Ian Martin, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
​[email protected]

My goal in coming to the lab every day is to tackle questions about what causes Parkinson’s disease at the molecular level. To me, the design and implementation of a research study leading hopefully to discovery is a tremendously creative and rewarding process. I encourage this process to happen collaboratively in my laboratory while being committed to ensuring that students and trainees receive plenty of guidance and support along the way. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing sports and musical instruments.

Judit Pallos, PhD
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
​[email protected]

Prior to joining OHSU I studied transcriptional dysregulation in a Drosophila model of Huntington's disease at the University of California, Irvine.  I enjoy working with flies because I like that we can use genetic and molecular biology techniques, detailed microscopical analyses, and behavioral assays all in the same model system, and get answers to our questions in a relatively short period of time. In Ian's lab my projects include: trying to dissect the role of glia in mutant LRRK2 induced neurodegeneration, determining the role of prospero, a transcriptional regulator, in PD neurodegeneration, and  understanding the link between oxidative stress and aging. When not in the lab, I enjoy learning languages, playing in the kitchen, and hiking with my family.

Jessica Keating, MSc
MD/PhD STUDENT
​[email protected]

I completed a BA in Psychology at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Canada in 2013 and a MSc in Cognitive Neuropsychology at the University of Edinburgh in 2015. I later worked as an English teacher in South Korea and conducted research with young stroke survivors in Melbourne, Australia, where I made the decision to pursue physician-scientist training. After two subsequent years of pre-med and one year as a research assistant at Rutgers University in New Jersey, I joined OHSU’s MD/PhD program in 2021.

My research focus has evolved from human memory, to needs assessment and stroke service delivery, to spinal cord circuits of pain and touch. I now investigate the metabolic perturbations associated with the protein alpha-synuclein’s neurotoxic effects in the central nervous system in the Martin and Unni Labs. When not doing science you can find me on a PNW mountain or at home making a meal for friends. 

Stefanny Villalobos Cantos, BS
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
​[email protected]

My interest in science and medicine has led me to pursue a degree in biology. I have previously explored this interest in diagnostic labs but it never occurred to me to delve into the world of research. I joined the Martin lab in hopes of continuing to develop lab skills and to start my career in research, and now more specifically, research of neurodegenerative diseases. My duties in the lab include maintaining Drosophila stocks, generating specific genotypes for studies that investigate the effect of diets on PD pathogenesis, and assisting with those studies. On my downtime, I enjoy running, participating in fitness classes, camping and exploring the PNW.

Alicia Arreola-Bustos, MPH
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
​[email protected]

I joined the Martin Lab as an undergraduate assistant, hoping to gain basic science skills and grow my understanding of the role of research within medicine. Since then I have contributed to a number of ongoing and completed projects. As a public health professional, I am dedicated to exploring the intersectionality between Parkinson's disease biomechanics, genetics, health policy, and health care delivery, with the goal of advancing public health outcomes and health equity. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring new hobbies and catering to my dog, Duke.

Imtiyaz Wise
UNDERGRADUATE ASSISTANT
​[email protected]

I am currently an uprising senior pursuing a B.A in biology at Lewis & Clark College. My interest in medicine has led me towards the premedical track, and over the last years, biomedical research in neuropathology has become an increasingly fascinating topic. I love reading books and articles on the subject, yet I always wanted to be more involved in the research. I joined the Martin Lab because I wanted to learn more about working in a research lab setting, especially revolving around the study of neurodegenerative diseases. I am enjoying working with Drosophila because you get a little bit of everything, from molecular biology to behavioral assays -- plus you get to see all the cool mutants from the textbooks in front of you! In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, foraging, gardening, cooking, and drawing. ​

Lab Alumni

Kaylee Ha,  2023 - 2024
University of Pittsburgh


Laura Graham, 2018 - 2019
Parexel
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Kelsey Shea, 2016 - 2017
PNWU - College of Osteopathic Medicine


​Ruth Barrett, 2017
Cambia Health Solutions
Colin Coleman, 2018 - 2022​
​Paragon 28


Hanna Roshak, 2018 - 2019
Confluent


Sierra Lavoy, 2016 - 2017
Lewis & Clark College
Michelle Rivera Lomeli, Summer 2021
​NYU Langone Health


Vinita Chittoor, 2015 - 2019
​UC San Francisco​​
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Sarah Josway, 2015 - 2017
Cayuse