Alessandra received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2012 at University of Cagliari, Italy. She then obtained her Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2016 from University of Cagliari and University of Basel, Switzerland where her research focused on pharmacological characterization of GABAB and CB1 receptors' modulators. Alessandra joined the Department of Psychiatry at University of California San Diego in 2016, where she performed her postdoctoral research studying light-induced neurotransmitter plasticity and clock dysfunctions in mood disorders. 

In 2020, Alessandra received the K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award from the NIH-NCCIH to study the effect of light on amygdala plasticity and emotion-related behaviors. She started her lab in the Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences at University of South Carolina, College of Pharmacy in June 2022. 

Outside the lab Alessandra loves to spend time with her dog, traveling, and cooking.

Pablo graduated in Biology in 2016 from the University of Valencia and in 2018 he completed his Master degree in Biomedical Biotechnology from the Polytechnic University of Valencia. He then obtained his Ph.D. cum laude in Biotechnology in 2022 from the Polytechnic University of Valencia developing his research at the Principe Felipe Research Center. Pablo research focused on the development of neural stem cell therapies in combination with pharmacological compounds and biomaterials for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. Pablo joined the lab in March 2023.

In his free time, Pablo enjoys practicing sports, playing video games, hanging out with his friends and traveling.

Alex graduated from the College of Charleston in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She received her Master degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in 2019. Alex was born and raised in Greenville, SC, along with an identical twin sister. Alex is passionate about health and she wants to have a meaningful impact on the lives of others and help advance the field of science. Alex joined the lab in September 2022 as lab manager and she was admitted to the Pharmaceutical Science Graduate program in 2023.

Her hobbies include drawing/painting, yoga, and spending time with family and friends.

Janhvi is a current sophomore at the University of South Carolina Honors College pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with a minor in neuroscience. She is from Irmo, South Carolina. Her research interests include sexual dimorphic responses to environmental lighting in the amygdala and regulation of anxiety-like behaviors. Janhvi joined the lab in October 2022.

In her free time, Janhvi enjoys dancing and traveling. 

Janhvi received the Honors College Research Grant in December 2022, the Magellan Scholar Award in May 2023 and the Trainee Professional Development Award from the SfN to present her project at the Neuroscience meeting in Washington D.C. in November 2023.

Lily is currently a sophomore at the University of South Carolina Honors College pursuing a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Neuroscience. She is from Jacksonville, Florida. Lily is very interested in the study of psychological disorders and has a passion for helping others, which is why she hopes to be a neurosurgeon. Lily joined the lab in October 2022.

Lily loves going to the beach, yoga, and hanging out with her family and friends.

Yatin is currently a Junior at the University of South Carolina Honors College pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minor in Neuroscience. He is from Anderson, South Carolina. His current research interests include the effect blue light exposure on the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus regulating memory impairment and circadian rhythm in mice. Yatin joined the lab in October 2022.

In his free time, Yatin enjoys reading and exercising.

Yatin received the Honors College Research Grant in December 2022 and May 2023.

Jenna is a current senior at the University of South Carolina pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience with a concentration in Neurodevelopment and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and a minor in psychology. She is from Middletown, New Jersey. Jenna is interested in neurobiology and enjoys working with children, which is why she hopes to become a pediatric neurology Physician Assistant. Jenna joined the lab in August of 2023.

In her free time, Jenna enjoys being with friends and family, going to the beach, and going to concerts.

Leo is an English Cocker Spaniel. He was born in July 2020, and he loves to play with his ball, frisbee and wood sticks. Leo will join the lab to support the team in difficult moments and to celebrate our accomplishments.