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.

PhD Student, Department of Biochemistry

I call southern California home, but have deep roots in Shanghai, China and Boston where I got my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Philosophy from Wellesley College. There, I worked with Dr. Louise Darling studying the impact of parasympathetic activation and PKA phosphorylation on voltage-gated potassium ion channels hERG and KvLQT1. In grad school, I am excited to explore all the cool nature and food spots the Bay has to offer, and to continue my hobbies of crafting, cooking, and music.

Research Intern

I grew up in Southern California and earned my BA in Integrative Human Biology at UC Berkeley. Driven by a lifelong passion for science and a deep commitment to patient care, I’m preparing to pursue an MD/PhD. I’m interested in lipid homeostasis and the cell signaling mechanisms that regulate it, particularly in diseases where this balance is disrupted or lost. Outside the lab, you’ll find me hiking, running, listening to podcasts, exploring or surfing whenever I get the chance.

Research Intern

I am an intern in the Kinnebrew Lab through the Stanford Community College Outreach Program, graduated as of Spring 2025 with my Associate's Degree in Biotechnology from Berkeley City College. I will be transferring to an as of yet undecided University in 2026, after completing further research opportunities I have been offered! My focus is Molecular, Cellular, and Regenerative Biology in the research field. Outside of my education and research, I like to go out to do karaoke with friends and I love to read.

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.