Chris Dulla, Ph.D. - Principal Investigator
Chris heads up the lab and is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Tufts University School of Medicine. Chris trained with Dr. Kevin Staley, as a graduate student, and Dr. John Huguenard, as a post-doc. Throughout his career he has focused on understanding the how glutamate synaptic activity contributes to epilepsy and other neurological disorders an the Dulla Lab continues to focus on the molecular and cellular underpinnings of epileptogenesis. Techniques used in the lab center around electrophysiology, imaging, and EEG. Chris has also always enjoyed developing novel technical approaches and currently is exploring novel approaches to image voltage, high-speed imaging of neuronal activity, and models of epilepsy and brain injury.
Chris is addicted to hot sauce, loves to camp, play guitar, and has a significant collection of mullet wigs.
Chris heads up the lab and is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Tufts University School of Medicine. Chris trained with Dr. Kevin Staley, as a graduate student, and Dr. John Huguenard, as a post-doc. Throughout his career he has focused on understanding the how glutamate synaptic activity contributes to epilepsy and other neurological disorders an the Dulla Lab continues to focus on the molecular and cellular underpinnings of epileptogenesis. Techniques used in the lab center around electrophysiology, imaging, and EEG. Chris has also always enjoyed developing novel technical approaches and currently is exploring novel approaches to image voltage, high-speed imaging of neuronal activity, and models of epilepsy and brain injury.
Chris is addicted to hot sauce, loves to camp, play guitar, and has a significant collection of mullet wigs.
Moritz Armbruster, Ph.D. - Research Assistant Professor
Moritz did his doctoral training in the lab of Dr. Tim Ryan, where he focused on the kinetics and mechanisms of synaptic vesicle endocytosis and the large GTPase Dynamin. He joined the Dulla lab in 2012 to pursue his postdoctoral studies. His focus is on astrocyte biology and characterizing the perturbations in spatial and temporal control of glutamate reuptake in a model of developmental epilepsy.
Moritz grows his own wheat, mills his own flour, kneads his own dough, and bakes his own bread.
Moritz did his doctoral training in the lab of Dr. Tim Ryan, where he focused on the kinetics and mechanisms of synaptic vesicle endocytosis and the large GTPase Dynamin. He joined the Dulla lab in 2012 to pursue his postdoctoral studies. His focus is on astrocyte biology and characterizing the perturbations in spatial and temporal control of glutamate reuptake in a model of developmental epilepsy.
Moritz grows his own wheat, mills his own flour, kneads his own dough, and bakes his own bread.
Zin-Juan Klaft, M.D., doctorate - Scientist II
Zin joined the Dulla Lab in early 2018 moving to Boston from Berlin, Germany. He paused his medical studies at Charite for 4.5 years to do his doctoral training in Uwe Heinemann's lab at the Institute of Neurophysiology. His research there focused on mechanisms of drug resistance in epilepsy, seizure models and purinergic modulation of physiological and pathological network activities. He led the human brain slice program at his former institute for several years and initiated a drug development project in collaboration with Charite technology transfer. In the Dulla Lab he will focus on developmental disturbances of interneuron maturation.
In his free time he enjoys gold prospecting and has found a decent amount in California.
Zin joined the Dulla Lab in early 2018 moving to Boston from Berlin, Germany. He paused his medical studies at Charite for 4.5 years to do his doctoral training in Uwe Heinemann's lab at the Institute of Neurophysiology. His research there focused on mechanisms of drug resistance in epilepsy, seizure models and purinergic modulation of physiological and pathological network activities. He led the human brain slice program at his former institute for several years and initiated a drug development project in collaboration with Charite technology transfer. In the Dulla Lab he will focus on developmental disturbances of interneuron maturation.
In his free time he enjoys gold prospecting and has found a decent amount in California.
Sadi Quiñones - Ph.D. Student
Sadi graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2017 where he spent three years utilizing single cell genomics to elucidate the mechanisms underlying neurogenesis. Now a member of the Dulla Lab, he exploits these same techniques to explore the metabolic dynamics within the brain following traumatic brain injury. During his years here at Tufts, Sadi plans to further pursue his interest in single cell genomics and bioinformatics.
However, when he isn’t in the lab, you can find Sadi working out or searching for his next cup of coffee.
Sadi graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2017 where he spent three years utilizing single cell genomics to elucidate the mechanisms underlying neurogenesis. Now a member of the Dulla Lab, he exploits these same techniques to explore the metabolic dynamics within the brain following traumatic brain injury. During his years here at Tufts, Sadi plans to further pursue his interest in single cell genomics and bioinformatics.
However, when he isn’t in the lab, you can find Sadi working out or searching for his next cup of coffee.
Jacqueline Garcia - Ph.D. Student
Jacqueline is originally from Pagosa Springs, Colorado and graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2019 with a degree in Biology and Biotechnology. For her senior thesis project she investigated novel mutations in the kinesin motor (KIF5A) associated with familial ALS. She joined the Dulla lab in May of 2020 and will explore changes in glutamate dynamics following traumatic brain injury.
Jacqueline is an avid Celtics fan and enjoys crafting Spotify playlist for all occasions.
Jacqueline is originally from Pagosa Springs, Colorado and graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2019 with a degree in Biology and Biotechnology. For her senior thesis project she investigated novel mutations in the kinesin motor (KIF5A) associated with familial ALS. She joined the Dulla lab in May of 2020 and will explore changes in glutamate dynamics following traumatic brain injury.
Jacqueline is an avid Celtics fan and enjoys crafting Spotify playlist for all occasions.
Samantha Bottom-Tanzer - M.D./Ph.D. Student
Sammi joined the lab in 2020 after graduating from Columbia University where she majored in Neuroscience. She studied olfaction in the Firestein Lab, working to classify and predict olfactory sensory neuron responses to odorants. She then delved into virology in the Moscona/Porotto Lab studying paramyxovirus entry and developing agents to inhibit viral-cell fusion and thus prevent infection. In the Dulla Lab, she’s interested in discovering biomarkers of post traumatic epilepsy and better understanding the mechanisms behind metabolic-based inhibition of epilepsy.
Outside of lab, Sammi loves to run around the arboretum, concoct new kombucha flavors, and ski Vermont with her family.
Sammi joined the lab in 2020 after graduating from Columbia University where she majored in Neuroscience. She studied olfaction in the Firestein Lab, working to classify and predict olfactory sensory neuron responses to odorants. She then delved into virology in the Moscona/Porotto Lab studying paramyxovirus entry and developing agents to inhibit viral-cell fusion and thus prevent infection. In the Dulla Lab, she’s interested in discovering biomarkers of post traumatic epilepsy and better understanding the mechanisms behind metabolic-based inhibition of epilepsy.
Outside of lab, Sammi loves to run around the arboretum, concoct new kombucha flavors, and ski Vermont with her family.
Reyna Gariepy - Ph.D. Student
Reyna is originally from Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College in May 2021 as the first student to major in Neuroscience. While in undergrad she studied sex differences in rodent stress models in the Grafe Lab. For her undergraduate senior thesis Reyna investigated the effects of perceived socioeconomic status on stress and coping during COVID-19 in human cohorts. She joined the Dulla lab in May 2022 and will explore how GABA dynamics are shaped by astrocytes.
Outside of lab, Reyna applies the scientific method to find the optimal curly hair styling routine.
Reyna is originally from Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College in May 2021 as the first student to major in Neuroscience. While in undergrad she studied sex differences in rodent stress models in the Grafe Lab. For her undergraduate senior thesis Reyna investigated the effects of perceived socioeconomic status on stress and coping during COVID-19 in human cohorts. She joined the Dulla lab in May 2022 and will explore how GABA dynamics are shaped by astrocytes.
Outside of lab, Reyna applies the scientific method to find the optimal curly hair styling routine.
Panorea Tirja - Ph.D. Student
Panorea is originally from Greece and completed her undergrad at the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry in 2021. During her undergrad she worked in chemistry labs, but soon realized she wanted to get into the neuroscience field. In 2019 while studied abroad in Australia she joined the Holsinger Lab to work on an Alzheimer’s disease project. In 2021 she joined the Dulla lab as a research technician working on developing a cell-based assay to optimize GLT1 expression. Currently she is a PhD student in the lab working on characterizing atypical astrocytes in aged and AD mouse brains.
Outside the lab she enjoys hiking, extreme sports, trying out new food places or travelling.
Panorea is originally from Greece and completed her undergrad at the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry in 2021. During her undergrad she worked in chemistry labs, but soon realized she wanted to get into the neuroscience field. In 2019 while studied abroad in Australia she joined the Holsinger Lab to work on an Alzheimer’s disease project. In 2021 she joined the Dulla lab as a research technician working on developing a cell-based assay to optimize GLT1 expression. Currently she is a PhD student in the lab working on characterizing atypical astrocytes in aged and AD mouse brains.
Outside the lab she enjoys hiking, extreme sports, trying out new food places or travelling.
Mary Sommer - Lab Manager
Mary has amassed the lab's largest sub-desk collection of shoes and blankets.
Mary has amassed the lab's largest sub-desk collection of shoes and blankets.
Arelis Baez Rosario - PREP Scholar
Arelis is originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Boston, in 2023 with a B.A. in Biology. During her undergraduate studies, she participated in the Pathway to PhD program at Tufts University, where she worked on multiple projects and decided to pursue her own career in neuroscience. She joined the Dulla Lab in July 2023 as a PREP Scholar supporting Zin-Juan Klaft in his drug development project and understanding of epileptic networks.
When she’s not in the lab, Arelis enjoys morning workouts, reading fiction books, and listening to the latest Latino music.
Arelis is originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Boston, in 2023 with a B.A. in Biology. During her undergraduate studies, she participated in the Pathway to PhD program at Tufts University, where she worked on multiple projects and decided to pursue her own career in neuroscience. She joined the Dulla Lab in July 2023 as a PREP Scholar supporting Zin-Juan Klaft in his drug development project and understanding of epileptic networks.
When she’s not in the lab, Arelis enjoys morning workouts, reading fiction books, and listening to the latest Latino music.
Jesse Blackman - Technician
Jesse graduated from Brandeis University in 2022 with a B.A. in psychology. During undergrad she worked in Ray Knight's psychopathy lab, and began to take an interest in neuroscience through coursework. In the Dulla lab, Jesse is researching how traumatic brain injury effects astrocyte protein expression. She is also collaborating with the Moss lab for an in-vitro GLT-1 potentiator assay.
Jesse is a trained jazz pianist and vocalist, loves to cook, and is addicted to Pinterest.
Jesse graduated from Brandeis University in 2022 with a B.A. in psychology. During undergrad she worked in Ray Knight's psychopathy lab, and began to take an interest in neuroscience through coursework. In the Dulla lab, Jesse is researching how traumatic brain injury effects astrocyte protein expression. She is also collaborating with the Moss lab for an in-vitro GLT-1 potentiator assay.
Jesse is a trained jazz pianist and vocalist, loves to cook, and is addicted to Pinterest.
Kathryn (Ryn) Mykyten - Technician
Kathryn hails from Atlanta, GA, where she graduated in 2021 from Georgia Institute of Technology with a BS in Neuroscience. In her undergrad she trained with Dr. Jennifer Curtis's Biophysics lab on a variety of techniques while studying the role of hyaluronan in the extracellular matrix. She has previously researched at the HNRCA Neuroscience Lab, focusing on the effects of bioactive compounds on adult neural progenitor cell health. In the Dulla lab, she is a lab technician assisting with the development of a murine model of Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome through behavioral testing of mice.
When not in the lab, Ryn can reliably be found strolling around the Boston Public Library or Mahoney's Garden Center.
Kathryn hails from Atlanta, GA, where she graduated in 2021 from Georgia Institute of Technology with a BS in Neuroscience. In her undergrad she trained with Dr. Jennifer Curtis's Biophysics lab on a variety of techniques while studying the role of hyaluronan in the extracellular matrix. She has previously researched at the HNRCA Neuroscience Lab, focusing on the effects of bioactive compounds on adult neural progenitor cell health. In the Dulla lab, she is a lab technician assisting with the development of a murine model of Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome through behavioral testing of mice.
When not in the lab, Ryn can reliably be found strolling around the Boston Public Library or Mahoney's Garden Center.
Marie Rehm - Boehringer Ingelheim Fellow
Marie is a medicine student from Germany, who studies at the Charité – Berlin University of Medicine. For her medical thesis, she has worked on alternative splicing in the context of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Eickholt Lab. She joined the Dulla Lab in June 2023 for a one-year research project supported by the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds MD fellowship. While in Boston, she will focus on the effects of glucose metabolism on neuronal activity in the healthy and injured brain.
Marie enjoys Yoga, tries to get skilled at pottery and got addicted to strawberry milkshakes after only two weeks in the US.
Marie is a medicine student from Germany, who studies at the Charité – Berlin University of Medicine. For her medical thesis, she has worked on alternative splicing in the context of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Eickholt Lab. She joined the Dulla Lab in June 2023 for a one-year research project supported by the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds MD fellowship. While in Boston, she will focus on the effects of glucose metabolism on neuronal activity in the healthy and injured brain.
Marie enjoys Yoga, tries to get skilled at pottery and got addicted to strawberry milkshakes after only two weeks in the US.
Jason Wang - Undergraduate Researcher
Jason is from Holmdel, New Jersey and is currently an undergraduate student at Tufts University majoring in Biochemistry. In the Dulla lab, he studies metabolic changes within the brain after traumatic brain injuries. His interest in TBIs and neuroscience stems from concussive injuries in sports.
Jason thoroughly enjoys Greek yoghurt and playing all sports (especially golf and ice hockey).
Jason is from Holmdel, New Jersey and is currently an undergraduate student at Tufts University majoring in Biochemistry. In the Dulla lab, he studies metabolic changes within the brain after traumatic brain injuries. His interest in TBIs and neuroscience stems from concussive injuries in sports.
Jason thoroughly enjoys Greek yoghurt and playing all sports (especially golf and ice hockey).
Lab Alumni
Previous Post-doctoral scholars:
David Cantu, Ph.D. - Associate Director, Medical Affairs at Sunovion
Theresa Rimmele, Ph.D. (co-mentored with Paul Rosenberg) - Now a scientist at Novartis
Isabel Derera, Ph.D. - Medical Writer at BlueBird Bio
Saptarnab Naskar, Ph.D. - Post-doctoral scholar at Northwestern University
David Cantu, Ph.D. - Associate Director, Medical Affairs at Sunovion
Theresa Rimmele, Ph.D. (co-mentored with Paul Rosenberg) - Now a scientist at Novartis
Isabel Derera, Ph.D. - Medical Writer at BlueBird Bio
Saptarnab Naskar, Ph.D. - Post-doctoral scholar at Northwestern University
Previous graduate students:
Elizabeth Hanson, Ph.D. - Defended her Ph.D. in 2017 - Now a post-doc in Ben Arenkiel's Lab at Baylor College of Medicine
Lauren Andresen Lau, Ph.D. - Defended her Ph.D in 2017 - Now a post-doc in Kevin Staley's Lab at Harvard
Jennifer Shih, Ph.D. - Defended her Ph.D. in 2017 - Now an Imaging Specialist at Sanofi
Jenny Koenig, Ph.D . - Defended her Ph.D. in 2019 - Now a Resident in Ob/Gyn @ UCSD
Rachael Ryner, Ph.D. - Defended her Ph.D. in 2023 - Now a science writer at AdMed, Inc
Elizabeth Hanson, Ph.D. - Defended her Ph.D. in 2017 - Now a post-doc in Ben Arenkiel's Lab at Baylor College of Medicine
Lauren Andresen Lau, Ph.D. - Defended her Ph.D in 2017 - Now a post-doc in Kevin Staley's Lab at Harvard
Jennifer Shih, Ph.D. - Defended her Ph.D. in 2017 - Now an Imaging Specialist at Sanofi
Jenny Koenig, Ph.D . - Defended her Ph.D. in 2019 - Now a Resident in Ob/Gyn @ UCSD
Rachael Ryner, Ph.D. - Defended her Ph.D. in 2023 - Now a science writer at AdMed, Inc
Previous Technicians:
Amaro Taylor - Recieved his Ph.D in Bioinformatics at Harvard, now VP of Machine Learning R&D at PathAI
David Hampton - Received his Ph.D in Neuroscience at Brandeis University, now a data scientist at DCI Solutions
Elliot Kim - Now an M.D./Ph.D. student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Amaro Taylor - Recieved his Ph.D in Bioinformatics at Harvard, now VP of Machine Learning R&D at PathAI
David Hampton - Received his Ph.D in Neuroscience at Brandeis University, now a data scientist at DCI Solutions
Elliot Kim - Now an M.D./Ph.D. student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Previous PREP Students:
Ashley Ortiz - Scientist at Editas Therapeutics
Sofia Corella - M.D./Ph.D. Student at Case Western University
Emmy Fulcidor
Ashley Ortiz - Scientist at Editas Therapeutics
Sofia Corella - M.D./Ph.D. Student at Case Western University
Emmy Fulcidor
Previous Undergrads:
Anar Kansara, Lina Duerrwald, Gokce Ozdemir, Pablo Gonzalez, Israel Robinson, Annabel Rutherford, Josh Pang, Alix Generous, Olivia Drake
Anar Kansara, Lina Duerrwald, Gokce Ozdemir, Pablo Gonzalez, Israel Robinson, Annabel Rutherford, Josh Pang, Alix Generous, Olivia Drake
