Lab Members — Gomperts Lab

BGomperts@mednet.ucla.edu

Tammy M. Rickabaugh, Ph.D

SRA III/Lab Manager

April 2016

trickabaugh@mednet.ucla.edu
Ph.D. Molecular Biology, UC Los Angeles, 2004
“I have been involved in medical science research for over 20 years. During that time I have worked on elucidating mechanisms behind the development of retinitis pigmentosa, the viral pathology of gammaherpesviruses and HIV, and currently, various lung diseases. In my free time I love to read, cook, do arts and crafts, and spend time with my husband and two daughters.”

Rachana Chandran Ph.D

Project Scientist

May 2022

“I am a lung biologist with more than 10 years of experience in basic and translational research, currently working towards understanding molecular pathways involved in pulmonary fibrosis. My long-term research goal is to dissect age-related alterations in and outside the lungs, that facilitate the onset of diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis in the elderly.”

Chandani Sen, Ph.D

Postdoctoral Researcher

December 2018

tcsen@mednet.ucla.edu
Ph.D. Biopolymer Engineering; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, 2017
“My current research focuses on the multidisciplinary field of stem/primary cell biology conglomerated with bioengineering including scaffolding technologies, 3D models, and imaging technologies. My current projects involve in-vitro modeling of cancer, fibrosis, and viral infections of the lung followed by drug screening. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family and friends, cooking, and reading.”

Woosuk Choi, Ph.D

Postdoctoral Researcher

September 2020

woosukchoi@mednet.ucla.edu
Ph.D. Pathobiology; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2020
M.Sc. Cell Biology; Pukyong National University, 2013
B.S. Microbiology; Pukyong National University, 2011
“My research aims to understand the pathogenesis of idiopathic lung fibrosis (IPF). Specifically, I am interested in mechanisms of cellular senescence and fibroblast subpopulation development in the fibrotic microenvironment. Research is the most favorite hobby of mine, and I also love to watch documentary videos, read and loaf with my cat in free time.”

Abdo Durra

April 2019

Andrew Lund

September 2020

“I am a Ph.D. candidate interested in stem/progenitor populations of the airway submucosal glands and the microenvironmental interactions that govern their behavior, especially in the context of Cystic Fibrosis.”

Maisam Ghannam

SRA I

August 2022

msghannam@mednet.ucla.edu
B.S. Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics; University of California, Los Angeles, 2022
“I’m a recent UCLA graduate, and before that I attended Moorpark College to earn my Associate’s degrees. I’m passionate about researching degenerative and chronic diseases, more specifically the cellular pathways that define their pathobiological function. Finding a treatment plan to reverse tissue damage and regenerate the body is my ultimate career goal. I’ve watched people important to me go through these kinds of illnesses, so finding a cure to things like IPF, Alzheimer’s, and ALS are tasks that have a personal connection for me. My current research covers the biological effects of COVID-19 infection on long term cigarette/vape users. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, reading history books, and learning new languages.”

Kristen Castillo

SRA I

August 2022

B.S. Biological Science, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; California State University, Fullerton, 2022
I am a recent graduate from CSUF who is interested in exploring a career in research. Previously, I characterized homologous proteins involved in microbial methane production and currently focus on researching various lung diseases. My hobbies include drawing, exercising, and playing video games with my brother.

Coline Luo

2nd year Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology Major
“Hi! My name is Coline Luo and I am a second-year MCDB major, potentially minoring in Classics. I really love watching cat videos and cooking! In addition to volunteering in lab, I am also involved in UCLA Rotaract, AMWA, and APHC.”

3rd Year Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology Major
“Hi! My name is Hope Fan and I am a third-year MCDB major with a Society and Genetics minor. In addition to volunteering in the lab, I am also involved in HCAT, the LA program, and Crisis Text Line. Some of my other interests include food, photography, and dramas!”

Hope Fan

Summer Parr

3rd year Human, Biology, & Society Major
Hello everyone! My name is Summer Parr and I am a 3rd year HBS major with a Biomedical Research Minor. I really enjoy swimming and going on nature based adventures. I am also very active in Melanin and Medicine's outreach program where I can volunteer with the inner city youth and expose them to the world of science! In addition to being in the Lab, I am also a HHMI Pathways to Success Scholar and a COMPASS Scholar.