Wiseman Lab Members

Education:
B.Sc. in Chemistry, University of Virginia
Ph.D., Scripps Research
Postdoc, NYU Med School

Academic Positions:
Professor, Scripps Research
Member, Skaggs Graduate School, Scripps Research

Luke Facts: (Written by our most recently published scientists)
*Favorite ‘Derry Girls’ character is Orla - JDR
*Loves Tillamook cheese and the color orange - LI
*Danced in multiple ballets - JMDG
*Has an impressive collection of polo shirts - ICN
*Strives to be a preeminent middle author structural biologist - MS

Karen Hughes has been a Lab Admin Coordinator with Scripps Research for over eight years. Most of her responsibility is to support the lab by completing the administrative work on grant applications, order supplies and equipment when tasked and to provide any other necessary support to the lab. Her background has been working in government and commercial settings providing support in the creation of grant submissions for over thirty years. She also has a hazmat background providing support by maintaining a database used to classify hazardous products based on the specifications stated in the material safety data sheets (MSDS). Karen brings her beloved 10 year old miniature dachshund office mate, Cooper, to work with her everyday and he makes sure that no one interrupts her work flow. When Karen isn’t at work she is generally found out on a hiking trail or clogging with her fellow dance friends.

Make no mistake about it. Karen runs the show. Anything you need, she gets it done… provided you can get by Cooper.

Jie Sun is a postdoctoral associate in the Wiseman and Saez labs studying on how the pharmacological activation of IRE1/XBP1s affects the pathology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in multiple tissues. She obtained her PhD degree in Model Animal Research Center of Nanjing University, China. During her PhD, she studied on the physiology of smooth muscle contraction and the pathology of smooth muscle-related diseases. Using genetic modified mice, she found that a myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) inhibitory protein, CPI-17, is required for GPCR-induced calcium-sensitizied vascular smooth muscle contraction and genesis of obesity-related hypertension. Outside of lab, Jie enjoys hiking and reading.

Prerona is a postdoctoral associate in the Wiseman lab working towards elucidating the mechanism of action of IRE1/XBP1s activators. In early 2022, she graduated with a PhD from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, India. During her PhD she has worked on the synthesis and evaluation of organic compounds as tools to probe the role of reactive sulphur species in conditions of oxidative stress and inflammation. She hails from the beautiful Northeastern state of Assam in India, famous for its one-horned rhinos and tea. Apart from being an avid tea drinker, she loves doing yoga, enjoys outdoor hikes and run.

Prerona is supported by Hewitt Foundation postdoctoral fellowship

Caroline is a graduate student in the Wiseman and Bollong labs working to identify novel inhibitors of the NLPR3 Inflammasome, a protein complex implicated in a number of diseases, through high-throughput screening. She is also investigating the relationship between fructolysis and the oxidative stress response with implications in treating liver disease. Caroline graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a second major Vocal Performance. During her undergraduate she worked in the lab of Leslie Hicks where she studied the TOR pathway in C. reinhardtii using mass spectrometry-based proteomics. She also participated in REUs at the University of Notre Dame and Vanderbilt University where she worked on a therapeutic monoclonal antibody trap in the Bruening Lab, and crystallized proteins from C. difficile in the Lacy Lab, respectively. Outside of lab, Caroline enjoys singing opera, reading, and going for walks on the beach.

Nicole is a graduate student in the Wiseman lab. Using genomics, bioinformatics, and biochemistry, she is interested in finding novel targets of the ATF6 pathway, and probing the mechanism of action of IRE1 activator molecules. After graduating from UC Berkeley in 2019, she became a lab technician in Elçin Ünal’s lab. She studied how redox state affects S. cerevisiae lifespan, and assisted in the development of a cDNA screen to identify meiosis-specific genes with rejuvenative potential. During her free time, Nicole enjoys cooking, hiking, and dancing.

Dan earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from California State University, Los Angeles. He completed his honors thesis in the Zurita-Lopez lab, studying histone tail post-translational modifications using biochemical techniques. He then went on to work as a research assistant in the Rodriguez lab at University of California, Los Angeles. There, he utilized structural and biochemical techniques to study broadly neutralizing antibodies against New World Hemorrhagic Fever Arena Viruses. Dan is now a joint PhD student in the Grotjahn and Wiseman Labs at Scripps Research Institute, where he uses cryo-electron tomography and biochemical approaches to investigate the molecular mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial morphology in response to cellular stress. Outside of research, Dan enjoys skating, photography, grubbing with the homies, and hanging out with his cat and doggo.

Dan is supported by a predoctoral fellowship from NSF.

Sergei, a graduate student of enigmatic countenance, immerses himself in the arcane arts of molecular alchemy. His pursuit? Unraveling the clandestine mechanisms that govern the delicate dance of insulin production within beta cells. Through the veiled mists of research, he seeks to illuminate the pathways of IRE1/XBP1s signaling, weaving a tapestry of understanding from the threads of mild pharmacological activation. A scion of knowledge hailing from the distant lands of Novosibirsk State University in Russia, Sergei’s journey began amidst the ancient tomes of chemistry. With a bachelor’s degree clasped firmly in his grasp, his scholarly endeavors led him down a path adorned with the gleaming jewels of organic radical contrast agents. Through his undergraduate odyssey, he honed his craft, synthesizing elixirs that promised improved delineation of tumors upon the canvas of MRI. Yet, Sergei’s insatiable thirst for enlightenment knew no bounds. Beyond the confines of academia, he ventured, a spectral presence in the realm of cancer research. As a research assistant, he delved into the abyssal depths of immunotherapy, seeking to unveil new vistas of healing amidst the shadows of affliction. But even amidst the alchemical crucibles and labyrinthine corridors of academia, Sergei finds solace in the simpler pleasures of life. In the twilight hours, when the whispers of the night intertwine with the rustle of parchment, he finds respite in the embrace of literature. Through the culinary arts, he weaves spells of flavor and aroma, crafting potions of sustenance to nourish both body and soul. And amidst the verdant embrace of nature’s bosom, he wanders, a solitary figure amidst the towering peaks and whispering pines, seeking communion with the elemental forces that bind us all. Thus, Sergei, a phantom of the laboratory, dances upon the stage of discovery, his enigmatic presence a testament to the eternal quest for understanding in the labyrinth of existence. – bio in the style of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, as per request.

Chavin is a graduate student in the Wiseman lab working to identify which pharmacologic activator of unfolded protein response protects against neurodegenerative diseases such as neuropathy and Alzheimer’s. Chavin graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology and a master’s degree in bacteriology. His research experience at Madison involved the metabolomic and lipidomic studies of bacterial biofilm during its formation and bacteriophage infection in the lab of Daniel Amador-Noguez. Outside of the lab, Chavin enjoys a variety of activities outdoors and indoors- photography, hiking, ice skating, skiing, cooking, playing games, and playing electric guitar.

Chavin is a part of the Skaggs-Oxford program and is supported by the Royal Thai Government fellowship.

Emanuel is a graduate student in the Wiseman and Lamia labs studying how circadian rhythms affect drug efficacy, emphasizing on metabolic drugs. Emanuel graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez (UPRM) and Antillean University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology, respectively. During his undergrad, he conducted research in various labs at UPRM and participated in summer undergraduate research programs at Rutgers University and Scripps Research, acquiring a broad research background. His research experience ranges from characterizing explosives using novel spectroscopy approaches to quantitatively analyzing pharmaceutical drug biodegradation using quantitative electrochemical techniques and analyzing how circadian rhythm disruption links to enhanced tumorigenesis. During his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, swimming, cooking, and playing piano and flute music.

Sophia is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University and will be graduating in 2024 with a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Philosophy. As a research intern, she is studying HRI and its role in the ISR. Sophia is working with and learning from Nicole, while also taking directives from other lab members to assist the Wiseman lab in their effort to unveil critical mechanisms regulating the ISR. Sophia is interested in learning more about stress-induced molecular mechanisms, and their implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Outside of lab, Sophia can be found running, surfing, reading, or baking.

My name is Sam, so Sam I am, and I’m in the Grotjahn and Wiseman fam. I’m from the Alamo, so all you know, I came to Scripps to learn and grow. Mitochondria are key, for you and me, and I love to mess with them and see. Sometimes they’re long, sometimes they’re stout, and sometimes they’re angry and just kind of shout. It’s my hope, with my trusty ‘scope, to map these changes as mitochondria cope. The pictures are gorgeous, and sometimes glorious, and I’ll continue to take them until I’m victorious. Give me some time, and you will find, the continued development of my mind. I’m excited to be here, but I’ll never show it, but if you talk with me, you’ll most certainly know it. - bio in the style of Dr. Seuss, as per request.

Sam is supported by a predoctoral fellowship from NSF.

In the shadowy recesses of the Wiseman and Mendoza labs at Scripps, Keishla’s presence echos with an eerie resonance. In the oppressive silence of the lab, she toils tirelessly to define the pathologic and therapeutic implications of arm-selective UPR activation on T-cell differentiation and function. As Keishla wanders deeper into the labyrinthine corridors of knowledge, her footsteps reverberate like a dirge through the desolate halls. The sterile environment, once a sanctuary of science, now harbors secrets that defy the laws of nature that Keishla seeks to uncover. Keishla’s journey into the unknown began long before Scripps, for she emerged from the shadows of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, where she earned a bachelor degree in Industrial Biotechnology. The tendrils of her academic pursuit reached far and wide, weaving through the sinister tapestry of labs at the SSRL SLAC National Accelerator and Abbvie, each contributing a chapter to her quest. In the dead of night, when the laboratory lay dormant, whispers of her research ring through the empty halls, leaving behind a chilling legacy of experiments that defied the natural order, only known to her. - bio in the style of ‘horror’ as per request