Javier Diaz Alonso, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
jdiazalo@uci.edu
+001 (949) 824-4951
I was born in Tenerife (Spain). I received my B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the Complutense University in Madrid. I remained in the same institution for my Ph.D. in Molecular Biology with Manuel Guzman and Ismael Galve-Roperh. I studied how the endogenous cannabinoid system controls key aspects of brain development, neural progenitor proliferation, neuronal migration, and lineage specification. I did my postdoc with Roger Nicoll at UCSF, using molecular biology and electrophysiology to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying AMPA receptors trafficking to the synapse during long-term potentiation.
Gerardo Sandoval
Graduate student
My pronouns are he/him/his. I obtained a B.A. in Psychology from the California State University of Fullerton. During my undergraduate career, I participated in the NIH-funded Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program where I studied simple forms of learning and memory (i.e. habituation and sensitization) in larval zebrafish using optogenetics and behavior. I also engaged in computational research analyzing neural dynamics in organotypic brain slices as part of UCLA’s SPUR-LABS program. I am most interested in understanding the neural mechanisms involved in synaptic plasticity as they relate to learning and memory as well in the context of neuropsychiatric disorders. Outside of the lab, I can be found at a coffee shop sketching while enjoying an iced matcha.
Matthew Sandoval
PhD Student
Matt is a PhD student and Howard Schneiderman T32 Training Fellow in the Diaz Alonso Lab. His research focused on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the adhesion molecules, MDGA1 and MDGA2, affect synaptic transmission and learning and memory, generally. Outside the lab, he enjoys watching documentaries, exploring local coffee shops, and hanging out with his dog, Musket!
Johana Extrémet
Post-Doctoral Researcher
I am Javier’s first postdoctoral researcher in the lab. Originally from the south of France, I completed my PhD in February 2022 at Aix-Marseille University. During my doctoral work in Dr. Dominique Debanne’s lab, Inserm, Marseille, I investigated the role of the LGI1 protein in regulating the intrinsic excitability of CA3 neurons in LGI1-KO mouse, an epileptic model. My research interests are centered on understanding the mechanisms underlying both pathological (such as epilepsy) and non-pathological neuronal processes. While my PhD focused on the intrinsic properties of neurons, I also recognized the critical role of synaptic organization. I’m excited to continue exploring these themes during my postdoc with such a supportive and high-spirited team, as I am studying an epileptic mouse model involving AMPA receptor dysfunction.
Outside of research, I enjoy climbing at the gym and hiking in nature—activities that help me embrace the California lifestyle. I also used to brew beer, which felt a bit like conducting experiments at home, with my friends as willing guinea pigs!
Alexis Madrid
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a senior at UCI majoring in Biological Sciences supported by the NIH-funded Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program through the Minority Sciences Program. Since joining the lab in June of 2023 I have studied learning and memory via behavioral analysis and immunofluorescence. In my free time I enjoy reading, running, and going to concerts.
Gabriel Franchet-Schaer
Undergraduate Researcher
gfranche@uci.edu
I am a rising Senior at UCI as a Biological Sciences Major. My passion lies in doing meaningful research and learnign as much as I can about Neuroscience. In my free time I love to snowboard and going to the gym.
Lucas Garcia
Undergraduate Researcher
lucaseg1@uci.edu
My name is Lucas and I am a second year Biological Sciences (B.S.) major with plans to pursue a career in medicine. I’m very passionate about understanding human biology and anatomy. When I am not studying, you can find me snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain, discovering new music, or getting coffee with my friends.
Lab Alumni
Ananth Vishwanath Kolli – Lab Assistant I (he/him/his) am a recent graduate from the University of California, Irvine, with a degree in Human Biology. I’m doing research because I want to understand and help others understand how the brain works. My other interests include swimming and playing the piano.
Michael Nguyen – Undergrad Researcher
Carmen Ramirez-Alonso – Undergrad Researcher – carmenr2@uci.edu Biological and Educational Sciences double major. Originally from Spain and moved to the US for high school, and am now continuing my higher education at UCI. My project in the Diaz-Alonso lab explores the endocannabinoid system and its unique relation to synaptic plasticity. I also work as a chemistry tutorial leader for UCI’s LARC, so if I am not doing research, I am usually teaching a chem class!
Laura Acosta-Soto – Undergrad Researcher
Ananth Vishwanath Kolli – Undergrad Researcher
Vivian Ngoc Chau – Undergraduate Researcher from Fall 2020 to Winter 2021 and during her time here she received the Carol Becker McGaugh Award. She graduated in 2022 and is now in Western University dental school.
Dean Emmanuel Madali – Undergraduate Researcher from 2020 to winter 2021. He graduated in 2022.
Kayla Solorio – Undergraduate Researcher from Fall 2020 to Winter 2021 and during her time here she received the Carol Becker McGaugh Award.