People

Principal Investigator

Annie Vogel Ciernia, Ph.D.  (she/her)

Associate 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_2026CV_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!

Catalina Pascualy (they/she)

MSc student Neuroscience

I’m interested in investigating the microbiota-gut-brain axis. In particular I’m looking at how inflammatory bowel disease influences Alzheimer’s disease. On my free time you can find me rock climbing, running, or homebrewing mead and kombucha.

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.

Mandy Meijer (she/her)

Postdoctoral Fellow Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

I am interested in understanding how both genetic variants and the environment influence brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders. I am currently focussing on the effects of nicotine on developing neurons and microglia. When I am not working on exciting science, I am riding my bike, baking (and sharing with my friends!), or attending concerts/theater.

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

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.

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.

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.

Sai Vibhuthi Verma (she/her)

Undergraduate work-learn

I am a first-year BSc student at UBC intending to major in Neuroscience. My research interests are in epigenetics and gene regulation, particularly in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I’m still learning procedures in the lab but excited to explore these topics further. Outside of lab, I enjoy helping others, exploring different cultures, and spending time at the ISKCON temple. I also love singing, dancing, art and cooking!

Lex Lizares

Undergraduate work-learn

Armita Farghadani

Undergraduate work-learn

Wei Ling Kuan

Undergraduate work-learn

I’m interested in the immunology behind autoimmune diseases, particularly the mechanisms of immune dysregulation, as well as the intersection of immunology, neuroscience, and translational research. Outside of science, I enjoy baking sourdough bread with my starter, Mango, exploring new restaurants for good food, and getting good sleep.

Dahlia Naami

Undergraduate Directed Studies

My research interests include investigating the effects of neuropsychiatric disorders on the microbiome, and using organoids and other in vitro models to study the gut-brain axis. Outside of the lab, I enjoy travelling to new countries, exploring matcha cafés with friends, and baking!

Isha Joshi

Undergraduate Researcher

I am interested in the anatomy and mechanisms of the brain and spinal cord, particularly how their intricate organization governs bodily functions and how injury can alter neural pathways, functional outcomes, and topographical organization.

Asheesh Saincher (he/him)

Undergraduate Directed Studies

I’m interested in improving computational and genetic screening tools to facilitate early intervention for neurodevelopmental conditions. Outside the lab I play soccer, walk my dog and talk philosophy.

Arda Sayla

Undergraduate Directed Studies

My research interests include molecular pathology and the gut–brain axis, with a focus on using cutting-edge technologies to uncover how epigenetic regulation influences brain function and disease. Outside the lab, I enjoy writing songs and short stories, listening to Southern Gothic rock, and exploring new spots around town.

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

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

Daniel Wong

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

Currently: Graduate student Cornell University

Sarah Wissmann

Previously: Undergraduate RA 2020-2021

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

Baria Choudry

Previously: Undergraduate researcher 2020

Brandon Wong

Previously: Science Co-Op student 2021

Currently: STEMCELL Technician

Justin Jao

Previously: Undergraduate researcher 2019-2021

Currently: computer scientist in industry

Mark Sgro

Previously: Undergraduate Work-Learn student 2021