KRISTIN BALDWIN, PH.D.
Professor, Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University
Investigator, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research
Adjunct Professor, UCSD Department of Neuroscience
Member, Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine
CURRENT PIPETTE MASTERS
HANNA LILIOM PH.D.
Postdoc
Hanna joined the lab in 2019 after completing her Ph.D. training in Hungary. She is involved with research in molecular mechanisms underlying the transdifferentiation of human fibroblasts into neurons. She likes to spend her free time birdwatching and exploring the US one campsite at a time.
ZAFIRAH ZAIDAN PH.D.
Postdoc
Zafirah joined the Baldwin lab in 2020, during the lab move to Columbia. Her PhD work was done at University of Wisconsin, Madison, and focused on the role of heterochromatin both in the acquisition of pluripotency by somatic cell reprogramming into iPSCs as well as maintenance of pluripotency. In the Baldwin lab she is interested in understanding the molecular mechanism and epigenetic regulation underlying cardiovascular diseases.
PIETRO MAZZARA PH.D.
Postdoc
Pietro's long-term research interests involve the development of a comprehensive understanding of key developmental pathways involved in cell specification and how alterations in gene expression contribute to human disease. During his PhD in Milan, Pietro developed stem cells-based differentiation strategies and direct reprogramming techniques to model PNS in vitro. His research in Dr. Baldwin's lab is focused on developing an unbiased screen for reprogramming methods to generate in vitro the whole plethora of neuronal subtypes to better understand neurological disease.
ANNA YONEY PH.D.
Postdoc
Jointly with Molly Przeworski’s group, Anna is investigating mechanisms through which mutations accumulate in quiescent or post-mitotic cells and the implications for evolution and aging. Anna obtained her Ph.D. from the Rockefeller University, where she worked with Eric Siggia and Ali Brivanlou on stem cell-based models of human embryonic development. In her free time, Anna likes to do handstands and drink coffee.
MARK DE LOS SANTOS
Graduate Student
KHADEESH IMTIAZ PH.D.
Postdoc
Khadeesh joined the lab in April 2021 after finishing his Ph.D. at the University of Zurich. His current work is focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying aging and longevity with the use of interspecies chimeras. Khadeesh has a deep appreciation for Pakistani cuisine and finds joy in indulging in its rich and flavorful dishes. In his leisure time, he actively engages in the exhilarating sport of cricket, showcasing his passion for the game.
Co-mentored with Alejandro (Alex) Chavez. Mark's current work is in exploring and breaking down transdifferentiation barriers to optimize human cell reprogramming to neurons. Mark graduated (?) in 2020 with a BS from UT Dallas. He likes music and singing.
TYLER BUCKLEY
Staff Associate
Tyler joined the Baldwin lab in 2018 after receiving his BS from UCLA. He plays an integral role in the lab's efforts to find novel transcription factor combinations to derive distinct neuron populations. Tyler also serves as lab manager, and is responsible for coordinating lab-wide activities while keeping the lab running smoothly.
Maria Portela Lomba
Postdoc
Maria joined the Baldwin Lab following the successful completion of her Ph.D. in Europe. Graduating with honors in stem cell research, Maria is driven by a passion for advancing scientific knowledge in her field. Eager to continue her impactful work, she aspires to contribute her expertise and enthusiasm to the innovative projects underway at the Baldwin Lab. Maria's dedication to excellence and her commitment to the world of stem cell research make her a valuable addition to the scientific community.
Get to know more about our incredible team today.
RESEARCH INTERNS
Yiwen Wang - Columbia Master Student
ALUMNI
RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
Michael Boland, PhD
Kevin Eade, PhD
Anjana Nityanandam, PhD
Jennifer Hazen, PhD
Valentina Lo Sardo, PhD
Loraine Campanati, PhD
Amitabh Pandey MD
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Sulagna "Dia" Ghosh, PhD
Kiely N. James, PhD
Kristopher Nazor, PhD
Weston Davini, M.S.
Nina Rander, M.S.
Jennifer Hazen, PhD
Rachel Tsunemoto, PhD
Joel Blanchard, PhD
Matt Villaume, Ph.D. (TSRI Chemistry visiting student)
Andrew Adler Ph.D. (Duke Bioengineering visiting student)
Sohyon Lee, Ph.D.
Pavel Chubukov, Ph.D.
Ben Throesch, Ph.D.
Michael Duran Ph.D.
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Will Ferguson, M.S.
Simon Gross, M.S.
Susan Tate, M.S.
Brett Fields
Jessica Green
INTERNS
Ruben Vega Perez (SURF)
Christa Caneda (SURF)
Kenneth Diffenderfer (CIRM)
Sidney Pehrson (CIRM)
Kartheek Dokka (CIRM)
Nadja El-Mecharrafie (CIRM)
Jisun Won (UCSD external)
Scott Silver (CIRM)
Sam Thudium (UCSD)
Shivan Lala (UCSD)
Kenny David (SURF)
Steffany Dunn (CIRM)
Sarita Giri (UCSD)
Zoe Adelsheim (UCSD)