Laboratory Cores
Behavior Core
Frank W Blixt, PhD – Research Scientist
Education & Training
BS Zoology Biomedical Science, University of Oklahoma – Norman, OK (2011)
MS Biology, Lund University – Sweden (2013)
PhD Clinical Sciences, Lund University – Sweden (2018)
Areas of Interest
Research interests: microbiome influence on development, generational effects of dysbiosis, stroke, retinal ischemia
Clinical interests: microbiome targeted therapies for stroke prevention/recovery
Research & Experience
-Retinal Ischemia – A Vascular Perspective (2014-2018) under the supervision of Professor Lars Edvinsson and Professor Karin Warfvinge – Lund University, Sweden
-The role of CGRP in migraine pathophysiology (2014-2020) under the supervision of Professor Lars Edvinsson and Professor Kristian Agmund Haanes – Glostrup Research Park, Denmark
Hobbies & Interests
Film making and editing, European football, and working out.
Cell Culture Core
Andrea Becerra-Calixto, PhD – Research Scientist
Education & Training
BS Microbiology
MS Biomedical Basic Science
PhD Biomedical Science: Neuroscience
Areas of Interest
Research interests: Cellular and molecular neurobiology and development of cell culture system models based on stem cell technologies
Clinical interests: Neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and neurovascular diseases
Research & Experience
My research has focused on the development of brain and mid-brain organoids to understand the deconstruction of proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Likewise, I have developed neuroprotection models through gene and cell therapy in cerebral ischemia, searching for molecular targets related to immunoregulation in neural cells. I have experience in 2D and 3D cell culture systems, microscopy, and biochemical and immunoassay techniques.
Histology Core
Education & Training
MD Clinical Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology – Qinhuangdao, China
PhD Neuropathy, Niigata University Brain Research Institute – Niigata, Japan
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Niigata University Brain Research Institute – Niigata, Japan
Areas of Interests
Research Interest: Neuropathology of Neurological disorders (ALS, AD, FTD, Stroke, etc.) and Psychiatric disorders (Schizophrenia, Depression, drug addiction, etc.)
Research & Experience
I worked as a trainee and faculty member at Niigata University, Japan, where I conducted extensive research in Neuropathology. As a neuropathologist, I accumulated vast experience in human anatomy and gross and microscopic investigation of specimens. I also gained experience in histotechnology for clinicopathological research. After moving to the United States, I worked in the basic and translational research laboratories and focused on cellular and molecular neuroscience. I elaborated my expertise in Pathology and contributed to multiple basic and translational research projects to understand the neurobiology and pathophysiology of brain disorders, including Cognition, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Anxiety/Depression, Schizophrenia/Psychosis and Neuroendocrine cancer. I expanded my experience in animal anatomy and histopathology and strengthened the technologies for basic and translational research. The studies I have led and been involved with were published in major Neuropathology, Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cancer journals.
Moreover, I have been involved in building the human brain banks. I hosted courses as an instructor to teach members of the Willed Body Program how to effectively harvest the human brain.
Hobbies & Interests
Photography, cooking, traveling and playing with my kids
Hongyu Wu, MD/PhD – Senior Research Associate
Education & Training
MD HeBei Medical University – China
PhD Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College – China
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – Houston, TX
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – Houston, TX
Areas of Interests
Research Interest: neurologic disease and disorders
Research & Experience
I have 5 years of postdoctoral training and 5 years of experience as a research associate
Hobbies & Interests
Traveling
Weihua Tian, MD – Senior Research Associate
Education & Training
MD Xinjiang Medical University – China
Areas of Interests
Research Interest: clinical and basic research in neurologic disease
Research & Experience
I have 40 years of research experience in clinical pathology.
Hobbies & Interests
Walking, biking, and art
Ashlee Arizmendez – Research Coordinator
Education & Training
BS Forensic Science with concentration in Biology, The University of Texas at El Paso – El Paso, TX (2021)
MS Biological Sciences with specialization in Pre-Health, University of Houston-Clear Lake – Houston, TX (2023)
Areas of Interest
Clinical interests: Healthcare and patient care. I work primarily in a hospital setting with patients and their families
Hobbies & Interests
Traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family
Surgery Core
Solji Roh, MD – Research Scientist
Education & Training
MD Kyungpook National University School of Medicine – Daegu, South Korea
Areas of Interests
Research Interest: animal surgical models, neurovascular disease
Clinical interests: aging, ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease
Research & Experience
My research is focused on the development of a surgical model for neurovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease.
Hobbies & Interests
Hiking and art