Lab Members

Dr. Bree Grillo-Hill

Dr. Grillo-Hill joined the Department of Biological Sciences in 2016. She teaches BIOL135A "Eukaryotic Cell & Molecular Biology I",  BIOL138 "Stem Cell Biology", and lab classes including and BIOL135L "Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory" . She is also the Director of the SCILL program. When not in the lab or teaching, she enjoys baking and exploring the outdoors with her family.

Luz Arvizu

TBD

Antonio Bibiano

TBD

Jeslin Jacob

Jeslin Jacob is a 3rd year systems physiology student at SJSU, in a cancer biology lab. She hopes that pursuing different aspects in science will prepare her on her journey of becoming a doctor. In her freetime, she enjoys working out, painting, and spending time with her german-sherperd Kane. Her favorite TV-show is Psych or anything with a good mystery plot. She enjoys listening to R&B and Alternative music. One of her favorite artists is Don Toliver, who she dreams of seeing in concert one day. She’s open to TV-show and music recommendations!


Yadanar Khin

My full name is Yadanar Khin, but I like to go by YK. I’m a freshman, majoring in biological science with the concentration in molecular biology. And, I just moved here to the US 3 months ago from Myanmar. I love music festivals, beaches, and cafe hopping. :))


Kruthi Kumar

TBD

Laura Martins


Laura is a Masters student studying Molecular and Microbiology. Her determination and compassion have driven her goal of becoming an OBGYN since she was very young. When she completed her B.S. in Molecular Biology at SJSU (with minors in Chemistry and Psychology), she knew that would not be the end of her pursuits in academia. She loves everything Star Wars and looks forward to the next time she can go to Disneyland. When she is not rewatching the Mandalorian, she is listening to classical music and playing her violin. Laura is a dedicated academic who loves to travel, as she joined the Global Medical Brigades in 2017.  Her passion for science and humanity has led her to assist in medical clinics of the rural populations in Nicaragua and Ghana.

Aaliyah Molina

TBD

Kimberly Nguyen

TBD

Israel Palomino

TBD

Melissa Rodriguez

TBD

Juan Reyna Pacheco

TBD

Papa Sagna

TBD

Madelaine Surette

TBD

Katie Taloff

Katie is an undergraduate student studying Molecular Biology. She will be graduating with her B.S. in the Spring of 2023 with a minor in Chemistry. She plans on continuing her education after her undergraduate degree is completed to help her achieve her goal of working in the biotech industry. Her main interests in biology are genetics and cancer biology. When she's not working in the lab, she is a supervisor at Starbucks! She spends lots of time going to concerts, roller skating, and spending quality time with her cat, Clive. She loves being outdoors and going on hikes in the Santa Cruz redwoods.

James Tower

James Tower is a 2nd year molecular biology student at SJSU who wants to pursue a PhD in Neurobiology. This endeavor was inspired by his high school AP Biology class. He enjoys going on hikes, explore new places, and try new things. James is always up for an adventure, as long as they don’t involve sharks or bears (his biggest fears). He used to box and surf, but he likes playing all sorts of sports, especially tennis. To express his creativity, he draws caricatures (ask him for one!). Some of his favorite TV shows and movies include; Breaking Bad, Dexter, Modern Family, and John Wick. When James isn’t busy with his adventures, he listens to Pop & Rap music, with a good cup of tea and some ice cream burritos.

CSUBIOTECH Howell Awardee


Alan Wong

Alan Wong is a 3rd year molecular biology student at SJSU. He is a hardworking doctor in the making. He has always known that he wanted to become a doctor, and in pursuit of that he ventured into the world of science. He loves to gossip and get the latest chisme - whether it’s in English or Cantonese. A bilingual king! When Alan isn’t busy studying, he loves binge-watching shows. He is very much a paramount+ aficionado, and film enthusiast. But on the weekends, he hosts the best parties. 

CSUBIOTECH Presidential Scholar