People

Principal Investigator

Annie Vogel Ciernia, Ph.D.  (she/her)

Assistant Professor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
annie.ciernia@ubc.ca

My overall research interest is in understanding epigenetic mechanisms of transcriptional regulation involved in brain plasticity and neurodevelopmental disorders. I have a broad background in neurobiology and behavioural neuroscience as well as epigenetics and neurodevelopmental disorders. My graduate work in Dr. Marcelo Wood’s laboratory at UC Irvine focused on examining the role of a neuron-specific nucleosome remodeling complex in regulating transcription subserving long-term memory formation. My postdoctoral work under Dr. Janine LaSalle at UC Davis focused on understanding how DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility impact gene expression in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). I have extensive experience in animal behavior, molecular neuroscience, bioinformatics and systems biology approaches for interpreting epigenomes. I was co-mentored in the Autism Training Program at the UC Davis MIND Institute by Dr. Jacqueline Crawley, an expert in animal models and behaviours related to neurodevelopment and ASD. I also have a long-standing collaboration with Dr. Paul Ashwood (UC Davis), an expert in ASD neuro-immunology  and Dr. Carolina Tropini (UBC), an expert in the gut microbiome. My current research focus is on understanding how early-life perturbations to the epigenome alter microglia-neuron interactions in the developing brain and lead to life-long changes in cellular function and behaviour.

2014-2019           Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Autism Research Training Program
University of California, Davis
Mentors: Dr. Janine LaSalle, Dr. Jacqueline Crawley

2008-2014           Ph.D., Neurobiology & Behaviour
University of California, Irvine
Mentor: Marcelo Wood
Dissertation: The role of a novel epigenetic regulatory mechanism in long-term memory formation synaptic plasticity, and gene expression

2004-2008           Bachelor of Science, Majors Biotechnology and Psychology, Minor Chemistry

North Dakota State University
Honors Thesis Psychology: Orienting to Predictive Arrow, Gaze, and Symbol Cues
Mentor: Dr. Chris Friesen
Honors Thesis Biotechnology: The Role of Attachment Protein TRAP in Cryptosporidium Infection
Mentor: Dr. John McEvoy

Ciernia_2025CV_full

 

Graduate Students

Morgan Towriss (she/her)

PhD Student Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

My research interests are studying the underlying mechanisms of innate immune memory in Microglia. I am very interested in how chronic exposure to immune agonists can cause microglia to enter a tolerant state and produce anti-inflammatory cytokines upon later immune stimulus. My intentions are to grow the understanding of how microglia mediate neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative states. When I am not in lab, I am probably at home drinking too much coffee and reading my favourite books.

 

Juliana Montoya Sanchez (she/her)

PhD student Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

My research interests involve investigating how epigenetics and the gut brain axis influence microglia immune activity and innate memory. My goals are to deepen our understanding of how immune responses in the brain contribute to neurodevelopment and aging. When I am not in the lab, you can find me playing video games or curling up with a book.

 

Disha Gupta

MSc student Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

My research interests involve studying gene regulation and epigenetic mechanisms that shape brain development and contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Particularly, I focus on understanding the molecular basis of these conditions, and their effect on chromatin remodelling. I’m driven by a long-term goal of contributing to the development of novel therapeutics for neurodevelopmental disorders. Outside the lab, you’ll find me binging TV shows, reading fantasy or cafe hopping!

 

 

Julian Rodefeld (He/They)

Visiting MSc student from Germany

I am interested in the protein-protein interactions within the nBAF complex, which is responsible for chromatin remodelling in differentiated neurons. Outside of the lab I spend my time by going on hikes, reading a nice book, and occasionally trying to learn a new art/crafts skill.

 

Postdoctoral Fellows

Megan Rowland, Ph.D.  (she/her)

Postdoctoral Fellow Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

My research interests involve investigating how epigenetic gene regulation contributes to normal development. I am particularly interested in understanding how perturbation of gene regulatory networks lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. By understanding how chromatin remodelers influence normal brain development, I hope to contribute to laying the groundwork for therapeutic development to treat neurological disorders. Outside of the lab you’ll find me hiking a trail with my dog, playing board games with friends or reading a space opera.

 

Jordan Hamden, Ph.D. (he/him)

Postdoctoral Fellow Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Jordan is particularly interested in integrative biology, the goal of his current research is to understand the mechanisms linking gut health to the endocrine and immune systems and brain aging. Outside of the lab, Jordan spends most of his free time outdoors including activates like: traveling, biking, hiking, and playing any and all kinds of sports.

 

Staff

Olivia Sullivan (she/her)

Administrative Staff

I am interested in early life neurodevelopment and exploring how experiences in childhood affect brain function, behaviour, and psychiatric disease risk later in life. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, playing or watching sports, and reading in the park.

 

Ali Aube (she/her)

Technician

My broad research interests include understanding how environmental factors influence neurodevelopment, with a particular interest in how early life disruptions contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. In my free time you can find me running, camping, skiing, and spending time with animals.

 

Undergraduate Students

Jatin Choudhary (he/him)

Undergraduate Directed Studies Student

My research interests involve understanding the relationship between gut inflammation and neurological disorders such as ASD. My other interests outside of the lab include weightlifting, hiking and watching hockey.

 

Shreya Gandhi (she/her)

Undergraduate Directed Studies Student

My research interests include understanding how the gut microbiome impacts microglial development and function. Outside of the lab, I love to read and listen to music on walks in Pacific Spirit Park.

 

Clianta Anindya (she/her)

Undergraduate Work-Learn Student

My research interest evolves in the neurodevelopment of the brain. I am particularly interested in understanding how pregnancy alters gene expression and its impact to the child’s development. Outside of the lab, you’ll find me road-cycling or exploring coffee shops around town.

 

Kaitlyn Rose Tonary (she/her)

Undergraduate Work-Learn Student

My research interests include neurobiology and behavioural neuroscience, which I hope to pursue academically in postgraduate and doctoral studies. I am excited to explore in greater depth molecular neuroscience research as well as explore the contributions of epigenetic mechanisms to various neurodegenerative disorders. Outside of the lab, I enjoy all things outdoors, going on runs, doing activities with friends and family and continually learning new things about the world around us.

 

Jia Gandhi (she/her)

Undergraduate Work-Learn Student

I’m interested in cellular and molecular neuroscience, focusing particularly on neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Outside the lab, I enjoy going on drives and spending time with friends and family.

 

Natalie Ma (she/her)

Undergraduate Directed Studies Student

I am interested in exploring neurodegenerative disorders with a focus on epigenetic and molecular mechanisms. Currently I am curious about the relationship between the gut microbiota and neurological disorders.  In my free time, I enjoy watching YouTube, eating pasta, and visiting cafes ^__^

 

Jenna Goeres (she/her)

Undergraduate Directed Studies Student

I’m super interested in the brain and my project with the Ciernia lab will specifically look at how metabolites derived from gut microbiota impact microglia, and the subsequent downstream effects. I love to get outside and enjoy any/all activities that allow me to do that such as hiking, camping, rugby and skiing! 

 

Prabhsevak Johal (he/him)

Undergraduate Directed Studies Student

My research interests currently involve examining the impact of microglial epigenetic memory on Alzheimer’s disease pathology. In my spare time, I enjoy finding new music, playing sports, and making new foods.

 

Leo J. Chung (he/him)

Undergraduate Work-Learn Student

Leo is an incoming sophomore at UBC who will be studying Neuroscience. He is particularly interested in discovering the impacts of epigenetics on both gene regulation and neurological disorders, while broadening his horizons on all techniques within the wet lab. In his spare time, Leo enjoys biking around Vancouver, analyzing music, and obsessing over sports! 

 

Koyah Morgan-Banke (she/her)

Undergraduate Researcher

I am currently interested in researching the relationship between gut health and neurological disorders. Outside of my studies, I enjoy making art, paddleboarding, and drinking too much matcha! In the future, I hope to research more about the neuroprotective effects of L-theanine and understand it’s potential against neurodegenerative diseases.

 

Heather Lu (she/her)

Undergraduate Capstone

My research interests lie in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking, going on runs, and exploring new restaurants and cafés with friends.

 

Akito Cheung (he/him)

Undergraduate Directed Studies

My research interests involves the pathophysiology of neurological diseases such as depression though in-vivo models. Outside of academics, I enjoy lifting some weights, eating food, and getting lots of sleep.

 

Raisa Allarakhia (she/her)

Undergraduate work-learn

I’m interested in normal vs. disordered spatiotemporal gene expression, especially via chromatin remodelling, in neuroepithelial cells and neural progenitors during embryonic neurodevelopment; I think it’s fascinating that the intrauterine environment and early life experiences can drive different cell migration & differentiation outcomes with long term effects on brain regionalization, functional connectivity, & neurotransmitter balance. In my free time, I love to run and talk about all things learning, mental health, & existentialism.

 

Stephanie Spencer

Previously: Undergraduate Directed Studies Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 2022-2023

Laura Meleady

Previously: MSc student; graduated spring 2023

Currently: Medical student Memorial University of Newfoundland

Vince Bacarac

Previously: Directed Studies Honours Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Currently: STEMCELL Technician

Hayden Scott

Previously: Undergraduate researcher

Currently: Undergraduate UBC student

Kenza Zobaidi

Previously: Undergraduate researcher

Currently: Undergraduate SFU

Sana Arora 

Previously: Behavioural Neuroscience Undergraduate Researcher

Currently: Co-op student UBC

Kateryna Voznyuk 

Previously: Behavioural Neuroscience Undergraduate Researcher

Jana JaJarmi

Previously: Undergraduate Directed Studies Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 2021-2022

Currently: Graduate Student UBC

Kit Lee

Previously: Lab Manager & Research Assistant

Brianna Bristow

Previously: Undergraduate Directed Studies Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 2019-2020

Currently: Graduate student Cembrowski lab, UBC

John Shin

Previously: Science Co-Op student 2020

Currently: Finishing Undergraduate degree in Computer Science

Kalya Judson

Previously: Undergraduate Directed Studies Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 2019-2020

Research Assistant 2020-2021

Currently: Research Assistant, Greenblatt lab, UBC

Tess Osborne

Previously: Undergraduate Directed Studies Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 2020-201

Currently: MSc Student, Jan lab, UBC

Daniel Wong

Previously: Undergraduate Honours Directed Studies Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 2020-201

Currently: Graduate student Cornell University

Sarah Wissmann

Previously: Undergraduate RA 2020-2021

Currently: Undergraduate Directed Studies, UBC

Jessie Chai

Previously: Undergraduate NSERC URSA 2020-2021

Currently: UBC medical student

Michelle Lu

Previously: Undergraduate Directed Studies Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 2020-201

Currently: graduate student UBC-O

Sophia Gu

Previously: Undergraduate researcher 2020

Currently: UBC Co-Op student

Baria Choudry

Previously: Undergraduate researcher 2020

Currently: graduating spring 2022

Brandon Wong

Previously: Science Co-Op student 2021

Currently: STEMCELL Technician

Justin Jao

Previously: Undergraduate researcher 2019-2021

Currently: completing computer science undergraduate

Mark Sgro

Previously: Undergraduate Work-Learn student 2021

Currently: completing undergraduate