Meet the Principal Investigator
Lorena Saelices, Ph.D.
I was born and raised in the south of Spain. I earned my B.S. in biology and my Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Sevilla, where my training focused on molecular biology and structural biology. As a postdoc, I used these tools to study proteins involved in human amyloid diseases.
My lab applies crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy to obtain atomic information of amyloid structures, which is later used to design tools for the clinic. Our attention is mainly directed to transthyretin amyloidosis and Alzheimer’s disease.
Lab Members
Shumaila Afrin, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher
I am from India, and earned my Ph.D. in biochemistry at Aligarh Muslim University. In the Saelices Lab, I am interested in developing a cell-based model system of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, applying it to evaluate novel therapeutic strategies, and understanding the disease's pathophysiology. I enjoy reading, traveling, cooking exquisite Indian dishes, and then eating them.
Parker Bassett
Graduate Student
I am from Rockwall, TX and received my undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Baylor University. In the Saelices lab, I study fibril structure in light chain amyloidosis in hopes of learning more about the disease pathogenesis. Outside of the lab, I like to rock climb and mountain bike.
Luis Cabrera Hernández
Graduate Student
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I earned my bachelor’s degree in cellular molecular biology at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras>. In the Saelices lab, I study how transthyretin fibrils affect cell response. During my free time, I enjoy cooking, origami, and collecting records.
Mari Fernández-Ramírez, M.S., Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher
I grew up in Córdoba, Spain, and earned my B.S. in biotechnology at Francisco de Vitoria University, and my M.S. and Ph.D. in neuroscience at the Autonomous University of Madrid. My research goal is to find key structural determinants in transthyretin and tau proteins associated with their related diseases, using CryoEM and other techniques.
Binh Nguyen, Ph.D.
Instructor
I started as a community pharmacist, then shifted careers and earned my Ph.D. in molecular biology at the University of Otago in New Zealand. I served as a lecturer in molecular biology and managed the External Relations Department at Vietnam National University’s School of Medicine, in Ho Chi Minh City. I then moved to UCLA, where I discovered a passion for amyloid research and cryoEM. In the Saelices lab, I’m using cryoEM to explore fibril structure and dreaming about solving the mystery of amyloids.
Pauline Nguyen
Graduate Student
I am from Dallas, TX, and earned my B.S. in Biochemistry from Southern Methodist University and my M.S. in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University. In the Saelices Lab, my research goal is to better understand the disease pathophysiology of transthyretin amyloidosis and use that to develop novel therapeutics. During my free time I enjoy traveling, drinking boba, and spending time with family and friends.
Rose Pedretti, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher
I am from New York and earned my B.S. in biochemistry from Nazareth College. In the Saelices Lab, I am developing peptide probes that can be used for diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis. Outside of research, I enjoy weightlifting, baking, and trying new food.
Layla Villalon
Temp High School Intern
I am a high school senior and starting at the University of Texas at Dallas in the fall. In the Saelices Lab, I am an intern working on a diagnostic tool for transthyretin amyloidosis and assisting with various experiments. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing softball, being involved with school, and spending time with family and friends.
Lanie Wang
Temporary Staff Specialist
I am an undergraduate student in neuroscience at UT Dallas. In the Saelices lab, I work on diagnostic tools for transthyretin amyloidosis using peptide probes. Outside of the lab, I enjoy drawing, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.