Group Leader

I was born in Guatemala and then grew up in Southern California. My passion for Biology came from exploring the outdoors in these diverse places. I got my BA at UCSB, where I worked with Dr. Songi Han to study a 7-transmembrane protein with EPR spectroscopy. Through this work I became fascinated with transmembrane proteins and their interaction with lipids. To pursue this further, I worked with Dr. Raj Rohatgi for my PhD at Stanford, where I studied how cholesterol controls the receptor-mediated steps of the Hedgehog pathway. Outside of the lab, you can find me exploring the Bay area with my family.

Research Scientist

I grew up in Sri Lanka, where I completed my undergraduate studies in Chemistry at the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon. I then decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University, where I joined the Dhakal Group. There, I focused on developing single-molecule FRET-based DNA sensors for detecting nucleic acid biomarkers. Currently, in the Kinnebrew lab, I am exploring the roles of lipids in cell signaling and cholesterol homeostasis. Outside of lab, I enjoy going to concerts and exploring San Francisco.

Research Scientist

I got my Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins University in 2021. In my Ph.D. training, I worked in Dr. Watanabe’s lab to study synaptic vesicle release, recycling, and the location of glutamate receptors in mouse hippocampal neurons. After that, I did a short postdoc at Stanford University to study a rare neurodegenerative disease where I started to be intrigued by lipid homeostasis in health and disease. Outside of work, I enjoy playing with my cats, reading books, hiking and doing volunteer work at animal shelters.

Research Intern

Growing up in the Bay Area, I’ve been exposed to many different cultures. One of the things I love about that is being able to explore the various cuisines and spices shared by each of them through the Bay’s diverse array of restaurants. As a first-year college student majoring in Bioengineering, I plan to transfer to a four-year university, pursue a master's degree, and possibly get a PhD focused on bioengineering technology. I am still discovering where my passions lie; however, I am considering a career in either the medical device industry or academic research, with interests in genetic engineering, stem cells, cardiovascular diseases, and nanotechnology. Ultimately, I aspire to make meaningful impacts by addressing health disparities and promoting equity through my work.

Administrative Assistant

As a Bay area native, I love all of the different cultures in Northern California. I am a jazz aficionado and Star Wars fan. I love finding all the different types of food in the Bay Area. I also visit Mexico often, because that is where my roots lie. On the weekends you can find me at my son’s soccer game or working on a jigsaw puzzle.