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Anthony Koleske, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator |
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Xiaoyuan Li, M.S.
Lab Manager |
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Andrew Boulton, B.S.
Research Assistant |
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Robert Niescier, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Associate Rob received his bachelor’s degree in microbiology at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 2009. Following that, he attended Indiana University Bloomington and joined the lab of Dr. Kyung-Tai Min, where he began his work studying mitochondrial dynamics in axons. Life took an unexpected turn when Dr. Min accepted an offer to become a professor at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea, bringing Rob with him to complete his dissertation work. There, he found and characterized a functional interaction between the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) and Miro1, a GTPase responsible for regulating mitochondrial transport. After receiving his PhD in biomedical sciences, returning to the US, and having a brief stint as a researcher at the Hussman Institute for Autism, Rob joined the lab of Dr. Anthony Koleske at Yale University, where he currently studies the role of the autism and epilepsy-risk gene IQSEC2 in regulating neurodevelopment. His hobbies include camping, powerlifting, and hanging out with his dog Sully. |
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Mason McCool, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Associate Mason is a postdoc in the department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. In the Koleske lab, Mason is undercovering the molecular mechanisms by which dysregulation of TRIO alters cellular signaling pathways that are required during neurodevelopment. Mason received his B.A. in Chemistry from Kenyon College and his Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University. He completed his Ph.D. research in Susan Baserga’s lab, where he used image-based and biochemical techniques to study the molecular functions of novel protein regulators of ribosome biogenesis in human cells. Outside of the lab, Mason closely follows sports news and current events, including the Tennessee Titans and professional golf. He also competes in golf tournaments himself around Connecticut. |
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Shengyu Zhao, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Associate Shengyu Zhao is a postdoctoral associate in the department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. His work at the Koleske lab focuses on elucidating the mechanism behind neurodevelopmental disorders using state-of-the-art optical imaging methods. His projects aim to get a full picture of brain structural and functional alterations in disease models from subcellular to whole-brain level. He received his B.S. in Chemistry from Nanjing University, China, and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Virginia. During his doctoral studies, he succeeded in developing several genetically encoded luminescent tools to visualize and manipulate biological processes. Notably, his work led to the development of the first bioluminescent potassium indicator which could visualize potassium dynamics in deep brain area in real time. Outside of the lab, he enjoys traveling with his lovely wife and daughter, exploring cuisines from around the world and watching NBA games. |
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Nicolas Stuardo, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Associate Nico is a Postdoctoral Associate in the department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. In the Koleske lab, Nico studies how Abl2 regulates microtubule and actin cytoskeleton dynamics in different cell types. Prior to coming to Yale, he received his professional degree in Biochemistry from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, where he studied the regulation of axonal BDNF transport under the guidance of Dr. Francisca Bronfman. Later, Nico got his PhD from the same institution, where he studied a molecular mechanism of axonal cytoskeleton destabilization in Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of the lab, Nico enjoys making music, cooking and reading. |
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Ashleigh Smirnov, M.S.
Graduate Student Ashleigh is a graduate student in the MBB program. She received her M.S in Physics and B.A. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Physics at the University of Pennsylvania. There, she worked in Dr. James Shorter’s lab investigating protein aggregation and phase separation of TDP-43. Currently, she is interested in studying microtubule dynamics with Abl2. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, playing video games, exercising, and swing dancing. |
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Charlotte H. Godfrey, B.S.
Graduate Student Charlotte is a Ph.D. student in the department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. In the Koleske lab, Charlotte studies the influence of signaling proteins on cell homeostasis. She received her B.S. in Psychology from Appalachian State University, where she completed her honors research thesis studying behavioral neuroscience with Dr. Mark Zrull. After graduation, she received a research training award with Dr. Kenton Swartz at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, using patch-clamp electrophysiology to study TRP ion channels. Outside of the lab, Charlotte has a fervent interest in science communication and writing. Charlotte also enjoys reading fantasy novels, basking with her bearded dragon, hiking, and snuggling with her tomcats. |
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Ameera Ali
Undergraduate Student Ameera is a junior at Yale College majoring in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, and she is originally from San Diego, California. She studies the neurodevelopmental disorder risk gene DDX3X and its relationship to TRIO to understand how altered translational regulation contributes to neurodevelopmental disease. Outside of the lab, Ameera works with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, enjoys crocheting, and loves exploring new cafes. |
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Jiya Mody
Undergraduate Student Jiya is a sophomore in Yale College, majoring in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. She is originally from Bridgewater, New Jersey. Jiya joined the Koleske Lab in Fall 2024 and is researching how Abl2 phase separates with microtubules and influences their dynamics, particularly in relation to neuronal dysregulation in neurodevelopmental diseases. In her free time, Jiya dances with Yale Jashan Bhangra and works as an EMT in New Haven. |
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Nicole Vayman
Undergraduate Student Nicole is a senior at Yale, majoring in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, who joined the Koleske Lab in Fall 2024. She is originally from Weston, Florida, and spends most of her free time practicing yoga or ballet, going on walks to East Rock, or reading fantasy novels. For her senior thesis research, Nicole is investigating novel regulators of TRIO GEF2 activity by exploring how different transmembrane proteins affect RhoA activity using live-cell fluorescence microscopy on a mammalian cell line with a FRET-based RhoA biosensor. |
| Allie Forbes |
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Undergraduate Student Allie Forbes is a sophomore in Yale College majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She is from Edmonton, Canada, and is a member of Yale’s gymnastics team. She studies how mutations in TRIO contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons, with a particular interest in mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. Outside of the lab, you can often find Allie hiking East Rock, at the Jitterbus Café, or listening to an album from start to finish. |