Valentina Cigliola, PhD
Assistant Professor​
Valentina earned a Master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Bari in Italy and then completed a research internship at the Mitochondrial Biology Unit in Cambridge, UK. She then pursued her Ph.D. in the laboratory of Dr. Pedro Herrera at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, where she defined key mechanisms driving regeneration of insulin-producing β-cells in mouse models of diabetes. As a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Kenneth Poss at Duke University, she investigated genetic and epigenetic mechanisms governing heart and spinal cord regeneration, primarily using zebrafish models. She established her independent research group at the Institute of Biology Valrose in Nice, France, in spring 2023, and moved her laboratory to Vanderbilt University in August 2024.
Contact: [email protected]
Bsky / Twitter: @CigliolaLab
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Paige Pfotenhauer
Graduate Student
McKenzie Paul 
Research Assistant
Isabel Spann
Research Assistant
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Brayden LeSon
Undergraduate Researcher
Ava Aria
Undergraduate Researcher
Bonette (Hongji) Kim
Undergraduate Researcher 
Ian Scheer
Undergraduate Researcher 
Paige is a PhD student in the Department of Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University. She is a Minnesota native and a graduate of Trine University, where she received her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. During her undergraduate career, she investigated nanoparticle-based therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and strategies for drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier. As a post-baccalaureate student, she conducted research in the Van Cleve Cardiac Regenerative Medicine Program at Mayo Clinic, focusing on engineered exosome therapies. Outside the lab, Paige enjoys reading, strolling through Centennial Park, and exploring Nashville’s food scene.
Contact: [email protected]
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​McKenzie is originally from Dayton, Ohio, and received her B.A. in Biochemistry from Miami University in Ohio. In her undergraduate career, she investigated the impact of the gut microbiota on the development of Type 1 Diabetes using mouse models, and also explored the use of gene therapy to treat Dent Disease in mice, and the impact of cocaine use disorder on gene expression in rats. Outside of the lab, McKenzie enjoys reading, writing, soccer, and exploring new coffee shops. 
Contact: [email protected]


Isabel is a Nashville native and earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, where she conducted research on cell cycle regulation and microtubule dynamics using fission yeast as a model system. Prior to her undergraduate work in Colorado, she investigated microplastic degradation processes in marine environments at the Center for Marine Debris Research in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and obtained certifications in open water diving and Level I freediving. Outside the lab, Isabel enjoys reading, hiking, photography, and immersing herself in nature.
Contact: [email protected]

Brayden is an undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University majoring in Neuroscience. He has research experience in computational neurobiology. On campus, he is involved in various volunteer initiatives and the Asian-American Student Association. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, running, and reading. 
Contact: [email protected]



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​Ava is an undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University, double majoring in Neuroscience and Medicine, Health, and Society. She previously worked in the Mas Lab at the University of Maryland, where she gained experience in mitochondrial transplantation after ischemic injury. On campus, she is involved in the Multicultural Leadership Council, Middle Eastern North African Student Association, and Vanderbilt Iranian Student Association. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, photography, and spending time with friends.
Contact: [email protected]



​Bonette is a second-year pre-dental student at Vanderbilt University majoring in Neuroscience and Medicine, Health, and Society. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, she has research experience in breast cancer drug delivery and the human oral microbiome. On campus, she serves as DEI Executive Chair of Chi Omega and is involved with Volunteers for Health and the Red Cross Youth. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Nashville restaurants and going on walks while listening to music. 
Contact: [email protected]



Ian is a third-year pre-med student at Vanderbilt University majoring in Medicine, Health, and Society with minors in Chemistry and Business. Raised outside of New York City, he previously conducted research in the Ansary Stem Cell Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine, where he studied the role of vascular endothelial stem cells in supporting pancreatic islet cells. Outside of research, Ian is involved in volunteer tutoring and neurosurgery shadowing. In his free time, he enjoys watching baseball, listening to music, and exploring new food spots around Nashville.
Contact: ​[email protected]

Lab Alumni

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  • Nicolas Noel, Graduate Student, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University
  • Barera Ajaz, Postbaccalaureate Fellow, National Institutes of Health (NIH); B.S. in Neuroscience, 2026
  • Christina Avila, B.S. in Neuroscience, 2025
  • Abhiram Chilakamarri, Undergraduate Student, Vanderbilt University
  • Vania Filipa Lima Fernandez, Postdoctoral Fellow, IRCAN – Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice
  • Vayankara Edachola Sreeparvathy, Graduate Student, Institute of Biology Valrose (IBV), Nice
  • Julie Uveira, Research Technician​