Ian Martin, Ph.D.
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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, Ph.D.
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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 are able to use genetic and molecular biology techniques, detailed microscopical analyses, and behavioral essays all in the same model system, and get answers to our questions in a relatively short period of time. In Ian's lab I am working on two separate projects: trying to dissect the role of prospero, a transcriptional regulator, in Parkinson's disease 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. |
Colin Coleman
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Being a 3rd year Ph.D. candidate is tough, but aging is tougher. Granted, I'm only in my late 20s and therefore only experiencing it through increased heartburn and the occasional achy spine after sitting weird. However, that doesn't discount the fact that aging is the greatest environmental risk factor for Parkinson's disease, which is the main health focal point of the lab. My research interests involve finding those biological overlaps between the aging process and PD development in the hopes of discovering novel diagnostic tools or intervention strategies for the disease. Along the way, I've grown reacquainted with my old friend the mitochondria, going so far as to writing and performing an educational stand-up comedy set about them. Outside the lab, I'm a board game enthusiast, halfway-decent baker, and inconsistent cross-stitcher. |
Alicia Arreola-Bustos
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I am currently a second year student at Portland State University pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry with a minor in Spanish, in a pre-medical track. While in high school, I participated in several shadows at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital as well as the OHSU CHH Orthopaedic Department. I have always been drawn to medicine. I have a great appreciation for the biomedical sciences, and the application of biomedical research to patient treatment has always fascinated me. In joining the Martin Lab, I hope to learn more about the process behind research and receive experience in a lab environment. Outside of the lab, you will find me at church serving a youth group, reading, or doing some sort of project involving tons of stationery supplies. |
Steffany Villalobos-Cantor
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 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. I work alongside Vinita as an RA; 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.
