Team

Alex Nord, Ph.D.

I received my Ph.D. from the University of Washington, where I worked with Mary-Claire King, identifying the genetic causes of human diseases and disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. I did a postdoctoral fellowship at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory with Axel Visel, Len Pennacchio, and Eddy Rubin working on mouse models of development and functional genomics. I am interested in the genetic and epigenetic systems that control gene regulation in the brain. I joined the faculty at UC Davis in 2014. I grew up in Seattle, WA and enjoy time away from the lab with my family, taking advantage of living in California through all means of outdoor activities across all seasons. I used to play a lot of ultimate frisbee and soccer.

Email: asnord@ucdavis.edu

More about Alex Nord, Ph.D.

Cesar P. Canales, Ph.D.

I am a developmental biologist and interdisciplinary research scientist, focusing on molecular mechanisms and environmental influences in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). I received my PhD from UNSW Sydney in Australia. My current research investigates genetic and environmental risk factors involved in NDDs, including monogenic autism, intellectual disability, and prenatal exposure to maternal immune signaling. Utilizing mouse models, I investigate cerebral cortex and cerebellum perturbations and gene-environment interactions, employing advanced techniques such as genome editing, high-throughput sequencing, and imaging technologies. As an Assistant Professional Researcher in the Nord lab, appointed through the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, I am developing an independent research program using these cutting-edge techniques aiming to identify commonalities and divergences across NDDs, with the ultimate goal of developing targeted interventions. I am dedicated to actively contributing to the scientific community not only through publications, presentations and peer-review activities, but also student mentoring; my enthusiasm lies in contributing to research and academic excellence at UC Davis. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with family, biking, and playing guitar.

Email: ccanales@ucdavis.edu
More about Cesar P. Canales, Ph.D.

Karol Cichewicz, Ph.D.

I received my PhD from the University of Virginia where I worked with Dr. Jay Hirsh on identifying compensatory mechanisms responding to the loss of dopamine in our fruit fly model of Parkinson’s disease. During my doctoral studies I used genomic, transcriptomic, and behavioral approaches. I also developed a software for analyzing Drosophila behavior. In the Nord lab I am studying the developmental processes in a mouse model relevant to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Schizophrenia (SZ) induced by the maternal immune activation (MIA). I am interested in studying physiological processes in the brain using functional genomics and molecular biology techniques. In my free time I enjoy the nature and wildlife of California, cooking, and spending time with my family.

Email: kcichewicz@ucdavis.edu

Cory Ardekani

I graduated from Temple University in 2018 with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in Psychology. Afterwards I spent two years working with Dr. Debra Bangasser investigating sex differences in stress responses with an emphasis on the effects of early life stress on development and behavior. I then joined UC Davis’s Psychology program (specializing in Biopsychology) in 2020 and joined the Nord lab in Spring 2021. I am interested in environmental effects on genes and how it can lead to the development of neurodevelopment and psychiatric disorders. In my free time I enjoy going on hikes, playing video games, brewing tea/coffee, and playing music.

Email: csardekani@ucdavis.edu

Stephanie Lozano

I earned my B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2017, then spent 2 years working as a lab tech in Dr. Yang Li’s genetic medicine lab at the University of Chicago. I started in UC Davis’ Neuroscience Graduate Group in 2020 and joined the Nord lab in 2021, intending to study the molecular bases of complex neurological and neurodevelopmental diseases. I'm particularly interested in the genetic underpinnings of neuroimmune crosstalk in the central nervous system and periphery, and how dysregulation of this crosstalk may be implicated in disease pathology. Outside of the lab, I love to cook, exercise, be outdoors, listen to music, take care of my plants, and work on various art projects.

Email: salozano@ucdavis.edu

Nicolas Seban

I graduated from UC San Diego in 2017 majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Marine Science. Following graduation, I spent the next 3 years working in Dr. Supriya Srinivasan’s lab at TSRI, where I ran functional genetic assays in C. elegans to study neuronal control of metabolism. I returned to my hometown in 2021 to begin a PhD in the UC Davis Neuroscience program and subsequently joined the Nord Lab in the Summer of 2022. I’m primarily interested in looking at cell-type specific dysregulation of gene expression in models of neurodevelopmental disease. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, backpacking, surfing, and hanging out with my new puppy.

Email: nrseban@ucdavis.edu

Nickolas Chu

I graduated from the University of Washington with a B.S in Biochemistry. Afterwards I entered into the NIH Postbac IRTA program, where I researched topics of neurogenetics and behavior in the lab of Harold Burgess. From this experience I found what excites me most in science; tracing the origin of physical traits and behavior across several levels of biology. This led to me pursuing a Ph.D in the BMCDB graduate group at UC Davis, where in the spring of 2022 I joined the Nord lab. Outside of the lab I enjoy watching movies, playing board games, and spending time with my friends and family

Email: nclchu@ucdavis.edu

Ethan Fenton

I am a Neuroscience PhD student interested in understanding and treating diseases via genetic modalities. I graduated from University of Richmond in 2020 with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular biology and a minor in Interdisciplinary Sciences. I enjoy learning about developing technologies that bring large amounts of data such as single cell resolution omics techniques, and thinking about how they may be useful in drug development. I am studying the genetic underpinnings of opioid abuse. In my free time I like to play tennis, ski, and watch movies.

Email: emfenton@ucdavis.edu

Darlene Rahbarian, B.S.

I graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minor in Public Health Sciences in Spring 2024. My interest in learning about gene expression in the developing brain and how mutations are associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder led me to join the Nord Lab in 2022. I am currently working here as a Junior Specialist where I have the privilege of contributing to further research that explores the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders. In my free time, I enjoy painting, going to the gym, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.

Email: drahbarian@ucdavis.edu

Kaitlynn Mccafferty, B.S.

I graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences in Fall 2024. Driven by a passion for understanding the biological underpinnings of health and disease, I joined Nord lab to gain hands-on experience in neurogenomic research, specifically exploring how gene variation impacts brain development and function, while I work to complete my M.S. in Biological Data Science with a GCert in Computational Life Sciences. I intend on applying to medical school in the 2028 cycle, aiming to integrate clinical practice with research in genomics and neuroscience. In my free time I enjoy trail running, hiking, rock climbing, and generally just being outside.

Email: kmccafferty@ucdavis.edu

Melissa Corea

I am a fourth-year student majoring in Genetics and Genomics with a minor in Neuroscience. I joined the Nord Lab in 2022 to gain hands-on experience studying gene expression and its regulation. Over time, I have developed a strong interest in understanding how these processes influence brain structure and function. I plan to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience and transition into drug development and therapeutics, specifically studying their potential in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going to the gym, playing volleyball, attending concerts, and doing escape rooms with friends!

Sinead Archdeacon

I am a third-year Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior major with a minor in Psychology. I’m particularly interested in the biological basis of stress and mental health, and the role of genetics in various brain conditions. I joined this lab to learn more about molecular biology techniques used to study genes and the brain. After college I hope to attend graduate school and pursue a career in neuroscience research. In my free time I love to read, run, spend time with my dogs, and travel.

Liam Davis

I’m currently an undergraduate at UC Davis, working towards a Bachelor of Science in Genetics & Genomics. I’m fascinated by how both genetics and epigenetics shape the development of diseases and disorders, especially how environmental factors can influence the way the same genetic condition might vary in expression among individuals. I joined this lab to delve into the genetic underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), with a particular focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), an area close to my heart due to personal connections with family and friends diagnosed with ASD. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I intend to further my research in genetics at the graduate level. When I'm not in the lab or in class, I enjoy building new model kits, playing a variety of board games, and exploring philosophical ideas through reading.

Elly Fry-Ross

I’m a fourth year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major with a minor in Psychology. I became interested in the Nord Lab's work on enhancers and how that relates to neurological function. I was drawn to this due to its applications on advancing medical research around neurodevelopment disorders. After college I am hoping to further my education by obtaining my masters degree and then attending medical school someday. Outside of school I like to read, crochet, knit, travel, and catch a movie with friends

Aspen Kopley-Smith

I am a fourth year majoring in Biotechnology as well as a minor in Psychology. I became interested in the Nord Lab after taking Dr. Nord's Gene and Expression class. I am looking forward to learning more about genetic factors playing a role in developmental and neurological disorders while improving my wet lab techniques. I hope to use this experience to pursue genetic counseling, allowing me to help the general public understand their own genetics. Outside of lab, I enjoy hiking, weightlifting, photography, and cooking with friends!

Elizabeth Moss

I'm a fourth-year majoring in Human Biology and minoring in public health. I became interested in joining the lab and learning more about neurogenetic research after taking Dr. Nord's Genes and Gene Expression course. Additionally, I wanted to gain research experience that focused on translational science. With the experience I have obtained from this lab work, I hope to pursue my master's in public health and later medical school, as understanding the root of human disease and disorder is a pillar of the work I hope to pursue! Outside of the lab, I love to hang out with family and friends, bake/cook, and enjoy the outdoors by traveling to new places.

Undergraduate Alumni

Amina Muhic - Christopher Leung - Mira Ramachandran - Ksenia Medvedeva - Chenghao Yu (Ailay) - Daniela Perla - Luis Farrach - Milena Corona - Akshat Khandelwal - Aditi Goyal - Rebecca Ortiz - Jiyuan Zhu - Erika Castillo - Viktoria Haghani - Diana Quintero - Jack Good - Bradley Jenner - Paris Beauregard - Nick Wong - Tina Pham - Ellie Kreun - Hannah Parolini - Diwash Srestha - Emma Connolly - Samrawit Agezew - Hafsa Mir - Nick Wong - Spencer Moss - Michael Sramek - Ryan Ward - Vasco Morais - Anh Nguyen - Kimia Akbari - Alex Mawla - Shreya Louis - Raychelle Laureano - Yeni Belachew - Leslie Matheu - Danielle Dougan - Lyndon Liu - Paige Morgan - Lauren Hobbs