunction in neurological diseases using iPSC-based models. Currently, my research interests in the lab revolve the role of chromatin regulators in facilitating the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, karaoke, and going to concerts.
Kelly Wang - Undergraduate Researcher
I am a Molecular and Cell Biology major double minoring in Chemistry and AAPI studies at UCSD. My scientific interests include epigenetic regulation and its effect on neurodevelopment. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and baking.
Bridget Wong - Lab Manager/Undergraduate Researcher
I am currently a Biochemistry major minoring in Biology. My research interest include cell death and protein dysregulation in lysosomal neurodegeneration. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, exploring San Diego, and watching TV shows and movies.
Aditya Parmar - Undergraduate Researcher
I am a Bioengineering: Bioinformatics major at UCSD. My academic interests are epigenetics and the application of machine learning to solve biological problems. In my free time, I enjoy trying out cafes and restaurants as well as watching sunsets and movies with friends.
Addison Bullard – Student Researcher
Currently, I am a High School Freshman and have a strong interest in neurodegenerative disorders, which is what has compelled me to join and assist the Ferguson Lab. My brother is autistic, and being so close to these disorders, I have always wanted to learn the genetics behind these disabilities. In the lab, my role consists of computational analysis, literature review, and statistical analysis.
Alumni
Larissa Kaube
Olivia Urso, BS – Former Lab Manager/Research Assistant
Olivia Urso, BS – Former Lab Manager/Research Assistant
UCSD class of 2021, BS in Biochemistry
Current position: Researcher at the Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics at Sanford Burnham. Working to develop cellular assays for drug discovery to treat Alzheimer disease and cancer.
Olivia Urso, BS – Former Lab Manager/Research Assistant
Olivia Urso, BS – Former Lab Manager/Research Assistant
Olivia Urso, BS – Former Lab Manager/Research Assistant
BS in Neuroscience from Washington University in St Louis in 2021.
Research interests include epigenetic regulation and chromatin organization in neurodevelopmental disorders of cognition.
Current position: veterinary technician at the Scripps Research Institute; responsible for diagnosing and treating laboratory animals with a variety of experimentally induced and spontaneous health conditions, analyzing health trends, and performing technical procedures.
Lena Krockenberger
Olivia Urso, BS – Former Lab Manager/Research Assistant
Dylan Pilz – Former undergraduate researcher
Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics from UCSD in 2022.
Currently a first-year graduate student pursuing a PhD in Bioinformatics at UCLA. My interests include studying complex human diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Dylan Pilz – Former undergraduate researcher
Dylan Pilz – Former undergraduate researcher
University of California, San Diego Alumni B.S. in Bioinformatics
Scientific interests include epigenetics, aging and artificial intelligence.
Leya Ledvin – Former Lab Manager/Research Assistant
I received a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology from the University of California, San Diego in 2022. I am interested in learning about the molecular biology associated with disorders and diseases of the brain and hope to pursue a PhD in the future. When I am not in the lab, I enjoy walking my dog, reading, and exploring new cafes.
Current Position: Research Associate at the Daneman Lab, UCSD
Anajli Srinivasan – Former Undergraduate Researcher
I am a graduate student in UCSD's Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program and that my research interests are in using computational methods to gain insight into brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders
Riya Kalra – Former Undergraduate Researcher
Abijith Augustine – Former Undergraduate Researcher
Abijith Augustine – Former Undergraduate Researcher
I received a Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics with a minor in Computer Science from the University of California, San Diego in 2024. I am fascinated by biological patterns in genetics and enjoy the statistics and data science side of data analysis. When I am not in the lab, I love hiking, running, dancing, and exploring new places!
Currently Pursuing a Master of Science in Biostatistics at Columbia University
Abijith Augustine – Former Undergraduate Researcher
Abijith Augustine – Former Undergraduate Researcher
Abijith Augustine – Former Undergraduate Researcher
I am a 5th year in bioengineering: Bioinformatics major with a minor in physics, math and biology at UCSD. In my free time, I like to watch YouTube videos and movies. As a student and researcher, I am passionate about biology, computer science and engineering.
Owin Gong – Former Undergraduate Researcher
Abijith Augustine – Former Undergraduate Researcher
I received a Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Math - Computer Science from the University of California, San Diego in 2024. I am interested in learning about new technologies and applying them in projects. I like hiking and reading during my free time.
Jonathan Tawil – Former Lab Manager and Researcher Assistant
Jonathan Tawil – Former Lab Manager and Researcher Assistant
I have received a Bachelor in Science in Human Biology from UCSD, and plan to apply to medical school in the near future. In the lab my interest includes neurodevelopment and studying the disorders that may result. It is through this lab that I can push my boundaries and learn new techniques. In my free time I am avid car enthusiast that not only enjoys admiring them but working and restoring on many different types of cars.