Principal Investigator
Dr. Shivashankar Othy
Assistant Professor
Shiva completed his Veterinary Medicine training in India and obtained Ph.D. in Physiology and Pathophysiology from Pierre and Marie Curie (now Sorbonne) University – Paris with Prof. Srini Kaveri. During Ph, D Shiva studied mechanisms of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) in CNS autoimmunity. Since then, he has been pursuing a vision of investigating mechanisms of immune regulation through direct imaging of cellular and molecular choreography. He gained expertise in multiphoton microscopy during postdoctoral training with Profs. Cahalan and Parker then obtained additional training in tumor immunology from Prof. Marangoni. Shiva uncovered new mechanisms of regulatory T cells, identified the role of Piezo1 channels in helper T cells, established multiscale immunoimaging methodologies, and contributed to the development of a novel genetic ratiometric calcium indicator called ‘Salsa6f’. Currently, Shiva is leading the Immune Regulation Laboratory in the Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics at UC Irvine.
Lab Researchers
Dr. Amit Jairaman
Assistant Project Scientist
Amit began his career as a medical doctor in South India. Fascinated by cell biology, he obtained PhD in the Life Sciences at Northwestern University, Chicago (with Prof. Murali Prakriya) and postdoctoral training at UCI (Prof. Michael Cahalan). He is an expert in store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels, and imaging calcium signaling in various immune cells (e.g., T cells, Macrophages, Microglia). Amit is leading mechanoimmunology and neuroimmunology research programs in the Othy laboratory. He also oversees live cell imaging studies using multiphoton, confocal, widefield, and super-resolution microscopy to study the cellular and molecular mechanism of immune cells in various pathophysiological contexts (e.g., solid tumors, wound healing, and CNS autoimmunity). His hobbies are watching dogs, trying new restaurants, and listening to classical and electronic synth music.
Angel Zavala
Assistant Specialist
Angel grew up in Southern California and graduated from UC Irvine with a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences. He obtained research experience in Dr. Walsh’s and Dr. Cahalan’s laboratories, learning various immunology-related techniques such as tissue histology and preparation, cell culturing, animal handling, and flow cytometry. Angel is contributing to our Neuroimmunology research program, which focuses on the tissue-specific mechanisms of regulatory T cells in the CNS. He aspires to earn a license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist or attend graduate schooa l for Ph.D. in Translational Science. Outside the lab, his hobbies include spending time with his dog and family, listening to music, and exploring new cuisine.
Michael Hwang
Research Associate
Michael graduated with a Bachelor’s in Biological Engineering from Cornell University. He obtained research experience with Dr. Skupsky in the Cahalan lab, learning various imaging methods (fluorescence microscopy, bioluminescence, etc.), mouse handling, tissue preparation, cell culture, in vitro immunoassays, and flow cytometry. In collaboration with the Vaccine Research & Development Center (VRDC), Michael contributes to the Vaccine Biology research program by studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of adjuvant combinations in activating the immune system. He plans to attend graduate school to learn immunology in-depth and contribute to biomedical research. Outside of work, Michael enjoys watching movies, listening to podcasts, and just relaxing.
Mariella Soto
Graduate Student Researcher
Mariella grew up in South Florida and graduated from the Honors College at Florida State University with a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences and a minor in Chemistry. At Florida State, she completed an Honors Thesis focused on investigating strategies to increase knock-in efficiency in human embryonic stem cells through CRISPR protein engineering. After gaining more research experience as a laboratory technician at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, she joined UC Irvine to obtain a doctorate in Biomedical Sciences. Mariella is contributing to Othy Lab’s Mechanoimmunology research program, focusing on the role of Piezo1 in CD8+ T cells. After graduation, she hopes to apply her training to improving the efficacy of immunotherapies. Outside the lab, her hobbies include attending concerts, playing soccer, and creating artwork.
Michelle Tran
Student Researcher
Michelle was born and raised in California as a Vietnamese-American mix of different ethnicities. She is majoring in Biological Sciences and intends to switch to Public Health. She is a student researcher in the lab while gaining experience in learning immunology. Michelle is pursuing a career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with her love for helping children. Outside the lab, she loves baking and spending time with her friends and dogs.
Thien Nguyen
Undergraduate Trainee (Bio 199)
Thien was born in Vietnam and moved to Southern California at four. She is a student researcher majoring in biological sciences at UCI, and she is excited to gain experience in a lab setting and learn about topics in immunology. Her goal is to pursue a career in the medical field. Thien likes to watch Youtube and creates digital artwork during her free time.
Elise Nguyen
Undergraduate Trainee (Bio 199)
Elise grew up in Vietnam and moved to the United States at thirteen. She is majoring in Biological Sciences at UC Irvine. As an undergraduate student researcher (Bio 199), she is excited to learn and explore topics in immunology as well as laboratory skills. Elise aims to pursue an M.D./Ph.D., particularly in immunology. Outside the lab, she enjoys listening to music, dancing, and watching movies.
John Anding
Undergraduate Trainee (Bio 199)
John is pursuing a Biological Sciences B.S. degree at the University of California-Irvine. He intends to specialize in Immunology and Microbiology during his third year and plans to pursue medical science after graduation. As an undergraduate researcher (Bio 199), he is thrilled to contribute to the Neuroimmunology research program focusing on the tissue-specific mechanisms of regulatory T cells in the CNS. Outside of the lab, he loves to play volleyball, be with friends, try new things, and make the most out of his college career.
Lab Alumni:
- Maryam Seyedsadr (Postdoctoral Researcher, 2024)
- Charu Singh (Undergraduate Bio 199 Trainee, 2023)
- Tiana Le Duong (Undergraduate Student Researcher, 2023)
- Michelle Tran (Undergraduate Student Researcher, 2023-2024)
- Jasmine Posada (CMB Rotation Student, Summer 2023)